From Ivan Mikolji, Venezuela’s 2022 National Photographer and author of the award-winning Fishes of the Orinoco in the Wild, comes a stunning fusion of nature, science, and art through the aquatic plants of South America's Orinoco River Basin. These are the aquatic and semi-aquatic plants that Mikolji has documented in his expeditions across the Orinoco River Basin, from the most iconic aquatic plants to the most unknown ones.
Discover the plants that share biotopes with your favourite tropical fishes. Each species features scientific names, native countries, taxonomic classification, and sympatric relationships with flora and fauna. Mikolji includes valuable field data: GPS locations, camera settings, lenses, and gear specifications for each photograph. Woven throughout are field anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and vivid narrations of discoveries, revealing the plants’ secrets and natural relationships within their ecosystems. Over 200 plant species, presented with clean, minimalistic, museum-like imagery and design. No illustrations, no preserved specimens, no aquarium shots – only wild plants captured in their natural habitats through breathtaking underwater and surface photography. Mikolji's unique perspective combines scientific rigour with artistic excellence, presenting these botanical treasures exactly as native fishes would encounter them in the wild.
Perfect for:
- Biotope Aquarium Competitors: Essential reference for authentic habitat recreation.
- Planted Tank Enthusiasts: Discover species relationships and natural growing conditions.
- Paludarium & Terrarium Creators: Explore plants that thrive in aquatic-terrestrial environments.
- Nature Photography Enthusiasts: Museum-quality documentation from an internationally recognised explorer and artist.
Ivan Mikolji has been honoured with a fish species, Astronotus mikoljii. He was named Venezuela's National Photographer in 2022. His work has been featured on postal stamps in multiple countries and exhibited in galleries worldwide. His exhibitions and books have achieved multiple international awards.
His documentation of the Orinoco River's aquatic ecosystems represents decades of exploration and scientific contribution to our understanding of these unique environments.