Severum cichlids are among my favorite species of tropical fish. Big and beautiful, with bags of personality, these glorious fish are also relatively peaceful for a large cichlid. But severums also demand exceptionally high water quality, high water temperatures, and soft, acidic water to thrive. Feeding them plenty of vegetable matter is also key for … Read more
Elephant nose fish are one of the classic ‘oddball fish’ of the aquarium trade. Hailing from the murky waters of African rivers, they use electrical signals and their iconic long ‘nose’ to navigate, find food, and communicate. But be warned that elephant noses are very intelligent fish with highly specialized requirements. Their tank mates, tank … Read more
If you’re setting up a cichlid tank and you want a specimen with charisma, presence, and attitude, look no further than the Red Devil cichlid! The fish’s common name gives you a clue to its temperament. These critters can be aggressive toward other fish, so you need to choose tank mates for your Red Devil … Read more
Buenos Aires tetra have long been popular aquarium fish for both tropical aquariums and cold water setups. However, some aquarists are surprised to learn that Buenos Aires tetras grow to a larger size than most other tetras and can become aggressive towards their tank mates, even destroying aquarium plants in some circumstances. In this care … Read more
The humble keyhole cichlid may be less glamorous than some of its dazzling relatives, but this aquarium relic was once more popular than today, and deservedly so! Keyhole cichlids are one of the most peaceful cichlids that you could hope to find. They also remain relatively small, so can be kept with medium-sized community tank … Read more
Blue Phantom plecos are attractive tropical fish that can keep your aquarium tidy by grazing on algae. These bottom-dwelling, active fish from Venezuela are straightforward to care for and are pretty long-lived too, Making them an excellent option for a large community tank. Read this comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know about … Read more
The ribbon moray eel might look like a mythical dragon from a Chinese legend, but they also have one of the highest fatality rates of any fish in captivity. Neale Monks, a renowned aquarium guru, rates the ribbon eel as probably the most difficult fish to keep alive in the entire aquarium trade. Because 99% of … Read more
Most aquarium fish cannot be described as cute or endearing. However, the porcupine puffer fish, or blowfish as it is sometimes also known, does fit both those labels. Hobbyists love these weird-looking fish for their big personalities and strange appearance, but does the porcupine puffer have a place in a marine community or reef tank, … Read more
The Japanese rice fish, or ‘medaka ricefish,’ has been attracting considerable attention over the last few years. Although these tiny fish have been available in the aquarium trade for decades, they’ve suddenly become one of the most trendy species in fish keeping. Thankfully, the Japanese ricefish is up to the challenge of being kept by … Read more
The ‘Fungiidae’ or ‘Mushroom Corals’ are a fascinating family of corals that include some of the easiest species of coral for first-time reef keepers to care for. But this broad and diverse family also includes some stunning coral groups like Ricordia and Amplexidiscus that can be expensive and more tricky to care for, too. Here … Read more
Second only to the Caridean shrimp, the Emerald Crab is now one of the most popular crustaceans for saltwater aquariums. Their captivating color, robust character, and algae-eating distinction all have understandable allure. But what about the stories of Emerald Crabs eating coral and attacking fish? In this care guide, we’ll get to the bottom of … Read more
There are around six thousand species of coral in the world, so picking the right one for your reef aquarium might seem a bit daunting! To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best species for beginner to intermediate reef tank owners to look after. But before we get into … Read more
The Upside Down catfish gets its name from its weird upside-down swimming style that enables the creature to feed more easily on the water’s surface. This quirky little fish is incredibly popular in the hobby and has been around for centuries, even appearing in ancient Egyptian artworks! But are these strange little fish suitable for … Read more
Ryukin goldfish are an unusual variety of fancy goldfish from Japan. These gorgeous fish are beginner-friendly and can live in an indoor fish tank or outside in your garden pond. To learn more about the origins of these delightful, egg-shaped goldfish, including how to care for and breed them, keep reading! Ryukin Goldfish – At … Read more
The Six-line wrasse makes a bright and beautiful addition to any large saltwater fish tank setup. Although they can be aggressive towards some smaller fish and invertebrates, once they’re established, these vibrantly colored fish are relatively easy to care for and are regarded as reef-safe. This guide explains how to care for the stunning Six-line … Read more
