Alison Page 
Dwarf water lettuce, scientific name Pistia stratioes, is a member of the arum family of floating aquatic plants that you’ll see in many garden ponds and aquariums. The water lettuce is not only beautiful, but it can make a very beneficial addition to your tank. The plant propagates very rapidly, providing shady areas in the … Read more
Male betta fish, also known as Siamese Fighting fish, come in a dazzling range of stunning colors and finnage varieties, making one of these spectacular fish the perfect addition to a community display tank. Of all the colors of bettas that are widely available, the black orchid betta is among the most popular and sought … Read more
The Ornate bichir, scientific name Polypterus ornatipinnis, is widely regarded as the most attractive of the bichir family. These prehistoric-looking fish are relatively straightforward to keep and make an unusual and pleasing addition to the freshwater aquarium. The strange-looking fish can do well in a larger tank, which is densely planted and contains plenty of … Read more
The Panda loach is a rare and beautiful small fish that makes an expensive but unique addition to the hobbyist’s aquarium. In this guide, we introduce you to this stunning little gem from China that would grace any tank setup; if only you could find one! What is a Panda loach? The Panda loach, scientific … Read more
The Denison Barb is a striking, active fish of medium size that has long been a popular addition to the community freshwater aquarium. Unfortunately, that popularity has led to many years of overharvesting, and consequently, the species is now on the endangered list in its native India. Read on to learn more about the origins … Read more
The Senegal Bichir, scientific name polypterus senegalus, makes an unusual addition to a community tank setup. In this article, we introduce this fascinating fish and explain how to care for and breed bichirs. What is a Senegal bichir? Although the Senegal bichir looks rather like an eel, it is a species of primitive freshwater fish. … Read more
If you’re looking for a way to keep your tank clean, Nerite snails could be the answer to your problem. Nerite snails spend much of their lives moving slowly around their habitat, consuming algae and particles of debris. Nerite snails are extremely easy to care for and make a colorful addition to any tank setup. … Read more
The bumblebee cichlid is an unusual and beautiful addition to any display tank. In this article, we introduce this enchanting cichlid and provide you with all the information that you’ll need to care for these stunning fish. What is a bumblebee cichlid? The bumblebee cichlid or hornet cichlid (also called Maylandia and Pseudotropheus crabro) is … Read more
Many aquarists advocate keeping multiple female Betta fish together in what’s called a sorority, as they are supposed to be less aggressive than their male counterparts. Is this actually true? Can female Bettas cohabit peacefully in aquariums as small as 10 gallons (38 L)? The answer to that question is not straightforward. Sometimes, a betta … Read more
Malaysian Trumpet snails are often considered pests in the aquarium hobby. However, although they have a high rate of reproduction, these mollusks are also very beneficial as detritus feeders and assist in preventing compaction of your substrate by burrowing through it. To learn more about properly caring for Malaysian Trumpet snails, their usefulness, and ways … Read more
Most tropical fish keepers have kept neon tetras in their community tanks at some point. But did you know that there are many species of tetras to choose from? In this guide, we’ll focus on the beautiful black neon tetra. These active little fish might lack the bright colors of some of their more glamorous … Read more
Daphnia, or water fleas, are tiny plankton-like freshwater crustaceans that make an excellent food source for aquarium fish, fish fry, amphibians, and some invertebrates. You can keep large groups of these creatures in a small tank and harvest them whenever you want to feed your fish a nutritious treat. If you fancy raising daphnia as … Read more
Cichlids are known for belligerence and having an aggressive nature. However, it is possible to keep dwarf cichlids in a harmonious community setup, provided you choose the right species to live together. There are a few dwarf cichlid species for beginner aquarists that provide a gentle introduction to keeping these lovely fish. As you become … Read more
If you’re thinking about setting up a 5-gallon (18.9 L) aquarium, it’s easy to get confused by the conflicting information spread around the internet and by aquarium stores. So, you’re not working with a lot of space, but you still have many options to choose from, believe it or not! What are the best fish … Read more
Koi fish are beautiful fish that have graced outdoor fish ponds for many years. Their glorious colors and patterns can turn heads, and the largest, most well-bred specimens can fetch very high prices. Read this guide to learn everything you need to know about caring for the charming, charismatic Koi fish! Koi Fish – At … Read more
