Goldfish come in many shapes and sizes and it can be difficult to correctly identify the true name and variation of your goldfish. The calico goldfish is one of these variations and can be easily identified by their usual tri-color patterns. It should be…
The harlequin shrimp might be one of the most beautiful saltwater invertebrates currently available in the aquarium hobby. While these shrimp do well in community and reef tank settings, their selective diet makes them slightly more difficult to keep than other marine shrimp. However,…
The rainbow shark’s appearance is far from the colorful array that you might expect from its name, but these fish make a fascinating addition to the freshwater aquarium nevertheless. This species is commonly confused with other similar-looking fish but is easily identified if you…
The blue cichlid, also commonly known as the electric blue cichlid, can be easily mixed up with other cichlids from the same genus. However, this fish is an African cichlid all of its own and has some slight differences from the other similar fish…
If you’re limited on space or if you just want a clean design for your fish tank setup, then an inline aquarium heater will help keep some equipment out of the display. While these heaters are currently used by many hobbyists, their popularity has…
While a sponge filter might not be the first type of filtration you think about for your fish tank, a properly sized sponge filter might be the best option. There are many benefits to using a sponge filter instead of a hang on the…
If you’ve had problems with freshwater algae or maintaining water quality, you may have been recommended a type of floating plant called duckweed. Aquarium duckweed is generally a small plant that sits on top of the surface of many lakes and ponds in the…
Platy fish are probably one of the most recognizable freshwater community fish in the hobby, but did you know that there are several species and colors of this fish? In general, all species of Xiphophorus are extremely easy to keep and a favorite for…
As an aquarium hobbyist, you may already know that there are many species of marine hermit crab available for your saltwater tank. But did you know that only one family of hermit crabs is officially known as land hermit crabs? These terrestrial crawlers look…
GloFish® danios are not artificially dyed or cruelly injected with colors. Instead, these fish are the result of genetic testing that has led to their bright fluorescent color assortment. If you plan on getting one of these fish, it’s important to know how to…
The dragon puffer, also commonly known as the humpback puffer, is unlike any other freshwater fish you’ve seen before. These fish are not commonly found in the aquarium hobby and require a pretty specific setup. Their camouflaged appearance can make them blend into natural…
When setting up a new tank, an aquarium lighting timer might be the last thing that comes to mind on your list of things to buy. However, lighting is one of the most important aspects of reef and planted aquarium systems, and without it,…
If you’re a beginner, you might not be fully aware of all the different types of aquarium water out there and how each one affects your fish tank differently. Good water chemistry is the basis for a healthy aquarium system, whether it be freshwater…
Green spot algae (GSA) is a relatively lesser-known type of aquarium algae that most freshwater systems experience sometime throughout their lives. This algae is pretty easy to identify and treat, though involves less manual removal than other algae you might be more familiar with.…
Possibly one of the coolest freshwater fish to have in your aquarium, the silver arowana is a staple fish for large tank systems. These monster fish can easily surpass 3 feet (92 cm) in length, live up to 20 years, and have a giant…