Named after the colorful pet bird with frilly feathers, cockatoo dwarf cichlids match their feathered namesakes with their exotic colors and impressive crested fins. But while they may be alluring, cockatoo cichlids are not the ideal beginner’s fish, and won’t fit in any old community aquarium. Their complex requirements and aggressive streak mean that this … 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
Elegant and beautiful, pearl gouramis could be seen as a pearl in the crown of the gourami family. But while their good looks make them popular, are pearl gouramis the ideal fish for a community tank? In this care guide, I’d like to dispel the myth that pearl gouramis are model community fish. Although some … 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
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
From my childhood trip to The Sea Life London Aquarium, one fish captured my imagination more than all the rest. That fish’s name is the archerfish, and it has evolved a hunting strategy unlike any other. I watched spellbound as they pursed their lips to the water’s surface and spat jets of water into the … Read more
If you want to breed fish for profit, the best place to start is in your own fish tank. Whether you are just getting into fishkeeping or you are well into the aquarium hobby, you can start breeding and selling your fish to make your existing tanks profitable. When you’re ready to expand, consider the … Read more
This is a question that often plagues new snail owners. How many snails can live in a 10-gallon aquarium? Unfortunately, the answer is not as simple as a number. It depends on the type of snail, the size of the snail, and the tank’s other inhabitants. For example, a single giant African land snail (Achatina … Read more
I’d be happy to take a bet that you clicked on this page for one of two reasons. Either: A) You’ve got a problem with snails overrunning your fish tank and are looking for fish that will eat them for you. Or, B) You have some precious pet snails that are doing a fantastic job … 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
A few years ago, a new hybrid betta arrived on the aquarium scene. Boasting intricate markings and otherworldly colors, the newcomer was branded the ‘Alien Betta,’ although nobody knew exactly why. Much confusion and controversy still surrounds the alien betta: Where it came from and whether it’s an ethical breed. What we do know is … 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
Looking to keep expensive corals in your saltwater tank? Stock lights won’t cut it. You’re going to need a high-quality, completely customizable light that you can trust. For years, the AI Prime 16HD has been one of the most popular reef LEDs available. This light is a pioneer in reef lighting and has succeeded in … 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
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
