Goldfish are a perennially popular pet with both adults and kids alike, and Shubunkins with their variegated colors are easily the favorite variety of these super-cute, beginner-friendly fish. But there’s more to the mysterious Shubunkin than just pretty colors! In this article, we take…
At one point or another, the bright and colorful colors of an African cichlid tank have influenced many into setting up their own cichlid aquarium. Being limited to only a few different compatible species for every tank means that color, aggression, and behavior are…
Water sprite is one of the easier freshwater plant species you can get for your aquarium. This plant can either be planted in the substrate or floated at the surface of the water to provide shelter and shade for fish below. Water sprite is…
If you’re looking to add a very unusual resident to your aquarium and you have a big setup, you might want to consider one of the species of Bichir that are available in the aquarium trade. Bichirs are sometimes referred to as “prehistoric” or…
Meet one of the few catfish that won’t stay at the bottom of your tank: the glass catfish. These fish are truly one of the most unique species available in the aquarium hobby due to their completely transparent bodies and free-swimming behavior. While they…
While many hobbyists keep fish for their amazing colors and interesting behaviors, too often another aquatic life is completely forgotten about and discarded as an option. However, if you already have or have hopes of setting up a pond or paludarium, then you realize…
With hundreds of different cichlid species to choose from, it can be a little difficult to narrow down the perfect one for your tank. The firemouth cichlid is a type of semi-aggressive cichlid from Central America whose brilliant fiery colors match its sometimes territorial…
Keeping live plants in your aquarium not only adds a beautiful, natural look, but they’re great for your fish too. Plants provide shelter for shy fish and fry and help to keep the water clean and well-oxygenated. But some tropical aquatic plants are easier…
The Sparkling gourami is a beautiful, lively little fish that can make a great addition to a peaceful community aquarium. These fish are relatively straightforward to care for, too, making them ideal for beginners. Although seldom seen in the home aquarium, Sparkling gouramis can…
If you’re wondering whether crabs make excellent pets, you’ll need to know how to care for them, including how to feed them. Several species of freshwater crabs can be kept as pets, but in this guide, we focus on the hermit crab. So, what…
The koi betta is a variation of Betta splendens, otherwise known as the Siamese fighting fish, with striking patterns that resemble that of a typical koi fish. Their aquarium husbandry does not differ from that of any other betta fish variation, but their beautiful…
Forget watching the news, the dojo loach will let you know when it’s going to rain instead! These fascinating fish are one of the most common loach species to come across in aquarium stores and have some of the most interesting behaviors and personalities.…
The Honey gourami is one of many different gouramis, and a school of these pretty little golden fishes can make a lovely addition to a peaceful community tank. Gouramis are generally straightforward to care for and are a good choice for a beginner to…
The Yoyo loach makes a great addition to a community tank, being playful, beautiful, and helpful to the aquarist thanks to its scavenging habit. Although these loaches are pretty hardy, we don’t recommend them for complete beginners, as they need pristine water conditions. Also,…
One of the most commonly recommended aquarium species of algae eater is the Chinese algae eater. These fish are very popular among beginners due to their algae eater reputation and appealing behavior as they dart around the tank. However, these fish need special consideration…