Sometimes, you’ll buy a stunning new fish only to find that it hides or sulks for days or even weeks. What is this behavior about, and how should we encourage them to reveal their full glory? Here we’ll explore the main reasons that your fish may be hiding after being introduced to a new tank, … Read more
I’ve been an avid fish keeper for over 40 years, and I know a thing or two about this fascinating industry. But they say that every day’s a learning day, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to the fish trade. Beneath the serene tranquility of your home aquarium and the beautiful fish it … Read more
If you desperately want to keep fish but don’t have much space in your home for a large aquarium, you might be wondering what species you can keep in a smaller tank. So, the good news is that there are lots of fish that can do very well in a smaller setup of up to … Read more
As with any pet, providing your fish with a correct diet in the right amounts is essential for their health and longevity. That sounds pretty straightforward, but it’s something that beginners to the hobby often get wrong, sometimes with drastic results. One of the most important aspects of tropical and cold water fishkeeping is understanding … Read more
Humans have taken some big steps in recent years to acknowledge our detrimental effect on world climate and ecology. Thankfully, many of us are now trying to reduce our ecological impact, but how does this affect fishkeeping? Keeping an aquarium can indeed leave a significant footprint on the planet’s ecology, yet there are several practices … Read more
Regardless of the species, providing your fish with a balanced diet is essential for keeping your pets healthy and thriving. But fish feeding has many potential pitfalls that you must avoid, as getting it wrong often leads to health problems for your fish and even fatalities in extreme cases. I have over 40 years of … Read more
Have you ever gazed into a thriving community tank and wondered how every fish, plant, and critter appears so healthy and glowing with vitality? The answer often comes down to a few simple habits that separate pro fishkeepers from the rest. If you want to boast a vibrant community tank, in radiant health, we suggest … Read more
Your zodiac sign has a lot to say about your perfect aquatic match. But did you ever wonder what fish perfectly fits your astrological sign? This guide delves into what makes the perfect fishy friend for each zodiac sign based on the compatibility, care requirements, and temperament of each species. Keep reading to find out … Read more
Recent years have seen wild betta fish species becoming more popular. One of the most popular types is Betta imbellis. Because of their relatively relaxed temperament and docile character, Betta imbellis has earned the common name the ‘Peaceful Betta’. Peaceful bettas can be kept in a wider variety of tank setups than other bettas, including … Read more
Pearlscale goldfish are famed for being one of the roundest of all fancy goldfish varieties. But this pronounced deformity has led some animal welfare advocates to question the ethics of keeping fish whose traits could affect their health and well-being. In this guide, I’ll explore some of the issues with keeping pearlscale goldfish and share … Read more
Tetras are the bread and butter of tropical community tanks. But if there’s one species in the family that’s under-represented, it could well be the black phantom tetra. With an elegant, oval shape, peaceful character, and entertaining, active behavior, black phantoms deserve to be kept far more often than they are. Let’s take a closer … Read more
Have you ever heard of the festivum cichlid? Also known as ‘flag cichlids’, festivums were once more popular than they are today. Although less colorful and flashy than some other cichlids, these sociable fish are more peaceful than many of their feisty relatives and can be kept in groups in large community tanks. Some of … Read more
The recently discovered Honduran red point cichlid possesses many of the desirable traits that have made the infamous convict cichlid so popular. Yet this lesser-known fish is smaller, less aggressive, and more suitable for community tanks. While I’ve had lots of fun breeding convict cichlids, Honduran red points (HRPs) have many unique qualities that make … Read more
The Nicaragua cichlid is sometimes also known as the ‘Macaw Cichlid’. Why? These cichlids have the potential to be some of the most colorful members of the family. To see them in their full glory, however, ‘Nics’ need to be kept in excellent condition. Because they are aggressive fish that require a specialist tank set … Read more
Chocolate cichlids, otherwise known as ‘emerald cichlids’ are a lesser-known but intriguing large South American cichlid. Sometimes compared to Severum cichlids or Oscars, chocolate cichlids are either gentle giants or moody monsters depending on who you ask! While chocolate cichlids are not the best choice for first-time cichlid keepers, advanced aquarists might find this a … Read more
