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
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
Clown triggerfish are a striking species known for their vibrant coloring and unusual behaviors. These gorgeous fish can make an excellent addition to a tropical marine aquarium with appropriate companion fish. Despite being highly aggressive and territorial, Clown triggers are pretty easy to care for and are considered beginner-friendly, provided you have a tank large … Read more
The Tomini tang is also known as the Tomini surgeon fish and is one of the most popular tangs, largely because of its small size and bright colors. These fish are reef-safe and pretty long-lived with quirky personalities that make them fun to keep in a well-established marine community tank. But are Tomini tangs beginner-friendly? … Read more
Cichlids are some of the most beautiful, intelligent, and exotic freshwater fish in the world, but it can be frustrating how many species are also highly aggressive fish. Not so with the rainbow cichlid. These colorful dwarf cichlids are so peaceful they can be kept in a community tank with other medium-sized species. Let’s take … Read more
Severum cichlids are among my favorite species of tropical fish. Big and beautiful, with bags of personality, these glorious fish are also relatively peaceful for a large cichlid. But severums also demand exceptionally high water quality, high water temperatures, and soft, acidic water to thrive. Feeding them plenty of vegetable matter is also key for … 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
If you’re setting up a cichlid tank and you want a specimen with charisma, presence, and attitude, look no further than the Red Devil cichlid! The fish’s common name gives you a clue to its temperament. These critters can be aggressive toward other fish, so you need to choose tank mates for your Red Devil … Read more
The Japanese rice fish, or ‘medaka ricefish,’ has been attracting considerable attention over the last few years. Although these tiny fish have been available in the aquarium trade for decades, they’ve suddenly become one of the most trendy species in fish keeping. Thankfully, the Japanese ricefish is up to the challenge of being kept by … Read more
The Upside Down catfish gets its name from its weird upside-down swimming style that enables the creature to feed more easily on the water’s surface. This quirky little fish is incredibly popular in the hobby and has been around for centuries, even appearing in ancient Egyptian artworks! But are these strange little fish suitable for … Read more
Ryukin goldfish are an unusual variety of fancy goldfish from Japan. These gorgeous fish are beginner-friendly and can live in an indoor fish tank or outside in your garden pond. To learn more about the origins of these delightful, egg-shaped goldfish, including how to care for and breed them, keep reading! Ryukin Goldfish – At … Read more
If you’ve ever watched Finding Nemo, you’ve probably wondered which fish species the characters are based upon in real life. It turns out that the animators at Pixar really did their homework in researching marine fish for the movie, making their depictions appear amazingly similar to their real-life counterparts. But while the fish in the … Read more
Nature has evolved an incredible diversity of tooth adaptations in fish, from anglerfish with bioluminescent lures to sharks with serrated teeth. Each fish species’ unique dentition enables the creature to thrive in its environment and suits a diverse range of feeding habits and behaviors. In this guide, we introduce 19 amazing fish species with terrifying teeth. … Read more
If you’re in the market for a fancy goldfish, you may be considering a Ranchu goldfish. With their swollen heads and short bodies, Ranchu’s are one of the most iconic fancy goldfish varieties. But Ranchu goldfish are also lacking a dorsal fin, causing some animal rights advocates to suggest the breed should be outlawed. Let’s … Read more
There are many species of fish to choose from, including many with quirky looks that are bound to catch the eye. Some have bright colors, fantastic fins, or strange body shapes; the choice for hobbyists is mindboggling! In this guide, we introduce 14 types of fish that have bigger eyes than average. Now, that’s sure … Read more
