Kuhli loaches are one of my favorite fish. Mysterious, nocturnal, and eel-like, these beautiful creatures make a fascinating addition to most community tank setups. Some fishkeepers, however, are concerned about keeping kuhli loaches with shrimp. After all, other loach species are notorious for eating invertebrates, and there have been rumors on the internet about kuhlis … Read more
If you’re new to the aquarium hobby, you might think that keeping fish is a tad – dare we say it – boring! After all, your pets spend their days swimming around the tank, eating and nibbling on algae, and not really doing much else, right? However, that’s not the case with every fish species. … Read more
Although many aquarium fish live relatively short lives, some enjoy impressive lifespans as long as you provide your pets with a high-quality diet and optimal living conditions. So, before taking on any of the following fishy friends, remember that you could be taking on a lifelong commitment, and in some cases, your pet could outlive … Read more
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
When it comes to aquarium design, it’s easy for things to get over-complicated. Elaborate planting and fancy layouts might look impressive, but they also take considerable time, effort, and money to establish and maintain. Thankfully, a beautiful and effective aquarium design doesn’t have to be complicated. With a strong vision for what you want to … 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
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
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
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
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
