Author's posts
Jun 29
Butterflyfish
Butterflyfish are among the most recognizable and colorful fish found on tropical coral reefs. With their flattened bodies, bright yellow, white, orange, and black patterns, pointed snouts, and graceful swimming style, members of the family Chaetodontidae are favorites of divers and marine aquarium enthusiasts alike. More than 130 species of butterflyfish are recognized, with the …
Jun 28
Longfin Zebra Danio
The Longfin Zebra Danio is a graceful, energetic freshwater fish known for its distinctive horizontal stripes and elongated, flowing fins. A long-finned form of the familiar Zebra Danio (Danio rerio), it combines the hardy nature and active personality of the standard variety with an especially eye-catching appearance. Longfin Zebra Danios are social fish that are …
Jun 28
Oscar Fish
Oscar fish (Astronotus ocellatus) are large, intelligent freshwater cichlids famous for their bold personalities, striking coloration, and ability to interact with the people who care for them. Sometimes called tiger oscars, velvet cichlids, or marble cichlids, these South American fish can become remarkably engaging aquarium residents. That personality comes with a substantial commitment. Oscars grow …
Jun 28
Clownfish
Clownfish are among the most recognizable saltwater fish in the world. Their bright colors, unusual social structure, and famous partnership with sea anemones make them fascinating both in the wild and in home aquariums. Although the orange-and-white Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is the species most people picture, there are around 30 recognized species of clownfish. …
Jun 28
Blue Gourami
The Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) is a beautiful freshwater labyrinth fish known for its shimmering blue-silver coloration, dark body spots, long feeler-like pelvic fins, and confident personality. Also called the Three Spot Gourami, it is one of the larger and hardier gouramis commonly kept in home aquariums. Blue Gouramis can make excellent centerpiece fish, but …
Jun 28
Discus Fish
Discus fish (Symphysodon spp.) are among the most striking freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Their nearly circular bodies, graceful movement, and vivid colors make them a natural centerpiece for large tropical aquariums. Native to the Amazon River basin in South America, discus are cichlids that thrive in warm, clean, stable water. Captive-bred discus are …
Jun 27
Goldfish
Goldfish (Carassius auratus) are among the most recognizable aquarium fish in the world, but they are also among the most misunderstood. Despite their reputation as simple fish that can live in a small bowl, goldfish are active, long-lived animals that can grow surprisingly large and produce a substantial amount of waste. With a properly sized …
Jun 26
Endler’s Livebearer
Endler’s Livebearers (Poecilia wingei) are tiny freshwater fish with enormous visual appeal. Males are covered in electric greens, oranges, blues, yellows, and blacks, while females are larger and much more subtly colored. Their active personalities, manageable size, and relatively straightforward care make them particularly appealing for planted aquariums and smaller community tanks. Closely related to …
Jun 25
Killifish
Killifish are some of the most colorful and fascinating freshwater fish available to aquarists. From tiny clown killifish with flame-like tails to brilliant blue, red, orange, and yellow African species, the group includes an enormous variety of fish with very different appearances, behaviors, and breeding strategies. The name killifish does not refer to a single …
Jun 24
Kuhli Loach
The Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii) is one of the most unusual and entertaining freshwater fish you can add to a peaceful community aquarium. With its long, eel-like body, alternating dark and golden bands, tiny barbels, and habit of wriggling through plants and hiding places, the Kuhli Loach looks unlike almost any other common aquarium fish. …
