Author's posts
May 23
Molly
Mollies are colorful, active livebearers that have been staples of freshwater aquariums for generations. Available in black, white, silver, orange, gold, spotted, marbled, and numerous other varieties, these adaptable fish can add constant movement and personality to a peaceful community tank. The name molly does not refer to only one aquarium variety. Several species in …
May 22
Chocolate Gourami
The Chocolate Gourami is a small, beautifully patterned freshwater fish known for its deep brown coloration, pale vertical bands, and unusually specialized care requirements. Unlike hardier gouramis commonly recommended for community aquariums, this Southeast Asian species is best suited to experienced aquarists who can provide extremely soft, acidic, warm, and consistently clean water. Scientifically known …
May 21
L134 Leopard Frog Pleco
The L134 Leopard Frog Pleco is one of the most striking small plecos available to freshwater aquarists. Its creamy yellow to golden body is covered with bold black bands and irregular markings, creating a dramatic pattern that has made this Brazilian catfish highly sought after by pleco enthusiasts. Scientifically known as Peckoltia compta, the Leopard …
May 20
Zebra Damsel
The Zebra Damsel is a bold black-and-white saltwater fish known for its hardy nature, reef compatibility, and surprisingly assertive personality. Its crisp vertical bands give it a striking appearance that stands out beautifully against live rock and colorful corals. Scientifically known as Dascyllus aruanus, this fish is also commonly called the Three Stripe Damselfish, Humbug …
May 19
Goby Fish
Goby fish are among the most diverse and fascinating small fishes kept in aquariums. Some live on tropical coral reefs, others inhabit freshwater mountain streams, and still others thrive in estuaries where fresh and salt water mix. Their lifestyles are equally varied: gobies may sift sand, graze algae from rocks, clean parasites from larger fish, …
May 18
Anthias
Anthias are among the most colorful and graceful fish available for marine reef aquariums. Brilliant shades of orange, pink, yellow, purple, red, and lavender combine with constant open-water swimming to create the appearance of a miniature tropical reef inside the home aquarium. The name anthias refers to a diverse group of reef fishes in the …
May 17
Lionfish
Lionfish are among the most spectacular—and potentially hazardous—predatory fish kept in marine aquariums. With elaborate fan-shaped pectoral fins, long dorsal spines, bold stripes, and a slow, almost hovering swimming style, they can become dramatic centerpiece fish in a carefully planned saltwater tank. The best-known species is the Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans), a large member of …
May 16
Cleaner Shrimp
The Cleaner Shrimp is one of the most recognizable and useful invertebrates kept in marine reef aquariums. With its brilliant red-and-white body, extremely long white antennae, and bold habit of climbing directly onto much larger fish, this small crustacean provides some of the most fascinating behavior available to saltwater aquarists. The species most commonly sold …
May 15
Banggai Cardinalfish
The Banggai Cardinalfish is one of the most distinctive small fish available to saltwater aquarists. Its metallic silver body, bold black vertical bands, white-spotted fins, and dramatically elongated fin rays give it an appearance unlike almost any other reef fish. Scientifically known as Pterapogon kauderni, this species originates from a remarkably small natural range around …
May 14
Clown Goby
The Clown Goby is a tiny, colorful marine fish famous for perching among coral branches rather than swimming constantly through open water. With its oversized head, compact body, expressive eyes, and almost comical habit of sitting directly on corals and rockwork, this little goby can become one of the most noticeable personalities in a reef …
