Feb 20
White spots on a betta fish are a warning sign worth investigating, but they do not automatically mean ich. Several parasitic, bacterial, viral, and water-mold problems can create pale spots or growths on a betta’s skin and fins, and the correct treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause. If the spots resemble tiny grains of …
Feb 14
Walk into a pet store and you may see a beautiful betta fish for less than $10. That can make bettas seem like incredibly inexpensive pets. The fish itself often is inexpensive. The aquarium it needs is another story. A responsible betta setup requires a properly sized tank, heater, filtration, water conditioner, water-testing supplies, food, …
Feb 01
Tiny white spots appearing on your betta’s fins or body can be an alarming sight—and one possibility is ich, one of the best-known parasitic diseases of freshwater aquarium fish. Freshwater ich is caused by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a microscopic ciliated parasite that attacks the skin, fins, and gills of fish. The characteristic white dots may look …
Jan 23
Betta fish are colorful, intelligent, and surprisingly interactive aquarium fish, but their reputation for being able to survive in tiny bowls has led to many misconceptions about their care. A betta may be hardy enough to tolerate difficult conditions temporarily, but surviving and thriving are two very different things. The domestic betta, Betta splendens, is …
Sep 06
Tiny, peaceful, and glowing with warm orange color, the Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is one of the most appealing small freshwater fish for planted aquariums. A group moving through green plants can look like sparks drifting through the water—which explains the Ember Tetra’s memorable name. Their small size makes them especially popular in nano aquariums, …
Jun 29
Round bodies, enormous eyes, tiny fluttering fins, beak-like teeth, and an almost comically curious expression make pufferfish some of the most recognizable fish in the aquarium hobby. Then there is the feature everyone knows: They puff. When seriously threatened, a pufferfish can rapidly swallow water and expand its body, making itself much larger and more …
Jun 28
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 (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
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 (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 …
