Apr 26
The Black Ocellaris Clownfish is one of the most elegant variations of the familiar Ocellaris Clownfish. Instead of the classic bright orange body, mature Black Ocellaris develop a deep black background crossed by three brilliant white bands, usually with thin black edging around the fins and sometimes a small amount of orange remaining around the …
Apr 25
The Saddleback Clownfish is a distinctive marine aquarium fish named for the broad white marking that curves across the middle of its back like a saddle. Depending on geographic origin and individual coloration, its body may range from orange and yellowish brown to nearly black, creating a dramatically different appearance from the familiar orange Ocellaris …
Apr 24
The Pajama Cardinalfish is one of the most unusual-looking small reef fish in the marine aquarium hobby. With its yellow-green face, enormous reddish-orange eyes, bold dark vertical band, silver body, and scattered reddish-brown spots, it looks almost as though several completely different fish patterns were combined into one animal. Scientifically known as Sphaeramia nematoptera, the …
Apr 23
The Coral Hawkfish is a small but confident reef predator known for its speckled red-and-white coloration, tassel-like dorsal-fin cirri, and characteristic habit of perching on coral branches while watching everything happening around it. Scientifically known as Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus, this species is also called the Pixy Hawkfish, Sharp-headed Hawkfish, and, confusingly, Spotted Hawkfish. That last name …
Apr 22
The African Flameback Angelfish is one of the smallest and most striking dwarf angelfish available to marine aquarists. Its deep cobalt-blue body contrasts dramatically with a brilliant yellow-to-orange head and upper back, creating the fiery “flameback” appearance responsible for its common name. Scientifically known as Centropyge acanthops, this species is also called the African Pygmy …
Apr 21
The Clown Triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum) is one of the most spectacular—and unmistakable—marine fish in the aquarium hobby. With a black body covered in oversized white spots, a yellow-patterned back, bright markings around the mouth, and a bold personality, it looks almost unreal swimming through a saltwater aquarium. That incredible appearance comes with an important warning: …
Apr 18
The Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) is one of the most recognizable small marine fish in the aquarium hobby. Its silver body, dramatic black vertical bars, elongated fins, and pattern of tiny white spots give it an appearance unlike almost any other reef fish. Banggai Cardinalfish are also fascinating behaviorally. They tend to hover calmly rather …
Apr 08
A thriving saltwater aquarium can contain some of the most colorful, unusual, and charismatic fish on Earth. From tiny gobies that perch among the rocks to brilliant angelfish, active tangs, peaceful cardinalfish, and formidable triggerfish, there is a marine fish for almost every appropriately sized aquarium. But choosing saltwater fish should involve more than picking …
Apr 08
Freshwater aquariums offer an extraordinary range of possibilities. A tank can become a peaceful planted world filled with tiny schooling tetras, a colorful livebearer community, a dramatic cichlid display, or even a home for unusual fish such as bichirs and upside-down catfish. The challenge is choosing fish that actually fit together. Adult size, temperament, water …
Apr 07
Everything You Need to Know About Neon Tetra Fish: Care, Habitats, and Tips Few freshwater aquarium fish are as instantly recognizable as the Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi). With its brilliant electric-blue stripe, glowing red tail, and peaceful schooling behavior, this tiny South American fish has been a favorite of aquarists for generations. Neon Tetras are …
