Freshwater

Amano shrimp are the algae-eating workhorses of the planted-tank world. They are larger than cherry shrimp, tougher than many dwarf shrimp, and they will clean hair algae that most other animals ignore. They are also surprisingly misunderstood: many keepers expect to breed them like cherry shrimp, then wonder why they never see babies. This amano

Few freshwater fish look as odd as the kuhli loach. It is long, thin and striped like a tiny eel, and it spends most of the day out of sight. Many new owners buy one, never see it again, and wonder whether it is alive. Others lose their loaches to escape through filter intakes or

Ghost shrimp are one of the cheapest and most common invertebrates in the hobby. They are see-through, active and fun to watch as they scavenge the tank. They are also sold by the hundreds as live food, which is why so many arrive stressed and die within days. This ghost shrimp care guide covers what

The flowerhorn is one of the most talked-about fish in the hobby. It has a big forehead hump, wild colors, and a personality closer to a dog than to a typical fish. It is also big, messy, and very aggressive, which is why so many keepers search for flowerhorn care advice after they bring one

The figure 8 puffer (Dichotomyctere ocellatus, long sold as Tetraodon biocellatus) is a small, charming pufferfish with yellow swirls on its back, big expressive eyes and a lot of attitude. It is also one of the most misunderstood fish in the trade, because it is often sold as a “freshwater” fish when adults really need

Betta fish (Betta splendens), also called Siamese fighting fish, are one of the most popular aquarium pets in the world. They are also among the most misunderstood. Bettas are sold in tiny cups and told to live in bowls, but a betta kept properly is an active, curious fish with real personality. This betta fish

The pea puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus), also called the dwarf puffer or pygmy puffer, is the world’s smallest pufferfish. At under an inch long, it has the big personality of a much larger fish: it hunts, tracks you with its eyes and can be wonderfully entertaining. It is also a fussy, aggressive little predator that is

Freshwater stingrays are among the most captivating and most demanding animals in the aquarium hobby. Their gliding movement and spotted discs draw attention in any display. But rays are long-lived, grow large, and are very sensitive to water quality. This is a freshwater stingray care guide for people who want the truth before they buy.

When I first started keeping fish, I was captivated by the idea of having a peaceful bottom-dweller, a kind of “tank cleaner” that had a bit of personality. That’s when I stumbled upon the Raphael Catfish, specifically the Striped Raphael Catfish (Platydoras armatulus). These incredible fish—often called the “talking catfish” because of the grunting sound

The Chili Rasbora is a tiny and colorful fish. It comes from Southeast Asia. Many fish lovers enjoy keeping them because they are peaceful and bright. This guide will help you take good care of Chili Rasboras. It covers tank setup, food, water needs, and more. What Is a Chili Rasbora? Chili Rasboras are small