Species guides

Aquarium Snails – Friend or Foe?

Aquarium Snails Snails are a common sight in aquariums. Many people add them intentionally and some gain these ‘pets’ by accident. Snails can unintentionally enter the aquarium in various ways, the most common being eggs attached to live plants. It’s very common to see aquarists requesting an identification on their new shelled friends, often also enquiring on whether this crustacean is a keeper or a pest.

Species guides

Betta fish’ natural habitat

Betta fish' natural habitat Betta's, also known as 'fighting fish' are a common talking point amongst aquarists. There is a lot of debate on what size aquarium is the acceptable 'minimum'. The most common argument is whether it is 45 litres (10 gal) or 22 litres (5 gal). I have always been of the opinion that you should give a fish as much room as possible and aiming for an acceptable minimum should never be the goal.

Endangered Species / Featured Articles / Main Slider / Species guides

Amatitlania Myrnae – The Topaz Cichlid – An endangered Cichlid

Topaz Cichlids are quite rare in the hobby and these are the first group I have seen on offer in a local shop, so needless to say, I snapped them up. Cryptoheros Myrnae originates in Costa Rica and Panama in the rivers of the Atlantic slope. In the wild, they are listed as endangered and are on the IUCN Red List. This may well be a reason for their rarity in the trade.

Species guides / Video

The best beginner Cichlid? – The Convict Cichlid

The Convict Cichlid The Convict Cichlid is often described as the best starter Cichlid in the hobby. There are loads of reasons why this is the case, they are robust, adaptable, and downright amusing most of the time. Convicts are small, easy to keep, easy to feed and they are readily available in shops. It's very rare to walk around an aquarium shop without seeing a convict or two.