Triggerfish are a saltwater semi-aggressive aquarium fish that live on the reefs in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific oceans. They are best recognized by their sleek angular body with brush strokes of color ranging from the Black and Blue of the Niger Trigger (Odonus niger) to striking yellow and black in the king of…
Freshwater Shrimp are the jewels of freshwater planted aquariums. Found naturally in East Asia these Neocaridina shrimp have been bred to be many different colors, including but not limited to blue, red, yellow, black, white and striped variants of these colors. Being one of the easiest freshwater shrimp to keep, they make for a great…
Zoanthids are a type of matting polyp native to coral reefs and marine environments. Being a less demanding coral it is often seen as a great starter coral with colors ranging from muted to the bright and extravagant colors often seen in display aquariums. The Zoanthid consists of a mat, or stolon, which keeps the…
Cory (Corydoras) are a species of armored catfish that thrive in the warm waters of Brazil and other South American countries. They are characterized as a stout catfish with prominent barbs used to sift the river beds of the Amazon in search of various insects and vegetation. These barbels are very sensitive to breaking and…
The Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) is what most would describe as the crown jewel of the freshwater aquarium hobby. Found in river basins, lakes and rivers in South America this regal aquarium fish is a demanding but highly rewarding species of cichlid. Found in areas often flooded with clean water from whitewater rivers the discus as…
Planted freshwater aquariums can be very low maintenance and the perfect environment for many of our aquatic pets. There are many different methods and products available to the aquatic plant keeper. No matter the particulars, growing aquarium plants is easy if you follow three golden rules to success. Most importantly, use strong regular light. One…
The ocean contains a plethora of aquatic creatures. Some of the most prominent critters which scour the reef are the hardshelled crabs. Crabs can be found in all stratae of the worlds oceans, as well as some freshwater habitats. Species range from the iconic king crab (Paralithodes californiensis) known for it’s excellent flavor, to crabs…
The common Angelfish, Pterophylum scalare, is a species of tropical cichlid found in both the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America. The Angelfish lives up to its name with their long, flowing fins and elegant delta of a body. Coloration ranges from the relatively dull wild variations to modern, fancy bred “Koi” patterns. There…
There are many different types of Saltwater shrimp, A favorite among Saltwater hobbyist is the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis). Even those unfamiliar to the hobby have seen pictures of the Cleaner Shrimp using his white antenna to advertise his cleaning services to passing fish. This symbiotic relationship with reef inhabitants provides nutrients for the…
The Harlequin Rasbora (Rasbora heteromorpha) is a small fish, which is a member of the Cyprinidae family. The Harlequin Rasbora is described as being differently shaped (heteromorpha translating from Greek “differently shaped”) as compared to other members of the Rasbora family. This striking Rasbora with its reddish copper body and trademarked triangular black silhouette towards…
