Fish Care Guides

The Asian arowana (scientifically known as Scleropages formosus) are a popular aquarium fish that is made of several freshwater phenotypes. Also known as the Asian bonytongue or dragonfish according to the color varieties, the Asian arowana is native to Southeast Asian slow-moving waters.  Asian arowanas are most commonly identified by their signature downturned smiles, making …

Asian Arowana 101: Care, Diet, Tank Size, Tank Mates & More Read More »

The Silver Arowana belongs to the Osteoglossidae family and is a South American freshwater species. Its scientific name is Osteoglossum bicirrhosum but it is also referred to as the Monkey Fish or the Dragon Fish. In the wild, they are found in the Amazon River Basin.  Due to their predatory behavior, this species is not …

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The Fathead Minnow, also known by its binomial nomenclature, Pimephales promelas, is native to North America and Canada.  This minnow species is a freshwater fish, and it’s kept both as an aquarium fish and a feeder fish for larger aquarium inhabitants.  Today’s care guide for the Fathead Minnow is geared towards keeping this fish long-term, …

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The Pictus Catfish, or Pimelodus pictus by its scientific name, is an absolute favorite freshwater fish among aquarists all over the world. This is due to their peaceful nature and the fact that they are easy to care for, as well as their distinctive and dramatic barbels of course! They are a surprisingly active species …

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It’s perhaps unfair to call this South American cichlid the “Green Terror” – after all, it isn’t always green. The aggressive behavior is certainly a defining feature of this remarkable cichlid, although “Terror” might be taking it too far. An inquisitive nature combined with a large tank can soften out those territorial edges. Found in …

Green Terror 101: Care, Diet, Tank Size, Tank Mates & More Read More »

A large fish with an incredible iridescent shine, the Texas cichlid has become a very popular choice for the home aquarium. Found in the freshwater of the Rio Grande in Texas, and in areas of northeast Mexico, they’re the only cichlid that’s native to North America. They’re also a prolific invasive species, thanks to their …

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The Jack Dempsey Cichlid, or Rocio octofasciata by its scientific name, is a beautiful freshwater fish, popular amongst aquarists for its curious coloration. This coloration can vary quite extensively, and can change due to age, environment and even mood. In the wild, Jack Dempsey Cichlids hail from the murky, slow-moving streams and rivers of North …

Jack Dempsey Cichlid 101: Care, Diet, Tank Size, Tank Mates and More Read More »

The scientific name for Jewel Cichlids is Hemichromis bimaculatus. It is a member of the Cichlidae family.  This species is found all across Africa’s Western coast. They can be seen from South Guinea to Central Liberia. They are mostly found in small streams and canals. They like areas with lots of surface vegetation and overhanging …

Jewel Cichlid 101: Care, Diet, Tank Size, Tank Mates & More Read More »

Also known as a Billy Gar or Longnose Garpike, the Longnose Gar is a ray-finned fish pertaining to the family Lepisosteidae. This means that its fins are composed of webs off skin structured by hard spines, rather than the fleshy, free-moving fins of lobe-finned fish. Native to the freshwater lakes, brackish coastal waters, swamps, and …

Longnose Gar 101: Care, Diet, Tank Size, Tank Mates, & More Read More »

Saddled bichirs (scientifically known as Polypterus endlicheri endlicheri) is a long, prehistoric-looking subspecies of the Polypterus genus. This species is an opportunistic ambush predator known for its unique hunting tactics and interesting behavioral features, such as its ability to breathe both in and out of water.  The saddled bichir is commonly found in marshy environments, …

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