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Tropical Fish Hobbyist April 2010 Issue

Edmund L. — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:24:43 +0000

One of the most recognizable marine animals on the coral reefs and seagrass beds they call home, seahorses Hippocampus spp. fascinate children and adults alike, earning them a place among the most popular animals for saltwater aquaria. Although endangered in the wild, more and more seahorses are being captive-bred by hobbyists. This month, José María Cid Ruiz offers his perspective on the difficult but worthwhile project of breeding seahorses and raising their fry (pg. 90). Photograph by Kristian Sekulic/Shutterstock

Feature Articles

Aquarium Science: An Exciting New Micropoecilia

Author: Rich Serva

With a metallic and colorful tail, this diminutive fish is potentially a new Micropoecilia species that will delight any wild-livebearer enthusiast.

Brachys from Costa Rica

Author: Uwe Dost

An explorer-biologist traveled to Costa Rica collect two species of Brachyrhaphis—little livebearers with big, bad attitudes—and found them to be surprisingly great aquarium fish.

Breeding Seahorses

Author: José María Cid Ruiz

While captive-bred seahorses are widely available, newborn seahorses are difficult to raise at home. An accomplished aquarist and seahorse breeder details the secrets to his success.

Growing Colorful Stem Plants in the Nature Aquarium

Author: Takashi Amano

Their vibrant colors and varied leaf shapes make stem plants a desirable addition to any aquascape, as the master aquascaper explains, with notes on their care requirements.

Marbled or Tile Sea Stars

Author: Bob Fenner

Starfish are generally considered difficult to keep in a reef aquarium, but those of the genus Fromia may just be an exception to the rule.

Plant Filtration—No Water Changes!

Author: Charles Clapsaddle

Mangrove trees and hornwort now do the heavy filtration lifting at Goliad Fish Farms, where these and other plants make water changes a thing of the past.

The TFH Breeder’s Challenge Part 4

Author: Ted Judy and Mike Hellweg

With Ted taking a commanding lead, is Mike ready to launch his secret weapon? Stay tuned as our two skilled breeders compete for the title of TFH Master Breeder.

The Tiger Limia: Species Unknown?

Author: Bill Allen

One of the more peaceful of the limias, the tiger limia is relatively easy to keep and breed.

Wild-Type Guppies: There’s Nothing Common About Them!

Author: Mike Hellweg

You may think you know everything there is to know about guppies, but many of the wild guppies will surprise even the most experienced of aquarists.

If you are interested to read more, you may subscribe for the digital version by clicking this LINK.

Tropical Fish Hobbyist March 2010 Issue

Edmund L. — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:21:26 +0000

In this March issue of cover photo is rasboras Trigonostoma sp. sailing over a beautiful aquascape, but the artistic effect is of a mossy glen. Each month another aspect of the Nature Aquarium concept, which draws inspiration from terrestrial landscapes, is discussed in Mr. Takashi Amano’s feature series. This month he focuses on aquatic mosses and how they can be used to naturalize a planted layout, emulating the look of moss-covered forest scenery (p. 62). Photograph by Takashi Amano

Feature Articles

Anthias: Those Fancy Basses

Author: Bob Goemans

Among the most colorful fish on the reef with a wide range of personalities, there is a species of anthias to suit any reefer’s tastes.

Aquatic Plants Don’t Read the Books

Author: Jeff Walmsley

A planted tank enthusiast with a flair for large tanks discovers that some aquatic plants break the rules and do their own thing despite the most careful planning.

It’s Dwarf Crenicichla Time!

Author: Radek Bednarczuk

Small, personable, and beautiful, dwarf Crenicichla species are perfect for the aquarist who wants the excitement of keeping pike cichlids but in a smaller space.

Mosses and Other Bryophytes in the Nature Aquarium

Author: Takashi Amano

The master aquascaper reviews how mosses and moss-like plants can be used in the Nature Aquarium to evoke a sense of the passage of time in a natural landscape.

The TFH Breeder’s Challenge Part 3

Author: Ted Judy and Mike Hellweg

With Ted slightly in the lead, was Mike able to close the gap? Find out how our contestants are doing in pursuit of the title of TFH Master Breeder.

The Half-Red Hemigrammus: A New Species?

Author: Ivan Mikolji

Our South American adventurer journeys through the jungles of Venezuela to investigate the vibrant half-red Hemigrammus, a possible new tetra species for the hobby.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore

Author: Shari Horowitz

Take a tour through the National Aquarium, where you can see everything from an Amazonian rainforest to an Australian river gorge—and even a dolphin show!

The Rhino Pleco Pterygoplichthys scrophus

Author: Seth Gibson

A far cry from some of the monster plecos, the medium-sized rhino pleco is an unusual and exotic algae-grazing suckermouth catfish that won’t become a tankbuster.

If you are interested to read more, you may subscribe for the digital version by clicking this LINK.

Tropical Fish Hobbyist February 2010 Issue

Edmund L. — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:08:40 +0000

These piranhas Pygocentrus piraya are often called San Francisco piranhas, a potentially misleading name given them based on their native range in Brazil’s Rio São Francisco. Piranhas are apex predators, and like many other predatory species they are extremely popular aquarium specimens. Unfortunately many myths abound about the nature and the proper care of these fish. Find out how they should actually be kept in this month’s look at predatory fish, “The Killer Instinct.” Photograph by Ed Wong

Feature Articles

Composing a Nature Aquarium Layout with Stem Plants

Author: Takashi Amano

The visionary aquascaper focuses this month on using stem plants to produce a lush and captivating layout.

Mike vs. Ted: The TFH Breeder’s Challenge

Author: Mike Hellweg and Ted Judy

Our contestants share their first-month successes in our exciting competition—find out who’s in the lead!

Nudibranchs: Exquisite…and Unkeepable

Author: Maddy Hargrove

The beauty of these graceful aquatic creatures is matched only by their intense and arduous care requirements.

The Achilles Tang Acanthurus achilles

Author: Jeremy Gosnell

This sleek surgeonfish carries a multitude of caretaking requirements, making it a challenging but rewarding specimen for advanced marine aquarists.

The Czech Discus Championship

Author: Francesco Denitto, PhD

Our expert fish judge presents the vibrant entries and winners from the latest discus championship held in the Czech Republic.

The Killer Instinct: Predatory Fish (and How to Keep Them)

Author: Neale Monks

A fearless fishkeeper clears up the caretaking myths for some of the fiercest predators for the aquarium.

The Texas Cichlid Herichthys cyanoguttatus

Author: William Berg

Big, bold, and beautiful—discover how to keep the only cichlid native to the United States.

If you are interested to read more, you may subscribe for the digital version by clicking this LINK.

Tropical Fish Hobbyist January 2010 Issue

Edmund L. — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:37:36 +0000

Bettas! The variety in color and finnage available in domestic strains of Betta splendens is truly astounding, as the beautiful male on this month’s cover reminds us, but there is an equally diverse variety among the many wild bettas—the other species in the genus Betta. Large and small, dazzling and drab, bubblenesting and mouthbrooding, there are bettas enough to appeal to anyone. This month, Stan Sung reviews these gems of the Orient in “Magnificent Bettas” (p. 70). Photograph by Ed Wong

Feature Articles

Creating a Natural-Looking Iwagumi Nature Aquarium Layout

Author: Takashi Amano

The master of the planted tank reveals his method for translating natural scenery into realistic and beautiful rock-garden aquascapes.

First-Ever Photos of Diamond Tetras in Their Natural Habitat

Author: Ivan Mikolji

Our fearless explorer offers a glimpse into the disappearing realm of Moenkhausia pittieri, a popular species in the hobby that faces near-certain extinction in the wild.

Getting Started in the Reef Aquarium Hobby

Author: James W. Fatherree

Adding corals may be an intimidating endeavor, but our resident reefer breaks the process down so even novice fishkeepers can take on the challenge of keeping their own little patch of coral reef.

Magnificent Bettas

Author: Stan Sung

With domesticated varieties available in every color of the rainbow and wild species as rare as they are beautiful, there is a betta out there to suit any aquarist’s taste.

Mike vs. Ted: The TFH Breeder’s Challenge

Author: Mike Hellweg and Ted Judy (with Shari Horowitz and Craig Sernotti)

Two skilled fish keepers embark upon an epic yearlong competition that will provide its winner with master-fish-breeder bragging rights for years to come.

Retailer Spotlight: Kazimir’s Pet Shop in Hackensack, New Jersey

Author: Rose and Tony Orso

Our pet-shop profilers travel up to northern New Jersey for a look at a family-owned business with a vast and rich history.

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Tropical Fish Hobbyist December 2009 Issue

Edmund L. — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:44:39 +0000

Gracing our shiny year-end cover this month is a group of Pacific sea nettles Chrysaora fuscescens featured in the “Jellies Invasion” exhibit at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Found mostly off the West Coast of the United States, these cnidarians represent one of many species that have recently caught the attention of progressive marine aquarists. Our cover story, “Feeding Jellyfish: Problems and Solutions” (p. 90) tells of the trial-and-error search for the best way to feed captive jellyfish—the type of research typical to any vanguard investigation in the aquarium hobby. Photograph Courtesy of National Aquarium, Baltimore

Feature Articles

Answers to Common Questions About Marine Tanks

Author: Andrew Nixon

Making the jump to saltwater is an exciting though often daunting venture that may create confusion for freshwater aquarists. A marine aquarium enthusiast offers a list of answers to common questions that hobbyists may face as they undertake the challenging yet rewarding journey to starting a “fish-only” saltwater aquarium.

Combining Aquatic Plants in the Nature Aquarium

Author: Takashi Amano

Combining plants from various regions allows for greater diversity and more artistic control in the Nature Aquarium. The aquascaping pioneer reveals the intricacies of plant selection and placement, with an emphasis on lighting requirements and their influence on layout composition.

Feeding Jellyfish: Problems & Solutions

Author: Jim Stime, Jr.

Creating a proper setup for jellyfish is only one of the challenges in keeping these increasingly popular marine specimens. A jellyfish expert describes his latest triumph in caring for jellies—a feeding program that provides enough of the right nutrition without adversely affecting the environment of these beautiful but sensitive creatures.

Mozambican Marvels: Finding Freshwater Tropical Fish in Southeast Africa

Author: Lawrence Kent

A serial traveler with one eye always on the water returns to Africa, this time exploring the treasures of one of its largest and diverse countries. From a dolphin-like elephantfish to transparent glassfish that would make a perfect fit for home aquaria, Mozambique has it all for the aquatic enthusiast.

New Tetras Discovered in Prague

Author: Karel Zahrádka

Our Eastern European reporter breaks the exciting news of brand-new, colorful tetras that have just been introduced into the hobby. A small-fish aficionado, he shares his experiences with the acquisition and spawning of these novel beauties, dubbed red and yellow devil tetras.

The Checkerboard Dwarf Cichlid Dicrossus filamentosus

Author: Radek Bednarczuk

Time for a Change: A Mathematical Investigation of Water Changes, Part 2

Author: David E. Boruchowitz

Last month, TFH’s Editor-in-Chief demonstrated that large weekly water changes are preferable to small daily ones, and explained what is at stake. This month he takes it one step further, explaining what happens when large daily changes become part of an aquarium hobbyist’s routine.

Visit www.tfhmagazine.com for more details.

Tropical Fish Hobbyist November 2009 Issue

Edmund L. — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:00:09 +0000

A flowerhorn on the cover of TFH? Love them or hate them, flowerhorns are extremely popular. These beautiful and expensive hybrid fish are nothing if not controversial. Although they are much more an Oriental phenomenon than a Western one (this specimen was photographed in an aquarium in the lobby of the Miracle Grande Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand), they have their proponents—and opponents—everywhere. The controversy surrounding these hybrid cichlids, as large and aggressive as they are ornamental and unusual, is discussed in Tom Lorenz’s article, “Flower Power.”

Feature Articles

A Caribbean Sea Biotope Aquarium

Author: Jeremy J. Gosnell

While many aquariums mix a variety of species coming from different oceans and ecosystems, a biotope aquarium is designed to replicate a specific slice of nature. A seasoned scuba diver and aquarist suggests various species for an aquarium that mirrors the beauty of the Caribbean.

Adjusting Water Conditions in the Nature Aquarium

Author: Takashi Amano

Water quality is of utmost importance for the vigorous growth of plants in the Nature Aquarium. The world-renowned aquascaper discusses the effect of pH and hardness in a high-tech planted layout, and how to control and balance these important parameters.

Flower Power: Are Flowerhorns Good for the Hobby?

Author: Tom Lorenz

Dismissed as “Frankenfish” by some and prized as good luck charms by others, one consistent theme surrounding flowerhorns in the aquarium hobby is controversy. A researcher explores some arguments for and against these peculiar-looking—and often astronomically priced—show fish.

Jellyfish: Ballerinas of the Sea

Author: Liu Pin-Hua

Far from your typical aquarium specimens, jellyfish delicately float as if suspended in zero gravity, captivating and relaxing viewers with their carefree, luminous movements. A jellyfish enthusiast describes the biology and care requirements for these incredibly delicate and awe-inspiring creatures.

Retailer Spotlight: The Hidden Reef in Levittown, Pennsylvania

Author: Rose and Tony Orso

Enter the Hidden Reef, an aquarist’s paradise featuring over 450 tanks of fish for sale and countless dry goods. Our roving reporters present the rich history of this massive store, and explain how it gained recognition and fame as one of the area’s premiere destination fish shops.

Setting up a Natural Planted Tank

Author: Diana Walstad

A back-to-basics approach utilizing natural processes instead of high-tech equipment stands in strong contrast to today’s technologically advanced planted aquarium hobby. An aquarist well versed in the natural method offers a step-by-step guide to creating a low-tech underwater aquascape.

The African Butterflyfish Pantodon buchholzi

Author: Ted Judy

Out of the African wilderness comes one oddball fish that will neither outgrow your tank nor kill everything in it. A veteran aquarist presents the obstacles to breeding the top-dwelling African butterflyfish, and shares the joy of keeping them.

Time for a Change: A Mathematical Investigation of Water Changes (Part 1)

Author: David E. Boruchowitz

Water changes are simple, right? Actually, the amount of water you change and its effect on your fish’s well-being is a bit more complex than often believed, as TFH’s Editor-in-Chief demonstrates with an exploration of the mathematics involved in this important aspect of aquarium maintenance.

Visit www.tfhmagazine.com for more details.

Tropical Fish Hobbyist October 2009 Issue

Edmund L. — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:00:31 +0000

Gracing TFH’s cover this month are a shrimp goby Stonogobiops nematodes and its pistol shrimp partner Alpheus randalli, a pair that lives in mutual symbiosis: The shrimp digs a tunnel in the substrate, which the shrimp and goby both share. When they leave the tunnel, the pistol shrimp (which has poor eyesight) keeps one of its antennae in constant contact with the ever-alert goby, and at the first sign of danger the pair quickly retreats into the tunnel. As author and photographer James Fatherree explains in his article “A Look at Invertebrates for the Non-Reef Aquarium” (p. 96), these animals make a wonderful addition to a marine/FOWLR system, and their activities and interactions provide countless hours of entertainment.

Feature Articles

Silurana Clawed Frogs

Author: Colin Dunlop

Aquatic frogs can entertain and fascinate their keepers with underwater antics and interesting breeding behaviors. An experienced amphibian enthusiast relates his story of maintaining and breeding a clawed frog that is relatively new to the aquarium hobby.

A Look at Invertebrates for the Non-Reef Aquarium

Author: James W. Fatherree, MSc

Despite the distinct separation created between fish-only and reef aquariums, there is a whole range of inverts that do not require bright lighting and do well with fish in a marine tank. Our saltwater expert reviews the various invertebrates that can liven up any tank without additional equipment, some of which even perform vital services.

Aquarium Science: Xiphophorus Interspecies Hybrids: The Marriage of Heaven and Hell

Author: Roy Levine

With amazing fins, spectacular shapes, and dazzling colors, hybrid Xiphophorus are extremely impressive fish. One researcher examines how interspecies hybridization is at the root of many of the fantastic qualities seen today, and provides a glimpse of what the future holds for these magnificent livebearers.

Discoveries on the Rio Içana

Author: Heiko Bleher

Cory cats and cardinal tetras are common in today’s hobby, but like many fish in your favorite fish shop, they were first discovered and collected during adventurous and often perilous expeditions. A fearless adventurer travels deep into the Amazon to search for familiar fish and new discoveries alike in the journey of a lifetime.

Hardy and Fashionable: The Harlequin Tuskfish

Author: Bill Rosser

As if its incredible, vibrant coloration and otherworldly blue tusk-like teeth weren’t enough, this unique-looking wrasse is actually hardy and acclimates well to aquarium life. A tuskfish fan describes his experiences with Choerodon fasciatus, which may just be the perfect specimen for the fish-only marine aquarium.

How Wild Collection May Save Our Reefs

Author: Michael Goumas

An avid environmentalist flies in the face of conventional reef-conservation wisdom by arguing that the benefits of harvesting fish and corals might actually outweigh any negative impacts, and wild collection, in concert with responsible handling methods and captive propagation, may be the key to saving our reefs.

Maintaining a Beautiful Foreground in the Nature Aquarium

Author: Takashi Amano

Foreground plants are an essential part of the Nature Aquarium planted layout method, helping to create a sense of depth and a natural-looking transition over the entire layout from front to back. The legendary creator of the Nature Aquarium details the best plants and maintenance methods for creating a healthy and stunning foreground.

Risky Damsels

Author: Bob Goemans

Damselfish may look innocent and cute, especially as juveniles, but the wrong species can turn the dream aquarium into a nightmare. A veteran aquarist offers a sampling of some devilish damsels that should be avoided at all costs by aquarists who wish to keep the peace in their marine communities.

SECORE

Author: Shari Horowitz

Coral fragging has become a popular and eco-friendly part of reefkeeping, but it does nothing to maintain the genetic diversity of captive coral stocks. TFH’s associate editor speaks with SECORE, an organization developing cutting-edge techniques to encourage sexual reproduction of corals for the aquarium hobby, and ultimately to repopulate damaged reefs.

The Well-Fed Reef

Author: Mike Maddox

Maintaining the low-nutrient-level conditions typical of coral reefs in the wild may not be as beneficial for reef aquaria as many have been led to believe. A skilled reefer advises feeding your corals well, despite the prevailing wisdom that dissolved nutrients are to be avoided at all costs in the reef tank.

Visit www.tfhmagazine.com for more details.

Tropical Fish Hobbyist September 2009 Issue

Edmund L. — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:25:59 +0000

Adorning this month’s cover is a striking dragon moray Enchelycore pardalis. Moray eels are the stuff of legend, but of the hundreds of species of eels, only a few are suitable for the home aquarium. You can read about which are the best choices, and some to avoid, in this month’s article from Mike Maddox, “Morays!”. Photograph by Ed Wong

Hemisorubim platyrhynchos: A More Manageable Shovelnose Catfish

Author: Seth Gibson

Monster cats can reach several feet in length and are almost impossible for home aquarists to keep, no matter how much they want to. A predatory-fish aficionado presents the perfect alternative, the shovelnose catfish, which looks like a monster and grows fairly large—but not impossibly so.

A Dream Come True: The Speckle-Tail Loach Yasuhikotakia caudipunctata

Author: Michael Ophir

Though uncommon, the speckle-tail loach’s beauty and peaceful nature make its relatively difficult acquisition all the more worthwhile. One loach enthusiast presents his own tale of attaining this wish-list species, with notes on their captive care and interesting natural behaviors.

Book Excerpt: The Complete Illustrated Breeder’s Guide to Marine Aquarium Fishes

Author: Matthew L. Wittenrich

TFH offers an exclusive look into The Complete Illustrated Breeder’s Guide to Marine Aquarium Fishes, an educational book for hobbyists who are ready for the challenge of raising their own marine fish and lessening the demand for wild-caught specimens, with an overview on naturally and artificially rearing and incubating eggs.

Colorful Pencils for the Freshwater Aquarium

Author: Radek Bednarczuk

The exceptionally charming and vibrant pencilfishes are great schooling fish for the hobbyist looking for something beyond the average tetra. An accomplished fish breeder explains the challenging spawning requirements for Nannostomus mortenthaleri and N. marginatus, an endeavor worth taking on for the experienced aquarist.

Easy Alternatives to Often-Difficult Community Fish

Author: Neale Monks

Neon tetras, tiger barbs, and fancy guppies are ubiquitous in community tanks, but the reality is that such species do not always make ideal residents. One veteran aquarist elaborates on the disadvantages of each and presents some practical and attractive alternatives.

From Reef to Retail

Author: Jeremy J. Gosnell

Although reef tanks mesmerize all and serve as windows to the ocean wild, many are unfamiliar with how it all comes together. One marine expert explains the various methods—of varying degrees of sustainability—by which fish are caught, imported, and ultimately brought to your local fish shop.

Mastering the Use of Driftwood in the Nature Aquarium

Author: Takashi Amano

Driftwood helps to render a natural feel to a Nature Aquarium layout, lending the impression of the fallen trees found in and around wild freshwater habitats. The master of the planted aquascape advises on how to best employ driftwood to create an authentic underwater scene.

Morays!

Author: Mike Maddox

Fearsome teeth, large size, and lurking behaviors make moray eels the object of both fascination and fear. A saltwater professional delves into the hidden world of these reef predators and provides advice for their keeping in the home aquarium.

San Francisco’s All-New Steinhart Aquarium Iggy Tavares

Author: Iggy Tavares

From albino alligators to bustling coral reefs and even a 3-D projection theater, the new Steinhart Aquarium has it all. Our UK correspondent crosses to this side of the pond to report on the aquatic displays at the thoroughly modern California Academy of Sciences.

September 2009 Issue is now available for subscription from TFH.

Tropical Fish Hobbyist August ‘09 Issue

Edmund L. — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:54:53 +0000

Aquatic plants are more popular than ever in the aquarium hobby, and nobody has been a greater influence on the rise in the popularity of planted tanks than Mr. Takashi Amano, who developed the celebrated artistic aquarium-layout style known as “Nature Aquarium.” Combining a photographer’s eye and reverence for nature with consummate aquascaping and aquaristic skills, Mr. Amano has brought the planted layout to a whole new level, to the delight of a growing international audience. TFH is proud to feature one of Mr. Amano’s impressive aquatic scenes on the cover of this issue, and are privileged and honored to feature his “Nature Aquarium” articles every month in TFH, continuing this month with a look at the use of driftwood and plant arrangements to create a one-of-a-kind layout.

Sepia bandensis Husbandry and Breeding

Author: Richard Ross

An alien-like look, color-changing ability, and fascinating predatory behaviors make this cuttlefish an incredible choice for marine aquaria, but its short lifespan is discouraging to some. A cephalopod enthusiast and breeder lays out the husbandry essentials, as well as what to provide the young.

Aquarium Science: Breeding the Spotted Green Pufferfish

Author: Craig Watson

Groundbreaking research has been conducted to find a way to captive-spawn the ever-popular spotted green (or green spotted) pufferfish. A University of Florida researcher explains the various obstacles to breeding the species, and his ultimate success in doing so.

Book Excerpt: Culturing Live Foods

Author: Mike Hellweg

TFH provides a glimpse into Culturing Live Foods, an instructional book for hobbyists who want to provide the best foods for their aquatic pets. The excerpt of this chapter details the various worms that can be cultured, how to culture them, and the best way to introduce them into your tank.

Driftwood and Plant Arrangements in the Nature Aquarium

Author: Takashi Amano

Driftwood is a key element for providing a natural feel to the planted aquarium. The aquascaper extraordinaire provides insight on the best type of driftwood to use and which plants to best pair with it, as well as a technique for dramatically changing the appearance of a layout without adjusting the composition.

Five “Easy” Tetras

Author: Ted Judy

Tetras are not the first fish to come to mind in terms of easy breeding, but some are easier to breed than you might have been led to believe. One longtime aquarist provides his tried-and-true method of breeding tetras, suggesting five species to start with.

In Search of the Origins of the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey

Author: Lawrence Coleman Willey, Jr.

Following up last month’s article on the original breeding facility of the electric blue Jack Dempsey in Argentina, this month we present a look at the DNA tests performed to help unravel the secrets of this fish’s controversial origins from an aquarist who provided his own fish’s DNA for analysis.

Snorkeling in Akumal, Mexico

Author: Forrest Phillips

Turtles, barracudas, angels, and cichlids—beautiful Akumal, Mexico has a wide variety of sea life for the aquarist who wants to experience fish in their natural habitats. One snorkeler narrates his trip to Akumal, where he saw everything from Mayan ruins to the merging of ecosystems.

Taming the Tenacious Trumpet Snail

Author: Tom Lorenz

The ability to survive in almost all water conditions, breed easily, and clean up after fish sounds like the recipe for a perfect invertebrate—but there is certainly such a thing as being overly successful. Our inquiring author details a tiny resident that, while providing numerous benefits, may present an equal amount of trouble due to its knack for overpopulation.

The Samurai Gourami Sphaerichthys vaillanti

Author: Karel Zahradka

A rare and difficult fish to acquire, the samurai gourami is relatively new to the hobby. An experienced collector and breeder elaborates on his acquisition of this vibrant species from Indonesia, providing insight into their care and proper maintenance, with an account of the challenges faced during breeding.

Where on Earth Is Lakamora?

Author: Heiko Bleher

A heavily isolated lake amid mountains and dense jungle in a far-off country may sound like a navigational nightmare, but in the eyes of our methodical explorer, it’s the collection site of a lifetime. An intrepid explorer responsible for introducing many exotic fish to the hobby relates his epic tale of collecting rainbowfish from Lake Lakamora in New Guinea.

August 2009 Issue is now available for subscription from TFH.

Tropical Fish Hobbyist – Free Subscription!

Edmund L. — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 06:44:00 +0000

Tropical Fish Hobbyist is now giving away a free digital subscription every Friday in July! Hurry and sign up for their contest, tweet them at tfhmagazine.com/twitter!

Inside Practical Fishkeeping July 2009 Issue

Edmund L. — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:13:30 +0000

Check out the latest July 2009 Practical Fishkeeping Issue:

Ask the Experts: The answers to your questions. FAQs on dwarf shrimps: Ade Dunn explains how to keep Neocaridina. Stuff you need to know about lymphocystis: Dr Peter Burgess looks at the most common fish virus. Course learning: Nicolette Craig checks out some study opportunities. Shimmering streams: Jeremy Gay’s Sri Lankan expedition continues in the remote waters in the hills. Set up a hill stream biotope: Jeremy Gay creates a Sri Lankan hill stream aquarium. Crabs of many colours: Frank Schaefer on a stunning new fiddler crab.

The future is here: George Farmer looks ahead for the planting scene. Bizarre bruisers: Dr Neale Monks on the Humphead glassfish. Prepare for the unexpected: Mary Bailey explains how to keep dwarf pike cichlids. Giant among mouthbrooders: Stefan Van Der Voort on the mouthbrooder Betta pi. Class has a price: Matt Clarke on Panda uaru.

For good measure: Jay Hemdal’s new method of determining fish swimming space requirements. Rumussala revives!: Jeremy Gay explains how a damaged coral reef is being studied by the MCS. Ultimate LPS: LPS enthusiast Richard Hinchliffe shows Les Holliday how it’s done.Koi on a budget: Nick Fletcher explains how the economic gloom need not prevent you enjoying Koi.

Your tanks: A look at Sara Laurila and Andy Parker’s lovely aquariums.
News: The latest from PFK. Selecting for sustainability: IBAMA explain why L-numbers have never been legal to export. Subscribe!: Get a FREE Fluval E series heater worth £38. Readers’ Poll 2009: Vote and you could win a prize. Winning Team: Hagen’s club pages. Next month: What’s coming up…. Tailpiece: Lifestyle aquariums. Tried and Tested:The latest product news and reviews from our test team. How to buy marine salt: We pick out three to consider. Interesting Imports: We check out some of the new fish in the shops.

Source: Practical Fishkeeping

Inside Practical Fishkeeping June 2009 Issue

Edmund L. — Mon, 18 May 2009 06:43:44 +0000

Focus on Jewel cichlids: Little is known about some Hemichromis but that’s the challenge, says Mary Bailey. Cheeky little monkeys!: Even their name sounds mischievous! Emma Turner says Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki are such fun in every way. Capers in the batcave: Michael Lo makes some surprise discoveries in a subterranean stream deep in remote Borneo. Nano tank guide: 10 pages of advice on buying tropical freshwater and tropical marine nano tanks, lighting and the fish and inverts to put inside them.

Ask our Experts: Tips, advice and the answers to your questions, plus a glossary of fishkeeping terms. Great Planted tanks: Mark Evans set up this superb planted display tank in his local aquatic shop. George Farmer finds out how he did it. Rekawa and rice: Jeremy Gay continues on his journey of discovery with the Marine Conservation Society in Sri Lanka by heading out to find treasures in the marshes. Get into fishkeeping: Big may be spectacular but could also be problematic. Neale Monks warns of potential issues when setting up jumbo communities. Readers’ top shops: The top aquatic retailers as voted for by the readers of PFK. Shoptour: we visit Herefordshire.

Ugly duckling transformed: John Robertson introduces an anabantoid that may start life as drab but ultimately turns into the beautiful ‘swan’ of the fishkeeping world. Pure fascination: Wolfgang Ros admires Cephalosilurus, Julian Dignall enthuses about all things catfish. Together they explain why this genus can be so rewarding. Aquatic artistry: Painting without a brush, building without mortar — aquascaping is nevertheless a skill that can richly reward inspired enthusiasts. Graeme Edwards explains. Back to basics: George Farmer looks back over his latest series and re-examines the most important lessons that need to be absorbed.

Taming the troublemakers: Many of the most attractive tangs are the most difficult to keep. Phil Hunt explains more. 20 marines to avoid!: Scott Michael identifies 20 fish and invertebrates that for various reasons should remain in oceans rather than move to living rooms… Frequently asked questions on Ultra low nutrient systems: Want to know more about ULNS? Eric Michael Sanchez has some answers that may help. Keeping it clean!: Pond filters have clearly defined functions, but different types do them in different ways. Keith Holmes looks at the options available.

Tried and Tested: News, views and opinions on the latest fishkeeping gadgets, including an exclusive head-to-head review of the new Fluval Edge and the biOrb Life. News: The latest news and expert analysis from the world of fishkeeping. Your tanks: We take an in-depth look at Aaron North and James Maslin’s tanks. Subscribe!: Get a free Fluval E series heater worth £38 when you subscribe to Practical Fishkeeping. Winning Team: Hagen’s club pages. Next month:What’s in store in the next issue of your favourite magazine. Tailpiece: News and views from the PFK office.

Source: Practical Fishkeeping