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.

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.