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.