Introduction Since even a small amount of material can be difficult for a newcomer in any field to digest and retain, the novice aquarist may wish to read only the “Good First Fish” section to begin with. Then, while consulting a good beginner’s book (the most essential item for any novice aquarist to [...]

Water Hardness Most snails do best in harder/alkaline water. If the hardness/ph drops below a certain point, their shells will start to dissolve and/or grow improperly (the behavior seems to be based on species). Malaysian trumpet snails seem the hardiest, showing little adverse effect from soft water. The Ramshorn snails shell will start to [...]

Blue-green, slime or smear algae Grows rapidly in blue-green, slimy sheets. Spreads rapidly over almost everything and usually indicates poor water quality. However, blue-green algae can fix nitrogen and may be seen in aquariums with extremely low nitrates. Sometimes seen in small quantities between the substrate and aquarium sides. Will smother and [...]

The silver dollar (Metynnis argenteus) is a tropical fish belonging to the Characidae family which is closely related to pirahna and pacú. Originating in the Tapajós River basin in South America, this somewhat round-shaped silver fish with slight red-tinged anal fin is mostly found in tanks kept by fish-keeping hobbyists. It will grow to a [...]

The Common Hatchetfish or River Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) is a tropical fish belonging to the Freshwater Hatchetfish family (Gasteropelecidae). Originating in the South America in the Peruvian and middle Amazon, the Guianas and Venezuela, it grows to about 2.5 inches (6.5 cm). The fish gets its name from its relatively large protruding belly which resembles [...]

The Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus) is a freshwater fish of the characin family (family Characidae) of order Characiformes.[1] [2] The type species of its genus, it is native to the Nearctic ecozone, originating in the lower Rio Grande and the Neueces and Pecos Rivers in Texas as well as the central and eastern parts of [...]

Species name: Hyphessobrycon Flammeus Synonym: Hyphessobrycon flammeus Common name: Flame Tetra / Von Rio Tetra Family: Characidae Order: Cypriniformes Class: Actinopterygii Maximum size: 5 cm / 2 inches Environment: freshwater Origin: South America Temperament: Peaceful Company: Hyphessobrycon Flammeus (Flame Tetra) is suitable for community aquariums. Water parameters: Temperature 24-27°C / 75-79°F; pH 6.0 – 8.0 Aquarium setup: Hyphessobrycon Flammeus (Flame Tetra) prefers a well planted aquariums with [...]

The Colombian Tetra comes from Colombia. It is also know as the “Columbian” Tetra, the Blue-Red Columbian and the Red Tail Mirror Blue Tetra. It was known by the scientific name Hyphessobrycon ecuadoriensis and more recently as Hyphessobrycon columbianus, which more accurately describes its Colombian origin. It has only been available in pet stores since [...]

Corydoras paleatus was introduced in aquaria in 1876. The first reproduction in aquarium was realized in 1878 by Carbonnier. The natural environment is in south-east Brazil, from La Plata to Argentina, where it lives in slow motion waters. The male reaches 5 cm length and it has a higher and sharper dorsal fin than the female. [...]

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