Mollies and other Livebearers have been a staple in aquariums for many years. They’re usually purchased in an aquarium store, catching the eye of fish-keepers with their rainbow of colors and fancy finnage. Many fish-keepers are unaware that most of these retail Mollies are actually hybrids of several wild Molly species, selectively bred for elaborate […]
Welfare Weekend: Big Fish Campaign Educates Fish-Keepers
‘Monster Fish’ is a term used by aquarium enthusiasts for fish that grow so large they can’t be kept in most home aquariums. They’re commonly sold as small fish, often to inexperienced fish-keepers who have no idea how large they’ll get. The Big Fish Campaign is determined to change that through proactive education.
Can Freshwater Aquarium Fish Eat Vegetables?
Herbivorous and Omnivorous fish, shrimp, and aquatic snails often enjoy household vegetables in their diet. Some omnivores require more vegetation in their diet than others, such as Mollies, Rainbowfish and Apple Snails. Freshwater fish that are primarily herbivorous, such as common Bristlenose Catfish (Ancistrus sp.) and Oto’s (Otocinclus sp.), should be fed a diet based […]
Increase or Decrease Freshwater Aquarium pH Naturally ©
Fish keepers and tropical fish breeders often worry about their aquarium’s pH because requirements vary among species. This can lead to them frantically dumping in expensive bottled solutions, baking soda, or vinegar. Unfortunately, that usually results in spikes and crashes that will kill your pet fish. The number one rule of pH adjustment is if […]
Welfare Weekend: Wild Release of Unwanted Aquarium Pets ©
According to an article published by the American Institute of Biological Sciences, a total of 138 alien fish species have been introduced into the United States (Courtenay, 1997). Forty-four native species of fish are threatened or endangered by alien-invasive fish (Wilcove and Bean, 1994). An additional 27 native fish species are also negatively affected by […]
Welfare Weekend: 3 Groups Of Fish That Are Cruel to Keep in Your Aquarium ©
When we walk into a fish store we expect to find a selection of beautiful, healthy fish for our aquarium. Unfortunately, some of those fish endure cruel processes or practices that we aren’t informed of. Not only do they cause the fish to suffer, they also shorten its lifespan and leave it more vulnerable to […]
Environmentally-Friendly (and Frugal) Fish-Keeping ©
To celebrate Earth Day, we’ve come up with a list of tips for environmentally-friendly fish-keeping. As a bonus, many of these suggestions will also reduce the cost involved with having aquariums. 🙂 Leaking aquariums can be resealed or reused as reptile habitats, terrariums, garden seedling shelters, etc. Sell, donate or swap equipment that you no […]
Natural First Aid for Pets – External Applications of Montmorillonite Clay ©
We’ve covered a lot of information regarding Calcium Montmorillonite Clay (AKA bentonite / smectite) for internal use, including its function as a natural mineral supplement (over 60 macro/micro/trace mineral elements), antibacterial, detoxifier (radiation, aflatoxin, etc.), cleansing, internal parasite control, digestive aid, pH balance, prebiotic, allergy treatment, and so on. In honor of Pet First Aid […]
The Natural Diet of Omni-Insectivorous Aquarium Fish
Most fish commonly found in aquariums eat insects in the wild to one degree or another, including Livebearers, Rainbowfish, Tetras, Killifish, Betta, Gourami, Hatchetfish, and many species of Cichlids (such as Apistogramma & Convicts). Insectivorous fish primarily feed on aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, insect larvae and pupae. They may actively hunt insects by jumping out […]
Natural Prevention and Treatment of Aquarium Fish Parasites
Information about natural treatments for aquarium fish diseases and parasites is tough to find, due to a lack of scientific study (although this is improving with the demand for organically farmed fish). It’s also more complicated than it is with other pets because tolerance levels can vary between the many species. However, there are some […]