Fishkeepers the world over struck gold with the introduction of the small colourful rock dwelling cichlids from East Africa’s Lake Malawi. The mbuna as they are known (pronounced mmm-boon-a or mu-boon ...

When Takashi Amano introduced the Yamato numa shrimp to his planted tanks in the early 1990s, he revolutionised natural algae control. This see-through, unassuming freshwater shrimp eats algae ...

Gravel, sand, specialist planting substrates - there's a lot of choice out there when it comes to what to put at the bottom of your tank. Matt Clarke answers some frequently asked questions about ...

Salt has been scientifically proven to have a number of benefits. Matt Clarke scours the journals and speaks to industry experts for the latest on the subject. Many people are very anti-salt. Why is ...

It look the influence of an article published in his own magazine to prompt editor Jeremy Gay to set up a mini Rift Lake in his lounge. I’ve long been a fan of African cichlids, but after reading Ad ...

Scientific name: Aphyosemion striatum (Aff-e-o-see-me-on stry-ar-tum). Size: 5–6cm/2–2.2in. Lifespan: Around two years. Ease of keeping: No problem for competent fishkeepers and a perfect introduction ...

Easily distinguished from other glassfish, the Humphead has qualities but also attitude. Choose tankmates with care, warns Dr Neale Monks. Described as recently as 2003, the Humphead glassfish has ...

It’s said that all fish carry the whitespot parasite and that when fish are stressed, their immune systems are affected and, like us, are much more vulnerable. A major cause, especially in the winter ...

Many new hobbyists have problems keeping plants in their tanks because they've been sold non-aquatic ones. Jeremy Gay explains more. I can travel the length and breadth of the country and bet that ...

Matt Clarke answers some of the most common questions on choosing an aquarium filter. Why do I need a filter? A filter is essential for removing wastes produced by fish. Without one, the water would ...

George Farmer decides it's finally time to aquascape his first Dutch-style planted tank and discovers it's not as easy as it seems... I’m a fan of the nature style of aquascaping and the use of wood ...