article archives
Below you will find features from past TFH Magazine issues. To find previous years, please use the links at the left.
Mycobacteriosis, the Stealth Disease
Author: Diana Walstad
A look at “MB,” a common, highly contagious, and incurable bacterial fish disease, and some steps that can be taken to prevent its outbreak.
Raising Sepia bandensis: From Hatchling to Breeding Adult
Author: Jennifer Saitz
A marine biologist with a love for cuttlefish gives an account of how she successfully raised her Sepia bandensis hatchlings to maturity.
Cuttlefish Husbandry
Author: Colin Dunlop
Considered the ultimate invertebrates by their fans, the otherworldly cuttlefish make great pets for those willing to meet their very specific needs.
Aquarium Science: Husbandry of the Nautilus: Aspects of its Biology, Behavior, and Care
Author: Adam Daw and Gregory Jeff Barord
A scientific look at the unusual nautiluses, including their eating habits, reproduction, and famously unique anatomy.
Octopuses I Have Known
Author: Carol Sauer
The author recalls the many pet octopuses she has had over the years, each with their own distinct and interesting personalities.TFH Turns 55!
Author: David Boruchowitz
TFH celebrates 55 years of informing and entertaining the aquarium hobby with the most accurate, engaging, and up-to-date information available.
So You Want to Keep an Octopus...
Author: Nancy King
Octopuses exhibit intriguing behavior, surprising intelligence, and incredible shape- and color-changing abilities in the aquarium—as well as tragically short lifespans.
Hope Along the Rio Negro Part 3: The Joy of Wet Nets
Author: Randy Carey
In the third installment of a series detailing his journey of discovery, the author describes the thrill of collecting aquatic jewels along the Rio Negro.
Fishes at the Rainbow’s End: An Introduction to Rainbowfish and Silversides
Author: Neale Monks, PhD
The peaceful and attractive rainbowfish and silversides can add beauty and interest to harder, more alkaline freshwater systems.
Mastering Substrate in the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
The aquatic plant layout master explains the key role of substrate composition in the long-term maintenance of the planted aquascape.
Hawks in My Aquarium
Author: Bob Goemans
So-named for their habit of perching on rocks and corals waiting to ambush their prey, hawkfish are among the most interesting fishes for the reef aquarium.
The Habits of Successful Tropical Fish Hobbyists [Part 2]
Author: Mike Hellweg
The second part of the veteran aquarist’s series on helpful fishkeeping habits examines nitrate control, water parameters, aquatic plants, hobbyist networking, and more.Special Supplement to TFH Magazine: ALA Convention 2006 Official Program
Author: Staff
American Livebearer Association Convention program pp.111 through 116 of this issue.
How Dr. Joanne Norton Helped Me Pass Algebra
Author: Bill Allen
In the year 1968, a young hobbyist’s algebra grade is saved by reading legendary livebearer breeder and geneticist Dr. Joanne Norton’s articles in TFH.
Something Completely Different: Nomorhamphus ebrardtii, the Orange-Finned Halfbeak
Author: Mike Hellweg
The orange-finned halfbeak might be a hard-to-find “oddball,” but its spectacular coloration, ease of care, and interesting behavior make it well worth seeking out.
The Aquarium Hobby in Hawai‘i: An Update 39 Years Later
Author: Glenn Y. Takeshita
A veteran livebearer expert who first reported on the fishkeeping hobby in Hawai’i in the late 1960s gives an up-to-date perspective on the changes that have occurred over the years.
Around The Volta in 14 Days
Author: Tony Pinto
The author journeys to the Volta region of Ghana to find the Ghana killifish Fundulosoma (Nothobranchius) thierryi, encountering surprises—both good and bad—along the way.
Maintaining the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
Plant trimming and algae control are two of the main keys to keeping the Nature Aquarium layout healthy and beautiful over the long term.
Betta patoti, the Tiger Betta
Author: Colin Dunlop
This large, mouthbrooding, peach-colored, tiger-striped betta may well be the ideal species for the dedicated wild betta fan looking for something a little out of the ordinary.
A Look at Some Groupers & Hinds
Author: James W. Fatherree
Planning on keeping a grouper in that 75-gallon marine setup? Think again! Some members of the subfamily Epinephelinae grow to several feet long—find out which can be successfully kept, and what their minimum requirements are.
A Review of Fundulopanchax gardneri
Author: Anthony C. Terceira
With a Focus on Maintenance and Population Variability The author outlines the complex history and classification of this popular killifish, with a focus on optimal living conditions, breeding, and its widely variable populations.
AFISH Convention 2007
Author: Claudia Dickinson
The first convention of the Aquarium Federation of Independent Societies and Hobbyists (AFISH) succeeded in bringing aquarists of all backgrounds together to share their thoughts, experiences, and knowledge about keeping fish and aquariums.
After the Monsoon: Fish of the Emerald Forests of Thailand
Author: Stan Sung
Journey with fish collector extraordinaire Stan Sung through the jungles, swamps, and streams of Thailand as he explores the habitat for various fishes and other wildlife.
AKA Convention Schedule
Author: N/A
Welcome to this year’s American Killifish Association (AKA) Convention in Syracuse, New York! Workshops, fish sales, and special guest speakers—what more could a killie fanatic ask for?
ALA Convention Schedule
Author: N/A
Livebearer lovers unite! Check out the lineup of fun-filled, fascinating, and educational events, speakers, and programs planned for this year’s gathering.
Aquarama 2007
Author: Dick Au
Singapore’s Aquarama 2007 featured 200 exhibitors alongside fish competitions featuring discus, dragonfish, goldfish, bettas, guppies, with other fascinating fishes and aquarium setups on display.
Aquarium Science
Author: Jean H. Huber
Procatopus Websteri: A New Species of Lampeye Killifish from Akaka Camp, Western Gabon (Teleostei: Poeciliidae: Aplocheilichthyinae), Exhibiting Similarities of Pattern and Morphology with Another Sympatric Lampeye Species, Aplocheilichthys Spilauchen
Aquarium Science- Apistogramma wapisana RÖMER, HAHN, & CONRAD 2006: A new species of the genus Apistogramma (Perciformes: Cichlidae) from the Roraima state, Brazil
Author: Anthony Conrad
A species description of the dwarf cichlid Apistogramma wapisana from Brazil.
Aquarium Science- Lyretail Swordtail Genetics
Author: Glenn Y. Takeshita
Master livebearer breeder Glenn Takeshita describes his attempt to produce a homozygous lyretail swordtail that throws 100% lyretail young.
Aquarium Science: Freshwater Fishes of Sumatra: From Rivers to Research
Author: Justin Havird
The freshwater fishes from Sumatra, popular among aquarists, are the subjects of one of the author’s first hands-on experiences in taxonomy.
Aquarium Science: Hatchery Production of the Spine-Cheek Anemone Fish Premnas biaculeatus (Bloch 1790)
Author: Dr. K. Madhu, Dr. Rema Madhu, and G. Gopakumar
The authors, scientists at the Marine Hatchery of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala, India, report on their successful captive breeding of Premnas biaculeatus.
Aquarium Science: Palytoxin and You: How and Why to Avoid a Deadly Zoanthid Toxin
Author: Nicholas Violand
If you’ve never heard of palytoxin, you need to know it’s a seriously dangerous substance found in some ornamental reef polyps—read about how this toxin kills, and why you’re always better safe than sorry.
Aquariums in Architecture- A Really Big Reef Tank: Red Bank Veterinary Hospital’s 2000-gallon Circular Reef
Author: Nicholas Violand
Our Editorial Assistant reports on his visit to this massive cylindrical display, and gives us a behind-the-scenes look as well.
Aquatic Accent Plants in the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
The legendary artist of the aquascape explains how mid-level plantings and accent plants help to unify the foreground, middle ground, and background of a high-tech planted layout.
Aspect Ratio and Perspective in the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
The planted-tank maestro takes a look at how length-to-height ratio, tank depth, and substrate and plant layout can be vital in establishing an eye-catching layout.
Betta krataios: The Strong Betta
Author: Colin Dunlop
After obtaining a mysterious pair of fish labeled only as “Betta sp.,” the author started to research their true identity, and they spawned in the meantime!
Beyond Species Preservation: A Contribution by Killie Nuts to the General Hobby
Author: David E. Boruchowitz
TFH’s Editor in Chief takes a look at what makes divergent fish populations special, and why killie nuts’ devotion to their preservation has proven a good attitude for many other aquarists.
Binomial Nomenclature: A Primer
Author: Donna M. Recktenwalt
This crash course in the foreign roots, vocabulary, and structure of scientific names will help make the name game a bit easier for the dedicated fishkeeper and casual taxonomist.
Breeding Danio choprai Hora 1928
Author: Dr. Karel Zahrádka
The author details his experiences with breeding the beautiful and rare Danio choprai, and includes tips on how to care for the fry.
Characins of the La Plata Basin
Author: Ivan Gonzalez and Stan Sung
Two of fishkeeping’s most dedicated explorers invite us along on an expedition to one of South America’s largest river basins, home to a large and diverse variety of tetras and other characiform fishes.
Creating a Pond Part 1: Finding a Purpose
Author: Adam Blundell, MS
In part one of his series on how to create the perfect pond, the author discusses the benefits of taking on a pondkeeping project and examines the difficulties associated with such a task.
Creating a Pond Part 2: Planning and Construction
Author: Adam Blundell, MS
If you feel that a pond is in your future, be sure you understand some of the requirements of building a pond before you start digging the hole.
Creating an Iwagumi Layout in the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
The world-famous aquascape artist reveals his method for re-creating the aesthetic of a Japanese rock garden in the planted aquarium.
Danios Ahoy!
Author: Phil Purser
Though somewhat underrated in the aquarium hobby, a school of danios can really add some life and beauty to most setups.
Daphnia Revealed
Author: Joshua Wiegert
Heard about the benefits of feeding your fish daphnia but having a tough time finding it on store shelves? Find out about the different species of waterfleas and how to start and maintain healthy cultures to feed your fish.
Desert Gobies: A Forgotten Treasure
Author: Shannon Fought
A look at the care requirements and breeding habits of the desert goby Chlamydogobius eremius, an unusual staple aquarium fish in the 1950s that has been all but forgotten throughout the years.
Driftwood and Stem Plant Composition in the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
Planted tank artist extraordinaire Takashi Amano details the use of driftwood and stem plants in the composition of lush aquatic layouts.Earth Day Special: Get TFH Digital for $1!
Author: TFH
In honor of Earth Day, Tropical Fish Hobbyist is offering a 1-year subscription to our digital version for only $1. Act now - this offer only lasts 24 hours! Call 1-888-859-9034, visit our subscription page and enter promo code EDAY, or send an email to customersupport@tfh.com with your name and phone number, and a representative will contact you.
FBAS Festival of Fishkeeping 2007
Author: Iggy Tavares
A recap of the U.K.’s Federation of British Aquarist Societies (FBAS) Festival, a fun-filled event featuring beautiful koi, goldfish, discus, and many other fish in numerous competitions and shows.
Fish Surgery
Author: Craig Adams, DVM
TFH’s resident aquatic vet helps a former show koi get “back on his fins” through the use of veterinary surgical techniques applied to our underwater friends.
Flying Fish: The Amazing Story of How Fish Get to Your Local Fish Store
Author: David Lass
An in-depth look at the origins of your tropical fish and the journeys they sometimes make before arriving in the tanks of your local fish shop.
From Goldfish Bowl to Planted Discus Tank: My Life With Fish
Author: Andy Rich
A veteran fish hobbyist and plant entrepreneur relates his lifetime experiences, from a modest childhood goldfish bowl to an elaborate and effective hi-tech planted discus setup.
Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish Dendrochirus brachypterus
Author: Bobby Jason Watson
After purchasing a fuzzy dwarf lionfish for his aquarium, the author learned quite a bit about this popular species—including the fact that they make great pets.
Getting Hooked on Killies
Author: Carl Peterson
For some of us, there’s a single type of fish we hold above all others. This is a chronicle of one man’s initial encounter—and lifelong love—of killifish.
Give Your Mini-Reef a Bit of the Bubbly
Author: Jeff Kurtz
The attractive and exotic-looking bubble corals can lend a dramatic beauty to a mini reef, but some care and planning is required for them—and their tankmates—to thrive.
Going from Fresh…to Salt
Author: Tom Lorenz
There are several important considerations that must be made when an aquarist decides to try a saltwater tank after spending some time in the freshwater side of the hobby.
Going Reptilian: An Aquarist’s Introduction to Turtles
Author: Paul Demas
Turtles can make fascinating and endearing aquarium residents, but their care requirements are much different than those of other aquatic pets—and very important to follow.
Hope Along the Rio Negro Part 4: The Hobby That Gives
Author: Randy Carey
In the latest installment of his eye-opening series on the tropical fish trade along the Rio Negro, the inquiring traveler discusses crucial issues facing the people and places behind some of our most popular aquarium fishes.
How It All Begins…
Author: Nathan Berman
Third-grader Nathan Berman hasn’t been an aquarist for very long, but after breeding his African cichlids he has already experienced the allure of fishkeeping.
How to Start and Maintain a Nano Reef
Author: Nicholas Violand
TFH’s inquiring editorial intern equips, sets up, and stocks a nano reef tank, gaining valuable insight into the current nano craze and learning a few key lessons along the way.
Hunting for Wild Bettas in Northern Borneo
Author: Lo Shiang Huei (Michael Lo)
The author ventures into the dark and mysterious jungles of his homeland in search of legendary wild fighting fish.
Hyphessobrycon columbianus, a Tetra of a Different Color
Author: Phil Purser
These colorful little tetras are simple to keep, yet stunning—a perfect addition to most community aquariums.
In Memoriam: Jacques Géry (March 12, 1917 – June 15, 2007)
Author: Heiko Bleher
A tribute to one of the aquarium hobby’s greats—an ichthyologist, characin expert, noted surgeon, and dear friend whose legacy lives on in our greater understanding of some of the most popular aquarium fishes.
In Search of the Peaceful Puffer
Author: Neale Monks
The puppy-dog looks and playful demeanors of the pufferfishes belie a notorious reputation for nipping, territoriality, and aggression—are any of them peaceful enough for a community tank?
International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest 2007
Author:
The top Nature Aquarium-style planted tanks in the world are chosen, and we have the results!
Invasive Species and the Aquarist
Author: Tom Lorenz
The spread of invasive species throughout the world is a serious problem; understanding the issue and possible solutions is an important step toward saving the diversity and health of our planet.
Iwagumi Layouts Based on Rock Characteristics in the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
The aquatic-plant master explains how unique characteristics of rocks from different environments can make for breathtaking—and varied—iwagumi “rock-garden” aquascapes.
Knee Deep in the Kapuas
Author: Tony Pinto
Kuching, Pontianak, Kuala Lumpur. The author’s exotic and complex itinerary is matched only by the variety of species encountered. From catfish to bettas, you’ll never know what aquatic gems you might bring home from the Kapuas.
Livebearing in Miniature: A Closer Look at Five Tiny Livebearing Fish
Author: Mike Hellweg
“Bigger is better” does not apply here! Heading up our special section to celebrate the 2008 American Livebearer Association (ALA) Convention is a look at some of the smallest fish in the hobby from a premiere aquarist/breeder.
Loaches: Riverine Acrobats of the Orient, Part 1
Author: Stan Sung
A look at the many beautiful, playful, and intelligent loach species available in the hobby, with a discussion of their differing degrees of suitability for the home aquarium.
Loaches: Riverine Acrobats of the Orient, Part 2
Author: Stan Sung
In part 2 of his series, the intrepid explorer/collector continues his overview of the sociable and energetic jesters of the freshwater aquarium hobby.
Loaches: Riverine Acrobats of the Orient, Part 3
Author: Stan Sung
The final installment of explorer extraordinaire Stan Sung’s overview of the various loach species found throughout the Far East.
Maintaining an Iwagumi Layout in the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
The master of the artfully planted tank divulges his secrets to keeping up with—and re-imagining—a rock-based planted aquascape.
Maintaining Shade-Loving Plants in the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
The genius of the planted aquascape discusses the upkeep of ferns, mosses, and other shade-loving plants for the long-term enjoyment of the Nature Aquarium layout.
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus: A colorful butterfly for the Aquarium
Author: Radek Bednarczuk
With their elegant colors and peaceful temperament, Bolivian rams are like the butterflies of the fishkeeping hobby
Mission Impossible? The Search for the Community Tank Oddball
Author: Neale Monks
On a mission to find a perfect oddball for the community tank, the author examines the “intel” on several likely and unusual candidates.
Monster Cats
Author: Arthur Masloski
A cautionary tale of some catfish species aquarists may encounter in the aquarium hobby, but which should be avoided by most fishkeepers because of the monster sizes they can reach.
Moray Eels Bite—But Are They Poisonous?
Author: Marco Lichtenberger
Moray eels have been known to snap at their keepers, so learning about the prevention and treatment of their bites is essential for those who want to safely house these creatures in the home aquarium.
Multi-Colored Inhabitants of Our Aquaria:The Care and Keeping of the Genus Thorichthys
Author: Radek Bednarczuk
Small size, mild aggression, and beautiful coloration make the Thorichthys cichlids worthy of consideration for most home aquarium setups.
My Experience with a Mimic Octopus Thaumoctopus mimicus
Author: Barry Wisebram
After taking home a rare mimic octopus for the first time, the author shares the many thrills and heartaches he experienced while getting to know this fascinating animal.
Oto Pilot: Buying, Keeping, & Breeding Otocinclus Catfish
Author: Gary A. MacDonald
Oto cats, often somewhat misunderstood by hobbyists, are endearing little creatures that make an exceptional addition to most planted tanks if chosen, introduced, and cared for properly.
Parental Care Behavior of the Red-backed Paradisefish Macropodus erythropterus
Author: Nick Kalodimos
The day-to-day spawning and broodcare habits of this new and exciting anabantoid are chronicled, with a focus on the risks presented by the male to both his mate and their fry.
Pike Cichlids of the Wild South
Author: Ivan Gonzalez and Stan Sung
Pike cichlids of the genus Crenicichla display colorful and dimorphic breeding suits and provide extremely protective parental care, making them fascinating to watch, both in the aquarium and in the wild.
Prepping Your Pond for Winter
Author: Laura Muha
In this month’s Skeptical Fishkeeper column Laura Muha talk to experts about the best ways to keep your outdoor pond and its inhabitants alive and well during the chilly winter months.
Proper CO2 Injection for Light-Loving Plants in the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
The celebrated aquatic plant maestro shares his techniques for using CO2 to obtain optimal plant growth in the Nature Aquarium layout.
Questions and Answers: A Retrospective and Farewell
Author: DIck Stratton
After serving as TFH’s question-and-answer man for more than a quarter of a century, Dick Stratton looks back on his career and recalls some of the more memorable moments.
Red Cherry Shrimp
Author: Paul Demas
Red cherry shrimp colorful, peaceful, and easy to keep, but perhaps best of all, they will enthusiastically eat algae without harming your aquarium plants!
Searching for Tefé Discus in the Brazilian Amazon
Author: Shannon Loughnan
The author explores the mysterious and beautiful Amazon River Basin, coming into contact with several different species, including some magnificent discus.
Seek and Ye Shall Find: How to Research Your Fish
Author: Craig Sernotti
Confused about the keeping requirements of that neat new fish at your local shop? Found some conflicting advice online? Do a little investigative research with help from T.F.H. Publications’ inquiring Aquatics Book Editor.
Still Impossible After All These Years: Keeping Moorish Idols
Author: Kieron Dodds
The Moorish idol is a beautiful fish that tempts many aquarists to try keeping it in home aquariums, but as the author demonstrates, it’s still an impossible task
Stings of the Scorpaenids
Author: James W. Fatherree, MSc
One of the traits that make lionfish and other scorpaenids seem so exotic is their venomous spines, but before obtaining these dangerous fish, aquarists should know how to prevent and treat their stings.
Success with a Holy Grail: Corydoras weitzmani
Author: Dr. Karel Zahrádka
The dedicated hobbyist/breeder, a medical doctor in his native Czech republik, details his experience spawning a rare and beautiful cory catfish.
The -ino Factor
Author: Glenn Takeshita
What do you call that red-eyed yellow (or black or red) fish? This author proposes a naming system to simplify some common variations on albinism.
The Aquatic Aroid Cryptocoryne and Its Habitats in Malaysian Borneo
Author: Lo Shiang Huei (Michael Lo)
The author, a native of Malaysian Borneo, details his experiences collecting the many species of Cryptocoryne growing wild in the waterways of his homeland.
The Banjo Cats
Author: Chris Ralph
Some of the more unusual-looking specimens to ever grace a freshwater aquarium, what the banjo catfishes lack in looks they make up for with their interesting characteristics and behavior.
The Clown of Killies: Epiplatys annulatus
Author: Mike Hellweg
The colorful stripes of the clown killie, coupled with its miniature size, make it great for smaller setups. Here an expert aquarist gives us all the essentials for this species, from maintenance to spawning.
The Extreme Planted Nano
Author: Robert Paul Hudson
With a little ingenuity and expertise, some creative aquarists are putting together extremely small planted nano aquariums.
The Mud King: Echinodorus cordifolius
Author: Phillip Brown
A look at the different varieties of Echinodorus cordifolius, a large-growing focal point for the planted aquarium.
The Skeptical Fishkeeper: Prepping Your Pond for Winter
Author: Jeff Kurtz
In this month’s Skeptical Fishkeeper column Laura Muha talk to experts about the best ways to keep your outdoor pond and its inhabitants alive and well during the chilly winter months.
The Status of Fish in the Philippines: A Hobbyist’s Perspective
Author: David Gamble
In his travels to the Philippines, a long-time aquarium hobbyist visits local fish farms and pet shops to learn something about the current status of fish in the country.
The Tail of Two Platies
Author: Charles Clapsaddle
The plumetail is back in fashion for one of our favorite hardy livebearers. Read about how this veteran breeder introduced this unique characteristic into his existing stock of platies.
The Wild Fighting Fishes of Borneo’s Kapuas River Basin
Author: Lo Shiang Huei (Michael Lo)
The author battles the blazing hot sun, pouring rain, and dense forests to collect various Betta species (and other fishes) from the Kapuas River basin in Borneo
The Wonderful World of Plastic Plants: Not Just for Beginners
Author: Paul Demas
These days plastic plants look so realistic that even expert hobbyists might want to consider using them to create a natural-looking, low-maintenance, and inedible aquascape in the home aquarium.
Top 10 for the 10-Gallon Tank
Author: Neale Monks
The author, a veteran in the fishkeeping hobby, details 10 species that make excellent inhabitants for the popular—but seldom properly stocked—10-gallon tank.
Tres Amigos: Three Texas Livebearing Fishes
Author: Bill Allen
In honor of the ALA Convention’s Texas locale this year, a lifelong fishkeeper and ALA luminary discusses three native American livebearers that are found in the Lone Star
Trimming to Refine the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
The planted tank virtuoso shares his method for trimming plants in the Nature Aquarium to both maintain and improve the layout over time.
Two Gems of the Genus Gymnogeophagus
Author: Radek Bednarczuk
Both Gymnogeophagus meridionalis and G. rhabdotus are beautiful eartheaters that make great additions to the home aquarium, but can be a challenge due to their periodic water-cooling requirements.
Undergrowth and Its Maintenance in the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
Aquascaping expert Takashi Amano addresses ways to grow and maintain the shortest aquatic plants, known as “undergrowth,” in a Nature Aquarium layout.
Venomous Beauties: A Look at Scorpionfishes in the Home Aquarium
Author: Daniel Pomfret
Many aquarists have long been intrigued with the beautiful and dangerous scorpionfishes, and with the proper care and guidance they can make a striking display in the home aquarium.
When the Hobby Gets Out of Hand: A Look Into the House of a Fish Nut
Author: David Lass
The author, a self-proclaimed fish nut who transformed his home into a fish-filled paradise, gives us a glimpse at just how addicting this hobby can be.
