article archives
Below you will find features from past TFH Magazine issues. To find previous years, please use the links at the left.
The British Killifish Association Convention 2008
Author: Iggy Tavares
Our UK correspondent attended the annual BKA Convention to see some prize-winning killifish, meet with killifish keepers from around the globe, and hear from some renowned experts who travel to exotic locations to study these rare and beautiful fish.
Hobbyist Profile: Charlie Drew and the Elusive Red Crypt
Author: Richard Sexton
Some plant species are rarely found in the hobby, and then there are some, like the giant red crypt, that hardly exist in the hobby at all. A hobbyist discusses his decades-long search to uncover the identity of the giant red crypt found almost exclusively in a single hobbyist’s home in Canada.
Keeping Groupers and Soapfish
Author: Bob Goemans
Groupers are among the largest fishes commonly kept in a home aquarium, and their relatives the soapfish are among the most difficult to keep, having the capacity to release a deadly toxin when stressed. A longtime marine aquarist relates his experiences keeping these fish and offers some cautionary advice for any hobbyist considering the challenge.
Breeding Banggai Cardinalfish: A Hobbyist’s Perspective
Author: Tomoko Schum
Surprised to learn most marine fish in the hobby are wild-caught, one aquarist undertakes her first saltwater breeding project, spawning and raising Banggai cardinalfish Pterapogon kauderni. Along the way she encounters some problems, many rewarding moments, and the ultimate satisfaction of passing the fry along to a fellow hobbyist.
Dr. Alejandro Vagelli and the Banggai Cardinalfish
Author: Shari Horowitz
Dr. Alejandro Vagelli is on the leading edge of the Banggai cardinalfish controversy after studying them at his lab in the New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences, and applying for their CITES protection. TFH’s own Associate Editor meets with Dr. Vagelli to discuss the precarious situation faced by these fish and what it will take to ensure their survival in the wild.
Book Excerpt: Mini-Aquariums
Author: David E. Boruchowitz
TFH offers a look at Mini-Aquariums, a new book about keeping the increasingly popular (and decreasingly sized) nano tanks. This condensed chapter offers advice for choosing the right invertebrates to stock a nano reef aquarium.
All You Ever Wanted to Know About CO2, Part 1
Author: Jeff Walmsley
CO2 is an essential resource for sustaining plant life, in the aquarium as well as the outside world. An experienced planted tank aficionado elaborates on the significance of CO2, explaining its role in new aquaria, the amounts required, and its relationship to various water parameters.
Cardinal Tetras in Their Natural Habitat
Author: Ivan Mikolji
Despite their universal popularity in home aquaria, the habits of Paracheirodon axelrodi in the wild largely remain a mystery. Our author dons mask, snorkel, and underwater camera to document the natural habitat and behaviors of this colorful species.
Cryptocoryne and Long-Term Maintenance in the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
One goal of the Nature Aquarium aquascaping style is to be able to enjoy your layout over the long term. The legendary aquatic plant artist discusses the use of Cryptocoryne and other slow-growing plants to keep your aquascape beautiful for years to come.
Beyond the Community: Species-Only and Colony Tanks
Author: Bill Allen
Many new hobbyists (as well as veterans) like to incorporate different types of fish into a community tank; a lifelong aquarist explains the unique benefits of resisting that instinct and creating single-species setups that permit you to raise multiple generations of one species in a colony tank.
A Short Visit to the Swamps of Peninsular Malaysia
Author: Lo Shiang Huei (Michael Lo)
A peat swamp isn’t the most attractive locale for collection, but sometimes you have to get your hands dirty (and legs wet) for some of the more fascinating species. One of TFH’s favorite explorers traverses the blackwater swamps of Malaysia for a variety of enchanting species—one of which happens to fit on the tip of your finger with plenty of room to spare!
Marine Hobbyist Profile: Mark Howarth
Author: Iggy Tavares
Our UK correspondent visits reef super-hobbyist Mark Howarth, who explains to him the ups and downs of creating his 4500-gallon, L-shaped reef system.
Cardinal Sin: The Plight of the Banggai Cardinalfish Pterapogon kauderni KOUMANS 1933
Author: Kieron Dodds
Although the Banggai cardinalfish is beautiful and easy to keep, wild-caught specimens are no longer a responsible choice, as their collection endangers not only the fish, but perhaps also the aquarium hobby itself. This month TFH looks at the peril facing Pterapogon kauderni in the wild, and what aquarists can do to help save the species by refusing to buy wild-caught stock.
Goldfish: Myths Debunked
Author: Arthur Masloski
There may be nothing more emblematic of the world of fishkeeping than a goldfish kept in a bowl, nor anything more inappropriate for the health, enjoyment, and display value of these marvelous fish. The author debunks many and varied myths revolving around the hobby’s original fish, including the complete unsuitability of that ubiquitous bowl.International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest 2008
Author: ADA
The very best Nature Aquarium style planted tanks in the world have been crowned, and we’re featuring the top 10 winners of this prestigious annual contest, held each year by Mr. Takashi Amano and his associates at Aqua Design Amano.
Lighting the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
Lighting is a fundamental yet critical aspect of the Nature Aquarium, affecting not only the health of plant life, but also its appearance and visual impact. The aquatic wizard touches upon a new generation of lighting technology and explains why the utilization of light in different spectra is necessary for optimal growth and aesthetics.
Octopuses: Things to Know Before You Buy
Author: James W. Fatherree, MSc
They’re renowned for their eight appendages and a propensity for squirting jet-black ink in a crisis, but there’s plenty more to know before keeping one of the intelligent and unusual octopuses in the home aquarium. TFH’s resident reefer explains many of the joys and challenges of keeping these fascinating creatures.
Let’s Play Darts! Marine Dartfish
Author: Daniel Pomfret
With slender bodies and fin rays that resemble flights on a dart, as well as their tendency to dart into any available retreat at the first sign of trouble, these little marines couldn’t be more appropriately named. Their interesting behaviors, colorful looks, and reef-safe habits make them a desirable addition to most saltwater setups.
The Balanced Aquarium: 21st Century Style
Author: Jeff Walmsley
It’s not just about pairing up the prettiest fish with the most vibrant plants. Learn about the current state of the balanced aquarium concept, and why factors ranging from nutrient levels to microorganism populations are the key to attaining a stable and clean ecosystem.
Half a Century of Experience with Tropheus Species: A Summary, Part 1
Author: Wolfgang Staeck
In part one of his in-depth look at the Tropheus species of Africa’s Lake Tanganyika, respected aquatic author, photographer, and fishkeeping legend Wolfgang Staeck delves into the history and habitat of these remarkable cichlids.
Cool Tiny Fish! Building Freshwater Nano Aquaria
Author: Shannon Fought
An introduction to a variety of miniature species that won’t leave any of their tankmates shaking in their fins, but rather are peaceful, colorful, and easy to maintain in smaller systems, projecting a grand presence despite their minuscule size.
Filtration for the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
Filtration is an indispensable component for maintaining the integrity and lifespan of a Nature Aquarium layout. The master aquascaper touches on the fundamentals of filtration, including techniques for larger and more complex systems.
An Oasis in the Desert: The New Public Aquarium at Arizona’s Wildlife World Zoo
Author: Kim Wagner-Hemmes
Amid the arid climate of the western United States, an aquatic wonderland is about to open. Get a sneak peek at the new public aquarium displays at Arizona’s Wildlife World Zoo.
A Marine Aquarium in Progress, Part 3: Challenges and Triumphs
Author: Jeff Kurtz
In the finale of his marine aquarium setup series, the author finds all of his hard work has paid off as his tank comes to life and he can finally enjoy watching the antics of its new inhabitants.
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.
A Look at Stony Coral Colonialism and Skeletal Form
Author: James W. Fatherree, MSc
The Reefer: June 2007
An Octopus Success
Author: Zyan Silver
It started out as a simple high school project, but by the time this young aquarist was finished learning about octopuses, he was a successful breeder!
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.
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.
Fishes at the Rainbow’s End: An Introduction to Rainbowfish and Silversides
Author: Neale Monks
The peaceful and attractive rainbowfish and silversides can add beauty and interest to harder, more alkaline freshwater systems.
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.
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 J. Barord
A scientific look at the unusual nautiluses, including their eating habits, reproduction, and famously unique anatomy.
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.
Why So Few Discus Species and How Did They Arise?
Author: Wayne S. Leibel, PhD
Cichlidophiles: June 2007
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.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.
Three Weeks South of the Border: My Mexico Livebearer Experience
Author: Rit Forcier
The Chairman of the American Livebearer Association details his fish-collecting trip to Mexico, where he found some longtime livebearer favorites in their natural habitats.
A Conservative Look at Rhinopias Scorpionfishes
Author: Brian M. Scott
Top of the Food Chain: May 2007
Two Unique Stony Corals: The Blue Coral and the Pipe Organ Coral
Author: James W. Fatherree, MSc
The Reefer: May 2007
Scats and Monos Old Favorites and New Species for the Brackish-Water Aquarium
Author: Neale Monks
While they are two very different types of fish morphologically, scats and monos have very similar requirements and get along together swimmingly in the aquarium.
Dottybacks—Choose Carefully!
Author: Bob Goemans
A colorful and mellow visage hides the aggressive truth—these popular fishes are some of the biggest bullies out there! If you don’t believe in fish with an ego, just wait until they start dominating tankmates twice their size.
Two Tiny Livebearers from Tobago
Author: Ronny Lundkvist
The author travels to the mangroves and wetlands of Tobago in his attempt to track down the guppies Poecilia reticulata and Micropoecilia picta. Upon returning home, he makes some interesting observations on their breeding.
Aquarium Catfish of the Uruguayan Outback, Part 2
Author: Ivan Gonzalez and Stan Sung
Picking up where our bold explorers left off last month, we present the second half of their adventurous look at the indigenous catfish species of Uruguay. Just watch out for those trichomycterids....
Out of the Blue! Breeding the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey
Author: Harry Piken
Knowing how to get electric blue Dempseys is just the first step, and these delicate fish offer several challenges. Successfully producing blue fry tests the author’s mettle, but he finally gets the winning combination.
A TFH Exclusive: The First Live Pictures of Pristobrycon careospinus
Author: Ivan Mikolji
TFH is proud to present the first and only known photographs of a living Pristobrycon careospinus! Follow the author on his journey through a thick veil of horseflies and into the jungle darkness to track down this elusive Venezuelan piranha.
Creating a Nature Aquarium Layout with a Delicate Impression
Author: Takashi Amano
Some may prefer a bold presentation in their planted tank, but a more subtle touch can be just as striking. Utilizing his vast talents, the renowned aquarium artist presents a new technique to create a more finely detailed Nature Aquarium layout.
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.
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.
Spring Ponds Part 2: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Author: Laura Muha
The Skeptical Fishkeeper: April 2007
Better Betta-Keeping
Author: Philip A. Purser
While many are content with keeping their betta in a small unheated bowl, these beautiful fish look better and live healthier lives in proper setups.
Pocket-sized Pikes
Author: Neale Monks
With their stealthy habits and sleek appearances, these miniature pike-like predators are fascinating aquarium subjects—and natural-born killers!
A Scientific, Economic, and Common-Sense Approach to Brine Shrimp Hatching
Author: Gary Lange and Mike Hellweg
The authors explore the theories and practicalities of brine shrimp hatching, using their own research to test previously published reports.
The Habits of Successful Tropical Fish Hobbyists (Part 1)
Author: Mike Hellweg
The authors explore the theories and practicalities of brine shrimp hatching, using their own research to test previously published reports.
Gobies in My Aquarium
Author: Bob Goemans
A look at gobies, peaceful and interesting little marine fishes that adapt well to captive systems, making them excellent reef aquarium fish.
Hope Along the Rio Negro Part 2: Rising Waters
Author: Randy Carey
In the second part of his series, the author discusses his experiences with the high waters, flooded forests, and floating meadows of the Amazonian rainy season.
Fertilizers in the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
Liquid fertilizers and nutritive substrates are essential to growing healthy and beautiful aquatic plants in the Nature Aquarium layout.
Antibiotics can help save the lives of some of our favorite pet fishes, but these powerful medicines must be used correctly to be safe and effective.
Author: Craig Adams, MS, DVM
Antibiotics can help save the lives of some of our favorite pet fishes, but these powerful medicines must be used correctly to be safe and effective.
Trachyphyllia geoffroyi and the ex-Wellsophyllia radiata
Author: James W. Fatherree, MSc
The Reefer: March 2007
Cast-Iron Beauty: An Antique J.W. Fiske Aquarium
Author: Joseph R. Pawlik
The author details his finding, purchase, and restoration of an impressive antique cast-iron aquarium built more than 100 years ago.
Forgotten Fish Old-timers with Plenty to Offer
Author: Neale Monks
The tetras, barbs, and gouramis that were popular in the “good old days” of the fishkeeping hobby still make beautiful and interesting aquarium specimens today.The Percula Queen: A Successful Woman in the Marine Ornamental Trade
Author: Ronet Santos and Jonathan Nacario, Marine Aquarium Council, Philippines
MAC News: March 2007
The Clemenciae Contradiction: Has This Orphan Swordtail Finally Found a Home?
Author: Ted Coletti
Livebearers Unlimited: March 2007The Making of an Aquarium—100 Years Ago
Author: Albert J. Klee, Ph.D
A glimpse into the late-Nineteenth-Century aquarium hobby as seen through the pages of a February 1899 Ladies’ Home Journal article on a do-it-yourself aquarium building project.
The Dwarf Puffer: A Pleasant Little Surprise
Author: Mike Hellweg
With a perfect mix of charm, intelligence, and spunk, the dwarf puffers from India’s Pamba River are fascinating creatures to keep—and breed—in the home aquarium.
Wrasses in My Aquarium
Author: Bob Goemans
An experienced fishkeeper’s look at the various wrasses that he has encountered over the years, as well as some advice for keeping them happy and healthy in the marine aquarium.
Aquarium Lilies
Author: Jonathan Fung
A look at some of the beautiful lilies and lily-like plants for the aquarium, as well as some tips on making them an attractive and functional element in your aquascape.
Hope Along the Rio Negro Part 1: The View from Manaus
Author: Randy Carey
The first installment of a series looking at the Amazon ornamentals fishery and its impact on the native peoples along the Rio Negro.View from the Top
Author: Phillip J. Brown
The very image of an aquarium today conjures up a rectangular box with a lid. Though this might suit our modern ideas and our box-shaped rooms, an aquarium can be round or octagonal or any other shape that modern glass, and in particular acrylic, can create.
Maintaining Water Quality in the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
The world-renowned aquatic plant maestro discusses the importance of water quality in the Nature Aquarium and suggests ways to keep your parameters up to par.
Spawning the Banggai Cardinal
Author: Jack Agliata
While the mouthbrooding Banggai cardinals Pterapogon kauderni are easy to spawn by marine fish standards, the author’s work in progress shows that raising the fry is no cakewalk.
Breeding Hemichromis lifalili
Author: Dan Woodland
The author offers his account of breeding and raising up the fry of the colorful West African cichlid Hemichromis lifalili.
Clam and Coral Bleaching, Part II: What to Do if It Occurs in Your Aquarium
Author: James W. Fatherree, MSc
The Reefer: February 2007
Aquarium Science Male or Female? Gender Determination in Fish
Author: Donna M. Recktenwalt
A scientific explanation of why fish are born the sex they are, as well as a look at how gender can be manipulated by outside factors.
Botany: An Introduction to Plant Biology Part 3, How Plants Work
Author: Rhonda Williams
The Planted Tank: February 2007
The German Ram Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Author: Gio Maletti
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi is often misunderstood and considered to be difficult to keep, but if it’s cared for properly, the ram can provide a beautiful and interesting fishkeeping experience.
Reflections on February: Armchair Aquarium Month
Author: Ted Coletti
Livebearers Unlimited: February 2007
A Mandarin Diner
Author: Marc Levenson
One reason mandarins are almost impossible to keep healthy is their picky feeding habits, but with fish conditioned to accept prepared foods in a special feeding station, one aquarist shows how it can be done.
A Seahorse Reef, Part Two: Choosing Your Seahorses
Author: Pete Giwojna
In part 2 of his series on seahorses in reef tanks, the author addresses species selection, suitable tankmates, and captive care of the seahorse reef.
The swordspine snook Centropomus ensiferus
Author: Brian M. Scott
Top of the Food Chain: February 2007
A Quest for Goodeids in Mexico: Searching for the Black Prince Characodon audax Smith & Miller 1986
Author: Uwe Dost
The author recalls his exciting trip south of the border searching high and low for endangered goodeids, including the elusive Characodon audax.
A Rare Experience With an Endangered Species
Author: Al & Olympia DiSpigna
Assisting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, longtime fishkeepers Al and Olympia DiSpigna had the rare opportunity to keep eight Asian arowanas, federally protected fish illegal to possess in the United States.
Nano Mandarin
Author: Josh Day
Small reef tanks have long been considered out of the question for keeping mandarins, but the author shows that, with some attention to detail, the conscientious aquarist can pull it off.
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.
Tridacnid and Coral Bleaching, Part 1: What It Is and What Causes It
Author: James W. Fatherree, MSc
The Reefer: January 2007
Balancing Light and CO2 in the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
This month the aquatic plant layout expert discusses proper lighting and CO2 injection in the Nature Aquarium and how to keep these elements in balance.
Making a Pond Call With a Fish Vet
Author: Craig Adams, MS, DVM
Most veterinarians are either ill-equipped or unwilling to see fish as patients, but the author has made caring for pet fish a priority in his practice.
Preserving Xiphophorus couchianus in the Home Aquarium, Part I: Sad History & Unanswered Questions
Author: Ted Coletti, PhD
Livebearers Unlimited: December 2007
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.