Care Guides

Ever steered clear of a barb at your local aquarium store because you were told they’re all nippy bullies? The cherry barb begs to differ! This stunning scarlet gem from southern Sri Lanka is actually one of the mellowest, not to mention one of the most flexible, schooling fish for the freshwater aquarium. Beginner-proof and […]

Looking for a small but pretty schooling fish for your (shrimp) aquarium? There’s a reason the classics are classics: they rarely disappoint. That’s why we love the harlequin rasbora! Tiny, well-behaved, and striking to look at thanks to its shimmering copper tones and dramatic black markings, this Southeast Asian native has been present in the […]

Thai micro crabs were introduced into the aquarium hobby less than twenty years ago, but are already among the most popular invertebrates for small tanks. They’re appreciated among shrimp keepers for their mellow nature and similar requirements to shrimp, which make them a great option if you’re looking for tankmates for your colony. A lot […]

Looking for a centerpiece for your nano aquarium or planted aquascape? The shimmering, smoldering ember tetra might be just the thing. Tiny, friendly, suitable for beginning aquarists and — most importantly, we think — shrimp-proof, this tetra makes a great choice for plant-forward tanks and aquarists looking for something pretty but uncomplicated. Let’s learn more […]

Say hello to a fish that’s been in the aquarium hobby for over 90 years! After its discovery in 1932 in China, the white cloud mountain minnow quickly conquered the world. It was once known as the poor man’s neon tetra, but we know better by now — this is an aquarium superstar in its […]

Looking for a fun and interactive fish to keep in your aquarium, but don’t have a lot of space to offer? Maybe something similar to the ultra-popular Betta fish, but suitable for community tanks? We’ve got the solution: it’s called the sparkling gourami. Colorful, full of personality and not against sharing its space with peaceful […]

Did you know that the most efficient algae-eating fish for your aquarium is also one of the smallest? And did you know it gets along swimmingly with shrimp? Otocinclus catfish are among the sweetest-tempered and most useful fish in the hobby, but their passive nature also makes them fragile. Below, we’ll discuss why so many […]

Who’s that fish who looks like the neon tetra’s emo cousin? The black neon tetra, of course! If you’re looking for less jewel tones and more visual drama for your (shrimp) tank, this underappreciated little shoaling fish might be just the thing. It’s hassle-free, peaceful, and beginner-proof — what more could we ask for? Find […]

Looking for a peaceful bottom dweller for your (shrimp) aquarium? Cory catfish are a logical choice, and Corydoras aeneus may just be the most logical choice of all. This is THE standard-issue cory: peaceful, hardy, active, available in different color morphs, and just an all-around perfect community fish for beginners and veteran aquarists alike. Why […]

Don’t you just love a fish that ticks all the boxes? The threadfin rainbowfish (Iriatherina werneri) is active, peaceful, shrimp-safe, and gorgeous to look at. And as if that wasn’t enough, it’s unfussy and easy to care for, too! Find out all about keeping this swimming gem in your aquarium. Scientific name Iriatherina werneri Common […]