Captive Aquatics: An Aquarium and Ecology Blog

Large Marine Pufferfish Care, Part Two: Selection, Tankmates, and Feeding

If you haven't already, read the first part of the series here: Large Marine Pufferfish Care, Part One: Aquarium Housing and Filtration

Selection

It's easy to spot a healthy puffer - it will have bright eyes with no cloudiness, be actively swimming around and investigating it's surroundings (or begging for food!) and won't have any visible parasites.  An unhealhy puffer, in contrast, may have cloudy or milky eyes, will not be active, and will likely be clamping its fins against its body. 

 

Large Marine Pufferfish Care, Part One: Aquarium Housing and Filtration

Who doesn’t love pufferfish?  They’re my favorite fish family, and I’d like to share some information that has allowed me to be successful with this fascinating, intelligent group of fishes.  In this  two part Puffer Primer I'll be going over the basics that you'll need to be succesful with large saltwater pufferfish!

Marine puffers are cute when small, engaging when large (who can resist those big puffer eyes), interactive, and BIG!  The vast majority of commonly (and not so commonly) available pufferfish attain lengths of 12 inches (30 cm) at the very least.  Add to this their active nature, four sharp teeth, a rambunxious personality, and messy feeding habits and you have yourself a handful.  Of course, these hurdles have never deterred me, and I’d like to share with you a few tidbits that have worked in my ten years of experience caring for marine pufferfish!

 

 

Caring for Trachyphillia in the Reef Aquarium

How to keep your brain (coral) healthy!

Unfortunately, due to the fact that Trachyphillias are generally known as beginner corals, the majority of hobbyists run into problems when attempting to care for this genus long term.  Fortunately, these issues are generally correctable with some time and patience, and the information listed in this series can be applied to any stressed LPS coral. While beautiful, these LPS corals tend to be some of the most problematic "beginner" corals to keep, and this is due to several issues which I will be discuss ing in this multi-part series.

 

 

Fun Freshwater Aquarium Invertebrates!

I personally enjoy having freshwater aquariums full of interesting and active fish but, I have to admit, I love freshwater invertebrates more!  Invertebrates (animals without backbones) are mostly seen in saltwater aquariums, but you can find a few interesting animals to include in a freshwater aquarium.  Listed are a few highlighted favorites of mine and their basic care requirements.

Species Spotlight: Tiger Oscars

A very popular species of cichlid, the tiger oscar, is a very fun and interactive fish that any freshwater hobbyist can appreciate.  These rather mild mannered fish are great for hobbyist who wants to try their skills at keeping a large freshwater fish.  Here is a spotlight on the care and requirements to properly keep a tiger oscar.

Four Anemone Tips

The author's purple S. haddoni carpet anemone, in a species biotope aquarium

1.  Anemones are not reef crest animals, meaning they do not live in the same area as most corals.  Anemones fare much better in species aquariums than they do in a reef aquarium.  Anemones will move around, sting and/or kill corals, and can consume your fish!

Species Spotlight: Tiger Barb

Almost as popular as the neon tetra, Tiger Barbs are grabbing hobbyists with their interactive personalities and their interesting colors. A beginner fish for many freshwater aquariums, tiger barbs are highly recommended for the right aquarium setup.   Here is a quick overview on the care and requirements for the Tiger Barb.

Species Spotlight: Zebra Danio

  One of the most active fish in freshwater aquariums are zebra danios.  These guys will spend countless hours zipping around your aquarium never slowing down.  Zebra danios are some of the easiest fish to kept and are highly recommended for beginners.  Here is a quick overview of their care.

Species Spotlight: Corydoras

Cory catfish are definitely one of my top five favorite fish to keep in a community aquarium.  Their interesting shapes and their great activity levels make them the perfect fish for a beginner.  Not only are the cute looking but are one of the easiest fish to care for in the hobby.  Here is a quick overview of their care in the home aquarium.

Species Spotlight: Neon Tetra

Neon tetras are possibly as popular as the beloved goldfish in the freshwater aquarium hobby.  Many first time hobbyist purchase these colorful fish in hopes of adding color and movement to their aquariums.  But, for many disappointed hobbyist these fish end up being flushed with weeks of being added to the aquarium.  Why can't anyone keep these fish alive?  Well, hopefully I can shed some light on the care and maintenance of neon tetras.