Fish

Quick summary The pink axolotl (leucistic morph) is a fascinating, fully aquatic amphibian that makes a wonderful pet for patient keepers willing to maintain cool water temperatures and a calm tank environment. If you can commit to a chilled, low-flow setup and a carnivorous feeding routine, this charming creature will reward you with years of…

Quick summary The Madagascar Rainbow is a lively, hardy schooling fish that rewards keepers with beautiful golden-olive colouring and active mid-water swimming. If you have a tank of 150 litres or more and enjoy watching a tight, energetic group interact, this species is an excellent choice for intermediate keepers or confident beginners. Introduction Quick stats…

Quick summary The Toucan Tetra is a tiny, jewel-like nano fish best suited to experienced hobbyists who can maintain soft, acidic water and enjoy the challenge of keeping delicate micro species. If you have a well-established, heavily planted nano tank and a fondness for rare South American tetras, this little gem will reward you with…

Quick summary The Royal Knifefish is an expert-only fish that grows 90-120 cm and needs at least 1,135 litres (300 gallons), so it’s not suitable for beginners or anyone without the space and long-term commitment for a true monster fish. It’s also a predator that will eat any tank mate small enough to swallow, so…

Quick summary The Electric Eel is an expert-only species that can deliver dangerous shocks of up to 600 volts, requires a minimum 3,000 litre species-only tank, and is not suitable for beginners or typical home aquariums. If you’re new to fishkeeping or lack institutional-grade facilities, this is not the fish for you. In this guide:…

Quick summary The Brown Ghost Knifefish is a moderately challenging, nocturnal fish best suited to hobbyists with some experience, requiring a 150+ litre tank, dim lighting, plenty of hiding spots, and a diet of live or frozen foods. It’s harmless to keep despite being weakly electric, but its shy habits and specific care needs make…

Quick summary The Glass Knifefish is a peaceful, nocturnal species best suited to hobbyists with moderate experience who can provide a 200+ litre tank, dim lighting, plenty of cover, and stable, high-quality water, and who are willing to keep them in groups of five or more rather than alone. It’s not ideal for beginners, since…

Quick summary The Banded Knifefish is a hardy, harmless (though weakly electric) nocturnal predator suited to intermediate to advanced keepers who can provide a large tank of at least 300 litres with plenty of hiding spots, since it grows large, is territorial toward its own kind, and will eat any tank mates small enough to…

Quick summary The African Knifefish suits experienced aquarists who can provide a 250+ litre tank with plenty of hiding spots, dim lighting, and only tank mates too large to be eaten, since it is a nocturnal predator that can live over a decade. It is not ideal for beginners or community tanks with small fish,…