Quick summary Betta mandor is not a beginner fish: it demands soft, acidic blackwater conditions (pH 4.0-6.5, near-zero hardness) that rule out standard tap water and community setups, and it needs stable, carefully monitored water quality to thrive. If you have experience keeping wild bettas or other blackwater species and can commit to RO water,…
Quick summary The Leopard Bushfish suits moderately experienced fishkeepers who can provide a large, heavily planted and shaded 200+ litre tank with soft, acidic water, since it is a shy, nocturnal predator that will eat any tank mate small enough to swallow. It is not ideal for beginners or community tanks with small fish, as…
Quick summary The Snakeskin Gourami is a hardy, peaceful fish that’s easy to care for, but its large adult size of 20-25 cm means it needs a spacious tank of at least 250 litres, so it’s best suited to aquarists with room for a big community setup rather than beginners with small tanks. If you…
Quick summary The Croaking Gourami is a hardy, easy-to-keep fish ideal for beginners with at least a 60 litre planted tank, best kept in groups of four to six, and notable for the audible croaking sounds it makes to communicate. It’s peaceful and beginner-friendly, though breeding requires more experience, and tank mates should be calm…
Quick summary The Gold Gourami is a hardy, easy-to-keep and easy-to-breed golden colour form of the Three Spot Gourami, tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, making it a great choice for beginners with at least a 115 litre tank. Just be aware that males can be quite territorial, so tank mates and cover…
Quick summary The Banded Gourami is a hardy, adaptable fish well suited to beginners with at least basic aquarium experience, thanks to its tolerance for a wide range of water parameters and its easy, omnivorous feeding habits. Just be aware it needs a tank of at least 120 litres with a tight-fitting lid, plenty of…
Quick summary The Moonlight Gourami is a peaceful, hardy fish suited to aquarists who already have some experience with tropical community tanks and can provide a well-planted 200 litre or larger aquarium. It’s a good fit if you want a calm, attractive centrepiece fish for a spacious community setup, but it’s not ideal for smaller…
Quick summary The Opaline Gourami is a hardy, easy-to-keep and easy-to-breed colour form of the Three Spot Gourami, well suited to beginners with at least a 120 litre tank. Just be aware that mature males can turn territorial and aggressive, so it’s best kept singly or as one male with females, and paired with robust,…
Quick summary The Three Spot Gourami is a hardy, adaptable fish that tolerates a wide range of water conditions, making it a great choice for beginners with at least a 115 litre tank. Just be aware that males can be territorial and aggressive, especially towards other gouramis, so careful stocking and plenty of plant cover…
Quick summary Betta rubra is a moderately challenging wild betta best suited to hobbyists who can maintain soft, acidic water and provide a heavily planted, leaf-littered tank with minimal flow. It’s a rewarding choice if you’re specifically interested in observing paternal mouthbrooding behaviour, but it’s not a beginner “starter betta” and is best kept in…