Puffer fish are so called as they have the ability to inflate their elastic stomachs with water or air. This is usually a response to some kind of threat though in the aquarium many specimens appear to inflate themselves for no apparent reason. The fish becomes 2 or 3 times its normal size, big enough to scare away many potential predators, or become difficult to swallow. Puffers are also one of the few fish that can actually blink or close their eyes.

Many parts of the body of puffers contai…

One of the newer and prettier spiny eels in the hobby, M. zebrinus was previously considered a member of the closely related Mastacembelus genus. Care should be exercised when handling spiny eels, as the common name is derived from the sharp dorsal rays that can easily puncture the skin of a human….

This species is not recommended to those lacking the facilities to house it for life. Sadly it’s all too often seen for sale as an attractive, silvery 2-3″ juvenile, supposedly suitable for the general freshwater community tank. To make matters worse, it is also usually given an ‘alluring’ name such as ‘black-finned’ or ‘silvertip’ shark catfish. The fate of the majority of these specimens is in all likelihood a depressing one.

C. travancoricus is probably the smallest species of puffer, and is certainly one of the more diminutive fish regularly found in the trade. It's cute looks, amusing personality and fascinating swimming action make it a justifiably popular import, although it's all-too-often sold without the correct information needed for its long-term health and care. It's also known as the Malabar puffer, in reference to the area of southern India that contains much of the species' natural r…

The Largescale Archerfish is one of a fascinating group of fish that have evolved this very distinctive feeding pattern. The family contains six species, of which toxotes jaculatrix is the most commonly available (sometimes sold incorrectly as t. jaculator). Toxotes chatareus is offered for sale in the UK although much less frequently.

There are reports that juvenile archers can be kept in fresh water but it is recommended that a brackish setup is always used.

Eaten as a food fish in many…

The Banded Archer fish is one of a fascinating group of fish that have evolved this very distinctive feeding pattern. The family contains six species, of which toxotes jaculatrix is the most commonly available (sometimes sold incorrectly as t. jaculator). Occasionally, the similarly marked toxotes chatareus is offered for sale in the UK although much less frequently.

There are reports that juvenile archers can be kept in fresh water but it is recommended that a brackish setup is always used.
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Halfbeaks derive their common name from the elongated lower jaw shared by all species. The 'wrestling' moniker given to this particular species is due to the tendency of males to fight with each other, often locking jaws in the process. It is used as a fighting fish in some of its native countries, with wagers being placed on the outcome of fights between males. The two fish are placed in a small container for fighting purposes, as they will spar incessantly in such confined conditions…

This species is among the most well-known fishes in the aquarium trade but juveniles are typically being offered for sale with little to no information regarding temperament, eventual size, and potential age in excess of 15 years.

Wild examples are not currently traded, with all of those seen on sale produced on a commercial basis.

It's debatable as to whether this species should be considered an aquarium subject at all, given its eventual size. All too often juveniles are sold without adequate information regarding their long term care. These cats can and will attain something close to their maximum size in captivity, and will do so quite quickly. The myth that they will only grow to match the size of the tank they're kept in is just that – a myth. It's also worth noting that species such as this can live f…

There are currently 32 genera and over 80 species included in the family Pimelodidae (including Pimelodus), making it the second largest and one of the most diverse amongst catfish. Most experts agree however, that a full systematic revision of the family is needed, as little information about the phylogenetic (evolutionary relatedness) relationships between the various genera exists. Taxonomy information at the species level is also basic at best. It's therefore likely that at least some o…