There are a lot of catfishes in the hobby, many of which grow to sizes that are not very manageable for most hobbyists. When the topic of jumbo catfishes comes up, it seems that most hobbyists think of the red-tailed cat, shovelnoses and other predatory catfish. Predatory catfish are occasionally available at small sizes. In fact the tiger shovelnose is bred in commercial … [Read more...] about Jumbo Catfishes
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Swimbladder Disease
The swimbladder is the organ responsible for buoyancy and when there is a problem with it, a fish can have difficulty rising to the surface ("sinker"), difficulty swimming to the bottom ("floater"), swims on its’ side or swims in the nose down vertical position. The following is a list of the causes of swimbladder disease (SBD) and what if anything can be done about them. … [Read more...] about Swimbladder Disease
Volitans Lionfish (Pterois volitans)
I honestly believe that one of the fish that will bring the most attention to a saltwater tank is the Lionfish. Lionfish are related to the scorpion and deadly stonefishes. Almost all of these species are poisonous and should always be handled with care and protection to yourself. Many tank owners acquire these beautiful and intriguing fish as centerpieces to their … [Read more...] about Volitans Lionfish (Pterois volitans)
What’s your favorite thing about bettas?
One of the things I appreciate most about bettas is they’re more interactive than other types of tropical fish I’ve had. If you come up to their tank, bettas are more curious and territorial in nature so they’ll follow your finger or give you a flare, whereas other fish typically get frightened and may swim away. What’s your favorite thing about bettas? Maybe it’s the way … [Read more...] about What’s your favorite thing about bettas?
Cold Snaps: what can you do?
It's 5:00 in the morning, and you are awakened by a small sudden cold snap, be it your home's heater has broken, your room mate won't allow it to be on, or in my case, it's a gas heater that's been "summerized" and your family won't get it ready for winter until later on in the fall months. By instinct, you decide to check on your Betta and come to find out, your thermometer … [Read more...] about Cold Snaps: what can you do?
Betta Centerpieces
Your wedding day is coming... The big convention is around the corner and you are in charge of decorations. Birthday Party for your kid and no idea what to do. These are not valid reasons to use a betta as a centerpiece. Many times people go to receptions or parties or conventions and have found ourselves sitting at a table with fork in hand staring down a glass bowl … [Read more...] about Betta Centerpieces
Lifecycle of Siamese Fighting Fish
Betta splendens go through several unique and interesting lifecycle stages. Here is a brief introduction to the Lifecycle of the Siamese Fighting Fish – Betta splendens. FERTILIZATION: During spawning, the male and female betta join in what is known as an embrace where they curl their bodies together, aligning their reproductive organs together, under the bubblenest. The … [Read more...] about Lifecycle of Siamese Fighting Fish
Tips for Caring for Betta Fish in the Spring
Nippyfish A Betta Blog is on a bit of a spring break while Christie (that’s me) focuses on her crazy busy day job and wedding planning. We don’t want to leave you in the dust though so please use our betta blog search engine to find answers to your fighting fish questions. There are hundreds of articles and reader questions answered there. For now, enjoy this list: Caring for … [Read more...] about Tips for Caring for Betta Fish in the Spring
Living with MTS
Q: SH wrote, Christie, I’m sorry if this email question is a nuisance, I just thought I’d ask….. How do you exert self control when going to your LFS and not take all their Bettas home!?! Since my last email to you….I adopted another beautiful Crowntail and baby female (she’s soooo tiny). I was at Walmart shopping for my Mom’s birthday, and I couldn’t help myself LOL I … [Read more...] about Living with MTS