Recently, I opened an inter-office envelope from a colleague, a physician and expert in fish disease and pathology, and inside found a medical journal article from 1962 with a note stating, “I think that you might find this interesting!” The article was entitled, “Granulomas of the Skin due to Mycobacterium Balnei After Abrasions From a Fish Tank” and was written by two … [Read more...] about Fish Tank Granuloma
My Experience in Breeding
Always being a fish person, when I went to purchase a betta and a small home for him, I didn't think it would change my life. My first guy lost his fins to fin rot one week after I brought him to my office. This prompted me to look on the internet for more information regarding this disease. I found a host of information on the disease as well as bettas in general, but the … [Read more...] about My Experience in Breeding
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)
Green Mandarin (Synchiropus splendidus)
Ok guys and gals, I have another great saltwater fish for you! Ever since I got into the saltwater side of fish-keeping, I always wanted three things in my aquarium. First, I wanted the tube coral, Tubastrea faulkneri aka the Orange Sun Coral, that I wrote about in the coral journal. Secondly, I wanted a triggerfish but that's another story. Finally, the charming and active … [Read more...] about Green Mandarin (Synchiropus splendidus)
Puffer Fish
I greatly enjoy keeping puffers because of their cartoon-like movements and appearance, permanent smile, social interaction with their outside world, and most of all, their uniqueness! I appreciate fish that are unusual in the hobby, that present a challenge in the aquarium for the more experienced aquarist and the puffer fish fits the bill. It is one of the most satisfying … [Read more...] about Puffer Fish
Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)
For the first of the fish series, I have decided to write about the most talked about fish in my aquarium... the Cryptocentrus cinctus, otherwise known as the Yellow Watchman Goby. The Cryptocenntrus cinctus also goes by the common names of Yellow Shrimp/Prawn Goby, Midas Goby, Watchman Gold and Yellow Spotted Blenny. Gobies are the largest family of fish found in the ocean, … [Read more...] about Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)
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?
The Betta Salt Bath
Salt Baths are also known to be very helpful as an additional treatment for any type of fungus or with parasites. The following instructions were provided by a member of Healthy Betta and have warrented many positive results. Salt Bath Instructions: Use a one gallon container full of aged pretreated water. Add one Tablespoon of Aquarium Salt. Heat on the stove or microwave … [Read more...] about The Betta Salt Bath
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