If you haven't owned a Gourami, odds are some day you will. Their ease of care, compatibility with other fish, and attractive colors make them popular with fish owners.

Trying to decide which Gourami is the one for you? This photo gallery includes most of the Gourami species commonly seen for sale in the aquarium trade. Each photo includes an overview of the fish, and a link to an expanded profile.

Photo © Robert Gregory

Phosphates (PO4) are present in every aquarium, even though many aquarium owners aren't aware of it. If the aquarium is not properly maintained, the phosphate levels will rise and contribute to algae growth. Here is how to avoid phosphates, and reduce them if they get to high.

This forum visitor lost a Platy and is concerned she will lose other fish. Can you give her some advise?

"Hi, One of my pregnant Platys was dead this morning. She seems to have been pregnant for quite a long time without any babies. Last night I noticed that she had a long thin discharge and remember reading something about this being the cause of something wrong but unfortunately can't remember what it is, can you? This has never happened to any of the other platys so want to know what happened."

More about Livebaring Fish

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

The attractive red color of the water hedge makes an excellent contrast in a planted aquarium, and its ease of care makes it a double winner.

Other Plant Profiles
Substrate For Planted Tanks
Planting Techniques

Photo © Don Matakis

Not sure what the pH of your aquarium water is - or should be? This basic primer about pH, tells you what you need to know about water pH to keep your fish healthy.

Water Testing
matching pH
Rocks and pH
Forum Discussions About Water

The Figure 8 Puffer is almost impossible to resist. Their expressive faces and propeller like fins make them the focal point of any aquarium.

However, puffers require different food and water conditions than most freshwater aquarium fish. Before you purchase one, be sure you know how to care for it.

If you have kept a Figure Eight Puffer, share your experiences. Your insights could help other owners.

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

This forum visitor asked for help with aquarium lighting, which sparked a long and interesting forum discussion that is well worth reading.

"Hope you can help! With my new 100gal tank, I received two lights that sit on top of the tank. Both are 24" long. I would like to transfer my few plants from my 30gal. tank like anacharist, nana plants, java fern, and I would like to add grass-like plants. The tank is 601/2"L, 201/2"H, 183/4"W, I think. Can you suggest what kind of bulb to get for those plants to survive? Thanks pasha."

More About Aquarium Lighting
Aquarium Light Fixture Guide
How Long Should Aquarium Lights be Left On?
What do Bulb Letters Mean?

Summer is officially here, which means the fun is here! This time of year I like to take a moment to celebrate the summer solstice with lighter fare.

Name the Fish Quiz #1

Name the Fish Quiz #2

Who Wants to Be a Fish Expert?

Fish Trivia # 1

Fish Trivia # 2

Father’s Day is special to me this year, because it will be the last one with my father. Today I can’t help but reflect on my passion for aquarium fish keeping, which I acquired at my father's knee.

Equipment wasn’t high tech, fish shops were rare, and there was no internet to get information from. I did just fine because my father taught me all the important things about setting up an aquarium. While I was mastering math tables in school; my father was teaching me about fish species at home. He was a good teacher; what I learned about fish stuck with me longer than my math lessons did.

Technology has changed since then, pet shops abound, and we surf the web routinely for help now. But the joy of fish keeping remains the same. Perhaps that is the best legacy my father could have given me, as it is one I have shared with my family and everyone who has come into my life. Thank you for that, Dad.

I hope you enjoy fish keeping as much as I, and share it with your children. It’s a great family hobby. If you have special stories to share from your beginning days of aquarium fish keeping, please share them.

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

The attractive coloration, and elegant finnage of the regal Emperor tetra leaves little doubt why it was given it's name. Introduced to home aquaria over forty years ago, they have become one of the more popular of the tetra family.

Have you kept an Emperor Tetra? Share your experiences and help other fish owners.

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe