October 2009

A Better Deal for Bettas

Bettas are probably the fish most commonly kept in small unheated and unfiltered bowls or tanks. At first sight, they seem the ideal fish for this situation. Bettas stay small, growing to approximately 3 inches in length. The waters from which they come are naturally slow-moving or still, and shallow. Bettas have the [...]

The Walking Catfish (Clarias batrachus): Pet, Food Fish, and Invasive Pest

The Walking Catfish, Clarias batrachus, is a very large catfish sometimes seen in the aquarium trade. It is also used as a food fish. It is native to Southeastern Asia, but it has been introduced to numerous other places where it has become an invasive and predatory pest. Once in an area, it is [...]

Pet or Pest? Pond Snails in the Tropical Aquarium

Pond snails are the snails that turn up unintentionally when you buy aquatic plants. They breed prolifically and are often considered a pest. However, these snails have their good points: they are easy to feed, help keep the tank free of uneaten fish food, eat algae, stay small, do well at both [...]