The Harlequin Rasbora: Why Malaysia’s “Local Hero” Deserves a Blackwater Tank

Fish Profiles, Harlequin Rasbora, Latest, Rasboras, Schooling Fish /

We often spend hundreds of Ringgit importing fish from the Amazon (Tetras) or Africa (Cichlids). But did you know that one of the most famous, beautiful, and aquascaped fish in the world is a local? Meet the Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha). If you go to a high-end aquascaping competition in Japan or Europe, you will […]

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Neon Tetra vs. Cardinal Tetra: Why the “Expensive” One is Actually Cheaper

Cardinal Tetra, Fish Profiles, Latest, Neon Tetra, Schooling Fish, Tetras /

You are standing at the fish shop. In Tank A, you see Neon Tetras selling for RM2.00. In Tank B, you see Cardinal Tetras selling for RM5.00. They look almost identical. They both have blue and red stripes. They both school together. Your wallet tells you: “Buy the Neons. You can get 20 Neons for

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The Indo Datnoid: The “Tiger” Every Arowana Owner Needs

Fish Profiles, Indo Datnoid, Latest, Monster Fish, Tank Mates /

In the world of Feng Shui aquariums, there is a legendary pairing: The Dragon and The Tiger.The Dragon is the Arowana. The Tiger is the Datnoid (Datnioides microlepis). Even if you don’t care about luck, the Datnoid is a spectacular fish. With its broad, flat body and striking yellow-and-black stripes, it looks like a predator

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The Oscar Fish: Why This “Drama Queen” is the Best Wet Pet You Can Own

Cichlids, Fish Profiles, Large Fish, Latest, Oscar Fish /

You walk into the fish shop. You see a tank of small, dark fish with orange patterns wagging their tails at the front glass. They are begging for food. They follow your finger.You look at the price: RM15. You think: “Wow, a smart fish for cheap!” Meet the Oscar Fish (Astronotus ocellatus).They are intelligent, they

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Do You Need a UV Sterilizer? The Science of Killing Bacteria with Light

Equipment Guide, Fish Health / Disease, Latest /

Disclaimer: Based on disinfection methods outlined in the scientific review “Infectious diseases in aquarium ornamental pet fish.” You see them in high-end fish shops. Glowing tubes hidden inside filters. They claim to give you “Crystal Clear Water” and “Disease Free Fish.” They are UV Sterilizers (Ultraviolet). According to veterinary science, UV radiation is highly effective

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The 15-Day Rule: How to Quarantine New Fish Like a Pro (Without Expensive Gear)

Equipment Guide, Fish Health / Disease, Latest, Scientific Reviews /

Disclaimer: Based on the preventive measures outlined in the scientific review “Infectious diseases in aquarium ornamental pet fish.” You go to the shop. You buy a beautiful new Neon Tetra. You bring it home, float the bag, and release it into your main tank. Three days later, your new Tetra has white spots. Five days

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The “Unkillable” Plants: How to Aquascape Without CO2 or Chillers

Aquascaping, Beginner Guide, Latest, Plants /

I know what you did. You went on Shopee or Lazada. You saw a packet of “Magic Aquarium Carpet Seeds” for RM2. You bought them. You sprinkled them in your tank. Two weeks later, they rotted, your water turned cloudy, and your fish died. Stop. Real aquascaping is not about magic seeds. It is also

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True SAE vs. Flying Fox: How to Spot the Real “Algae Killer”

Cleanup Crew, Fish Profiles, Flying Fox, Latest, Siamese Algae Eater /

You have a planted tank. Everything is going well. Then, you see it. Tiny tufts of black, fuzzy hair growing on your driftwood and Anubias leaves. Black Beard Algae (BBA). You try to scrape it off. It won’t move. You try to poison it. It comes back. You go to the shop and ask for

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The Tiger Barb: Why This “Local Gangster” Needs a Strict School

Fish Profiles, Latest, Schooling Fish, Tiger Barb /

They are striped like tigers. They act like tigers. The Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) is one of the most famous fish to come out of Southeast Asia (Borneo/Sumatra/Malaysia). They are energetic, hardy, and extremely fun to watch. But they have a dark side. If you put a Tiger Barb in a tank with an Angelfish

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