We all know why we buy Guppies. We want the colors. We want the neon blues, the sunset oranges, and the leopard spots. But here is the biological truth: Only the Males are colorful. Female Guppies are usually larger, grey/brown, and have smaller tails. So, beginners often ask: “Can I just buy 10 males? Or […]
Can You Keep Only Male Guppies? The Secret to a “High Color, No Babies” Tank Read More »
You have algae on your glass. You have algae on your plants. You go to the shop and ask for an “Algae Eater.” The uncle points to a long, grey fish sucking on the glass. “Chinese Algae Eater. RM3. Very hardworking.” Do not buy it. That fish will grow to 6 inches, stop eating algae,
The Otocinclus (“Oto”): The Only Algae Eater You Should Ever Buy Read More »
You want a “Centerpiece Fish”—a star of the show. You look at a Betta? Too aggressive; he might kill your shrimp. You look at a Dwarf Gourami? They are infamous for dying suddenly (Dwarf Gourami Disease). You look at an Angelfish? Too big for your 2-foot tank. Let me introduce you to the best-kept secret
The Honey Gourami: The Most Underrated Centerpiece Fish for Small Tanks Read More »
They are named Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) for a reason. With their long, flowing fins and graceful swimming style, they look like they are gliding through heaven. They are the classic “Centerpiece Fish.” You put a pair in a planted tank, and it instantly looks classy. But do not let the name fool you. These are
The Freshwater Angelfish: Elegant Beauty or Community Bully? Read More »
Thanks to the movie Finding Nemo, the Ocellaris Clownfish is the most recognizable fish on the planet. Every child wants one. Every parent tries to buy one. And sadly, many of them end up in a freshwater bowl, where they die in minutes. If you have read my previous post about the cost of saltwater
Can I Keep “Nemo” in a Small Tank? A Beginner’s Guide to Clownfish Read More »
We have all been there. You are at the Local Fish Shop (LFS). You walk past the Guppies and Tetras. Then, you see the blue glow. You see the coral. You see “Nemo.” You look at the price tag on the Clownfish: RM25. You think: “Hey, that’s cheap! I can afford that. Maybe I should
Freshwater vs. Saltwater Aquarium: The Honest Cost in Malaysia Read More »
If you show a non-hobbyist a tank with brown water, they will say: “Eeew, your tank is dirty. Go change the water.” But if you show that same tank to a master breeder in Penang, they will nod and say: “Beautiful. The fish must be very happy.” This is the concept of Blackwater. It is
Why Your Tank Water Should Look Like “Teh O Kosong” (The Blackwater Guide) Read More »
Cooking Nasi Lemak requires a balance. You need the rice, the sambal, the egg, and the ikan bilis. If you just have a plate full of sambal, it’s not a meal; it’s a disaster. An aquarium is the same. You cannot just throw random fish together. You need a balance of Top, Middle, and Bottom
The Perfect 2-Foot Aquarium: A “Recipe” for a Peaceful Community Tank Read More »
You see a baby catfish in the shop. It has a cute, flat head, long white whiskers, and a bright red tail. It looks clumsy and friendly. It’s smiling at you. The shopkeeper says, “This one good. Eat leftover food. Good friend for your Arowana.” Do not be fooled by that smile. The Red Tail
The Red Tail Catfish: The Cute Monster That Will Eat Your Other Fish Read More »
You are at the fish shop. You see a tank full of active, silver fish zooming back and forth. They look like mini sharks. They have the high dorsal fin, the sleek body, and the cool “shark” swim. You ask the uncle, “How much?” He says, “Murah saja. RM2 seekor. Ikan Patri.” You think you
The “Patri Shark” Trap: Why You Must Never Buy This RM2 Fish Read More »
