In this issue

SLOW GROWERS Why do most species of fish stunt in captivity, never reaching anything like their potential size in the wild? We take a long, hard look at the science of stress.

ROCKPOOLER’S DELIGHT! This fellow might not be one for your tank at home, but it’s a real treat when you spot a Worm pipefish at the seaside.

VINTAGE SCOOTERS Colourful Dragonets and Mandarins, scooting along the substrate or burying themselves up to their eyes in it, are very easy fish to love.

The Emperor's Other Clothes

While the Emperor tetra has been a popular aquarium fish for several decades, it has a close cousin whose gorgeous glittering colours arguably should have made it the favourite of the family…

6 mins

Give The Snake A Break!

When it comes to snakeheads, myths and misinformation abound. Here are some of the key facts that people get wrong when considering these fascinating fish, including that one about size…

7 mins

You Can Grow Plants

If you’re a newcomer, or you’re on a small budget, you might think creating an attractive planted set-up is out of your reach. But with the right choice of plants and a few key aquascaping techniques, anyone can have a beautiful aquarium!

4 mins

Fast Flow Flat Cats

A team from the guyane wild fish society goes in search of lithoxus catfish among rapids in french guiana, south america.

8 mins

Oata Bridges The Hobby Gap To Address New Legislation Proposals

In July, OATA chief executive Dominic Whitmee hosted the first ‘Fishkeeping stakeholder meeting’ at the DEFRA headquarters in London. Practical Fishkeeping’s Nathan Hill was there to offer his input. 

6 mins

(Stop The) Fight Club

African cichlids are notorious for turning on each other, but can enrichment broker in a peace treaty? One college decided to look into it — with surprising results.

6 mins

Gold Leaf Aquarium

This community tank is based around a Guyana stream and includes some of the most popular fish in the hobby.

8 mins

The Beast Of Suriname

Into your catfish? Check out this selection of rarities spotted on a recent shoptour, beginning with the beauty below — a fish we think someone should snap up for the ultimate river biotope.

2 mins

Wrasse With Class!

Sneaky, cockerel and cryptic — meet a group of small, colourful wrasse and discover why it’s not just their names that make them interesting!

5 mins

Deal With Cuts, Scrapes And Minor Injuries

Tetra’s Dave Hulse looks at how the skin and fins of your fish can become damaged and what to do to help the healing process.

4 mins

Little Reasons To Smile

You want a showpiece fish with colour, a little character but not too unruly? You need dwarf acaras in your tank...

8 mins

In The Shadows Of Dwarves

Tiny danionins are underexplored, available, affordable projects that offer both beauty and a breeding challenge. Meet the prettiest contenders.

2 mins

Viva Le Vieja

If you have the space for something that bit bigger and you want a fish that combines both looks and personality, why not seek out these colourful cichlids from Central America?

5 mins

There's No One Quite Like Gramma!

Exquisitely beautiful and reef-safe, all the grammas are available in the hobby with varying degrees of regularity — and with price tags ranging from around £25 into the thousands! Discover what makes these little fish so special.

3 mins

Read all stories from Practical Fishkeeping

Practical Fishkeeping Magazine Description:

The foremost magazine for people who keep - or aspire to keep - fish

Practical Fishkeeping (PFK) is the world's no1 fishkeeping magazine. Whether you keep your fish in tanks or ponds, you'll find the latest top advice, features, inspiration and equipment news here... written by pre-eminent experts in their respective fields.
Buy an issue of PFK and you will find:
- The latest aquarium equipment reviewed
- Our independent recommendations!
- Tips on how to look after and keep your fish
- Expert guides tropical marine, cold and tropical freshwater
- Expert advice on aquascaping
PFK is published 13 times a year.