The Weekend Aquarist - July 2025

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With the rains setting in across the country, we’re delighted to bring you the 7th edition of The Weekend Aquarist—India’s first and only magazine dedicated to the aquarium hobby.

We open this issue with a remarkable feature by renowned ichthyologist and conservationist Dr. Rajeev Raghavan, who shares his journey through India’s freshwater ecosystems and the discovery of a mysterious species—Channa gollum. Named after the elusive Tolkien character, the story behind this snakehead and its habitat is as intriguing as its name.

Also in this issue, Beta Mahatvaraj curates a practical and visually rich guide on the Top 10 Indian Fishes for Nano Aquariums—perfect for hobbyists looking to go local and sustainable. Continuing the nano theme, we bring you Joy Ganguly’s Hobbyist Spotlight, where he shares his aquascaping journey and philosophy behind creating elegant planted tanks in compact spaces.

In our Species Spotlight, Harkrit Singh pens a beautifully detailed feature on the majestic Blue Zaire ‘Moba’ Frontosa, a favourite among Tanganyikan cichlid enthusiasts.

We’re especially proud to present a field photo-essay titled In Search of the Unseen—a visual and narrative journey that traces Dr. Raghavan’s fieldwork documenting some of India’s lesser-known freshwater species. Through stunning imagery and on-ground insights, it reminds us of the rich biodiversity that thrives just beneath the surface of our rivers and streams.

Also featured:

A guide to Marine Aquariums in India: What’s Allowed, What’s Not

A conversation with Alfred Jose of Azur Aqua Systems in our Entrepreneur Spotlight

Coverage from the Ratnagiri State-Level Workshop on ornamental fish farming

Plant Spotlight: Cryptocoryne spiralis ‘Tiger’