Flora & Fauna

Aponogeton ulvaceus produces large, translucent, ruffled leaves that add an elegant flowing quality to the aquarium. It grows from a bulb and may go dormant periodically. During active growth it can fill a large area of the tank with minimal care.

A compact, small-leafed Hygrophila with needle-like leaves that can take on striking red and pink hues under strong lighting. Ideal for the midground in Iwagumi and Nature Aquarium layouts where space is at a premium. One of the more colourful members of the genus.

Famous for shooting precisely aimed jets of water to knock insects off overhanging vegetation. Requires a brackish tank with at least 12 inches of air space above the water. Fascinating behaviour.

Assassin snails are the go-to solution for controlling pest snail infestations in freshwater aquariums. They hunt and consume other snails methodically, and will also scavenge meaty foods. They breed slowly and do not typically overrun a tank like pest species do.

One of the best reef algae-eating snails — effective grazer of microalgae and diatoms on rock and glass. Conical shell with star-like ridges. Cannot right itself if flipped, so monitor after storms of flow.

Axelrodi corydoras is a small, pinkish-bodied species with a bold dark lateral stripe and dark dorsal saddle markings. It is less commonly seen in the hobby than many species but is a peaceful, undemanding corydoras suitable for community planted tanks. A lovely species for those wanting something a little different.

A compact, small-leaved Bacopa from southern Brazil, producing round to oval light-green leaves on reddish stems. Grows slower and stays shorter than B. caroliniana, making it better suited to midground placement or smaller tanks. Under high light, the stems take on a reddish-orange tint that adds warmth to the scape. One of the most beginner-friendly stem plants available — it rarely melts and grows reliably even without CO₂.

A larger-leaved Bacopa with attractive, broadly oval leaves. Under high light, the foliage develops a beautiful pinkish-purple coloration that makes it a standout mid-ground or background accent. More colourful than B. monnieri and responds well to fertilisation.

Bamboo shrimp (wood shrimp) are large, striking filter-feeding shrimp that fan tiny food particles from the water current. They require good water flow and consistent, fine suspended food (like powdered spirulina). Do not keep with aggressive tankmates.

The banana plant is named for its distinctive cluster of banana-shaped storage roots at the base. It sends up floating leaves and white flowers when mature. It is an unusual, undemanding midground plant that does not require substrate planting — it can float freely.

The bandit corydoras is named for its distinctive black mask across the eyes and a black patch at the dorsal fin base, giving it a masked outlaw appearance. It is a peaceful, active species that thrives in soft, slightly acidic water.

Elegant black-and-silver with distinctive elongated fins and bold stripes. A mouthbrooder — the male incubates eggs in his mouth until hatching. One of the few marine fish regularly bred in home aquaria.

Caridina cantonensis is the base species from which the famous Crystal Red, Crystal Black, and Tiger Bee shrimp have been selectively bred. Wild-type specimens display variable banding of white and translucent to brown, but it is the domesticated varieties that drive the hobby's fascination. All variants require the same exacting soft, acidic water conditions with very low TDS, and are intolerant of copper, fluctuating parameters, or high nitrates.

Delicate branching SPS with thin, pointed branches arranged like a bird's nest. One of the fastest-growing SPS corals — ideal for fragging. Available in pink, purple, green, and yellow morphs.

Dense, dark grey-to-black tufts that cling stubbornly to plants, hardscape, and equipment. One of the most frustrating nuisance algaes for planted tank keepers. Caused by CO₂ fluctuation and low or inconsistent carbon dioxide levels. Spot-treat with liquid carbon (Excel) or hydrogen peroxide.

Jet-black fish with two white bands on its tail. Generates a weak electric field to navigate and communicate. Nocturnal, shy, and sensitive to water quality. Grows large.

A dark variety produced by the dark gene, expressing as a near-black body with intricate lace-like patterning on the fins. Striking against light-coloured substrates and green plants. Bred from the silver base morph with additional dark gene copies for deeper colouration.

The black neon tetra has a distinctive two-tone horizontal stripe — iridescent white-green above a solid black band. Subtler than its neon cousin but equally elegant, it thrives in large schools in soft, acidic planted tanks and is very peaceful.

Deep black to dark charcoal Neocaridina. Full opaque black coloration is the most sought-after grade. Creates a dramatic contrast in light-substrate planted tanks. As hardy as red cherry shrimp.

The black skirt tetra has a distinctive deep body with flowing black dorsal and anal fins. It is extremely hardy and adaptable, making it a classic beginner fish. Long-finned and balloon variants are widely available in the hobby.

Bladder Snails are small, sinistral (left-coiled) freshwater snails with translucent amber shells, often introduced accidentally with plant purchases. They are voracious detritivores and algae grazers that help clean up uneaten food and decaying plant matter, contributing to tank cleanliness. Population explosions occur with overfeeding; controlled feeding keeps numbers in check. They serve as an excellent food source for pea puffers and assassin snails.

Dense, rough-textured mats of dark green filaments that blanket pond plants and surfaces. Common in outdoor ponds and highly nutrient-rich tanks. More coarse and branched than soft hair algae. Difficult to eradicate fully — physically remove as much as possible before treating with algaecide or reducing nutrients aggressively.

Blastomussa are large-polyp stony corals with fleshy, round polyps that inflate dramatically at night. They are tolerant of lower light and moderate nutrients, making them a good LPS choice for mid-level placement. They feed readily on meaty foods at night.

Named for the vivid red spot on the chest that resembles a bleeding heart, this is one of the larger and more impressive tetras. Males develop long, flowing dorsal and anal fins and a deeper body as they mature. Despite its size, it is a peaceful community fish that looks spectacular in large schools in planted or natural-style aquariums.

Eyeless cave-dwelling form of the Mexican tetra. Navigates entirely by lateral line. Surprisingly active and hardy — a fascinating conversation piece in any community tank.

Bloody Mary Shrimp are a deeply coloured Neocaridina davidi morph with an intense, translucent blood-red coloration that differs from the opaque red of Painted Fire Red or regular Cherry Shrimp — the red pigmentation is visible through the body, giving them a vivid, glowing quality. They are as hardy and easy to breed as other Neocaridina morphs, making them accessible for beginners seeking a striking red shrimp variety.

Blue bolt shrimp are a selectively bred Caridina variety featuring a striking white body with vivid blue patches. They require the same pristine, soft, acidic water as other Taiwan bee shrimp. Their dramatic colouration makes them highly sought after by advanced hobbyists.

Blue Dream Shrimp are a high-grade selectively bred Neocaridina davidi morph displaying deep, solid cobalt-blue coloration throughout the body. The 'Dream' grade represents the most intense and uniform blue coloration, without the lighter patches seen in standard Blue Velvet morphs. They share the same hardy, beginner-friendly care requirements as Red Cherry Shrimp and breed prolifically in stable, planted tanks.

Deep blue-grey form of the popular mystery snail. Strikingly beautiful against light sand or green plants. Active grazer of algae, uneaten food and detritus. One of the most popular planted tank snails.

Striking royal blue fish with a yellow tail. Active swimmer requiring large tanks. Prone to ich, so quarantine is recommended.

Deep blue tiger shrimp with dark stripes. Requires the same soft, acidic water as other Caridina. The royal blue coloration is highly prized among shrimp keepers.

Blue velvet shrimp are a striking blue morph of Neocaridina davidi with a rich, opaque cornflower-blue colouration. Like all Neocaridina they are hardy and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for beginners wanting colourful shrimp.

Blue velvet shrimp are a selectively bred colour morph of the common neocaridina davidi, displaying an attractive solid blue coloration. They share the same hardy nature and care requirements as red cherry shrimp, making them equally beginner-friendly. They breed readily and can produce mixed-colour offspring if kept with other neocaridina colour morphs.