Water Colors Aquarium Gallery

A little nervous to start keeping a salt water tank? Don’t have a lot of room in your tank but have the itch to get something new? Are you a sucker for a cute, goofy face? We think the addition of a saltwater goby may be for you. Join the Water Colors team in the discussion of their top five favorite saltwater gobies. With such cool colors, behaviors, and size, what’s not to love about these guys?   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: AMAZONAS Magazine – https://www.amazonasmagazine.com/ Coral Magazine – https://www.coralmagazine.com/ Ocean Geographic Magazine – https://www.ogsociety.org/ Blue Ring – https://www.bluering.blue Mission Blue – https://missionblue.org/the-mission/ Fins Up Creative / Sea America / Protected Waters – www.youtube.com/@DownUnderJenn Got a cool story you want mentioned in AMAZONAS magazine? Email [email protected] Species mentioned in this episode: Discordipinna griessingeri – Griessingeri Goby or Flaming Prawn Goby Tigrigobius multifasciatus – Greenbanded Goby Elacatinus lobeli – Caribbean Neon Goby Elacatinus oceanops – Neon Goby Elacatinus figaro – Barber Goby or Yellow Line Goby Stonogobiops nematodes – Black-ray Goby or all the other common names listed by Ben around 27 minutes Cryptocentrus cinctus – Yellow Watchman Goby Alpheus bellulus – Tiger Pistol Shrimp Alpheus randalli – Candy Stripe or Randall’s Pistol Shrimp Amblyeleotris aurora – Aurora Goby or Pinkbar Goby Ptereleotris zebra – Zebra Barred Dartfish Elacatinus puncticulatus – Redhead Goby Trimma cana – Candy Cane Pygmy Goby Trimma striatum – Red-lined Pygmy Goby Amblyeleotris wheeleri – Gorgeous Prawn or Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby Priolepis nocturna – Cave Goby, Black Barred Convict Goby, Circus Goby Stonogobiops yasha – Orange-striped Shrimp Goby Lythrypnus dalli – Catalina or Blue-banded Goby

Can you believe it’s been five years since we last talked about our top five holy grail fish in episode 59? Ben, Amy, and Calder decided to revisit the topic and see how they have grown, what’s changed, and what’s still the same. With holy grail fish, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that’s what makes it so fun! Whether it’s a cool new guppy strain you saw online or building a thousand gallon shark system, there is no wrong way to fall in love with a fish. Let’s us know some of your holy grail fish, past and present. We would love to hear from you and share your enthusiasm.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: American Killifish Association – https://aka.org/ American Livebearer Association – https://livebearers.org/ International Betta Congress – https://www.ibcbettas.org/ American Cichlid Association – https://www.cichlid.org/ Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation – https://myfwc.com/ Species mentioned in this episode: Rhinogobius zhoui Diapteron cyanostictum Betta macrostoma Betta mulyadii Nothobranchius symoensi Neoheterandria elegans Alcolapia latilabris Xiphophorus Wallacii regani Poecilia velifera Hoplisoma longipinne Anableps anableps Corella arnoldi Pteronotropis welaka Parasphrenemos linkeyi

Looking for a cichlid to add to your 55-75 gallon aquarium? Ben, Amy and Calder talk about five of their “favorite” medium-sized cichlids, but honestly how do you only pick five. Many of the cichlids chosen tonight are not only beautiful, but display interesting paretal behaviors and hold special places in our hearts being recoginzed by the CARES Fish Preservation Program. We would love to hear some of your favorites we didn’t mention tonight and  experiences you’ve had in your aquariums. Let’s make cichlids more popular in the hobby again!   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: New England Cichlid Association – https://www.necichlids.org/ Species mentioned in this episode: Andinoacara pulcher – Blue Acara Benitochromis nigrodorsalis Aequidens diadema – Royal Acara Iranocichla persa Ptyochromis sp. “Hippo point salmon” Neolamprologus tretocephalus – Five-Bar Cichlid Thorichthys meeki – Firemouth Cichlid Amatitliana kanna – Panama Convict Cichlid Amatitlania nanoluteus – Yellow Convict Cichlid Pterophyllum leopoldi – Leopold’s Angelfish Stomatepia pindu – Pindu Cichlid Aequidens metae – Yellow Acara Paragobiocichla irvinei – Blue-Lipped Buffalo Head Coptodon kottae – Yellow Tilapia Wallaciia regani – Regani Dwarf Pike Cichlid

You may have seen our familiar faces in the recent release of the AMAZONAS Big Beauties magazine. This is because we had the privilege to interview Alex Rose, executive editor of AMAZONAS magazine and associate editor of Coral and Ocean Geographic magazine. It was truly a pleasure to have her here and we look forward to working with her again. She dives in, literally, to her work and what it takes to have your work published in a magazine. She talks about her diving experiences, AI and how it can be used in the proper setting, and current / up and coming projects. Thank you for  your patient wait, here is the amazing Alex Rose. ***We did experience some technical issues while recording, please skip to the 5:00 minute mark to hear Alex clearly.***   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: AMAZONAS Magazine – https://www.amazonasmagazine.com/ Coral Magazine – https://www.coralmagazine.com/ Ocean Geographic Magazine – https://www.ogsociety.org/ Blue Ring – https://www.bluering.blue Mission Blue – https://missionblue.org/the-mission/ Fins Up Creative / Sea America / Protected Waters – www.youtube.com/@DownUnderJenn Got a cool story you want mentioned in AMAZONAS magazine? Email [email protected] Species mentioned in this episode: Amphiprion percula Dichotomyctere nigroviridis Aphyosemion striatum Nothobranchius furzeri Liopropoma carmabi Zu cristatus Carcharhinus falciformis Oxymonacanthus longirostris

Happy late or early St. Patty’s Day! This week’s episode was temporarily lost but is now found. Enjoy Ben, Amy and Calder talk about their top 5 favorite green fish, some of which may surprise you.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Andrej Spec Species mentioned in this episode: Oparius pulchellus Gastromyzon lepidogaster Betta smaragdina Ammocryptocharax elegens Barbodes semifasciolatus Balistapus undulatus Pethia conchonius Rudarius ercodes Krenoketrodon travancoricus L200 – Green Phantom Pleco Distichodus teugelsi Chromis virdis Brochis splendens Neolebias ansorgii Wild discus

This week’s podcast is a little different than most… This week, we invite you to sit down and brainstorm some ideas for our breeder lab remodel with Ben, Amy, and Maddy. Our tenative plan is to work with wild type bettas and livebearers, killifish, and bristlenose plecos with a majority of the tanks used to grow out some of our favorite plants. We are so excited to get this project up and running but it’s so difficult to pick a select few species to work with. What do you want to see in our lab? What uncommon fish would you like to see more readily avalible in the hobby? Let us know using the resources below. We love and appreciate your ideas and feedback.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Aquatic Gardeners Association – https://www.aquatic-gardeners.org/ Andrej Spec Species mentioned in this episode: Betta dennisyongi Aphyosemion riggenbachi Fundulopanchax gardeneri Nothobranchius guentheri ‘zanzibar’ Epiplatys annulatus Nothobranchius korthausae ‘Mafia Island’ Nothobranchius flammicomantis Moema helleri Aphyosemion ogoense Kryptolebias marmoratus Rivulus sp. “Colombia” Anablepsoides hartii Aphyosemion citrineipinnis Aphyosemion splendopleure (and ‘Tiko green’) Aphyosemion bitaeniatum Aphyosemion bivittatum Aphyosemion australe gold Paraphanius mento Aphanius farsicus Epiplatys dageti Epiplatys monroviae Utricularia – Bladderwort Microctenopoma ansorgii Betta enisae Betta pallifina Betta patoti Betta macrostoma Betta mahachaiensis Betta pallifina Betta miniopinna Betta chini Betta hendra Betta imbellis Betta smaragdina ‘guitar’ Betta cocina Betta channoides Xiphophorus helleri guentheri Xiphophorus pygmaeus Xiphophorus nigrensis Xiphophorus birchmanni Ataeniobius toweri Poecila velifera Limia tridens Limia tridens Heterandria formosa Xenophallus umbratilis Plant species coming soon…

The Water Colors team gathers around the table with special guest, Andrej Spec, to talk about aquarium plants. Andrej shares his aquarium journey and how he quickly went from hobbyist to passionate collector. He talks about his successes, some of his methods to that success, and so much more. Thank you so much for your kindness and inspiration, Andrej and we look forward to seeing you again.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Andrej Spec Missouri Aquarium Society – https://missouriaquariumsociety.com/ Christel Kasselmann – https://www.instagram.com/christel.kasselmann/ Aquatic Gardeners Association – https://www.aquatic-gardeners.org/ Dennis Wong – www.2hraquarist.com Plants from Test Tubes: An Introduction to Micropropagation by Lydiane Kyte (with co-authors like John Kleyn, Holly Scoggins, and Mark Bridgen in later editions)   Species mentioned in this episode: Crinum asiaticum – Crinum “Centorum” Cuphea anagalloidea Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata – Ludwigia “Tornado” Rotala ramosior ‘Florida’ Rotala ramosior ‘Sunset’ Lobelia cardinalis – Cardinal Plant Lobelia kalmii – Kalm’s Lobelia Lobelia siphilitica – Blue Cardinal Plant Lobelia x Speciosa Oomycetes Xylaria Vallisneria spiralis var. denserrulata – Lake Tanganyika Vallisneria Cryptocoryne wendtii (‘Mi Oya’ and green) Barclaya motleyi Barclaya wellyi Nymphae – Water Lily Nymphaea sp. Peru Puerto Maldonado Nymphaea aff. dimorpha (minuta) Cryptocoryne keei Cryptocoryne nurii Cryptocoryne striolata Cryptocoryne spiralis Fenestratarum Bucephalandra ultramafica Bucephalandra kishii Cryptocoryne striolata – “Red Tiger” Crypt Osteogaster hephaestus – Fireball Cory Corydoras sp. CW113 Lagenandra ovata – “Mayan Sword” Pseudogastromyzon fasciatus “Zhejiang” Pseudogastromyzon lepidogaster

Thank you to everyone who listened to our live talk! Ben, Amy, Calder and Maddy had an awesome time and are looking forward to next year. In this talk, we cover how / where to get killifish, their relavence in the hobby, and how we can do our part to make these great fish more popular amoungst hobbyists.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: American Killifish Association – https://aka.org/ British Killifish Association – https://killis.org.uk/ Species mentioned in this episode: Fundulopanchax gardneri (gold and P82) Nothobranchius rachovii Aphyosemion australe Paracheirodon simulans – Green Neon Tetra Trigonostigma espei – Lambchop Rasbora Trigonostigma heteromorpha – Harley Quinn Rasbora Epiplatys annulatus Ladigesia roloffi – Jelly Bean Tetra Nothobranchius patrizii Anablepsoides Diapteron Aphyosemion striatum Nothobranchius guentheri ‘zanzibar’ Aphyosemion splendopleure Chromaphyosemion bivittatum Fundulopanchax sjoestedti

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, the Water Colors team talks about Mexico and some of their favorite species endemic to the North American continent. With such an interesting evolutionary history, it is no suprise that Mexico is home to many beautiful, unique fish and plants. Whether you are a cichlid or swordtail lover, Mexico has a fish for everyone.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Missouri Aquarium Society (MASI) – https://missouriaquariumsociety.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22863986520&gbraid=0AAAABArITQG8EzReaXm3iOuAaL_zcLsyW&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4Y3lkIeolAMVMlN_AB19xgtwEAAYASAAEgLwk_D_BwE Andrej Spec Bluegrass Bash – https://bluegrassfishkeepers.com/bluegrass-bash Species mentioned in this episode: Xiphophorus pygmaeus Xiphophorus alvarezi Xiphophorus montezumae Herichthys labridens Vieja Xiphophorus couchianus Xiphophorus evelynae Herichthys cyanoguttatus Herichthys carpintis Ataeniobius toweri Xiphophorus milleri Xiphophorus birchmanni Hydrocotyle verticillata Poecilia velifera Cyprinodon longidorsalis Thorichthys helleri Astyanax mexicanus Potamogeton illinoensis Mayaheros urophthalmus    

Amy, Ben and Calder come together after a fantastic time at KilliKarnival 2026. They had a blast at the live talk and so much fun meeting fellow listeners and fish enthusiasts alike. This week’s episode breaks down their time in South Bend, Indiana. They talk about the amazing fish they saw, what it’s like to help judge competitions, things they still see in the hobby that make them sad, and our upcoming projects, both personal and store-related. Special thanks to all of the people who made this weekend happen and we hope to see you there next year!   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: KilliKarnival – https://mas.fish/society-events/killifish-karnival/ David Hemmerlein Species mentioned in this episode: Aphyosemion australe Aphyosemion bivittatum Aphyosemion splendopleure (Tiko Green) Aphyosemion striatum Aphyosemion bitaeniatum Aphyosemion pyrophore Aphyosemion joergenscheeli Aphyosemion coeleste Aphyosemion citrineipinnis Aphyosemion elberti Aphyosemion dargei Nothobranchius rachovii Nothobranchius rubripinnis Nothobranchius polli Nothobranchius korthausae Fundulopanchax gardeneri rayfield Fundulopanchax gardeneri masangi Epiplatys annulatus Scriptaphyosemion banforense Scriptaphyosemion guignardi Chromaphyosemion riggenbachi Lamprichthys tanganicanus Lucania goodei Aphanius dispar Aphanius fasciatus Paraphanius mento Mesonauta festivus Mesonauta egregius Heros severus Phractocephalus hemioliopterus Chitala ornata Rivulus mejial (Colombia) Cupanichthys cubensis Cupanichthys pengelleyi Amatolebias patriciae

As Killifish Month comes to a close, the team wraps up loose ends and reiterates some important points. The topics include; what it takes to survive as a male, male vs. female hatching ratios, seperating breeding pairs, the various methods of raising healthy fry, raising live foods, and unofficial ways to catergorize killifish. If you are a true fan and have a strong stomach, stick around for the bonus content at the end of this episode. See you at KilliKarnival 2026!   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: KilliKarnival – https://mas.fish/society-events/killifish-karnival/ Species mentioned in this episode: Fundulopanchax gardneri Nothobranchius guentheri Xiphophorus hellerii Scriptaphyosemion etzeli Scriptaphyosemion guignardi Aphyosemion elberti Aphyosemion citrineipinnis Diapteron  

In this episode, the Water Colors Team gather around the table to talk about “switch hitting” killifish. In other words, killifish that can mop spawn and substrate spawn. They discuss different spawning methods, practices they use at home in their own breeding projects, and why these fish have developed this advantagous adaptation. Come listen to how incubations times differ depending on the method, and decide which method you are going to use next.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Alex Rose and Coral Magazine – https://www.coralmagazine.com/ Species mentioned in this episode: Fundulopanchax sjoestedti – Blue Gularis Kryptolebias marmoratus Epiplatys dageti Epiplatys monroviae Fundulopanchax garderneri Aphyosemion splendidum Aphyosemion australe

The team dives into much more than just South American Killifish this episode. They discuss the Lacey Act and the native fish of Brazil, sustainable collection like Project Piaba, killifish diapause and dirt spawning methods. Join us at the KilliKarnival on April. 25th, 2026. We appreciate your patience with the delay of last week’s podcast. Our regular publishing schedule will begin again as usual on 4/17/2026.   Sources mentioned in this episode: KilliKarnival – https://mas.fish/society-events/killifish-karnival/ Brief Summary of Lacey Act – https://www.animallaw.info/article/brief-summary-lacey-act Project Piaba – https://projectpiaba.org/ British Killifish Association – https://killis.org.uk/ American Killifish Association – https://aka.org/ It Rains Fish – https://www.itrainsfishes.net/content/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Species mentioned in this episode: Brazilian genre: Simpsonichthys, Nematolebias, Leptopanchax, Campellolebias, Mucurilebias Available hobby alternative for Simpsonichthys is Spectrolebias Brazilian species: Cynolebias microphthalmus Hypsolebias magnificus Xenurolebias tupinikin Argolebias nigripinnis Main South American Annual Genre: Austrolebias, Stenolebias, Pterolebias, Notholebias, Moema, Rachovia, Simpsonichthys Other: Titanolebias Gnatholebias Neofundulus Pterolebias longipinnis Spectrolebias chacoensis Simpsonichthys filamentosus Aphanius mento

This episode is all about African killifish excluding the Nothobranchius genus. The Water Colors team tackles their favorite, unique, and rare killifish that aren’t talked about enough in the hobby. They discuss breeding, habitats, tankmates, and more. Have you heard of some of these species? Let us know! Sources mentioned in this episode: American Killifish Association – https://aka.org/ British Killifish Association – https://killis.org.uk/ The Killifish Collections Project – https://killifishcollections.net/ Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord Species mentioned in this episode: Aphyosemion citrineipinnis – Lemon-finned Killi Callopanchax occidentalis – Golden Pheasant Panchax Fundulopanchax avichang Epiplatys dageti (monroviae) – Redchin or Firemouth Panchax Aphyosemion cyanostictum – Gabon jewelfish Scriptaphyosemion guignardi – Mamou or Guignard’s Killifish Fundulopanchax gardeneri – Blue Lyretail Fundulopanchax fallax – Kribi Killi Scriptaphyosemion geryi – Geryi’s Killi Aphyosemion bitaeniatum – Two Striped Lyretail Fundulosoma thierryi – Togo Killi Aphyosemion elberti – Red-barred Lyretail Epiplatys roloffi Procatopus nototaenia – Large-finned Lampeye Micropanchax loati – Nile Lampeye or Killi

This episode is all about loaches! The Water Colors team sits down to discuss their top 5 species, detailing their care, behavior, native habitats, and more. Loaches come in all sort of shapes, sizes, and temperaments, making this an incredible diverse top 5 list. What are your favorite species?   Sources mentioned in this episode: https://www.loaches.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Species mentioned in this episode: Beaufortia kweichowensis, butterfly hillstream loach Botia striata, zebra loach Chromobotia macranthus, clown loach Botia almorhae,  yoyo loach Sinibotia robusta,  kansu loach Syncrosus berdmorei, Blyth’s loach Schistura sp ‘Crimson’ Schistura balteata, sumo loach Yasuhikotakia morleti, skunk loach Misgurnus anguillacaudatus, dojo loach Canthrophrys gongota,  mooseface loach Vaillantella maasi,  forktail loach Ambastaia sidthimunki, dwarf chain loach Petruichtys brevis, Lake Inle loach Pangio pangia, cinnamon kuhli loach Yaoshania pachychilus, panda loach

Cyprinidae is the largest family of freshwater fish, which makes it quite challenging to narrow down a top 5 list! In this episode, the Water Colors hosts attempt to do just that, by selecting their top 5 micro cyprinids to discuss. This family is so expansive, it contains danios, barbs, loaches and more! Which species would make your list? Sources referenced: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/399795227_Phylogenomics_of_Cypriniformes_the_most_diverse_order_of_freshwater_fishes_consensus_challenges_and_limitations Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Species mentioned in this episode: African butterfly barb. ‘barbus’ hulstaerti Celestial pearl danio, danio magaritatus Emerald dwarf rasbora, danio erythromicron Glowlight danio, danio choprae Asian rummynose rasbora, sawbwa resplendens Sundadanios Dwarf zipper kuhli loach, pangio cuneovirgata Dwarf green barb, pethia phutunio Rosy loach, petruichthys mango Gold ring danio, danio tinwini Dwarf amber barb, barboides gracilis Bororas b. uropthalmoides, exclamation point rasbora b. brigittae, chili rasbora b. micros, three spot rasbora Dwarf fire barb, horadandia brittani Laos pygmy multi-stripe loach, micronemacheilus cruciatus

We’re back with one of our favorite episode formats – answering listener submitted questions! These episodes are livestreamed at the time of recording on our YouTube channel – consider joining our YouTube membership for access to weekly livestreamed episodes! There is never a shortage of great questions and topics to kickstart some interesting conversations on these recording sessions. You can submit your own questions for future episodes to [email protected]   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

Leaves, cones, seedpods and more! In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses botanicals, and how to use them in your aquariums. There are loads of benefits to adding these to your tank, including antifungal/antibacterial properties, softening or staining water, food for fry, and more! We cover the different varieties available, when to use them, and even some tips and trick on how to forage for your own botanicals. Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord

Continuing Blackwater Month, we’re back to discuss the Betta coccina complex! This complex contains arguably some of the greatest wild betta species known to the hobby. These are true blackwater gems that come in very small packages! The hosts discuss their native habitats, distribution, captive care, conservation status, and more! We’ll break down the taxonomy associated with this complex, as well as some exciting, newly described species. Have you kept any bettas within the coccina complex?   References used in this episode: https://www.sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S1313298925001922 Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord

Continuing the blackwater aquarium theme, the hosts discuss their top 5 fish picks that look incredible in stained water. To learn all about blackwater aquariums, refer to our previous episode (254. Intro to Blackwater Aquariums). We cover a wide variety of species native to blackwater environments. Some species are selected due to their striking coloration in these environments, while some are selected due to  amazing breeding behavior stimulated by blackwater. What are your favorite blackwater fish?   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Species mentioned in this episode: Bororas micros Betta persephone Trichilocharax ornatus Ladigesia roloffi Nannostomus mortenthaleri Melanotaenia jakora Betta brownorum Betta albimarginata Parosphromenus ornacaudata Parosphromenus nagyi Sphaerichthys vallianti Pteronotropus welaka Pteronotropus hypselopterus Pteronotropus signipinnis Sundadanio goblinus Taeniacara candidi Diapteron sp. Apistogramma panduro

There’s a new trend taking the hobby by storm – blackwater tanks! These aquariums often have a stained appearance, with water resembling tea. They frequently are designed with lots of leaf litter and other botanicals, minimal flow, and little to no aquarium plants. Aside from the visual appearance, these tanks will also have lower pH and hardness, replicating softer water environments where many blackwater fish are found. The hosts discuss these setups in detail, covering design elements, equipment, water chemistry, and many of the fish species that thrive in these environments. How do you feel about blackwater aquariums?   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord    

For as long as aquariums have existed, there have been hobbyists looking for ways to avoid maintenance. From misleading products to “experts” online, there are numerous sources that give hobbyists the false impression that it’s OK to skip water changes completely! In this episode, the Water Colors hosts dispel these myths, while also discussing what scenarios might allow for minimal maintenance setups. Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord  

In this episode, we welcome back Charles to discuss changes and trends in the marine aquarium hobby. Comparing livestock lists through the years, the hosts make note of species that have fallen out of favor, changed in price, or become unavailable altogether. Through this discussion, we make some predictions about the future of the marine fishkeeping hobby and how our choices may impact the trajectory of the aquarium industry as a whole.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord

In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses guppy strains and the history associated with some of the famous strains we all know and love. Guppies are one of the oldest, most well-known fish in the hobby – with many aquarists beginning their journeys by keeping guppy tanks. Through selective breeding, we’ve developed a variety of amazing strains. The possibilities are endless!   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord  

As we move into the new year, we celebrate our 250th episode by reminiscing on 2025. We had some monumental accomplishments this past year, including many amazing podcast guests, an extremely successful batch of baby bamboo sharks, and the astounding growth of our podcast community! We want to take a moment to thank everyone for following along and supporting our mission. We wrap up this episode by brainstorming new goals for 2026. This episode is dedicated to Splash, the greatest shop dog we could have ever asked for. Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord  

In this exciting episode, we have two celebrity guests in the studio to discuss their personal fish room builds! Mike Monje and Craig Forist share details about their own fish rooms at home, as well as some secrets to help you build your own dream workspace. The hosts and guests share some great accomplishments, tank disasters, and tips and tricks for creating the most efficient and effective fish rooms. What does your dream work space look like?   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord

In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses their top 5 favorite fish that are not safe to keep with coral. The average reef aquarium in 2026 has a variety of mixed corals. Many of the most interesting fish in the aquarium trade are unsafe to keep with corals. This means there’s a whole world of fun and unique species that get overlooked, simply because they’re not compatible with the average reef tank. Many of the species mentioned in this episode will eat corals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a place in the hobby! What are your favorite non reef safe fish?   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Species mentioned in this episode: Scribbled boxfish, ostracion solarensis Yellow clown goby, gobiodon okinawae Red Sea cleaner wrasse, larabicus quadrilineatus Orange spotted rabbitfish, siganus guttatus Eibli angelfish, centropyge eibli Lemonpeel angelfish, centropyge flavissima Regal angelfish, pygoplites diacanthus Brownband butterflyfish, roa modesta Threadfin butterflyfish, chaetodon auriga Chocolate chip starfish, protoreaster nodosus Peppered butterflyfish, chaetodon guttatissimus Undulated triggerfish, balistapus undulatus Caribbean longnose butterflyfish, prognathodes aceleatus

We all love bettas, but what other anabantoids need some time in the spotlight? In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses their top 5 species from the suborder anabantoidei. This includes many beloved fish such as gouramis, paradisefish, badis, and even channa! Discussions include native habitats, captive care, breeding reports, and more! What’re your favorite anabantoids?   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Species mentioned in this episode: Blue paradisefish, macropodus opercularis Spiketail paradisefish, pseudosphromenus dayi Gollum snakehead, aenigmachanna gollum Noble gourami, ctenops nobilis Ornate paradisefish, melpulatta kretseri Peppermint pikehead, luciocephalus aura Crossband chocolate gourami, sphaerichthys selatanensis Honey gourami, trichogaster chuna Giant sparkling gourami, trichopsis schalleri Leopard bushfish, ctenopoma acutirostre Black paradisefish, macropodus spechti Rainbow snakehead, channa bleheri Banded bushfish, microtenopoma fasciolatum Red flame badis, dario hysginon Strawberry licorice gourami, parosphromenus nagyi Moonspot licorice gourami, paosphromenus linkei

In this episode, the Water Colors team takes a trip back in time. The early aquarium hobby has some fascinating origins, some good and some not so good. Much of what we know about aquariums has changed through the years, but one thing remains constant – people are enamored with fish. In this discussion, we’ll go through some of the earliest fish species to be imported and kept in the US, as well as aquarium styles, equipment, and care through the years. Do you own any retro aquariums?   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery   Sources used in this episode: The Aquarium, Mulertt, Hugo Handbook to the Fish House, E. W. H. Holdworth The Way We Were: 1973: Breeding The Clownfish Amphiprion ocellaris, Martin A. Moe Guppies, The New York Times

In this episode, the Water Colors Team discusses their top 5 aquarium plants found in Africa! When in comes to plant diversity, Africa is hard to beat! Some of our absolute favorites come from this region. This discussion revolves around our favorite species, their native ranges, care, and more! If you’re interested in designing a biotope to this region, this episode is a great place to start! What are your favorite African plants?   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery   Species mentioned in this episode: Ammania gracilis Ammania capitellata Nymphaea zankeri Nymphaea micrantha Eleocharis dulcis Eleocharis minima Eleocharis wallichii Eleocharis huperiana Eleocharis atropurpurea Hygrophila odora Ottelia ulvifolia Bolbitis heudelotii Aubias heterophylla Anubias gigantea Aponogeton madagascarensis Crinum calimastratum Aponogeton ulvaceus

In this episode, the Water Colors team is once again quizzed on their fish knowledge! Using the worst commercial wholesale fish list we can find and a random number generator, we roll a random species from the list and test each host to see if they know the species based only on the common name alone. Each turn, they can score points by correctly naming the genus and species. This game is made even more challenging due to the blatantly wrong or outdated information on this wholesale list! Try playing along at home and see if you get as frustrated as we do!   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

Once again, we are joined by our good friend and algae expert Dr. Jordyn Stoll! In this episode, we narrow down our focus and discuss ornamental marine algae, sometimes referred to as macroalgae. Aquascapes utilizing ornamental algae often resemble planted aquariums, and share some similarities, yet the species used in macroalgae tanks span across multiple kingdoms and can vary vastly in care. We’ll discuss some of the common varieties and attempt to categorize them, while also sharing our experience with obtaining and growing different species. Have you ever kept a macroalgae tank?   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery  

In this new episode format, the Water Colors team sits down to discuss the current display aquariums within our store in Grand Rapids, Michigan! The display tanks in our gallery serve as examples to inspire others. The staff will take turns designing and maintaining the various show tanks across the store. In this discussion, we’ll go in-depth on all the setups, including the dimensions, equipment, stocking, and more! From nano planted paludariums, to massive reef tanks, we’ve got a diverse array of aquariums you are sure to love!     Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery    

In this episode, the Water Colors Team sits down to discuss corallimorphs, or the cnidarians within the order corallimorpharia. This includes fun species from the genera discosoma, rhodactus, ricordea, and more! We discuss some of the available varieties in the aquarium trade and their care, as well as some other unique species that aquarists don’t typically see! Which corallimorphs are your favorite?   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

For this Halloween episode, we asked our listeners, friends, and fellow hobbyists to share their spookiest aquarium horror stories. We received some shocking tales about aquarium-related injuries, losses, and more. We hope by sharing these experiences, we can all learn from the tragedies and discuss how to prevent future disasters. What’s your scariest aquarium story?   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

Once again, we are joined by our good friend and algae expert Dr. Jordyn Stoll! In this episode, we attempt to tackle the complicated world of marine algae, but quickly find that this topic warrants multiple episodes. The tricky nature of discussing saltwater algae sends our hosts off on dozens of tangents, to no surprise. From ornamental macroalgae to pesky nuisance algae, join us as we learn just how complicated this topic can be! Special thanks to Jordyn for joining us on this fun episode!   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

In this episode, we welcome a good friend of the store in for an interview! Craig Forist is an accomplished aquarist with an impressive background in the aquarium hobby. He is the president of two aquarium clubs, an active BAP competitor, and most recently – the proud owner of a trio of epaulette sharks. We sit down with Craig and hear all about his aquarium experiences, from early inspirations, to the founding of a brand new saltwater club (West Michigan Marine Aquarium Society). Join us as we discuss aquarium clubs, fish rooms, epaulette sharks, and more!   You can learn more about the West Michigan Marine Aquarium Society (WMMAS) here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/298576849030426/ You can learn more about the Grand Valley Aquarium Club (GVAC) here: https://gvaquariumclub.org/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

The 55 gal aquarium is a notoriously disliked tank, with many hobbyists avoiding it like the plague. At 48″ long, 13″ wide, and 20″ tall, it can be a very limiting tank to work with! Despite it’s reputation, it’s still a frequently sold model. In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses their top 3 concepts surrounding the dreaded 55gal tank. We have some very unique suggestions that may inspire you to try one out yourself!   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

We’re back with one of our favorite episode formats – answering listener submitted questions! These episodes are livestreamed at the time of recording on our YouTube channel – consider joining our YouTube membership for access to weekly livestreamed episodes! There is never a shortage of great questions and topics to kickstart some interesting conversations on these recording sessions. You can submit your own questions for future episodes to [email protected]   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses their top 5 most bragworthy aquarium plants! Some of these species are challenging to find or grow, and having a healthy specimen can show other aquarists that you’re a hardcore hobbyist. Other examples on this list are simply impressive to see, whether you’re an aquarium geek or not! From giant swords to flowering crypts, we love an opportunity to brag about impressive plants. Which plants are you most proud of?   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery   Species mentioned in this episode: Crinum calimastratum Madagascar aponogetons A. longiplumulosus A. Madagascarensis A. Bolivianus Crinum natans Cryptocoryne parva Nymphaea gardneriana, ‘Santarem lily’ Nymphoides cristata, Sp. ‘Taiwan’ Rotala vietnam Vallisneria rubra Cryptocoryne usteriana Cryptocoryne undulata Cryptocoryne walkeri Eriocaulon sp. ‘feather duster’ Nymphaea dimorpha / minuta Java fern Echinodorus uruguayensis Cryptocoryne albida

In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses what to do when you encounter an aquarium emergency. From leaks to power outages, food dumps to broken pumps – what can you do when disaster strikes? We’ll talk about the common issues, how to troubleshoot, and how to prepare. What are the worst aquarium disasters you’ve experienced? You can send your stories into [email protected] and they may be shared in a future episode!   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

In this episode, the Water Colors team is once again quizzed on their fish knowledge! Using the worst commercial wholesale fish list we can find and a random number generator, we roll a random species from the list and test each host to see if they know the species based only on the scientific name alone. Each turn, they can score a point by successfully proving they know the species. They can also earn a bonus point for guessing the correct Water Colors retail price. This game is made even more challenging due to the blatantly wrong or outdated information on this wholesale list! Try playing along at home and see if you get as frustrated as we do!   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

In this listener-suggested episode, the Water Colors team comes up with a few of their favorite concepts for nano tanks that can live on your desk! We are accepting votes on which of these concepts we will be setting up in the shop! Whether you work from home, or have a corporate desk job, there’s room for a mini project tank in your work space. We’ll discuss ideas that range from simple and hands-off, to complex designs with rare species and high end equipment. A few fan-favorite species will be mentioned, along with some surprising suggestions that are sure to get your ideas flowing! Your coworkers will either love you, or avoid you – depending on what type of tank you put on your desk! What desktop aquariums would you like to setup?   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

In this episode, we are joined once again by freshwater ecologist and algae expert Dr. Jordyn Stoll! Jordyn studies algae in natural environments, and with her expertise, we hope to discuss some of the common algae varieties we encounter in our aquariums. The big question is – how do we treat it? Algae issues typically stem from nutrient imbalances, both in our aquariums and in nature. Identifying the species of algae is a great first step in learning how to eradicate it. Dr. Stoll and the Water Colors team will discuss algae identification, possible treatments, and share plenty of fun facts along the way.   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

After wrapping up our official Killifish month, the Water Colors team concludes by sharing their top 5 killifish of all time! March 2025 was full of non-stop killi action, including episodes on dirt-spawners (208), mop-spawners (207), and killifish biotopes (206). What better way to round it off than a classic top 5 list? For more in-depth discussion on killis, refer back to these previous episodes. Which killifish are in your top 5?   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery   Species mentioned in this episode: Fundulopanchax gardneri Lucania goodei Epiplatyus annulatus Aphyosemion australe Diapteron fulgens Paraphanius mento Jordanella floridae Lamprichthys tanganicanus Nothobranchius rachovii Nothobranchius reubripinnis Additional sources mentioned in this episode: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1055790322000951

In this episode, the Water Colors Team discusses their top 5 non-armored catfish species! This excludes a lot of fan-favorite cats, such as corydoras and plecos, and forces the hosts to study up on some unusual species! It’s impossible to generalize catfishes, as they comprise nearly 10% of all known fish species. We’ll share some of our favorites, ranging from tiny, dwarf acts – to large, electric catfish! What are your favorite species?   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery   Species mentioned in this episode: Wasp catfish, akysis vespa Marbled hoplo cat, megalechis thorocata Gulper cat, asterophysus batrachus Banjo cat, bunocephalus caracoideus Eel-tailed banjo cat, platystacus cotylephorus Bumblebee cat, microglanis iheringi Glass catfish, kryptopterus vitreolus Ornate pim, pimelodus ornatus Pictus cat, pimelodus pictus Dwarf upside-down cat, synodontis nigriventis Stargazer catfish, astroblepus mancoi Synodontis lucipinnis Synodontis petricola Dwarf anchor cat, erethistes jerdoni Small-mouthed electric catfish, malapterurus microstoma Gold hovering cat, chandramara chandramara   Sources referenced in this episode: https://www.planetcatfish.com/ https://www.scotcat.com/ https://seriouslyfish.com/

In this new episode format, the Water Colors team is quizzed on their fish knowledge! Using our favorite commercial wholesale fish list and a random number generator, we roll a random species from the list and test each host to see if they know the species based only on the scientific name alone. Each turn, they can score a point by successfully proving they know the species. They can also earn a bonus point for guessing the correct Water Colors retail price. From African cichlids to oddball eels, we encounter some fun and unique species in this episode that are sure to stump even the experts!   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

For our final episode of Livebearer Month, we welcome back Charles, who joins us to discuss fancy livebearers! It would be an injustice to talk about livebearing fish without taking a dive into the genetics behind the strains we know and love. Selective breeding is a process that has allowed aquarists to develop fish with specific traits, including those with dramatic, long fins and vibrant color variations. In this discussion, we’ll learn about some special varieties of fancy livebearers, how they were developed, and how to maintain a project of your very own! Which livebearing fish do you dream of keeping?   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery      

The Water Colors team is honored to have Pat Hartman join us for an interview in this week’s episode! Our Livebearer Month would not be complete without the contribution of Pat, who is one of the most accomplished aquarists we’ve had the pleasure to sit down with. Pat Hartman has been keeping fish for about 50 years. Although not a founding member, he has been a member of the Southwestern Michigan Aquarium Society (SWMAS) in Kalamazoo, MI since early 1979, and is active with the Grand Valley Aquarium Club (GVAC) in Grand Rapids, MI. In the early 1980’s he developed a special interest in livebearing fishes and rapidly became involved with the American Livebearer Association (ALA) where he served in various capacities including Chairman. Pat has been involved in almost every aspect of the ALA, having won several major Show Awards at the ALA Conventions, participates in the Species Maintenance Program, serves as auctioneer, and has successfully bred over 180 species of livebearers in the ALA Breeder’s Award Program. Pat was also instrumental in the formation of the ALA Vern Parish Fund (VPF) where he continues as Co-Chairman. He is Co-Chair of the ALA Graduate Student Poster Session (GPS).   Today he specializes almost exclusively in wild species of livebearers. Pat was honored by being named “Fellow of the ALA” in 2006. Pat is also active with the North American Goodeid Working Group (NAGWG) and finally made his first trip to Mexico in Nov 2014 for the 4th International Symposium on Viviparous Fishes, along with the GWG Meeting, visit to the Fish Ark, and Collecting Goodeids in the Wild. He made his second trip to Mexico in February 2017 as a part of the first ever NAGWG Goodeid Study Tour, and a third trip to Guadalajara as an invited Speaker at the GWG 2 nd International Convention. He became Chairman of the NAGWG in 2022. Goodeid Working Group https://www.goodeidworkinggroup.com/ American Livebearer Association https://www.livebearers.org/ Vern Parish Fund https://www.livebearers.org/research/vern-parish-fund Langhammer Fund for Conservation https://www.livebearers.org/research/langhammer-fund   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

Continuing Livebearer Month, the Water Colors team is back to discuss wild-type live bearing fishes! This includes the family poeciliidae, and the tricky taxonomy that comes with it. Some species within poeciliidae are common staples in the aquarium hobby, while many of them are virtually unknown to hobbyists. Aquarists that specialize in livebearing fish have more than a few rare species to dream about! Which species have you kept?   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/   Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery   Species mentioned in this episode, including episode notes from Calder: – Subfamily Poeciliinae Tribe Alfarini – Genus Alfaro: Small clade of central American livebearers that live in rainforests. Tribe Gambusini – Genus Belonesox: This is a highly specialized predator, with an extremely flexible upper jaw that enables it to take very large prey items for its size. – Genus Brachyrhaphis: Most are restricted to Panama and Costa Rica, but B. holdridgei also occurs in Nicaragua and B. hartwegi is from Mexico and Guatemala. A phylogenetic analysis published in 2015 suggested that Brachyrhaphis may not be of a monophyletic group. – Genus Gambusia: Gambusia contains over 40 species, most of which are principally found in freshwater habitats, though some species may also be found in brackish or saltwater habitats. The genus Gambusia comes from the Cuban term, “Gambusino”, which means “free-lance miner”[3] The type species is the Cuban gambusia, G. punctata. The greatest species richness is in Mexico, Texas, and the Greater Antilles, but species are also found elsewhere in the eastern and southern United States, the Bahamas, Central America, and Colombia. – Genus Heterophallus; A genus of small poeciliids found near the coast in calm waters of river basins in southeastern Mexico. Tribe Girardini – Carlhubbsia – Girardinus Tribe Heterandriini – Genus Heterandria: Most species occur in Guatemala and its surroundings, particularly Mexico, but the midget livebearer (H. formosa) comes from the southeastern United States. – Genus Neoheterandria: – Genus Poeciliopsis is a genus of poeciliid fishes that primarily are native to Mexico and Central America. The only exceptions are P. turrubarensis where the range extends into Colombia, and P. occidentalis where the range extends into Arizona and New Mexico. – Genus Priapichthys: native to Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia – Genus Xenophallus: Xenophallus umbratilis is a species of poeciliid fish native to the countries of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. This species grows to a length of 4.5 centimetres Tribe Poeciliini – Genus Limia: It comprises 22 described species found in fresh, brackish, saltwater, and hypersaline habitats of the Greater Antilles islands in the Caribbean Sea. A vast majority are endemic to Hispaniola. There has been a long-running debate on whether Limia should be considered a subgenus of Poecilia rather than a full genus. Most Limia species are detritivores and herbivores. – Genus Micropoecilia: Micropoecilia is a genus of poeciliids native to fresh and brackish water from the Amazon Basin to Trinidad. – Genus Phallichthys: Phallichthys is a genus of poeciliids native to Central America. They are hardy fish which inhabit stagnant and slow-flowing waters, making them well-suited to fishkeeping. – Genus Poecilia – Genus Xiphophorus Tribe Cnesterodontini – Genus Cnesterodon: south American poecilids – Genus Phalloceros: is a genus of poeciliids native to freshwater habitats in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and northern Argentina. The majority are endemic to southern and southeastern Brazil (only exceptions are P. caudimaculatus, P. harpagos and P. leticiae).[2] P. caudimaculatus has long been part of the aquarium industry and has been introduced to countries far from its native range.