LEARNING FROM OLD MISTAKES

Welcome

I’ve kept fish for over four decades now, since I was

THE BORNEO TIGER

It isn’t cheap, it isn’t peaceful, and it still needs your help. Just what is Betta patoti bringing to the table?

Darters in the river

Even rounded rocks and crushing currents can be the ideal home for a fish. Tai Strietman goes diving in torrential waters to find a shy and retiring crowd pleaser.

BEST OF THE IAPLC 2020

Who’s who in this year’s most revered aquascaping contest? We reveal the top 27 of the 2020 International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest.

Encounters in the shade

Cichlid hunting in the wild can turn up rare and exciting treats. Michel Keijman reports on a Cameroon encounter with a gorgeous mouthbrooding fish.

TO THE 80S AND BACK AGAIN…

Returning to your hobby roots can be an invigorating experience for you and your fish. Bob Mehen models a modern home for his first aquatic sweetheart.

My Indoor lake

When a gigantic marine tank in the basement was costing too much to run, one aquarist had to let his livestock go. But what cheaper alternative could give the same impressive impact?

PICK A FISH, ANY FISH…

Not got the space for a tank like Jack’s? Fear not, you can set up an attractive, low maintenance miniature version easily enough. You just need to choose the right fish.

CHOOSE YOUR FIGHTER!

As mentioned, my tank is overstocked. In this smallish

THE LITTLE STINGING LUMPS

Venomous fishes have their appeals, but often become large and unmanageable. Tim Smith explores the smaller end of the stinging spectrum.

Make way for MOCHOKIELLA

It’s not a common sight, but here’s an affordable catfish that’s still waiting to be spawned in aquaria. Steve Grant introduces one of his lifelong favourites.

Fishkeeping Answers

Got a fishkeeping question? PFK’s crack team of aquatics experts are on hand to answer whatever you need to know… questions@practicalfishkeeping.co.uk

GEAR USED & ABUSED

Want to know how the products on sale really perform? We put them through their paces so you can sort the good from the bad…

NEXT MONTH

In the February issue

Tailpiece NATHAN HILL

Why do so many folks strive for the absolute minimum when keeping livestock? My own theory for it might surprise you, but hear me out. The argument isn’t really so silly…