Water Colors Aquarium Gallery

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

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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?



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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?



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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.

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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.



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