Do Cory Catfish Need Sand? Health and Behavioral Considerations in Substrate Choice
Jennifer O. Reynolds, M.A., and Nora Hickey, D.V.M. Nora and Jen weigh in on the ongoing debate about whether cory catfish, including Hoplisoma species, pygmy corys, and other popular species, truly need sand in their aquariums. They also provide expert recommendations on the best sand options for Corydoradinae catfish to ensure their health and comfort.…
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2024 International Freshwater Fish Photography Competition
Jennifer O. Reynolds, M.A. & Nora Hickey, D.V.M. Jen was proud to win first place in the 2024 International Freshwater Fish Photography Competition (IFFPC), which focused on wild bettas of the coccina group. Enjoy Jen’s competition-winning photo, and learn more about the natural habitats and plight of some tiny labyrinth fish such as wild betta…
Read MoreGetting Your Sea Legs: What to Consider When Stocking a First Aquarium
Jennifer O. Reynolds, M.A. & Nora Hickey, D.V.M. Originally published in the Nov./Dec. 2024 issue of Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine. This article is the second in a series to support new fishkeepers getting started in the hobby. Click here to read the first article in this series, “Getting Started on the Right Fin: Aquarium Start…
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Getting Started on the Right Fin: Aquarium Startup Basics, for Tropical Fish Hobbyist
Jennifer O. Reynolds, M.A. & Nora Hickey, D.V.M. Originally published in the Sept./Oct. 2024 issue of Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine. This article is the first in a series to support new fishkeepers getting started in the hobby. Click here to read our Best Aquarium Fish for Beginners article!
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Using Aquarium Salt: Treat Diseases, Wounds and Nitrite Poisoning
Jennifer O. Reynolds, M.A. & Nora Hickey, D.V.M. Jen and Nora discuss how to effectively use aquarium salt to treat common problems in freshwater fish including Ich, Epistylis, open wounds, and nitrite poisoning. They provide recommendations for proper aquarium salt dosage using accessible products that can be helpful for bettas and other freshwater species. Jen:…
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White Bumps and Patches on Bettas: What Are They and How to Treat
Nora Hickey, D.V.M. & Jennifer O. Reynolds, M.A. Nora and Jen ask Dr. Jessie Sanders, a fish veterinarian with extensive experience working with betta fish tumors, to share her insights into white bumps, patches, or growths in bettas, including treatment options and practical tips for betta keepers managing this condition. Jen: Nora, I’d like us…
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Quarantine Your Fish
Nora Hickey, D.V.M. & Jennifer O. Reynolds, M.A. Jen and Nora explore the important practice of quarantining new home aquarium fish. They share their personal experiences and provide recommendations on when and how to quarantine, along with specific equipment suggestions. Jen: Nora. It is time to talk about quarantine tanks. I have a feeling that while…
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Mycobacteriosis: The Ubiquitous Scourge of the Aquarist
Nora Hickey, D.V.M. & Jennifer O. Reynolds, M.A. Jen and Nora confer on mycobacteriosis (often called fish tuberculosis) in aquarium fish and offer recommendations for aquarists who are concerned about or dealing with these pervasive bacteria. Jen: This week let’s talk about mycobacteriosis, Nora. Aquarists call it “myco,” and it’s also known as piscine tuberculosis, or…
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Euthanasia for Aquarium Fish: When should it be done, and how?
Nora Hickey, D.V.M. & Jennifer O. Reynolds, M.A. Nora and Jen tackle the difficult subject of when and how to humanely euthanize aquarium fish such as bettas, referencing the American Veterinary Medical Association’s recent professional guidelines on this topic and focusing on methods accessible to home fishkeepers, such as using clove oil. Jen: I have…
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What, How Much, and How Often You Should Feed Your Goldfish
Jennifer O. Reynolds, M.A. & Nora Hickey, D.V.M. Jen and Nora discuss feeding goldfish, covering common problems that can occur, unique goldfish anatomy, what and how often to feed your goldfish, and supplemental treats, vegetables, and plants that can enrich their diet. Nora: Jen, I had a very good question from a fellow veterinarian and…
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