Water Colors Aquarium Gallery

This episode is an open ended discussion surrounding women in the aquarium hobby. It’s no surprise that women are underrepresented in the world of fish keeping, and we would love to dissect why this may be the case. Amy, with the help of three other well-respected women in our local aquarium scene, dive into this topic and speak about their own experiences as they progress as aquarists. &nbs...

The Water Colors team discusses the importance of travel in this unique episode! There are so many reasons to explore the world, but here we discuss our top 3 favorite places to view wild fish in their natural habitat. These experiences can teach us so much about our favorite species, and give us context as to how they behave in their environments. From wild killifish to soaring eagle rays; we&#82...

One of the most beloved fish in the Water Colors universe is the stunning Blood-red Parrot cichlid. They come in so many fun shapes and colors, what’s not to love? Plus, they play so well with their tank mates! This episode is dedicated to our top 5 favorite variations of the most iconic aquarium fish of all time.   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listen...

Utilizing macroalgae in reef tanks is a popular trend in modern day marine aquaria. It’s an excellent way to add some variable textures and colors into your saltwater tank. With special guest Johnathon Butkus, the Water Colors team discusses topics such as care, taxonomy, compatible tank mates, and more. From the vibrant ‘blue hypnea’ to the alien-like ‘dead man’s fin...

Elacatinus gobies are the perfect nano fish – small, stunning, and regularly captive bred! These awesome cleaner gobies are not obligate cleaners, and therefore work well in a large variety of reef tanks. Join us as we learn about this widespread genus of beautiful neon gobies – from care, to husbandry, to evolution and more. Fishes Discussed in this Episode: – Cayman sponge goby...

Cichlids get too much love… so in this episode, we’re discussing our top 5 list from South America – but we’re excluding all cichlids! There are so many exciting fishes from South America that get overlooked due to the popularity of SA cichlids. This diverse list includes corydoras, tetras, puffers, killis, and even some unique oddball species. What are your favorites? &nbs...

In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses dottybacks! We take a look at behavior, compatibility, species profiles and more. Charles makes a strong case for why everyone should try keeping dottybacks for themselves. Many of them have stunning colors that you wont get anywhere else, and unique attitudes to match.   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listener...

We’re back with another episode answering listener questions! These episodes always receive great feedback, and they are a blast to record. Join the Water Colors team as we answer some fun questions and discuss tips, tricks, and controversies related to our listener’s inquiries. Any future questions can be submitted to podcast@watercolorsaquariumgallery.com   This episode was reco...

We love discussing aquarium fish, but in reality, this only includes the tiniest fraction of all fish species! In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses their top 5 non-aquarium fishes! From big ocean fish to cold-water trout, we’re talking about some of our favorite fish from around the world.   Referenced clips: EVNautilus clip – mola mola EVNautilus clip – stubby s...

In this episode, the Water Colors Team breaks down a handful of ways that casual aquarists can use the scientific method to better their aquariums, and better the hobby as a whole. There are plenty of fish keepers that have dabbled in breeding fish, but what do you know about the environments your fish come from? Or their conservation concerns? The evolutionary biology of the fish you love? Let&#8...

Let’s talk about our friend (and enemy) cyanobacteria. Much of the conversation around cyano is about how to eradicate it, but hopefully this discussion will help you look at it a bit differently. This is an incredibly diverse term for many forms of bacteria, some of which have been around for an estimated 4 billion years. This episode should help you understand how to treat cyano, and maybe...

In this episode, the Water Colors team questions the ethics of the hobby that we all know and love. We approach fishkeeping different than most businesses in this industry, and with that comes some difficult questions. Why is it okay to keep animals in captivity? What impact does our hobby have on the communities and habitats our fish come from? These are all tough questions that we have no real a...

Regrets? Mistakes? All of the above. The Water Colors Team revisits some of our biggest errors for a special 150th episode. We’re not afraid to admit when we slip up – and we greatly appreciate all of the constructive feedback and criticism we’ve received along the way. Join us as we revisit some ‘oopsies’ in the long journey of recording 150 episodes of the Water Col...

In this episode the Water Colors team makes a top 5 list of their favorite freshwater fishes from Asia. How hard can it be to narrow down our top 5 fish from the largest continent on Earth? From loaches, to gobies, to danios, and more. This diverse list covers a variety of fish, some of which may even fit into your existing tanks at home.   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gal...

The Water Colors team revisits a fun topic, mobile ornamental invertebrates in saltwater aquaria. This list ranges from functional add-ons to your clean up crew, to rare and unusual inverts that require dedicated setups. Join us as we discuss some fun shrimps, snails, cephalopods, and more!   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://ww...

The Water Colors team joins Charles as he discusses some of the fishes from the tribe Chromidotilapiini; specifically Pelvicachromis and a few related genera. This topic is one that Charles has researched intently, so buckle up for a deep dive! From care, to husbandry, to conservation efforts, and threats to native populations – this episode cover a wide array of related topics. Primary lite...

This episode, is all about clams in the subfamily Tridacninae.  Photosynthetic clams look stunning and otherworldly, yet their physiology is even more fascinating than their appearance. The Water Colors team covers a wide array of related topics; including the history of clam aquaculture, a brief overview of care, and a handful of species profiles. Species Discussed in this Episode: – Giant...

In this special episode, the Water Colors team hangs out with pioneering aquarist and collector, Gary Lange, as he discusses some of his adventures in decades of fish keeping, collecting, and travel. Gary is a long standing member of the Missouri Aquarium Society (MASI), founder of the Rainbowfish Study Group of North America (RSG), and is responsible for importing 8 new species of rainbowfish. Jo...

The official Water Colors guide on how to buy gifts for the aquarists in your life! Feel free to shamelessly send this podcast to your friends and family for gift ideas. From equipment, to merch, to quality of life upgrades – here is a top 5 list of great gifts for the fish people in your life. What would you like to get as a gift?   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gall...

Switching gears in this episode – a few staff members discuss their favorite things about working at Water Colors. The work environment Ben has created in the shop is special, and we feel fortunate to be a part. Let us know your thoughts on this behind the scenes look into the Water Colors work space.   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook...

Who doesn’t love an anemone and clownfish combo? In this episode, the Water Colors team has a very open ended discussion on anemones in home aquaria. This topic is difficult from a taxonomy stand point – and we are the first to admit; there is far more we DON’T know about anemones, than we DO know. That being said, Ben, Amy, and Charles discuss some common issues with anemones, t...

We’ve all seen outrageously expensive fish while shopping at local fish stores. What makes a pricey fish “worth it?” This episode’s discussion is all about splurges, and how rarity and accessibility drive cost of some unique fish to astronomical levels. With a special guest, Ben, Amy, and Charles pitch their top 5 picks for rare and expensive freshwater fish, and determine...

Sometimes, planted aquariums can be hard. But worry no more, because the Water Colors team is here to discuss their easiest plant picks! Some of the species in this episode are even easier to keep than plastic plants! From species that can grow under a desk lamp, to others that can thrive in blue plastic gravel, this list has got you covered. Also mentioned in this podcast are some illegal plant s...

The Water Colors team, with special guest Dr. Alisha Davidson, discuss the potential for harm as a result of the sale and distribution of several floating plants in the aquarium trade. Some very common plants in our hobby pose a huge risk to our native waterways if mishandled. Water lettuce, water hyacinth, salvinia, and more – all are species of concern in regards to the risk associated wit...

Let’s face it – some of the most beautiful fish look plain and boring at your local fish store. It’s not until you bring them home, condition them, and spoil them, that they truly shine. Some species go from brown and dull to bright and illuminating in the right conditions! Others are shy and evasive, until you allow them to settle in at home and suddenly they’re bold and c...