Practical Fishkeeping

Practical Fishkeeping is Britain's best-selling fishkeeping publication, filled with species showcases, fishkeeping answers, advice, competitions, amazing features and much more!

5 THINGS YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS ISSUE

Welcome

Community TANKS

Small VENOMOUS PACKAGES • Ever looked at a fish and wished it were… smaller? Well nature has done just that with the pygmy lionfishes. These pocketsized predators prove good things don’t always require a giant tank.

Big CICHLIDS, Big PERSONALITIES • From the gentle festive cichlid to the formidable oscar, Neale picks out his favourite five larger South American cichlids and considers what it takes to keep them well.

A JOURNEY THROUGH THE WARM HEART OF Africa • From the world-famous cichlids of Lake Malawi to the hidden fishes of the Shire River and beyond, Stanislav explores the remarkable diversity of Malawi.

READERS’ POLL 2026 • Cast your vote and show your support for your favourite aquatic store in our Readers’ Poll – and you could win a year subscription to Practical Fishkeeping!

Fishkeeping Answers • Got a fishkeeping question? PFK’s crack team of aquatics experts are on hand to answer whatever you need to know…

FROM DEPRESSION TO VERDANT joy • Tai showcases a display he created inspired by a Brazilian habitat, the work of an aquascaping master, and his own passion for all creatures, especially the small.

PLANNING THE PERFECT FISH ROOM • The difference between an enjoyable fish room and a constant headache lies in the planning. Discover the key decisions that will save time, improve efficiency, and create a healthier environment for both you and your fish.

Compact PREDATOR • Native to the floodplains of northeastern India, Channa andrao combines an intriguing natural history with distinctive aquarium behaviour, making it one of the most rewarding dwarf snakeheads to keep.

Finding the Spinach Pipefish • How local knowledge led to the rediscovery of one of the world’s rarest freshwater pipefishes.

MAKING WAVES IN A NEW FACILITY • AquaGroup is taking the idea of a fish shop to a whole new scale, We visit the new FishGate facility to discover what’s already there – and what’s still to come.

DESKTOP SALTIES • Gabor puts two desktop marine tanks to the test with UK-native species.

Practical Fishkeeping

Tailpiece ALEX BELL • Alex goes down a rabbit hole to discover just how often goldfish bowls are still presented as perfectly normal to children.