The Legend of Dragon's Gate (and why it's good luck to keep koi)

Many people believe that keeping koi in your home brings good luck. But what few realize is that good luck doesn't happen all by itself; one has to deserve it. Here is a fascinating legend from China, which I believe explains why koi are thought to make auspicious pets, and why simply having koi in your home will NOT make you a millionaire.

SEMI-NATURAL: My 50-gallon Low-energy Fish Tank

Fish keeping is somewhat of a paradox--the hobby appeals largely to nature lovers, but the energy required to maintain an aquarium (with electric filters, lights, commercial fertilizers and water conditioners, etc.) is not exactly doing nature any good. And while many aquarists around the world have been successful with the low-tech "Natural Planted Tank" concept, I personally could not claim the same. So here's my answer to the dilemma: a fish tank that's designed to make the most of natural processes, with just a little help from modern technology.

The Tao of Tiny Tanks

Every aquarist knows that a large fish tank is more attractive and easier to maintain than a small one. But small tanks do have their benefits; and it's worth every decent aquarist's while to keep one.

Fish Keeping and Global Warming

Two months ago, I started fish keeping as a hobby. Now, I realize it can be an effective vehicle for making people appreciate the seriousness of the climate change problem.

Crap! I'm not ready to have babies.

... baby fish, that is. Imagine buying a fish for your community tank, only to have it give birth upon arriving--and you're totally unprepared, unequipped and uninitiated!

Betta Revelations

Betta splendens, also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish, is a highly misunderstood fish. Here's what I've learned about this species, from a month's worth of experience in keeping one.

Let's play Fishville. For real.

On 17 January 2010, I had the idea of taking up fish keeping as a hobby. Two weeks of planning, research and conversations with an aquarist friend later, I turned that idea into reality. Here's a step-by-step account of how my fish tank went from a glass box to a working ecosystem.