Water Colors Aquarium Gallery

Episodet

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  286. Blennies 02.10.2026 1h 29min

  Amy, Ben, and Calder talk about blennies and, boy, was there a lot to say and how they could have gone on for hours. With 6 families, approximately 130 genera and 900 species and counting, there is a lot of information in this week’s podcast. Blennies have amazing personality, colors, and adaptations. Let us know what blennies you have in your aquariums now and tell us about the ones you wish you could too!   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Live Aquaria – https://www.liveaquaria.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4VM5elUthzXzVaptIEeesFCcAlnX6rTtZrbd0OMDCXs4Y8EzNFb Fish Base – https://www.fishbase.se/search.php Seriously Fish – https://www.seriouslyfish.com/   Species mentioned in this episode: Order: Blenniiformes Sub-family: Blenniinae Meiacanthus – Fang Blennies Meiacanthus grammistes – Striped Blenny Meiacanthus kamoharai – Kamohara Blenny Meiacanthus nigrolineatus – Blackline Fangblenny Meiacanthus oualanensis – Canary Blenny Meiacanthus atrodorsalis – Forktail Blenny Meiacanthus smithi – Disco Blenny Meiacanthus mossambicus – Mozambique Blenny Meiacanthus bundoon – Bundoon Blenny Plagiotremus – Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides and others) Mimics Plagiotremus tapeinosoma – Piano Fangblenny Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos – Bluestriped Fangblenny Plagiotremus ewaensis – Ewa Fangblenny Plagiotremus azaleus – Sabertooth Blenny Aspidontus – Fang Blenny (Meiacanthus) Mimics Xiphasia – Snake Blennies Ecsenius – Clown Blenny Ecsenius gravieri – Red Sea Mimic Blenny Ecsenius namiyei – Black Combtooth Blenny Ecsenius stigmatura – Tailspot Blenny Ecsenius bicolor – Bicolor Blenny Ecsenius midas – Midas Blenny Other – Miscellaneous Genera Enchelyurus flavipes – Flametail Blenny Petroscirtes mitratus – Floral Blenny Exallias brevis – Leopard Blenny Blenniella chrysospilos – Orange Spotted Blenny Scartella cristata – Molly Miller Blenny Hypleurochilus pseudoaequipinnis – Alantic Oyster Blenny Sub-family: Salariinae Salarias ramosus – Starry Blenny Salarias fasciatus – Lawnmower Blenny Sub-family: Chaenopsidae Acanthemblemaria balanorum – Clubhead Barnacle Blenny Acanthemblemaria paula – Dwarf Spinyhead Blenny
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  285. Blackwater Plants (Low Light and Low PH) 25.09.2026 1h 27min

  Blackwater is a term thrown around in the aquarium hobby and has many different meanings. Blackwater can mean heavily stained, tannic water, or it can mean water that is soft and acidic that receives little light. Today, the team focuses more so on the second definition, referencing environments such as the Rio Negro in South America and plants that grow well in these unique places. Special thanks to Craig this episode for filling in last minute for Calder. We appreciate your adaptiveness and scientific background. Craig’s Amendments: Because I had such a limited amount of time to get my research and can’t leave an incorrect stance out there, I have a couple of items as “corrections”. The leaves aren’t breaking down they are getting washed away. Fungus, bacteria and shredders are all inhibited by the low pH as we had previously agreed on. After digging into the other underwater flowering plant it was actually Utricularia australis that I skipped because it was covered with all of the carnivorous plants that was my other underwater flowering plant not the nymphaea. I also went and found a bug bat sarracenia. This is a hybrid but has been reproduced locally by being outside during the summer and brought into a semi heated green house during the winter. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/394784938_Hydrological_and_ecological_drivers_of_leaf_retention_under_urbanization_in_a_Central_Amazon_Headwater_stream?fbclid=IwY2xjawUiNeRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMUN4aVk5OGdoSHZxdFZBa2tzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEerNOwnXRyKwZUSll1oHIUDxLD7NtHwG9wpnHyw_xqQOCSLShtzciHG_cZJMk_aem_n0ixAkB8Ynf4D-LmXrxliQ Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Christel Kasselmann – https://www.instagram.com/christel.kasselmann/?hl=en Karen Randall – https://www.sunkengardens.net/ Aquatic Gardeners Association – https://www.aquatic-gardeners.org/ Species mentioned in this episode: Bucephalandra Echinodorus grisebachii Echinodorus ‘Altlandsberg’ Helanthium quadricostatus Helanthium tenellum Helanthium bolivianum Helanthium angustifolium Barclaya longifolia Cryptocoryne × purpurea (Cryptocoryne cordata × Cryptocoryne griffithii) Cryptocoryne siamensis or Cryptocoryne blassii Cryptocoryne alba Cryptocoryne nurii Cryptocoryne striolata Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia Cryptocoryne wendtii Cryptocoryne undulata Cryptocoryne lucens Cryptocoryne lutea Cryptocoryne beckettii Cryptocoryne beckettii ‘Petchii’ Cryptocoryne parva Eleocharis acicularis Eleocharis montevidensis Sarracenia leucophylla Pinguicula – “Pim” Utricularia australis Nepenthes Drosera – “Sundew” Plagiochilaceae sp. “Cameroon” Microsorum pteropus ‘Needle Leaf’ Nymphaea nouchali Nymphaea lotus Nymphaea dimorpha Poecilia picta Syngonanthus sp. ‘La Lindosa’ Eriocaulon lineare Eriocaulon sp. ‘Feather Duster’ Anubias barteri Anubias barteri var. coffeefolia Tonina fluviatilis Bolbitis heteroclita Bolbitis heteroclita ‘Difformis’ Cabomba caroliniana var. ‘pulcherrima’ Cabomba furcata Proserpinaca palustris Phyllanthus fluitans Lomariopsis lineata – Süsswassertang
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  284. Freshwater Gobies 22.09.2026 1h 55min

  Amy, Ben and Calder are here this week to talk about freshwater gobies. This group of fish is so diverse, unique and goofy. There is definetly a species of goby out there for you. For the meantime, tune in and listen to the team talk about some of their favorites!   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Names and Resources coming soon.
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  283. Amy, Ben and Calder Ask Each Other Questions 11.09.2026 1h 54min

  *** We apologize for some of the electrical pops and noises, we are working out the bugs but unfortunately we record our episodes a few weeks in advance and will take some time to reflect in real time. All suggestions and feedback is welcome any of the ways you can get in touch with us. *** In previous episodes, Water Colors staff and listeners have asked Amy, Ben and Calder questions. This episode is a little different. This week, the team has decided to ask each other questions; one question personalized for each individual host and two questions for both hosts to answer. Cuddle up, grab a glass of beer or maybe a hot cocoa, and listen to the more personal sides of the team you have grown to know and love.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord
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  282. Filtration and Tank Cycling: Beginner Edition 04.09.2026 1h 41min

  Amy, Ben and Calder bring us back to the basics this week. Filtration is an essential part of keeping a healthy aquarium and is a topic that often gets over complicated and becomes confusing to beginners. Between the different types of filters, different types of filtration (biological, mechanical, and chemical), and popularity of “filterless” tanks; what is the right option? What is ideal for my set-up? The team explores these topics and more.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord
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  281. Betta Splendens Complex with Charles 28.08.2026 1h 22min

  Charles leads the Watercolors team on an exploration of the Betta splendens complex. With new scientific data being published, the topic of which bettas belong in the complex and which don’t gets a little muddy (pun intended). One thing we can all agree on is that bettas are amazing fish and should be preserved and cherished in both our tanks and the wild. Are you keeping any domestic or a wild (wild-type) bettas? Are you working on any cool new domestic hybrids or intensifying the colors of wild-type line? Let us know on any of our platforms found below. We would love to have you join in on the discussion.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Betta International Congress – https://www.ibcbettas.org/ Species mentioned in this episode: Betta antuta  Betta splendens Betta imbellis Betta symanmorantalis Betta smaragdina Betta stiktos Betta smaragdina sp. guitar Betta mahachaiensis Betta brownorum Betta ocellata Betta coccina
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  280. Water Colors Staff Ask Questions 21.08.2026 1h 31min

  This week, the entire Water Colors Aquarium Gallery staff had the chance to ask Amy, Ben and Calder questions. From goofy and light-hearted to serious and boarderline depressing, the team is put to the test. Thank you Mandy for asking the tough questions and being our host for the evening! Join in on the fun next time and submit your own aquarium questions and curiousities to our email; [email protected].   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Georgia Aquarium – https://www.georgiaaquarium.org Steinhart Aquarium – https://www.calacademy.org Waikiki Aquarium – https://www.waikikiaquarium.org/ Monterey Bay Aquarium – https://www.montereybayaquarium.org Two Oceans Aquarium (Cape Town) – https://www.aquarium.co.za/ Kai The Fish Guy – https://www.yikaitea.com/ ‘On Human Nature’ by E.O. Wilson Species mentioned in this episode: Clownfish species found around Indonesia Epiplatys annulatus Nothobranchius symoensi Amphiprion melanopus – Blue-striped Cinnamon Clownfish Zebrasoma gemmatum – Gem Tang Centropyge boylei – Peppermint Angelfish Amphiprion percula – Onyx Clownfish Stomatopod species – Mantis Shrimp Gall Crabs (family Cryptochiridae) Amphiprion biaculeatus – Maroon Clownfish Paracheirodon axelrodi – Cardinal Tetra Amphiprion clarkii – Clark’s Clownfish Amphiprion perideraion – Skunk Clownfish Coregonus nigripinnis – Blackfin Cisco (Extinct)
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  279. Aquarium Plants: Aquatic Aroids 14.08.2026 1h 36min

  This week the Water Colors team talks about all things aeroid. Many of us are familiar with aeroids as popular house plants (Monstera, Philodendron, Alocasia, Anthurium, etc.) but are you as familiar with the types of aeroids that grow under the water’s surface? Calder did the research and gives you the science of what makes an aeroid unique, what conditions these plants thrive under, and how to protect endangered eco-systems while keeping your tank looking beautiful.  ***Please check with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services or your local Natural Resource Departments if you are unsure of a plant and/or how you can help prevent the spread of invasive species.***   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: The Crypt Pages – https://cryptocoryneworld.org/ Michigan Invasive Species – https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/id-report/plants/aquatic RIPPLE: Reduce Invasive Pet and PLant Escapes – https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/take-action/landowners-gardeners-pond-owners/ripple Species mentioned in this episode: Lemnoideae –Lemna (minor, minuta, valdiviana) Duckweed –Spirodela (polyrhiza) Giant Duckweed –Wolffia (globosa, colombiana) Watermeal or Rootless Duckweed Aroideae  –Tribe Schismatoglottideae (prietoi, roseospatha) –Bucephalandra (Kedagang, catherinae, with varieties like “Brownie Ghost, Brownie Jade, Brownie Firebird”) Buce –Aridarum (cauldescens, persiai, Mini Blue) –Fenestratarum (mulyadii, culum) –Ooia (grabowskii, kinabaluensis, suavis) –Galantharum kishi –Piptospatha (ridleyi) –Schismatoglottis (prietoi, roseospatha) Tribe Pistieae  –Pistia (stratiotes) Water Lettuce Tribe Homalomeneae –Homalomena (insignis, sp. ‘Sekadau South’) Tribe Cryptocoryneae  –Cryptocoryne (wendtii, spiralis, parva, walkeri) –Lagenandra (meeboldii, keralensis, ovata) Tribe Anubiadeae  –Anubias (nana, nana “Petite”, barteri, coffeefolia, congensis, gigantea)
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  278. Ideas for Improving Club Breeder Programs 07.08.2026 1h 13min

  Amy, Ben and Calder invite Craig Forist to table to dicuss the recent decline in aquarium club activity, specifically around breeder programs. With many different external factors like space, budget, time, and social anxiety pushing the average hobbist away, how do we keep these programs fair for the beginners and challenging for the seasoned breeder? This week, the team has come up with some interesting take aways and solutions for this very issue. Join your local aquarium club and let us know your next big (or little) breeding projects!   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Grand Valley Aquarium Club – https://gvaquariumclub.org/ West Michigan Marine Aquarium Society – https://www.facebook.com/groups/298576849030426/ South West Michigan Aquarium Society – https://www.swmas.club/ Michiana Aquarium Society – https://mas.fish/ Missouri Aquarium Society – https://missouriaquariumsociety.com/ Amercian Livebearer Association – https://livebearers.org/ American Kilifish Association – https://aka.org/ International Betta Congress – https://www.ibcbettas.org/ Ohio Cichlid Association – https://www.ohiocichlid.com/ American Cichlid Association – https://www.cichlid.org/
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  277. All About Ricefish 31.07.2026 1h 22min

  Calder leads the Water Colors team on a deep dive into Ricefish. Ricefish have been in the aquarium hobby for a very long time and often are overlooked as being boring or common. In recent years, there has been an uptake in interest abroad leading to many new, interesting colors and body/fin shapes. Whether you are looking for a new addition to your tub pond or want a new fish for your micro-community tank, there may be a species of Ricefish for you.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Japanese Medaka Association – https://jma-medaka.com/ American Medaka Association – https://americanmedaka.org/ Species mentioned in this episode: Oryzias latipes  – Japanese Ricefish Oryzias sakaizumii – Nothern Medaka Ricefish Types of Common Colors/ Patterns: Youkihi – Common orange ricefish Miyuki – Metallic, bright, neon ricefish Lame – Metallic, iridescent speckled scale patterned ricefish Kohaku – Koi patterned ricefish Oryzias dancena – Indian or “Dancing” Ricefish Oryzias javanicus – Javan Ricefish Oryzias minutillus – Dwarf Medaka Ricefish Oryzias mekongensis – Mekong Ricefish Oryzias sinensis –  Chinese Ricefish Oryzias woworae – Daisy’s Ricefish Oryzias eversi – “Livebearing” Ricefish Oryzias soerotoi Oryzias marmoratus Oryzias profundicola – Yellow-finned Ricefish
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  276. Barriers to Entry: Beginner Pages, Forums, Videos and More 24.07.2026 1h 48min

  This week’s episode isn’t like the usual topics we explore. This week, the Water Colors team calls you action to help us make the world of fish keeping a more hospitable place for new aquarists. Beginner Facebook pages, Reddit forums, YouTube influencers, and social media in general have spread misinformation through this hobby like wildfire and often meet beginners with unkind, unhelpful responses. They have only deepen the barriers to entry. Let’s change that by responding with respect and kindness, citing your sources, and encouraging people through their mistakes with helpful suggestions, shared experience and love for this hobby. If you are really cool, follow us and join us in the conversations using any of the platforms listed below.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord
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  275. Top Five Brown Fish 17.07.2026 1h 12min

  You walk into your local fish store (LFS) and may have thought to yourself, “That’s a boring brown fish. Why would anyone want that?” Well, the Water Colors team is here to tell you why. For what these fish may lack in bright colors, they make up for in cool behaviors and personalities. Ben, Amy and Calder talk about five of their favorite brown fish and what makes these fish so cool and unique.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Seriously Fish – https://seriouslyfish.com/ Inaturalist – https://www.inaturalist.org/ Fish Base – https://www.fishbase.se/search.php Species mentioned in this episode: Pseudosphromenus dayi – Brown Spike-tailed Paradise Fish Betta edithae – Edith’s Betta Sphaerichthys selatanesis – Crossband Chocolate Gourami Garra rufa – Doctor fish, Pedicure fish, or Red Garra Rhinotocinclus isabelae – Bumblebee Otocinclus Loricariichthys brunneus – Whiptail Catfish Crenuchus spilurus – Sailfin Tetra Micropoecilia picta – Swamp Guppy Nanobagrus fuscus Uaru amphiacanthoides – Triangle Cichlid Homaloptera – Lizard or Gecko Loaches Rhinogobius brunneus – Amur Goby Macrognathus terminates Microsynodontis batesii – African Bumblebee Catfish Betta brownorum – Brown’s Betta
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  274. Top Five Saltwater Gobies 10.07.2026 1h 26min

  A little nervous to start keeping a salt water tank? Don’t have a lot of room in your tank but have the itch to get something new? Are you a sucker for a cute, goofy face? We think the addition of a saltwater goby may be for you. Join the Water Colors team in the discussion of their top five favorite saltwater gobies. With such cool colors, behaviors, and size, what’s not to love about these guys?   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Seriously Fish – https://seriouslyfish.com/ Species mentioned in this episode: Discordipinna griessingeri – Griessingeri Goby or Flaming Prawn Goby Tigrigobius multifasciatus – Greenbanded Goby Elacatinus lobeli – Caribbean Neon Goby Elacatinus oceanops – Neon Goby Elacatinus figaro – Barber Goby or Yellow Line Goby Stonogobiops nematodes – Black-ray Goby or all the other common names listed by Ben around 27 minutes Cryptocentrus cinctus – Yellow Watchman Goby Alpheus bellulus – Tiger Pistol Shrimp Alpheus randalli – Candy Stripe or Randall’s Pistol Shrimp Amblyeleotris aurora – Aurora Goby or Pinkbar Goby Ptereleotris zebra – Zebra Barred Dartfish Elacatinus puncticulatus – Redhead Goby Trimma cana – Candy Cane Pygmy Goby Trimma striatum – Red-lined Pygmy Goby Amblyeleotris wheeleri – Gorgeous Prawn or Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby Priolepis nocturna – Cave Goby, Black Barred Convict Goby, Circus Goby Stonogobiops yasha – Orange-striped Shrimp Goby Lythrypnus dalli – Catalina or Blue-banded Goby
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  273. Top 5 Holy Grail Fish (What’s Changed Since Episode 59?) 03.07.2026 1h 55min

  Can you believe it’s been five years since we last talked about our top five holy grail fish in episode 59? Ben, Amy, and Calder decided to revisit the topic and see how they have grown, what’s changed, and what’s still the same. With holy grail fish, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that’s what makes it so fun! Whether it’s a cool new guppy strain you saw online or building a thousand gallon shark system, there is no wrong way to fall in love with a fish. Let’s us know some of your holy grail fish, past and present. We would love to hear from you and share your enthusiasm.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: American Killifish Association – https://aka.org/ American Livebearer Association – https://livebearers.org/ International Betta Congress – https://www.ibcbettas.org/ American Cichlid Association – https://www.cichlid.org/ Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation – https://myfwc.com/ Species mentioned in this episode: Rhinogobius zhoui Diapteron cyanostictum Betta macrostoma Betta mulyadii Nothobranchius symoensi Neoheterandria elegans Alcolapia latilabris Xiphophorus Wallacii regani Poecilia velifera Hoplisoma longipinne Anableps anableps Corella arnoldi Pteronotropis welaka Parasphrenemos linkeyi
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  272. Top 5 Favorite Mid-sized Cichlids 27.06.2026 1h 27min

  Looking for a cichlid to add to your 55-75 gallon aquarium? Ben, Amy and Calder talk about five of their “favorite” medium-sized cichlids, but honestly how do you only pick five. Many of the cichlids chosen tonight are not only beautiful, but display interesting paretal behaviors and hold special places in our hearts being recoginzed by the CARES Fish Preservation Program. We would love to hear some of your favorites we didn’t mention tonight and  experiences you’ve had in your aquariums. Let’s make cichlids more popular in the hobby again!   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: New England Cichlid Association – https://www.necichlids.org/ Species mentioned in this episode: Andinoacara pulcher – Blue Acara Benitochromis nigrodorsalis Aequidens diadema – Royal Acara Iranocichla persa Ptyochromis sp. “Hippo point salmon” Neolamprologus tretocephalus – Five-Bar Cichlid Thorichthys meeki – Firemouth Cichlid Amatitliana kanna – Panama Convict Cichlid Amatitlania nanoluteus – Yellow Convict Cichlid Pterophyllum leopoldi – Leopold’s Angelfish Stomatepia pindu – Pindu Cichlid Aequidens metae – Yellow Acara Paragobiocichla irvinei – Blue-Lipped Buffalo Head Coptodon kottae – Yellow Tilapia Wallaciia regani – Regani Dwarf Pike Cichlid
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  271. Interview with Alex Rose 24.06.2026 1h 35min

  You may have seen our familiar faces in the recent release of the AMAZONAS Big Beauties magazine. This is because we had the privilege to interview Alex Rose, executive editor of AMAZONAS magazine and associate editor of Coral and Ocean Geographic magazine. It was truly a pleasure to have her here and we look forward to working with her again. She dives in, literally, to her work and what it takes to have your work published in a magazine. She talks about her diving experiences, AI and how it can be used in the proper setting, and current / up and coming projects. Thank you for  your patient wait, here is the amazing Alex Rose. ***We did experience some technical issues while recording, please skip to the 5:00 minute mark to hear Alex clearly.***   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: AMAZONAS Magazine – https://www.amazonasmagazine.com/ Coral Magazine – https://www.coralmagazine.com/ Ocean Geographic Magazine – https://www.ogsociety.org/ Blue Ring – https://www.bluering.blue Mission Blue – https://missionblue.org/the-mission/ Fins Up Creative / Sea America / Protected Waters – www.youtube.com/@DownUnderJenn Got a cool story you want mentioned in AMAZONAS magazine? Email [email protected] Species mentioned in this episode: Amphiprion percula Dichotomyctere nigroviridis Aphyosemion striatum Nothobranchius furzeri Liopropoma carmabi Zu cristatus Carcharhinus falciformis Oxymonacanthus longirostris
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  270. Lost Episode – Top 5 Green Fish 06.06.2026 1h 24min

  Happy late or early St. Patty’s Day! This week’s episode was temporarily lost but is now found. Enjoy Ben, Amy and Calder talk about their top 5 favorite green fish, some of which may surprise you.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Andrej Spec Species mentioned in this episode: Oparius pulchellus Gastromyzon lepidogaster Betta smaragdina Ammocryptocharax elegens Barbodes semifasciolatus Balistapus undulatus Pethia conchonius Rudarius ercodes Krenoketrodon travancoricus L200 – Green Phantom Pleco Distichodus teugelsi Chromis virdis Brochis splendens Neolebias ansorgii Wild discus
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  269. Water Color’s Next Step – Breeder Lab Brainstorm 29.05.2026 1h 42min

  This week’s podcast is a little different than most… This week, we invite you to sit down and brainstorm some ideas for our breeder lab remodel with Ben, Amy, and Maddy. Our tenative plan is to work with wild type bettas and livebearers, killifish, and bristlenose plecos with a majority of the tanks used to grow out some of our favorite plants. We are so excited to get this project up and running but it’s so difficult to pick a select few species to work with. What do you want to see in our lab? What uncommon fish would you like to see more readily avalible in the hobby? Let us know using the resources below. We love and appreciate your ideas and feedback.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Aquatic Gardeners Association – https://www.aquatic-gardeners.org/ Andrej Spec Species mentioned in this episode: Betta dennisyongi Aphyosemion riggenbachi Fundulopanchax gardeneri Nothobranchius guentheri ‘zanzibar’ Epiplatys annulatus Nothobranchius korthausae ‘Mafia Island’ Nothobranchius flammicomantis Moema helleri Aphyosemion ogoense Kryptolebias marmoratus Rivulus sp. “Colombia” Anablepsoides hartii Aphyosemion citrineipinnis Aphyosemion splendopleure (and ‘Tiko green’) Aphyosemion bitaeniatum Aphyosemion bivittatum Aphyosemion australe gold Paraphanius mento Aphanius farsicus Epiplatys dageti Epiplatys monroviae Utricularia – Bladderwort Microctenopoma ansorgii Betta enisae Betta pallifina Betta patoti Betta macrostoma Betta mahachaiensis Betta pallifina Betta miniopinna Betta chini Betta hendra Betta imbellis Betta smaragdina ‘guitar’ Betta cocina Betta channoides Xiphophorus helleri guentheri Xiphophorus pygmaeus Xiphophorus nigrensis Xiphophorus birchmanni Ataeniobius toweri Poecila velifera Limia tridens Limia tridens Heterandria formosa Xenophallus umbratilis Plant species coming soon…
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  268. Interview with Andrej Spec: Rare Plants, Fish Rooms, and More! 22.05.2026 2h 4min

  The Water Colors team gathers around the table with special guest, Andrej Spec, to talk about aquarium plants. Andrej shares his aquarium journey and how he quickly went from hobbyist to passionate collector. He talks about his successes, some of his methods to that success, and so much more. Thank you so much for your kindness and inspiration, Andrej and we look forward to seeing you again.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: Andrej Spec Missouri Aquarium Society – https://missouriaquariumsociety.com/ Christel Kasselmann – https://www.instagram.com/christel.kasselmann/ Aquatic Gardeners Association – https://www.aquatic-gardeners.org/ Dennis Wong – www.2hraquarist.com Plants from Test Tubes: An Introduction to Micropropagation by Lydiane Kyte (with co-authors like John Kleyn, Holly Scoggins, and Mark Bridgen in later editions)   Species mentioned in this episode: Crinum asiaticum – Crinum “Centorum” Cuphea anagalloidea Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata – Ludwigia “Tornado” Rotala ramosior ‘Florida’ Rotala ramosior ‘Sunset’ Lobelia cardinalis – Cardinal Plant Lobelia kalmii – Kalm’s Lobelia Lobelia siphilitica – Blue Cardinal Plant Lobelia x Speciosa Oomycetes Xylaria Vallisneria spiralis var. denserrulata – Lake Tanganyika Vallisneria Cryptocoryne wendtii (‘Mi Oya’ and green) Barclaya motleyi Barclaya wellyi Nymphae – Water Lily Nymphaea sp. Peru Puerto Maldonado Nymphaea aff. dimorpha (minuta) Cryptocoryne keei Cryptocoryne nurii Cryptocoryne striolata Cryptocoryne spiralis Fenestratarum Bucephalandra ultramafica Bucephalandra kishii Cryptocoryne striolata – “Red Tiger” Crypt Osteogaster hephaestus – Fireball Cory Corydoras sp. CW113 Lagenandra ovata – “Mayan Sword” Pseudogastromyzon fasciatus “Zhejiang” Pseudogastromyzon lepidogaster
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  267. Live at 2026 KilliKarnival 15.05.2026 48min

  Thank you to everyone who listened to our live talk! Ben, Amy, Calder and Maddy had an awesome time and are looking forward to next year. In this talk, we cover how / where to get killifish, their relavence in the hobby, and how we can do our part to make these great fish more popular amoungst hobbyists.   Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/ Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/ Join our growing community on Discord! https://go.watercolors.shop/discord   Sources mentioned in this episode: American Killifish Association – https://aka.org/ British Killifish Association – https://killis.org.uk/ Species mentioned in this episode: Fundulopanchax gardneri (gold and P82) Nothobranchius rachovii Aphyosemion australe Paracheirodon simulans – Green Neon Tetra Trigonostigma espei – Lambchop Rasbora Trigonostigma heteromorpha – Harley Quinn Rasbora Epiplatys annulatus Ladigesia roloffi – Jelly Bean Tetra Nothobranchius patrizii Anablepsoides Diapteron Aphyosemion striatum Nothobranchius guentheri ‘zanzibar’ Aphyosemion splendopleure Chromaphyosemion bivittatum Fundulopanchax sjoestedti