PICKFISH KNOWLEDGE BASE
Explore our growing library of species profiles, care guides, and firsthand aquarium knowledge.
EXPLORE OUR SERIES
Coptodon bakossiorum — A CARES Crater Lake Cichlid
This month's Quick Catch: Coptodon bakossiorum — a critically endangered CARES-listed cichlid from Cameroon's volcanic crater lakes, with striking red-and-black coloration, dedicated biparental care, and a conservation story that makes keeping it genuinely meaningful.
Daisy’s Ricefish (Oryzias woworae)
This month's Quick Catch: Daisy's Ricefish (Oryzias woworae) — the vivid blue-and-red nano fish from Sulawesi that Mike bred for BAP, including their unique egg-carrying behavior and success breeding them in an outdoor summer tub.
Cherry Shrimp – Neocaridina davidi
This month's Quick Catch: Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) — Mike's all-time favorite freshwater invertebrate, covering tank setup, the power of Süsswassertang, calcium for healthy molts, breeding for color, and keeping a thriving colony.
The American Flag Fish – Jordanella floridae
This month's Quick Catch: The American Flag Fish (Jordanella floridae) — the native North American species with stars-and-stripes coloring that eats hair algae, breeds easily, and has just enough attitude to keep things interesting.
Mystery Snails – Pomacea diffusa
This month's Quick Catch: Mystery Snails (Pomacea bridgesii) — the colorful, plant-safe, personality-packed invertebrate that earned a permanent spot in Mike's tanks, covering care, calcium needs, floating behavior, and breeding.
Mollies (Poecilia spp.)
This month's Quick Catch: Mollies (Poecilia sp.) — the incredibly versatile livebearers Mike has kept in everything from planted freshwater tanks to full saltwater setups, covering care, the many varieties, breeding, and fry rearing.
The Electric Yellow Cichlid / Yellow Lab – Labidochromis caeruleus
This month's Quick Catch: The Electric Yellow Lab Cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus) — one of Mike's all-time favorite Malawi cichlids, with vibrant yellow coloring, surprisingly peaceful temperament, and one of the easiest mouthbrooders to breed.
How to Outsmart Your Aquatic Plants: Guppy Grass (Najas guadalupensis)
Mike's "How to Outsmart Your Aquatic Plants" series: Guppy Grass (Najas guadalupensis) — the plant that needs no planting, propagates itself into infinity, and is the ultimate fry sanctuary. The only challenge? Keeping it from taking over your tank.
The Super Red Bristlenose Pleco – Ancistrus sp.
This month's Quick Catch: The Super Red Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.) — Mike's most profitable bred fish, with stunning red-orange coloration, easy breeding, and all the algae-eating benefits of a standard Bushynose in a far flashier package.
How to Outsmart Your Aquatic Plants: Stargrass (Heteranthera zosterifolia)
Mike's "How to Outsmart Your Aquatic Plants" series: Stargrass (Heteranthera zosterifolia) — the fast-growing, dense, star-shaped stem plant that's fragile to handle but rewards you with lush cover and even blue flowers when grown in a tub.











