Practical Fishkeeping - September 2026

This month we have a strong focus on cichlids. First, Neale takes a look at the underappreciated gems of Lake Tanganyika: the Julidochromis genus. Next, Michel provides an overview of a stunning dwarf cichlid from Central Africa, Congocromis sabinae. To round up our cichlid features, Tai heads to a spring fed pool in the Tocantins Basin which was home to plenty of larger cichlid species.

Some other fascinating topics covered include:

• Meet the Monacanthidae – Marijke talks all things filefish and explains how you can make sure yours thrives.
• Life in Narathiwat’s Peat Swamp – Rodrigo travels to the Toh Daeng forest in southern Thailan to explore the tea-stained pools of water. 

A Golden Alternative – Gabor outlines why he believes the gold barb is one of the hobby’s most underrated fishes.