News and Blogs

Around our Shores: The Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola)
We are very lucky, living on an island as we do, to be surrounded by some truly fascinating sea and shoreline life. We hope you'll enjoy this regular feature of exploring sea life typical to the UK. This blog features the Mola Mola, or Ocean Sunfish!

Why are Angelfish called Angel Fish?
Angel fish, Pterophyllum, are a small genus of freshwater fish from the family Cichlidae. All Pterophyllum species originate from the Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin and various rivers throughout tropical South America.

Are Red Tailed Tinfoil Barbs aggressive?
The Red-tail Tinfoil Barb is a good-sized Cyprinid fish that reaches up to about 8 inches (20 cm) in length fully grown in captive aquaria.

Around Our Shores: Rock Pools
Of all the seashore habitats, rock pools are the most interesting and attractive. Many a childhood summer is spent netting for crabs in them, all along the British coastline!

Can Nerite Snails crawl out of a fish tank?
Nerite snails are great for controlling algae in your fish tank, but nerite snails can and often will crawl out of a fish tank. Sometimes, they do it because of poor water quality and not enough food, but often its simply an opportunity to explore.

Do Nerite Snails reproduce asexually?
Although most aquatic snails reproduce asexually, nerite snails do not. A female nerite snail will produce eggs for the male to fertilise, like fish. The eggs will then be spread throughout the tank and develop into larvae.

Can Nerite Snails turn themselves over?
If Nerites snails land upright, they will be able to quickly get acclimated to their new surroundings, but unlucky snails that land upside down have a very difficult time turning themselves over to the upright position.

How big do Banjo Catfish get?
Banjo catfish will achieve a maximum size of around 6" inches (15cm). They will often grow long and slender, rather than outward. Banjo Catfish can live up to 6 years in perfect conditions.

Do Banjo Catfish eat lots of algae?
The Banjo Catfish prefers slow-flowing aquaria with sandy substrate and dim lighting, and being nocturnal will spend much of the daytime hidden or burrowed into the sand.

Are Banjo Catfish aggressive?
The common name "banjo catfishes" refers to their overall body shape, with a depressed head and slender caudal peduncle giving the appearance of a banjo.






