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Undoubtedly, the advent of online shopping has transformed consumer behaviour throughout every sector of retailing, offering unparalleled convenience and a vast array of choices.

A tank of Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) will always catch the eye and these bright red crustaceans have many qualities that make them perfect for home aquaria, which is good news considering that these bright red forms aren’t found in the wild.

Wheatgerm is the perfect autumn fish food—nutrient-rich, easy to digest, and gentle on your fish’s gut as water cools. It supports immune health, reduces waste, and prepares koi and goldfish for winter. Choose the right pellet type, protein level, and added vitamins to keep your fish healthy through the season.

September is the perfect time to prepare your fish for autumn. Test water quality, inspect fish for early health issues, trim plants, clean filters, and adjust feeding as temperatures drop. A proactive check-up now ensures stronger, healthier fish through the colder months ahead.

Learn how to adjust your fish feeding routine this September as water temperatures drop. Our guide explains when to switch to wheatgerm food, how to reduce feeding frequency, and the best practices for ponds and aquariums to keep your fish healthy through autumn.

Discover how to care for your pond through autumn with our simple maintenance plan. From clearing leaves and vacuuming sludge to switching your fish onto wheatgerm food and preparing equipment for winter, this guide covers everything you need to keep your pond clean, balanced, and ready for the colder months.

Your essential guide to seasonal shifts in pond and aquarium care

As summer fades and September rolls in, fishkeepers across the UK are met with subtle but important changes in both pond and aquarium environments. While the days may still be warm, nights begin to cool, and your fishkeeping routine should adapt accordingly.

Heiko took pride in showcasing his exploration of many important regions rich in obscure ichthyofauna and even if you never heard of him, the chances are you’ve kept a species of fish or aquarium plant that’s named in his honour.

It’s probably thanks to being largely imported as mature fish that Pelvicachromis sacrimontis is known as the Giant krib as they don’t grow any larger than more familiar species.

Summer is the season when your garden pond truly comes to life — lush plants, active fish, and long, sunny days make it a highlight of your outdoor space.

Blanket weed, also known as string algae, silk weed or filamentous algae, is a type of fast-growing green algae that forms long, hair-like strands. It often floats just below the surface or attaches to rocks, plants, pumps, and pond liners — creating unsightly, tangled masses that can quickly take over your pond if left unmanaged.

Feeding your pond fish in the warmer months can make a big difference in their health, colour, and water clarity. From portion control to product quality, timing to variety—each aspect of feeding plays a role in maintaining a balanced and thriving pond. Here’s how to get it right.

A lot is said about livebearers such as Guppies and Platies being easy to breed, but in the right set up, tetras can be almost as prolific. Emperor tetras (Nematobrycon palmeri) are particularly free-breeding and statistically this sets the stage for colour forms to appear.

There are some very striking plants flowering in our pond sections right now, including the rather fancy Dinner plate series of Japanese Iris (Iris ensata ‘Jell-O’) with their distinctively horizontal lush blooms. 

We are thrilled to announce that the Fishkeeper Fry 2025 School of the Year 2025 winner is Marlpool Primary School

There’s a reason why Orfe (Leuciscus idus) have been popular pond fish for years, they’re hardy, fast-growing, cold tolerant and excellent value. They do need large, oxygen-rich ponds but unlike Koi they don’t damage plants or stir up silt from the bottom of the pond.

Sarasa comets are the bright red and white goldfish that are the perfect alternative to koi for most average garden fishponds. This batch at Swansea Enterprise Park were a first and consist entirely of fish displaying a red head spot, like the Tancho koi. Such fish are always to be found in normal batches but never in the numbers seen in this ‘specially edited highlights’ consignment. Read on for more top finds this month.

 April is National Pet Month, and promoting responsible pet ownership is something we wholeheartedly support. Maidenhead Aquatics advocates for responsible fishkeeping all year round and one of our initiatives aimed at school children, Fishkeeper Fry has just closed for 2025.

With dazzling colours and interesting behaviours, Fairy wrasses are a gift to the reef keeper. This Orangeback fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus aurantidorsalis) will add a touch of glamour and spend most of its time in open water.

For the majority of our schools, the Fishkeeper Fry programme is now over. Take a look at what they have been doing in weeks 7 and 8.