ON THE COVER: No, this isn’t an underwater photo taken in the Amazon. This gorgeous chool of altum angels Pterophyllum altum swims peacefully in a Nature Aquarium designed and maintained by famed aquascaping master Takashi Amano. Many planted aquarium enthusiasts consider him to be a magician, but unlike your typical magician, Mr. Amano freely shares his secrets. You can read his Nature Aquarium articles every month in TFH, including September’s installment, “Combining Rocks and Driftwood in the Nature Aquarium” (p. 70). Photograph by Takashi Amano

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Our cover photo, free of any text or graphics and suitable for framing, etc., is reproduced in full size on page 69.

Our 57th Year • Volume LVII • Number 1 • #630
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Combining Rocks and Driftwood
in the Nature Aquarium

The layout artist extraordinaire describes the necessity of integrating and combining material such as rocks and driftwood to establish natural-looking landscapes. Takashi Amano

A Story of Four Neon Tetras
Part 1: The First Three Neons

Ever wonder how the neon tetras came to be in the hobby? They may be among the most popular aquarium species of today, but they come with an elaborate and storied history. Heiko Bleher

Journey to the Mighty Rajang River of Sarawak

Our author takes you on a trip to the waters of Malaysia, home to a variety of aquatic treasures. The blackwater streams may not always be a pleasure to wade through, but the exotic fish and plant life certainly make it worthwhile! Lo Shiang Huei (Michael Lo)

Geophagus parnaibae:
The Maintenance and Reproduction of a New Eartheater

If you’re a cichlid lover with limited tank space, this eartheater may be right up your alley. Learn about this colorful, tolerant, and easily bred species. Radek Bednarczuk

The Dwarf Victoria Mouthbrooder
Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae:
A New Look at a Classic Fish

What’s the best way to impress a female tankmate? By building a dance floor on the substrate, of course! Marvel at this apisto’s crafty and fascinating breeding habits—including, surprisingly enough, mouthbrooding! Mike Hellweg

Pike Fever

Residing in a location brimming with exotic species, our young author becomes captivated by an intelligent and agile pike. Read about its habitat and why its reputation for extreme aggression may be unjustified. Hudson Ensz

A Noisy Tankmate from the Island
of Koh Samui, Thailand

Frogs aren’t the only croakers in aquaria. Meet a noisy and supplemental-air-breathing species from Southeast Asia. Ronny Lundkvist

A Marine Aquarium in Progress
Part 1: A Blank Canvas

What is more exciting than setting up a new marine aquarium? Our Q&A man details his latest project, sharing the setup, equipment, and setbacks involved in its undertaking. Jeff Kurtz

Cleanup in Aisle Three: Marine & Reef Janitors, Part 2 Beyond snails, there are a variety of other practical species that will aid in the maintenance of your reef aquarium. From shrimps to sea stars to sea slugs, our author explains the benefits of each, and details their caretaking and interaction with tankmates. Kieron Dodds