Show Notes
Amy, Ben and Calder come together after a fantastic time at KilliKarnival 2026. They had a blast at the live talk and so much fun meeting fellow listeners and fish enthusiasts alike. This week’s episode breaks down their time in South Bend, Indiana. They talk about the amazing fish they saw, what it’s like to help judge competitions, things they still see in the hobby that make them sad, and our upcoming projects, both personal and store-related. Special thanks to all of the people who made this weekend happen and we hope to see you there next year!
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Sources mentioned in this episode: KilliKarnival – https://mas.fish/society-events/killifish-karnival/ David Hemmerlein Species mentioned in this episode: Aphyosemion australe Aphyosemion bivittatum Aphyosemion splendopleure (Tiko Green) Aphyosemion striatum Aphyosemion bitaeniatum Aphyosemion pyrophore Aphyosemion joergenscheeli Aphyosemion coeleste Aphyosemion citrineipinnis Aphyosemion elberti Aphyosemion dargei Nothobranchius rachovii Nothobranchius rubripinnis Nothobranchius polli Nothobranchius korthausae Fundulopanchax gardeneri rayfield Fundulopanchax gardeneri masangi Epiplatys annulatus Scriptaphyosemion banforense Scriptaphyosemion guignardi Chromaphyosemion riggenbachi Lamprichthys tanganicanus Lucania goodei Aphanius dispar Aphanius fasciatus Paraphanius mento Mesonauta festivus Mesonauta egregius Heros severus Phractocephalus hemioliopterus Chitala ornata Rivulus mejial (Colombia) Cupanichthys cubensis Cupanichthys pengelleyi Amatolebias patriciae
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This week on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast, we got a little weird and had a lot of fun. Since Ben wasn’t here, we got to talk about what we wanted and this time it was aquatic insects. Calder takes the lead and talks about many different types of bugs that could and should be part of the aquarium hobby. From diving beetles to dragonfly nymphs, there are many great options for that spare five gallon tank you have lying around, just be sure to have a tight fitting lid.
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Blackwater is a term thrown around in the aquarium hobby and has many different meanings. Blackwater can mean heavily stained, tannic water, or it can mean water that is soft and acidic that receives little light. Today, the team focuses more so on the second definition, referencing environments such as the Rio Negro in South America and plants that grow well in these unique places. Special thanks to Craig this episode for filling in last minute for Calder. We appreciate your adaptiveness and scientific background. Craig’s Amendments:
Amy, Ben and Calder are here this week to talk about freshwater gobies. This group of fish is so diverse, unique and goofy. There is definetly a species of goby out there for you. For the meantime, tune in and listen to the team talk about some of their favorites!
*** We apologize for some of the electrical pops and noises, we are working out the bugs but unfortunately we record our episodes a few weeks in advance and will take some time to reflect in real time. All suggestions and feedback is welcome any of the ways you can get in touch with us. *** In previous episodes, Water Colors staff and listeners have asked Amy, Ben and Calder questions. This episode is a little different. This week, the team has decided to ask each other questions; one question personalized for each individual host and two questions for both hosts to answer. Cuddle up, grab a glass of beer or maybe a hot cocoa, and listen to the more personal sides of the team you have grown to know and love.