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In this special on-location episode, I join Beta Mahatvaraj a.k.a Meenkaran for a private tour of the Chennai Public Aquarium. Alongside its many aquatic displays, the aquarium also houses Meenkaran's permanent photo exhibition — a breathtaking showcase of Indian Native Fishes he has documented across the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and beyond. From tiny jewels like the Scarlet Badis and Dario huliensis, to majestic species such as the Malabar Mahseer, Barca Snakehead, and even the charming Indian Pea Puffer — this exhibition captures the incredible breadth of India’s freshwater biodiversity. Join us as we explore the tanks, photography, and stories behind these fish and their habitats. Premiering tonight at 8PM IST on The Weekend Aquarist Podcast. Note to Viewers: Some of the fish names in this video were incorrectly titled. Below is the corrected list of species along with their timestamps for your reference. An updated version of this video, with revised titles and additional images, will be shared soon. Corrected Fish List with Timestamps & Regions 02:20 – Tilapia buttikoferi (Zebra Tilapia) (Exotic, West Africa); Horabagrus nigricollaris (Black-collared Catfish) (Western Ghats); Horabagrus brachysoma (Sun Catfish) (Western Ghats) 04:43 – Pethia manipurensis (Manipur Barb) (Northeast India); Psilorhynchus sucatio (Torrent Minnow) (Eastern Himalayas, NE India); Otocinclus (South American algae eater, Exotic) 07:08 – Dario dario (Scarlet Badis) (NE India, West Bengal); Balitora brucei (Gray’s Hillstream Loach) (Eastern Himalayas/NE India); Aborichthys cf. kempi (Kemp’s Loach) (NE India, hill streams); Aplocheilus lineatus (Striped Panchax) (Peninsular India, Sri Lanka); Channa barca (Barca Snakehead) (Brahmaputra drainage, NE India); Amblyceps mangois (Torrent Catfish) (Eastern Himalayas, NE India); Sisor rabdophorus (Indian Whiptail Catfish) (Himalayan streams, North/NE India) 09:35 – Channa gachua (Blue Bengal form) (Widespread India, NE India); Dawkinsia rohani (Rohan’s Barb) (Tamil Nadu, Western Ghats); Systomus sarana (Olive Barb) (Widespread India); Dawkinsia filamentosa (Filament Barb) (Western Ghats); Dawkinsia tambraparniei (Tambraparni Barb) (Southern Western Ghats – Tamiraparani basin); Neolissochilus sp. (Mahseer) (Western Ghats & NE India); Tor malabaricus (Malabar Mahseer) (Western Ghats) 12:02 – Labeo calbasu (Orangefin Labeo) (Ganges & Peninsular rivers) 13:13 – Mangarinus waterousi (Chiseltooth Goby) (Brackish, coastal India); Periophthalmus novemradiatus (Dwarf Mudskipper) (Brackish estuaries, East coast of India); Parioglossus winterbottomi (Dartfish) (Brackish – Andaman/SE Asia, rare in India); Taenioides cirratus (Bearded Worm Goby) (Brackish mudflats, Indian coast) 15:40 – Rhinomugil corsula (Mullet) (Freshwater rivers, N. India & Bangladesh); Scatophagus argus (Spotted Scat) (Brackish estuaries, East & West coasts of India); Mugilogobius tigrinus (Tiger Goby) (Brackish, coastal India/SE Asia) 18:06 – Plesiopuntius bimaculatus (Red Side Barb) (Southern India – Kerala/TN); Lepidocephalichthys thermalis (Indian Spiny Loach) (Peninsular India); Garra mullya (Stone Sucker) (Western Ghats hill streams); Channa kelaartii (Sri Lanka Snakehead) (Sri Lanka endemic) 20:28 – Parapsilorhynchus alluriensis (Western Ghats); Devario malabaricus (Malabar Danio) (Western Ghats); Parapsilorhynchus spp. (Western Ghats); Indoreonectes evezardi (Western Ghats, Ratnagiri region) 22:52 – Sicyopterus griseus (Clown Goby) (Western Ghats, freshwater goby); Waikhomia sahyadriensis (Maharaja Barb) (Western Ghats endemic); Pseudolaguvia austrina (Dwarf Hill Stream Catfish) (Western Ghats) 25:14 – Dario huli (Tiger Dario) (Western Ghats, Sharavathi basin, Karnataka); Bhavania australis (Leopard Loach) (Western Ghats, Kerala) 26:30 – Neochela dadiburjori (Purple Hatchet) (Western Ghats, endemic) 26:45 – Oreichthys coorgensis (Coorg Barb) (Western Ghats – Karnataka); Garra sp. (Gold Spot Garra / Gold Coin Garra) (Western Ghats hill streams); Danionella priapus (Miniature Cyprinid) (NE India, Assam); Pseudetroplus maculatus (Orange Chromide) (Southern India, brackish/freshwater); Garra bicornuta (Rhino Garra) (Western Ghats, Kerala endemic) 28:39 – Carinotetraodon travancoricus (Indian Pea Puffer) (Western Ghats, Kerala endemic); Carinotetraodon imitator (Puffer) (Western Ghats, Kerala endemic); Raiamas bola (Hill Trout) (Widespread North & NE India rivers) Subscribe and support The Weekend Aquarist. Check out The Weekend Aquarist Magazine on https://weekendaquarist.in Timestamps - 00:00 - Intro 00:51 - Meeting Beta for the first time 02:46 - Tilapia and the Sun Catfish 05:45 - First image section 10:14 - Brackish Waters 13:13 - Mangroves 17:39 - Fishes of the Eastern Ghats 23:10 - Fishes of the Western Ghats 31:24 - Support the Chennai Public Aquarium 32:53 - Outro

🎙️ PREMIERING on 9th August at 12 Noon IST on The Weekend Aquarist Podcast Top 10 Indian Native Fish for Nano Tanks Join us for a fascinating conversation with Beta Mahatvaraj a.k.a. Meenkaran, renowned aquarist, fish photographer, and conservation advocate, as he takes us through his personal list of the Top 10 Indian Native Fish perfectly suited for nano aquariums. From the dazzling Dario dario to the charming Neochela dadiburjori, Beta shares: ✅ Why each species made the list ✅ Their unique behaviour & habitat needs ✅ Tips for tank mates, feeding, and breeding ✅ Conservation notes and why it’s important to source responsibly Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:23 – Zebra Danio (Danio rerio) 05:48 – Indian Ricefish (Oryzias dancena) 08:21 – Scarlet Badis / Red Badis (Dario dario) 11:04 – Dadio / Purple Hatchet (Neochela dadiburjori) 13:44 – Canius Barb (Pethia canius) 20:03 – Stone Catfish (Erethistes jerdoni) 22:09 – Glowlight Carplet (Horadandia brittani) 24:21 – Common Spiny Loach (Lepidocephalichthys thermalis) 27:20 – Hifin Glassy Perchlet (Parambassis lala) 28:44 – Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster fasciata) 33:02 – Outro Whether you’re setting up your first nano tank or looking to add something special to your collection, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insights from one of India’s most respected voices in native fishkeeping. 📖 Read Beta’s full article in the latest issue of The Weekend Aquarist Magazine. 🌐 Subscribe now at https://weekendaquarist.in and be part of India’s growing aquarium community. 🎧 Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify #IndianNativeFish #NanoTanks #TheWeekendAquarist #BetaMahatvaraj #Meenkaran #DarioDario #NeochelaDadiburjori #AquariumPodcast #FishkeepingIndia

🎙️ PODCAST EPISODE: Marine Aquariums in India – What’s Allowed? What’s Not? Have you ever wondered what marine fish or corals you can legally keep in an aquarium in India? Or been confused by conflicting information about marine hobby regulations? In this candid and eye-opening episode of The Weekend Aquarist Podcast, Host & Editor, Amar Salvi speaks with Abhishek Choudhury, founder of Seascapes Creative Aquariums Pvt. Ltd., one of East India’s largest marine aquarium showrooms based in Kolkata. Abhishek, a marine biology diploma holder and passionate marine hobbyist with over 20 years of experience, breaks down everything you need to know about: 🌊 The difference between a reef tank and a fish-only marine tank 🚫 Why keeping live corals in India is not allowed without proper licensing 📜 What legal permissions and certifications (CITES) are required 🐟 Recommended marine fish for beginners 🧠 How to set up a sustainable marine tank that mimics nature 🌡️ Filtration, lighting, and temperature control—why they matter 🤝 The role of responsible retailers and educating hobbyists 🇮🇳 Why we need awareness and clarity in India’s marine hobby space This is a must-watch for anyone planning to enter the marine side of the aquarium hobby in India. 🎯 Thinking of starting a marine tank but unsure of what's allowed? Start here. 💡 Have questions for future episodes? Drop them in the comments! 📚 Subscribe to India’s first and only magazine for aquarium hobbyists! 🌐 Read inspiring stories, expert interviews, and how-to guides at https://weekendaquarist.in 🧾 Available in both Digital and Print Editions 📬 New Issue Every Month #MarineAquariumIndia #TheWeekendAquarist #WhatsAllowed #ReefTank #AbhishekChoudhury #MarineHobbyIndia #AquariumPodcast #FishkeepingIndia #SeascapesKolkata

🎧 PREMIERING 13th JULY AT 12 PM IST — ONLY ON THE WEEKEND AQUARIST PODCAST 🎧 Join us on a truly immersive journey into the world of Amartya Ghosh, founder of TiCi Nature Lab, as he opens the doors to his Kolkata-based studio and shares his evolution from aquascaper to innovator. In this exclusive episode, Amartya discusses Dutch-style aquascaping, launching his own line of aquarium fertilisers specifically designed for Indian waters, and creating breathtaking vertical gardens and rainforest walls that redefine nature-inspired design. 🎥 This episode is more than a podcast—it's a visual tour of passion, perseverance, and purpose. 0:00 – Welcome to the Jungle 0:52 – Debraj Ghosh crashes in 3:30 – Start of the conversation with Amartya 15:57 – Introducing The Weekend Aquarist Magazine 17:32 – Dutch Aquascapes by Amartya 25:49 – His Struggles 36:51 – Association and Support from LSeT 39:10 – Phytospheres or Mini Terrariums? 45:49 – Nature Aquarium Gallery 47:07 – The Living Wall 50:03 – Closing and thanking Team TiCi 📰 FEATURED IN THE MAGAZINE! This story is also covered in the latest issue of The Weekend Aquarist Magazine, India’s first and only publication dedicated to the aquarium hobby. Get behind-the-scenes insights, stunning visuals, and expert perspectives that extend beyond the podcast. ✨ Subscribe today to our “Best of Both Worlds” offer – and get access to both the collectable print edition (with postcards!) and the digital archive. 📬 Subscribe now at: https://weekendaquarist.in 🎙️ The Weekend Aquarist Podcast is where hobby meets heart. From aquascapers to conservationists, every episode brings you closer to the people shaping the future of aquatics in India and beyond. 🐠 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon so you never miss an episode. #WeekendAquarist #AmartyaGhosh #TiCiNatureLab #AquascapingIndia #Podcast #RainforestWall #DutchAquascape #VerticalGarden #LivingWall #NatureAquarium #MagazineFeature #HobbyistStories #LSeT

Inside India’s Premier Discus Hatchery – A Tour with Sanjay Khandagale of Sams Discus India 🎙️ The Weekend Aquarist Podcast – On Location Special Join us on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of one of India’s most renowned ornamental fish farms—Sams Discus India, founded by Sanjay Khandagale. In this in-depth video podcast, we walk through breeding tanks, secret grow-out ponds, and state-of-the-art water systems to understand the dedication and science behind breeding world-class Discus and other tropical fish. 🫧 What you'll discover in this episode: Sanjay’s 16-year journey from corporate life to becoming a full-time fish breeder How he created award-winning Discus strains like Red Kukri Eruption, Majestic Blue, and more A walkthrough of his breeding setup for Discus, Plecos, Angelfish, Rams, and Black Ghost Knifefish Insights on export, infrastructure, and sustainable ornamental fish farming His expansion into koi, arowana, fancy goldfish, and frozen fish food under the Aqua Nutrition brand 📍Filmed at his dream farm in rural Maharashtra, this episode is a must-watch for aquarists, breeders, and anyone passionate about turning a hobby into a profession. 📌 Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Sam’s Discus India 01:00 – Meet Sanjay Khandagale 02:16 – Inside the Indoor Hatchery 09:12 – Discus Breeding Secrets Unveiled 17:44 – Engineering the Perfect Water: Filtration 20:03 – From Hobby to Hatchery: Sanjay’s Journey 25:19 – Black Ghosts, Plecos, Rams & Rainbows 33:43 – Nutrition Matters: Sams Frozen Fish Feed 35:28 – Koi, Goldfish & Arowanas: The Outdoor Pond Tour 42:59 – Wrapping Up: Reflections from the Farm 🔔 Subscribe to our channel and hit the bell icon for more exclusive interviews, farm tours, and insights from India’s top aquarists. #DiscusFish #FishBreeding #TheWeekendAquarist #SamsDiscusIndia #AquariumPodcast #AquascapingIndia #KoiFish #Plecos #IndianAquarists #TropicalFishFarm Have you subscribed to India's first and only Aquarium magazine, "The Weekend Aquarist", yet? Proudly Indian, made in India with a special focus on Indian Native species. To subscribe: https://weekendaquarist.in Check our "Best of Both Worlds" Offer

In this inspiring episode of The Weekend Aquarist Podcast, we sit down with Bangalore-based aquascaper and visual artist Gabriel Jose (@theaquaamazon). From his humble beginnings during the lockdown to co-founding Whispering Waters, Gabriel shares how his passions for design, photography, and aquascaping converged to create stunning nature-inspired aquariums. 🎙️ Hear him talk about: -His contest-ready aquascaping techniques -Pro tips on lighting, layout, and fish selection -Photography hacks for capturing your tank’s best side The story behind Whispering Waters and working with Selvin of Green Water Aquascapes 🌿 Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional aquascaper, this conversation is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss! 📖 Featured in The Weekend Aquarist Magazine – India’s first digital and print magazine dedicated to the aquarium hobby. 👉 Subscribe now at https://weekendaquarist.in and enjoy the best of both worlds – print and digital editions! #Aquascaping #AquariumHobby #TheWeekendAquarist #GabrielJose #WhisperingWaters #PlantedTank #NatureAquarium #AquariumPhotographyTips

The Black Ramirezi Breeder & His Secret Hatchery | Deepak Mistry x The Weekend Aquarist Podcast Step into the secret balcony hatchery of Deepak Mistry — master breeder of Plecos and the man behind India’s stunning black rams. In this exclusive on-site interview, Deepak shares his 40-year journey in the aquarium hobby, from his early love for angelfish and cichlids to perfecting the elusive celestial black ram over multiple generations. We talk about selective breeding, Pleco care, feeding trials (with zero brand sponsorships!), and see rare L-series Plecos and whiptails up close — including a male guarding a fresh spawn! 0:00 Intro 1:28 Meet Deepak Mistry 9:29 The Secret Hatchery 30:58 Wrapping up 32:11 TWA Magazine 32:31 Outro 📍Shot in Mumbai | 🎥 Camera by Niranjan @Discus Ninja 🌙 Filmed at night for a glimpse into the real-life rhythms of nocturnal fish. 🗓️ Premieres: Saturday, June 14th, 8 PM IST 📺 Only on The Weekend Aquarist Podcast 👉 Subscribe & hit the bell icon so you don’t miss this rare behind-the-scenes tour. Love stories like this? Subscribe to The Weekend Aquarist Magazine — India’s only magazine for aquarium lovers. Subscribe here: https://www.weekendaquarist.in/product-page/annual-subscription-best-of-both-worlds #BlackRam #Plecos #AquariumHobby #WeekendAquarist #IndianAquarists #FishBreeding #AquascapingIndia

Join us on The Weekend Aquarist Podcast for an unforgettable conversation with Shriram Hatwalne, a veteran fish breeder with over 40 years of experience in the hobby. From his early days in Mumbai to becoming one of India’s leading Angelfish experts, Shriram shares stories, insights, and secrets from his decades-long journey. 0:00 Intro 1:54 Meet Shriram Hatwalne 12:31 Secret Hatchery Visit 20:11 Hatchery and Breeding Consulting 24:11 Outro Whether you're a hobbyist or part of the trade, if you need expert guidance on breeding or are looking to source high-quality angelfish, Shriram Sir offers consultancy and supplies his exclusive strains. His contact details are at the end of this video — don’t hesitate to reach out. Don't forget to subscribe to the channel! Support Us! Have you checked out 'The Weekend Aquarist Magazine' yet? Join the community on https://weekendaquarist.in