Maidenhead Aquatics Oxford Yarnton

08/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1K4Ec7Y16b/

We’ve noticed an unfortunate trend on social media of content being shared that shows temperate (and sometimes even tropical) fish being kept in outdoor water features, like patio ponds.

This is illegal – and we would ask the industry not to share (and to remove) any content that promotes this behaviour.

The only ornamental fish that can be kept outside (eg in a pond) are:
• common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
• goldfish (Carassius auratus)
• ide or orfe (Leuciscus idus)
• rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, other than anadromous steelhead)

All other freshwater fish can ONLY be kept in an indoor aquarium. That includes temperate fish and it’s why fish like white cloud mountain minnows or Japanese rice fish cannot be kept in patio ponds or garden features outside.

You can find a fuller explanation about this on our website where we also link to the Gov.uk site where this information originates. We have also worked with Fish Health Inspectorate to collate this information. https://ornamentalfish.org/can-i-keep-temperate-freshwater-fish-in-an-outside-pond/

It’s important that industry acts responsibly around this issue. Please share this message and you can point customers who ask to buy these fish for this purpose to our information. Otherwise, we risk losing access to popular freshwater fish because regular, frequent breaches of the regulation will inevitably lead to greater enforcement from the Fish Health Inspectorate, with the ultimate sanction being a ban if the industry is being seen to ignore or regularly flout the law.

08/09/2026

Enjoy 20% off Fluval Aquasky, Plant and Marine LED lighting

Limited time offer - available in-store only while stock lasts.
https://ow.ly/wMch50ZAsIG

08/09/2026

Plant of the Month promotion this September, available online and in-store, is the Microsorum Pteropus.

This very hardy, light green plant is great for all types of aquariums. It can be easily attached to wood, stone or the rear wall. The rootstock must always be kept above the growth medium. It is also suitable for paludaria.

Just £2.99 during September and while stocks last.
https://ow.ly/qZt350ZIOfJ

12/08/2026

Our Plant of the Month for August is Hygrophila Corymbosa.

This plant is a fast-growing, easy plant with relatively large, reddish-green leaves. Ideal for beginners; if it grows too large, the upper portions can be trimmed and replanted in the substrate.

Available in-store and online for just £2.99 this August only.
https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/aquafleur-tropical-aquarium-plant-hygrophila-corymbosa

12/08/2026

Loads of new fish, shrimp and plants this week! Plants are available for sale now and all of the livestock should hopefully be ready for sale by the weekend. We also had a large shipment of goldfish in, for those seeking fish for their pond, as well as plenty of pond plants, with a fair few in flower!

08/08/2026

It’s a rare opportunity to get a good look at the Ninja woodcats (Centromochlus orca) during the day when they’re not either hidden in a comfy sleeping spot or charging around feeding. As the name might suggest (not the ninja part) they enjoy finding a nice cavity in waterlogged wood to rest in and are one of those fantastic fish that make every appearance a bit magical. Peaceful and only likely to trouble tankmates that can be swallowed whole, these crepuscular cuties have two speeds and add a lot of interest as they take over from the day shift in a thoughtfully stocked community tank. An evening feed in an aquarium with a slow sunset setting to the lighting would suit them perfectly. These were a highlight at our Cwmbran store.

08/08/2026

Great fishkeeping starts with the right support.

Whether you're setting up your first aquarium, caring for a thriving pond, or looking for expert advice, our passionate teams are here to help every step of the way.

If we've helped you and your aquatic pets this year, we'd be grateful for your vote in the PFK Readers' Poll Awards.

Cast your vote here: https://ow.ly/BTWM50ZwM15

01/08/2026

Behind every great aquarium and pond is great advice.

Our teams are passionate fishkeepers who love helping customers succeed and get the most out of their hobby.

If we've made a difference to your experience of the fishkeeping hobby this year, we'd love your vote in the Practical Fishkeeping Readers' Poll Awards. Find out more and cast your vote here:
https://ow.ly/FsAZ50Zv024

20/07/2026

Here are some of my favourite things that we are stocking currently. Lots of pond plants and some incredible fish too! These are also probably the largest specimens of water lettuce I have seen!

20/07/2026

Heat waves can be a trying time for aquarium keepers, with knock on effects to oxygen levels as temperatures rise and metabolic rates skyrocket. Technology has provided solutions in the shape of chillers and cooling fans but for the original exotic aquarium fish, extreme temperatures are all part of their annual seasonal cycle. Whether the Paradisefish (Macropodus opercularis) was first imported in the 1600s or 1800s is a source of debate but suffice it to say that they remain a future-proof choice as hot summers become the norm. These handsome wildtype fish were seen at our new Gloucester store.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/fish/freshwater/anabantids/paradise-fish