This month’s edition brings together stories that celebrate the spirit of exploration — from India’s native waters to aquascapes across the world.

• Wild Betta Chronicles: Meet the Alien by Ganpat Parab — opens our new series on Wild Bettas, exploring one of the most enigmatic hybrids in the hobby.

• BAC 2025 Results by Natasha Khardina — a deep look into the artistry and vision behind this year’s winning aquascapes.

• The Magic of Minuong Aquascapes by Manu — showcasing the water-bonsai plant that’s inspiring a fresh wave of nature-style creations.

• Ask Me Anything with Beta Mahatvaraj (a.k.a. Meenkaran) — a deep dive into India’s freshwater treasures; also available on The Weekend Aquarist Podcast.

• Inside India’s Largest Private Nature Aquarium — step into Dr. Sanjay O. P.’s awe-inspiring 5,000-litre ADA-inspired aquarium, flawlessly executed by Adip Sajjan Raj and his team.

• Plant Spotlight: Glossostigma elatinoides — celebrating the iconic carpet plant that transformed aquascaping foregrounds.

• Meet Mark Chen (TMK Aquarist, USA) — uncover his design philosophy and storytelling approach; full interview on The Weekend Aquarist Podcast.

• Heiko Bleher’s India Expeditions: Meruvambayi River, Kerala — followed by a special adaptation from Bleher’s Biotopes on recreating this habitat in aquaria.