diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 6a2763d..9448b15 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -77,4 +77,6 @@ Each program directory contains a loadable `.prg` and its readable source:
 - BASIC programs use line-numbered, uppercase `.bas` files compatible with stock Commodore BASIC V2. Their PRGs are tokenized at the normal `$0801` BASIC load address.
 - Machine-code programs use commented ACME `.asm` files. Their PRGs also load at `$0801`, where a short BASIC line starts the 6502 code with `SYS`.
 
+New programs must open with an English splash screen containing the program title, a short description, `c64.p20.dev`, the release date, and a prompt to continue with Space. Gameplay instructions belong on the splash screen rather than occupying permanent rows in the running program.
+
 All programs are self-contained and designed for ordinary PAL and NTSC C64 hardware as well as VICE-compatible emulators.
diff --git a/petscii-aquarium/petscii-aquarium.asm b/petscii-aquarium/petscii-aquarium.asm
index 8e92920..f363c04 100644
--- a/petscii-aquarium/petscii-aquarium.asm
+++ b/petscii-aquarium/petscii-aquarium.asm
@@ -26,16 +26,31 @@ start:
     sta $d020
     lda #6
     sta $d021
-    lda #147
-    jsr CHROUT
+    jsr show_splash
     ldx #0
 print_title:
-    lda title,x
+    lda runtime_title,x
     beq initialize
     jsr CHROUT
     inx
     bne print_title
 
+show_splash:
+    ldx #0
+print_splash:
+    lda splash_text,x
+    beq wait_for_space
+    jsr CHROUT
+    inx
+    bne print_splash
+wait_for_space:
+    jsr GETIN
+    cmp #32
+    bne wait_for_space
+    lda #147
+    jsr CHROUT
+    rts
+
 initialize:
     lda #3
     sta animation_speed
@@ -435,8 +450,23 @@ exit:
     jsr CHROUT
     rts
 
-title: !byte 147
-!text "PETSCII AQUARIUM  F FEED  1-3 SPEED  Q QUIT"
+splash_text:
+!byte 147,13,13,13
+!text "          PETSCII AQUARIUM"
+!byte 13,13
+!text "   A LIVELY WORLD OF FISH AND BUBBLES"
+!byte 13,13
+!text "       F FEEDS  1-3 SPEED  Q QUITS"
+!byte 13,13,13
+!text "             C64.P20.DEV"
+!byte 13,13
+!text "        RELEASED 16 OCTOBER 2026"
+!byte 13,13,13
+!text "         PRESS SPACE TO START"
+!byte 0
+
+runtime_title: !byte 147
+!text "           PETSCII AQUARIUM"
 !byte 0
 
 fish_x:         !byte 4,28,12,33,7,23
diff --git a/petscii-aquarium/petscii-aquarium.prg b/petscii-aquarium/petscii-aquarium.prg
index 4b4cb66..dce1119 100644
Binary files a/petscii-aquarium/petscii-aquarium.prg and b/petscii-aquarium/petscii-aquarium.prg differ