List of freshwater aquarium fish species

A vast number of aquatic species have successfully adapted to live in the freshwater aquarium. This list gives some examples of the most common species found in home aquariums.

Bichirs and reedfish

Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks Temperature range pH range
Gray bichir, Senegal bichir, or dinosaur bichir Polypterus senegalus 35.5 cm (14.0 in) in the wild, 9 in is more typical in home aquaria Species Easy A large aquarium is preferred for this species because it is predatory. 25–29 °C (77–84 °F) 7.0-8.2
Ornate bichir Polypterus ornatipinnis 60 cm (24 in) Species Easy to intermediate   26–28 °C (79–82 °F) 6.0–8.0
Retropinnis bichir Polypterus retropinnis 35 cm (14 in) Species Easy to intermediate   26–28 °C (79–82 °F) 6.5–7.5
Reedfish Erpetoichthys calabaricus 40 cm (16 in) Semi-aggressive community Easy to intermediate Nocturnal, can slither around out of water as long as they stay wet. 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) 6.5–7.5

Catfish

Armored catfish including Aspidoras, Brochis, Callichthys, and Corydoras
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks Temperature range pH range
Brown-point shield skin longirostris Aspidoras fuscoguttatus 3.8 cm (1.5 in) 22–25 °C (72–77 °F) 5.5–6.8
Aspidoras lakoi 4 cm (1.6 in)
Loach catfish Aspidoras rochai 4 cm (1.6 in)
Sixray corydoras, false corydoras Aspidoras pauciradiatus 2.9 cm (1.1 in) 73–82 °F (23–28 °C) 6.5
Britski's catfish Brochis britskii 8.9 cm (3.5 in) Brochis is often synonymized with Corydoras.
Emerald catfish Brochis splendens 10 cm (3.9 in) Brochis is often synonymized with Corydoras. 70–82 °F (21–28 °C) 6.5
Hognosed brochis Brochis multiradiatus 6.6 cm (2.6 in) Brochis is often synonymized with Corydoras.
Cascarudo Callichthys callichthys 20 cm (7.9 in)
Adolfo's catfish Corydoras adolfoi 5.7 cm (2.2 in) 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) 6.0-7.0
Banded corydoras Scleromystax barbatus 10 cm (3.9 in)
Masked corydoras, bandit corydoras Corydoras metae 4.8 cm (1.9 in) 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) 6.0-7.0
Barred-tail corydoras Corydoras cochui 2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Blackstripe corydoras Corydoras bondi 4.7 cm (1.9 in)
Blacktop corydoras Corydoras acutus 4.4 cm (1.7 in)
Blue corydoras Corydoras nattereri 5.4 cm (2.1 in)
Bluespotted corydoras Corydoras melanistius 5.1 cm (2.0 in)
Bronze corydoras Corydoras aeneus 6.35 cm (2.50 in) Community Easy The albino strain of C. aeneus is common among aquarists. 77 °F to 82 ° (25 °C to 28 °C)
Caracha Corydoras atropersonatus 4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Ehrhardt's corydoras Corydoras ehrhardti 4.1 cm (1.6 in)
Corydoras evelynae 4 cm (1.6 in)
Corydoras geoffroy 7 cm (2.8 in)
Corydoras latus 5.2 cm (2.0 in)
Corydoras loxozonus 4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Corydoras nain Corydoras nanus 4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Corydoras narcissus 6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Corydoras ornatus 4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Corydoras osteocarus 4 cm (1.6 in)
Corydoras polystictus 3.2 cm (1.3 in)
Scleromystax prionotos 5.3 cm (2.1 in)
Corydoras semiaquilus 6.0 cm (2.4 in)
Corydoras septentrionalis 4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Corydoras simulatus 4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Corydoras undulatus 4.4 cm (1.7 in)
Dwarf corydoras Corydoras hastatus 3.5 cm (1.4 in) Community
Elegant corydoras Corydoras elegans 5.1 cm (2.0 in) Community
False network catfish Corydoras sodalis 4.9 cm (1.9 in)
False spotted catfish Corydoras leucomelas 4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Green gold catfish Corydoras melanotaenia 5.8 cm (2.3 in)
Guapore corydoras Corydoras guapore 4.1 cm (1.6 in)
Mosaic corydoras, reticulated corydoras Corydoras haraldschultzi 5.9 cm (2.3 in)[1] Community
Mosaic corydoras, reticulated corydoras Corydoras reticulatus 5.1–6.1 cm (2.0–2.4 in) Community
Panda corydoras Corydoras panda 3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in) Community
Pastaza corydoras Corydoras pastazensis 6.4–7.1 cm (2.5–2.8 in)
Peppered corydoras Corydoras paleatus 5.1–7.6 cm (2.0–3.0 in) Community
Pink corydoras Corydoras axelrodi 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in)
Pygmy corydoras Corydoras pygmaeus 2.5–3.3 cm (0.98–1.30 in) Community
Sailfin corydoras Corydoras macropterus
Salt and pepper catfish Corydoras habrosus 2.5–3.6 cm (0.98–1.42 in) Community
Schwartz's catfish Corydoras schwartzi 3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in) Community
Spotted corydoras, longnose corydoras Corydoras ambiacus 5.1–6.1 cm (2.0–2.4 in)
Sterba's corydoras Corydoras sterbai 6.8 cm (2.7 in)[2] Community
Sychr's catfish Corydoras sychri
Tailspot corydoras Corydoras caudimaculatus 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in)
Threestripe corydoras, leopard catfishCorydoras trilineatus 6.1 cm (2.4 in)[3] Community
Xingu corydoras Corydoras xinguensis 3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in)
Julii corydoras Corydoras julii 5.1–6.4 cm (2.0–2.5 in)
Armored suckermouth catfish (plecos)
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks Temperature range pH range
Bristlenose pleco, bushynose pleco Ancistrus spp. The bristlenose genus has at least 59 identified species and many others yet to be named. 70-80 F (20-27 C) |
Gold nugget pleco Baryancistrus spp. Many species of this fish exist, but are not yet officially identified; the three common aquarium species are known as L-018, L-081, and L-177. 77-86 F (25-30 C) |
Whiptail catfish Rineloricaria spp. 20 species
Twig catfish Farlowella spp. at least 20 species
Panaque Panaque spp. Several species of panaque are popular aquarium fish.
Pineapple pleco, orange cheek pleco Pseudorinelepis spp. four species
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish, Amazon sailfin catfish Pterygoplichthys pardalis 16 cm (6.3 in) Easy One of the several fish sold under this name; there is also an albino variation.
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish Hypostomus punctatus One of the several fish sold under this name.
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish Hypostomus plecostomus 50 cm (20 in) One of the several fish sold under this name.
Leopard sailfin pleco, clown sailfin pleco Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps Other related fish also share this common name.
Zebra pleco, L-046 Hypancistrus zebra
Sailfin catfish Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus
Golden dwarf sucker, golden oto Macrotocinclus affinis 5 cm (2 in) A peaceful algae eater. Keep in groups of three or more.
Zebra dwarf sucker, zebra oto Otocinclus cocama Community
Goldspot ancistrus albinoAncistrus sp. gold albino 12 cm (4.7 in)community easy
Airbreathing catfish
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks Temperature range pH range
Walking catfish Clarias batrachus 50 cm (19.5 in) Easy/Intermediate The albino form is common in the aquarium trade. This fish can survive out of the water and "walk" as long as kept wet, for a very long time.
Banjo catfish
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks Temperature range pH range
Banjo catfish Bunocephalus coracoideus 2–15 cm
Talking catfish
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks Temperature range pH range
Striped Raphael Platydoras armatulus
Spotted raphael Agamyxis pectinifrons Females at around 6 in, males slightly smaller around 5.5 in Tropical aquarium Intermediate This species mainly feeds on algae. It needs a cave, and will feed when the aquarium light is out.
Squeakers and upside-down catfish
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks Temperature range pH range
Cuckoo squeaker Synodontis multipunctatus 27.5 cm (10.8 in)
Decorated squeaker Synodontis decorus
Even-Spotted squeaker Synodontis petricola 10 cm (3.9 in)
Featherfin squeaker Synodontis eupterus
Lake Malawi syno Synodontis njassae
Polka dot syno Synodontis angelicus
Common syno, false upside-down catfish Synodontis nigrita
Upside-down catfish Synodontis nigriventris 9.6 cm (3.8 in) Community S. nigriventris prefers bottom feeding on Tubifex, but its main diet consists of algae.
Shark catfish
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks Temperature range pH range
Iridescent shark Pangasius hypophthalmus Community Albino form is common in the aquarium trade, needs a large aquarium
Chao Phraya giant shark, giant pangasius Pangasius sanitwongsei Over 60 inches The dwarf "balloon" form available is critically endangered.
Sea catfish
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks Temperature range pH range
Colombian shark catfish Arius seemanni
Berney's shark catfish Arius berneyi
Australian shark catfish Arius graeffei
Sheatfish
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks Temperature range pH range
Glass catfish Kryptopterus vitreolus 8 cm (3.1 in). Needs to be kept in a group of five or more
Butter catfish, two-spot catfish Ompok bimaculatus 45 cm (18 in) This fish appears very similar to Kryptopterus bicirrhis.
Bagrid catfishes
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks Temperature range pH range
Crystal-eyed catfish Hemibagrus wyckii 71 cm (28 in) highly aggressive and must be kept alone
Asian redtail catfish Hemibagrus wyckioides 130 cm (51 in) highly aggressive and must be kept alone
Sun catfish Horabagrus brachysoma 45 cm (18 in)
Long-whiskered catfish
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks Temperature range pH range
Leiarius marmoratus 100 cm (39 in)
Leiarius pictus 60 cm (24 in)
Redtail catfish Phractocephalus hemioliopterus 120 cm (3.9 ft) Needs a 300 US gallons (1,100 L) tank when mature
Spotted pimelodus, pictus, pictus catfish Pimelodus pictus 30 cm (12 in) These catfish are very appealing when small, but may grow somewhat large. Their mouths look small, but may eat smaller fish, as they can open their mouths very wide.
Ornate Pimelodus Pimelodus ornatus
Sturgeon catfish Platystomatichthys sturio
Barred sorubim Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum 104 cm (3.41 ft) Easy to confuse with P. tigrinum.
Tiger sorubim Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum 130 cm (4.3 ft) This fish is easy to confuse with P. fasciatum.
Firewood catfish, (planiceps) shovelnose catfish Sorubimichthys planiceps 178 cm (70 in) The largest of the shovelnoses, this catfish grows huge and will need a 450 US gallons (1,700 L) min when mature.
Lima shovelnose catfish Sorubium lima 90 cm (3.0 ft) Although they are smaller than the tiger shovelnose, these catfish are extremely aggressive and extremely fast.
North American catfish
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks Temperature range pH range
Blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus
Black bullhead Ameiurus melas
Stonecat Noturus flavus

Characins and other characiformes

Tetras
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks
Black phantom tetra Hyphessobrycon megalopterus 4.5 cm (1.8 in) Community Easy the black phantom tetra enjoy being in groups of 6 or more and a slightly shaded tank. Males may claim small territories and occasionally minor battles may occur. The Phantom tetra goes well with other tetras of similar size. They also prefer floating plants.
Black neon tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi 4 cm (1.6 in) Community Easy This fish is similar to the neon tetra other than coloration.
Black tetra, Skirt tetra Gymnocorymbus ternetzi 5 cm (2.0 in) Community Easy A highly spirited fish that may occasionally chase its own species as well as harass slow moving fish with long fins. This fish is very hardy and can stand a variety of water qualities. Disease is not a big problem with the black tetra. The black tetra is also known as the black skirt tetra. The female black tetra is more robust and larger than the male.
Bleeding heart tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma 6.5 cm (2.6 in) Community Intermediate the bleeding heart tetra is distinguished by the small red spot on both sides of the fish. This fish is very prone to diseases, and can grow larger than most tetra species. It is not recommended for beginners.
Bloodfin tetra Aphyocharax anisitsi 5 cm (2.0 in) Community Easy The Bloodfin tetra is distinguished by its red fins. This fish is generally peaceful. It will school with similarly sized and tempered fish.
Blue tetra Knodus borki 5 cm (2.0 in) Community
Bucktooth tetra Exodon paradoxus 5 cm (2.0 in) Exodon paradoxus will eat smaller fish and harass larger fish, lepidophage (scale eater).
Buenos Aires tetra Hyphessobrycon anisitsi 7.5 cm (3.0 in) Easy Hyphessobrycon anisitsi has some reputation as a "fin nipper" but it is a 50% chance
Cardinal tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi 5 cm (2.0 in) Community Easy
Cave tetra, blind tetra Astyanax mexicanus 12 cm (4.7 in) Easy cave tetra is the blind cave form of the Mexican tetra. The blind cave tetra is easy to care for and is hardy. The fish is born with eyes, but they quickly deteriorate leaving behind two scars where the eyes once were. The blind tetra needs to be in a shoal in order to show peaceful behavior, and to prevent fin nipping. Despite their lack of eyes, the blind cave tetra can easily avoid other fish and obstacles in the tank. This tetra prefers low to moderate lighting.
Congo tetra, Lufundi (native name) Phenacogrammus interruptus 7.5 cm (3.0 in) Community Intermediate Sufficiently peaceful for home aquariums, though it may bite fishes smaller than its size. It is more comfortable in indirect light. Over-head lighting is preferred and under no circumstances should light be directed at the front or rear glass.
Diamond tetra Moenkhausia pittieri Community Easy
Emperor tetra Nematobrycon palmeri 5 cm (2.0 in) Community Easy
Garnet tetra, pretty tetra Hemigrammus pulcher 6.5 cm (2.6 in) Community Easy
Glowlight tetra Hemigrammus erythrozonus 3.75 cm (1.48 in) Community Easy
Golden pristella tetra Pristella maxillaris 5 cm (2.0 in) Community Easy
Green neon tetra Paracheirodon simulans 2.5 cm (0.98 in) Community Intermediate
Head and tail light tetra Hemigrammus ocellifer 4 cm (1.6 in) Community Easy
Lemon tetra Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis 5 cm (2.0 in) Community Easy Very likely to jump out of the tank unless there are some floating aquatic plants
Long-fin tetra Brycinus longipinnis 12.5 cm (4.9 in) Community Easy
Neon tetra Paracheirodon innesi 3.75 cm (1.48 in) Community Easy The neon tetra is sensitive towards water quality and is susceptible to many freshwater diseases. However, the fish is very peaceful and will not attack another member of the tank. Females are larger than the males. Due to their small size, the neon tetra should not be kept with large fish. Neon tetras are also very delicate and any harassment they may receive can result in death. This can be prevented by putting them with other small community fish or fish known to ignore their tankmates. The neon tetra feels the most comfortable when in groups.
Jellybean tetra Ladigesia roloffi Smaller even than the neon tetra. This mid west African species is a favoured species for the nano-aquarium.
Penguin tetra, blackline penguinfish Thayeria boehlkei 6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Red Eye tetra Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae 4 cm (1.6 in) Community Easy
Red phantom tetra 4.5 cm (1.8 in) Community Easy
Rummy-nose tetra Hemigrammus rhodostomus 5 cm (2.0 in) Community Intermediate
Disk tetra Myleus schomburgkii 40 cm (16 in) ph 5.0–7.0, temp 23 °C to 27 °C
Splashing tetra Copella arnoldi Community Easy
Serpae tetra Hyphessobrycon serpae 4.5 cm (1.8 in) Community Easy This fish may nip the fins of slow-moving fish or fish smaller than it. It is best put with other large tetras or with fish of similar size or larger.
Silvertip tetra Hasemania nana 3 cm (1.2 in) Community Moderately easy Silvertip tetras tend to be moderately aggressive and, because of their small size, should not be kept with large or aggressive fish.
X-ray tetra Pristella maxillaris Community Easy Also just called the X-ray fish.
Yellow phantom tetra Hyphessobrycon roseus 4.5 cm (1.8 in) Community with no long-finned fish Easy M aroni and Oyapock Rivers, French Guiana, South America. Most specimens in the trade are captive-bred. Female fish are slightly larger than males in fish of the same age. Will acclimatise to a wide range of conditions. pH: 6.0–7.5, dH: up to 25 degrees. Yellow Phantom tetras should be kept in shoals of six or more fish. The aquarium should be well-planted with rooted and floating plants in order to provide much-appreciated shady areas. They are usually peaceful with most other fish species, although there are reports of some specimens being a little nippy, so long-finned tank-mates are best avoided. Will eagerly accept most aquarium foods offered: flake, micro-pellets, small frozen foods such as daphnia and cyclops.A conditioned pair should be added to a specially set up breeding aquarium which should contain soft water with a pH below 6.5 and plenty of live plants, including Java moss. Once the eggs have been released or fertilised, the parents should be removed. The eggs should hatch after 24 hours, and after five days the fry will become free-swimming. The tiny fry should be fed on infusoria for the first week, followed by finely powdered first foods and baby brine shrimp.
Hatchetfish
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks
Common hatchetfish Gasteropelecus sternicla Community Intermediate
Silver hatchetfish Gasteropelecus levis Peaceful and dwells at the top of the tank in schools. Rarely breeds in captivity. This powerful leaper can easily jump out of an aquarium, so keep only in a fully covered tank.
Marbled hatchetfish Carnegiella strigata 5 cm (2.0 in) Community Intermediate Peaceful and dwells at the top of the tank in schools. Rarely breeds in captivity. This powerful leaper can easily jump out of an aquarium, so keep only in a fully covered tank.
Black-winged hatchetfish Carnegiella marthae 4 cm (1.6 in) Community Intermediate Peaceful and dwells at the top of the tank in schools. The most hardy of all the hatchetfish, but not the most plentiful. Does not breed in captivity. This powerful leaper can easily jump out of an aquarium, so keep only in a fully covered tank.
Pencil fishes
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks
Beckford pencilfish Nannostomus beckfordi 6 cm (2.4 in) Community Easy
Three-lined pencilfish Nannostomus trifasciatus 5 cm (2.0 in) Community Intermediate Males defend small territories. Otherwise a peaceful, beautiful species.
Headstanders
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks
Marbled headstander Abramites hypselonotus 13 cm (5.1 in) Community Intermediate Keep either one headstander or a group of seven or more as they will fight amongst themselves in small groups.
Serrasalminae (pacus, piranhas, and silver dollars)
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks
Silver dollar Metynnis argenteus 15 cm (5.9 in) The name "silver dollar" may also refer to Metynnis hypsauchen, Metynnis maculatus, or other related fishes. It will chew and eat plants.
Red-bellied pacu Colossoma bidens 120 cm (3.9 ft) Semi-aggressive community Difficult The red-bellied pacu is a close relative of the piranhas, but without the sharp teeth and the aggression. However, care should be taken if interacting physically with the pacu, as their powerful jaws can crush human bone. The pacu is a peaceful fish that requires at least a 750-liter (200-gallon) tank when fully mature. It is omnivorous and can be put with large cichlids, but avoid smaller fish. Despite their similar appearance to piranhas, the pacu is not suited to eat meat very well, as their natural diets of nuts suggest. This fish can grow to 1.2 m (3.9 ft), so need a very large tank (750 l or 200 gal minimum). This fish grows very fast, and can grow as much as one foot in the first year. 78–82 °F (26–28 °C)
Red piranha Pygocentrus nattereri 33 cm (13 in) Species or Monster Community Difficult Be very careful when conducting maintenance on their aquarium and hide any wires because they may chew through the waterproof coverings.
Payara Hydrolycus scomberoides Species or solitary Difficult Need a large aquarium and are entirely carnivorous and most fish shouldn't be kept with them, including the related piranha because it may eat piranhas.
Other Characins
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks
African pike characin Hepsetus odoe Difficult
Red tail barracuda Acestrorhynchus falcatus Difficult

Cichlids

Lake Malawi cichlids
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Tank type Care level Remarks
Sunshine peacock cichlid Aulonocara baenschi 15 cm (5.9 in) African Cichlid or Semi-aggressive Community Easy Beautiful coloration on males
Red fin hap Copadichromis borleyi African Cichlid or Semi-aggressive Community
Eureka red peacock Aulonocara jacobfreibergi 15 cm (5.9 in) African Cichlid or Semi-aggressive Community Easy Beautiful coloration on males
Spilo Champsochromis spilorhynchus 40 cm (16 in) African Cichlid or Semi-aggressive Community
Blue dolphin cichlid, lumphead cichlid Cyrtocara moorii 25 cm (9.8 in) African Cichlid or Semi-aggressive Community Easy
Afra cichlid, dogtooth cichild Cynotilapia afra 10 cm (3.9 in) Mbuna Easy
Rusty cichlid, lavender cichild Iodotropheus sprengerae 10 cm (3.9 in) Mbuna
Fuelleborn's cichlid, Blue mbuna Labeotropheus fuelleborni 18 cm (7.1 in) Mbuna
Electric yellow cichlid Labidochromis caeruleus 20 cm (7.9 in) Mbuna Easy Very active and entertaining fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories, less aggressive than other mbuna
Malawi eyebiter Dimidiochromis compressiceps Easy
Hongi, Red-top kimpumpa Labidochromis sp. "Hongi" 13 cm (5.1 in) Mbuna
Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba Bay" 13 cm (5.1 in) Mbuna
Auratus cichlid, Malawi golden cichlid Melanochromis auratus 10 cm (3.9 in) Easy Aggressive
Chipokee cichlid Melanochromis chipokae 12 cm (4.7 in) Mbuna Easy Aggressive
Blue johanni cichlid, Maingano Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos 10 cm (3.9 in) Mbuna Easy Very active and entertaining fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories. Aggressive
Pearl of Likoma Melanochromis joanjohnsonae 10 cm (3.9 in) Mbuna
Aurora Melanochromis aurora 10 cm (3.9 in) Mbuna Easy
Red zebra cichlid Metriaclima estherae 10 cm (3.9 in) Mbuna Easy Very active and entertaining fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories
Cobalt blue cichlid, cobalt zebra cichlid Maylandia callainos 10 cm (3.9 in) Mbuna Easy Very active and entertaining fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories
Kenyi cichlid Maylandia lombardoi 13 cm (5.1 in) Mbuna Easy Aggressive; sexually dichromatic
Fusco Nimbochromis fuscotaeniatus 25 cm (9.8 in)
Livingston's cichlid Nimbochromis livingstonii 25 cm (9.8 in)
Kaligono Nimbochromis polystigma 30 cm (12 in)
Venustus cichlid, giraffe cichild Nimbochromis venustus 25 cm (9.8 in) Easy 'giraffe' spotting is juvenile coloration only
Red empress cichlid Protomelas taeniolatus 15 cm (5.9 in)
Bumblebee cichlid, hornet cichlid Pseudotropheus crabro 15 cm (5.9 in) Mbuna
Yellow-tail acei Pseudotropheus acei 10 cm (3.9 in) Mbuna
Johanni cichlid Pseudotropheus johannii 10 cm (3.9 in) Mbuna Easy Aggressive
Dwarf Mbuna Pseudotropheus demasoni 10 cm (3.9 in)
Saulosi Pseudotropheus saulosi 7.5 cm (3.0 in) Mbuna
Malawi barracuda Rhampsochromis cf. macrophthalmus 23 cm (9.1 in)
Tyrannochromis macrostoma 38 cm (15 in)
Lake Tanganyika cichlids
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Boulengerochromis microlepis 90 cm (35 in) The largest cichlid
Frontosa cichild Cyphotilapia frontosa 40 cm (16 in) Aggressive; well-known
Cyathopharynx furcifer Not readily available in the aquarium trade.
Variabilichromis moorii
Frontosa cichild Cyphotilapia gibberosa 40 cm (16 in) The frontosa have recently been broken up into three separate species. The gibberosa come from the southern part of the Lake
Frontosa cichild Cyphotilapia sp. "North" 40 cm (16 in) This yet to be officially named species is intermediate in scale count between gibberosa and frontosa.
Julie cichlid Julidochromis dickfeldi Easy Beautiful; interesting
Masked Julie Julidochromis marlieri 15 cm (5.9 in) fem / 10 cm (3.9 in) male Easy Striking coloration
Julie cichlid Julidochromis ornatus
Julie cichlid Julidochromis regani 15 cm (5.9 in) fem / 10 cm (3.9 in) male
Julie cichlid Julidochromis transcriptus 10 cm (3.9 in) Intermediate Striking coloration
Herring cichlid, sardine cichlid Cyprichromis spp.
Ectodus descampsii
Chalinochromis spp.
Neolamprologus multifasciatus 3.8 cm (1.5 in) A small shell-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Distinguished from the similar L. similis by the lack of striping on the face
Lamprologus ocellatus 5 cm (2.0 in)
Neolamprologus similis 3.8 cm (1.5 in) A small shell-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Very similar to N. multifsciatus but similis has striping from the body continue to the head
Lobochilotes labiatus 40 cm (16 in)
Lyretail cichlid, fairy cichlid Neolamprologus brichardi 10 cm (3.9 in) Easy
Lemon cichlid Neolamprologus leleupi 11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Featherfin Ophthalmotilapia ventralis 15 cm (5.9 in)
Petrochromis trewavasae 20 cm (7.9 in) Aggressive
Petrochromis sp. "Zaire Texas" 18 cm (7.1 in)
Simochromis pleurospilus 10 cm (3.9 in)
Tropheus duboisi 13 cm (5.1 in) Advanced Males very aggressive; juveniles distinctively colored
Tropheus moorii 14 cm (5.5 in) Easy
Tropheus polli 14 cm (5.5 in)
Lake Victoria cichlids
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Astatotilapia aenocolor 13 cm (5.1 in)
Astatotilapia elegans 10 cm (3.9 in)
Zebra obliquidens Astatotilapia latifasciata 11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Astatotilapia nubila 11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Astatotilapia piceatus 10 cm (3.9 in)
Astatotilapia schubotziellus 10 cm (3.9 in)
Astatotilapia sp. "Red Tail" 11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Astatotilapia sp. "Spot Bar" 13 cm (5.1 in)
Hippo Point Salmon Ptyochromis sp. "Hippo Point Salmon" 14 cm (5.5 in)
Flameback Pundamilia nyererei 10 cm (3.9 in)
Xystichromis phytophagus 10 cm (3.9 in)
Miscellaneous African cichlids (non-Rift Lake)
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
African butterfly cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi
Jewel cichlid, two-spotted jewel cichlid Hemichromis bimaculatus 4-5 inch Easy other hemichromis species are sometimes sold under the same name
Steatocranus spp.
Lifalili jewel cichlid, blood-red jewel cichlid Hemichromis lifalili
Kribensis, krib Pelvicachromis pulcher Easy Readily breed in small aquaria. Aggressive and territorial towards other fishes especially its own kind during mating and after spawning
Zebra tilapia Tilapia buttikoferi
Guenther's Mouthbrooder Chromidotilapia guentheri
Allauad's haplo Astatoreochromis alluaudi
Pale usisya aulonocara Aulonocara steveni
Benthochromis tricoti
Dwarf cichlids (apistogrammas, rams and others)
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid Apistogramma agassizii Advanced Beautiful
Zebra acara Nannacara adoketa
Yellow dwarf cichlid Apistogramma borellii
Cockatoo dwarf cichlid Apistogramma cacatuoides
Panda dwarf cichlid Apistogramma nijsseni
Three-Stripe Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma trifasciata
Apistogramma eremnopyge
Two-Stripe Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma bitaeniata 7.5 cm (3.0 in) 40 litre (10 gallon) tank for one pair Intermediate
Checkerboard Cichlid Dicrossus filamentosus
Blue ram, German ram Mikrogeophagus ramirezi Easy Fairly common
Bolivian ram Mikrogeophagus altispinosa
Dwarf flag cichlid Laetacara curviceps
American cichlids (cichlasomas, acaras, angelfish, discuses and others)
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Midas cichild, red devil cichlid Amphilophus citrinellus Note that Amphilophus labiatus is also called red devil cichild
Poor man's tropheus Hypsophrys nematopus
Red devil cichlid Amphilophus labiatus
Firemouth cichlid Cichlasoma meeki Easy Typically medium aggression; easily bred
Jack Dempsey cichlid Cichlasoma octofasciatum
Jaguar cichlid, managuense cichlid Parachromis managuensis Easy Exceptionally beautiful adult coloration; large adult size
Mayan cichlid Cichlasoma urophthalmus
Convict cichlid Archocentrus nigrofasciatus Easy Common, very easy to breed, aggressive. A beautiful fish with bad temper. Small variations in colors, can be found in almost completely black and white coloration - therefore the name "Convict"
T-bar cichlid Cryptoheros sajica
Severum Heros severus Easy the gold variety is more common than the natural green one
Green terror Andinoacara rivulatus Fairly common
Blue acara Andinoacara pulcher
Thread-finned acara Acarichthys heckelii
Eartheater cichlid Geophagus altifrons
Greenstreaked Eartheater, cupid cichlid Biotodoma cupido
Keyhole cichlid Cleithracara maronii
Angelfish Pterophyllum scalare 15 cm (5.9 in) Intermediate several color varieties; this species is the common angelfish in the aquarium trade. Angelfish can grow up to fifteen centimetres (six inches), and therefore should be housed in a large aquarium. Angelfish should be kept alone, or kept with three or more. This is because that if two are kept together, the larger fish will pick on the smaller fish. Angelfish are not as hardy as other cichlids and should not be kept with small fish such as neon tetras. However, just the opposite is true: Angelfish should not be kept with fish that may nip and annoy it such as some large tetras.
Altum angelfish Pterophyllum altum Difficult
Spotted angelfish Pterophyllum leopoldi
Common discus, red discus Symphysodon discus 20 cm (7.9 in) Difficult various color varieties, the discus requires high water quality and a varied diet. Do not keep with fast fish as the discus is a slow eater and will not fight for food. Despite their beauty, the discus is one of the least hardy aquarium fishes available. This fish should only be kept by the experienced aquarium keeper.
Blue discus, green discus Symphysodon aequifasciatus 20 cm (7.9 in) Difficult fancy hybrids of this species and Symphysodon discus can also be found in trade
Chocolate cichlid Hypselecara temporalis
Oscar Astronotus ocellatus 45 cm (18 in) has different varieties including long-fin, albino, golden, etc. The oscar cichlid is fast growing and can grow to a very large size when mature, and therefore should be housed in a large aquarium. The oscar can be messy to look after as they love to dig up plants and scoop up rocks. The oscar should be put with fish of similar size as they will eat any fish that can fit in their mouth. The oscar prefers to be with members of its own species, but this is not a necessity for its well being. The oscar is one of the more hardy cichlids, and can be put with other large cichlids, pacus, large plecos, large sharks, and other large fish.
Uaru, waroo Uaru amphiacanthoides Also known as the Triangle Ciclid.
Peacock bass, butterfly peacock bass Cichla orinocensis
Texas cichlid, Rio Grande cichlid Herichthys cyanoguttatus Easy Large adult size
Other cichlids
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Orange chromide Etroplus maculatus
Blood parrot cichlid - Hybrid - In the scientific community it is not considered a cichlid (or any species of fish) because it does not occur naturally in the wild (created by man), for this reason it will not be given a scientific name.
Flowerhorn cichlid - Hybrid - 25 cm (9.8 in) Difficult In the scientific community it is not considered a cichlid (or any species of fish) because it does not occur naturally in the wild (created by man), for this reason it will not be given a scientific name. This is also an aggressive fish and does best in a species-only setup.
Flowerhorn Kingkamfa Hybrid
Kingkamfa flowehorn 20 cm (8")
 Adult size. This male flowerhorn is result of many cross breeding. Many male flowerhorns are sterile[4]
Wolf cichlid Parachromis dovii

Cyprinids

Barbs
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Arulius barb Dawkinsia arulius 12 cm (4.7 in)
Bigspot barb, Duncker's barb Barbodes dunckeri 13 cm (5.1 in) Peaceful when small but should not be kept with other species at adulthood.
Black ruby barb Pethia nigrofasciatus 6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Checker barb Oliotus oligolepis 5 cm (2.0 in)
Cherry barb Puntius titteya 4.8 cm (1.9 in) Community Easy very peaceful, and works well with white clouds and neon tetras
Clipper barb Barbus callipterus 7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Clown barb Barbodes everetti 15 cm (5.9 in)
Denison's barb, red line torpedo barb Sahyadria denisonii 15 cm (5.9 in) Semi-aggressive Community
Gold barb Barbodes semifasciolatus 8 cm (3.1 in) Community Easy
Golden barb Pethia gelius 5 cm (2.0 in)
Greenstripe barb Puntius vittatus 5 cm (2.0 in)
Indian Glass Barb Laubuca laubuca 6.7 cm (2.6 in) Community Easy
Melon barb Puntius fasciatus 15 cm (5.9 in)
Odessa barb Puntius padamya 8 cm (3.1 in) Semi-aggressive Community Easy
Onespot barb Puntius terio 15 cm (5.9 in) Semi-aggressive Community
Panda barb Puntius fasciatus 5 inches Community
Pentazona barb, fiveband barb Puntius pentazona 5 cm (2.0 in) Semi-aggressive Community this species may be confused with tiger barb due to similarities
Pool barb Puntius sophore 18 cm (7.1 in) Semi-aggressive Community
Partipentazona barb Puntigrus partipentazona 3.8 cm (1.5 in) Semi-aggressive Community
Rosy barb Pethia conchonius 13 cm (5.1 in) Semi-aggressive Community Easy
Shortfin barb Barbus brevipinnis 4.6 cm (1.8 in) Semi-aggressive Community
Snakeskin barb Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus 5 inches Community
Spanner barb, t-barb Barbodes lateristriga 20 cm (7.9 in) Semi-aggressive Community
Spotted barb, common barb Barbodes binotatus 19.5 cm (7.7 in) Semi-aggressive Community
Spottedsail barb, dwarf barb Pethia phutunio 7.8 cm (3.1 in) Semi-aggressive Community
Swamp barb Puntius chola 15 cm (5.9 in) Semi-aggressive Community
Ticto barb Barbus ticto 10 cm (3.9 in) Semi-aggressive Community
Tic-tac-toe barb Puntius stoliczkanus 5 cm (2.0 in)
Tiger barb, sumatra barb Puntius tetrazona 7.5 cm (3.0 in) Semi-aggressive Community Easy There are many varieties as well as hybrids with other barbs. Good community schooling fish.
Tinfoil barb Barbonymus schwanenfeldii 36 cm (14 in) Semi-aggressive Community This species is much larger than most other barbs
Cold-water cyprinids
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Goldfish Carassius auratus 15+ cm (6+ in) Species/Pond Easy variations: Black Moor, Bubble Eye, Butterfly Tail, Calico, Celestial Eye, Comet, Common, Fantail, Lionchu, Lionhead, Oranda, Panda Moor, Pearlscale, Pompom, Ranchu, Ryukin, Shubunkin, Telescope eye, Veiltail
Koi, common carp Cyprinus carpio 30+ cm (12+ in) Pond Easy the fancy variations of common carp are known as koi.
Bitterling Rhodeus amarus 10 cm (4 in) Pond Easy
White Cloud Mountain minnow Tanichthys albonubes 3.8 cm (1.5 in) Pond/Community Easy lutino variety can also be found in the aquarium trade
Common dace Leuciscus leuciscus 40 cm (16 in) Temperature 39 to 72 °F (4 to 22 °C); ph 6.0 to 8.0
Rosy red minnow, fathead minnow Pimephales promelas 5–7.5 cm (2.0–3.0 in) Pond/Minnow Tank Easy sold as feeder fish; the gold variety known as "rosy red" is very common (the image is of the "rosy red" strain) Temperature 10–21 °C (50–70 °F) pH 7.0 - 7.5
European minnow Phoxinus phoxinus Pond/Minnow Tank Easy
Southern redbelly dace Phoxinus erythrogaster 7.5–10 cm (3.0–3.9 in) Pond/Minnow Tank Easy
Tench Tinca tinca Pond Moderate A few color varieties have been made from the wild species, even some multicolored.
Golden orfe Leuciscus idus Pond Easy
Danios and other danionins
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Bengal danio, Sind danio Devario devario
Giant danio Devario aequipinnatus
Malabar danio Devario malabaricus 11.5–14 cm (4.5–5.5 in) Community Easy
Pearl danio Danio albolineatus 6.5 cm (2.6 in) Easy subspecies:blue-redstripe danio, Kedah danio
Queen danio Devario regina
Spotted danio Danio nigrofasciatus Easy
Turquoise danio Danio kerri
Zebra danio Danio rerio 5 cm (2.0 in) Easy there are many variations of this fish: leopard danio, the spotted colour morph, and GloFish, the genetically modified fluorescent fish.
Rasboras
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Harlequin rasbora Trigonostigma heteromorpha 5 cm (2.0 in) Community Easy Also known as Harlequin tetra
Espei rasbora 5 cm (2.0 in) Community Easy
Hengeli rasbora 5 cm (2.0 in) Community Easy
Blackline rasbora, red-tailed rasbora Rasbora borapetensis
Red-striped rasbora Rasbora pauciperforata 7.5 cm (3.0 in) Community Range: Sumatra Temperature 22–29 °C (72–84 °F)
Volcano rasbora Rasbora vulcanus
Other cyprinids
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Bala shark Balantiocheilus melanopterus 40 cm (16 in) Community Semi-aggressive Community
Black shark Labeo chrysophekadion 2' Community Semi-aggressive Community
Flying fox (fish) Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus Semi-aggressive Community this species may be sold as Siamese algae eater
Red-tailed black shark Epalzeorhynchos bicolor 6 in Semi-aggressive Community Easy albino variation available. aggressive with fish of same species. best kept alone or in groups of 5 or more.
Rainbow shark Epalzeorhynchos frenatum 6 in Semi-aggressive Community Easy albino variation available. aggressive with other fish of same species. best kept either alone, or in groups of 5 or more individuals.
Cambodian log sucker, false Siamese algae eater Garra cambodgiensis this species may be sold as Siamese algae eater
Chinese algae eater Gyrinocheilus aymonieri Easy This species may be sold as Siamese algae eater. A gold colored form also exists. Could be territorial
Siamese algae eater Crossocheilus siamensis 6 in Community Easy Many other cyprinids are sometimes mistakenly sold under this name. Very likely to jump out of the aquarium especially after reaching adult size. Very useful for getting rid of algae when it is young but prefer fish food upon reaching adulthood.

Darters

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
African striped darter Nannocharax fasciatus
Banded darter Etheostoma zonale
Gilt darter Percina evides
Orangethroat darter Etheostoma spectabile
Rainbow darter Etheostoma caeruleum
Splendid darter Etheostoma barrenense

Gobies

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Black toraja goby Mugilogobius sarasinorum
Bumblebee goby Brachygobius doriae
Dragon goby, Violet goby Gobioides broussonnetii
Emerald river goby Gobionellus smaragdus
Empire goby Hypseleotris maculatus
Knight goby Stigmatogobius sadanundio
Marbled sleeper Oxyeleotris marmorata
No Common Name Rhinogobius duospilus
Peacock goby Tateurndina ocellicauda
Purple sleeper goby Mogurnda mongurnda
Striped sleeper goby Dormitator maculatus

Killifish

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
American Flagfish Jordanella floridae Species Easy
Arabian Killifish Aphanius dispar Species Easy/Intermediate
Argentine Pearl Austrolebias nigripinnis Species Easy/Intermediate
Blue Lyretail Fundulopanchax gardneri 2 in Species Easy/Intermediate
Bluefin Notho, Rachow's Notho, Rainbow Notho Nothobranchius rachovii 6 cm (2.4 in) Species Easy/Intermediate Considered most beautiful freshwater fish by some killifish enthusiasts.
Clown Killifish Aplocheilus annulatus Species
Golden Toppminnow Fundulus chrysotus Species Easy
Red-seam Killifish Aphyosemion calliurum Species Easy
Striped panchax, Golden Wonder Aplocheilus lineatus Species Easy Golden Wonder is the more yellowish variant.

Labyrinth fish

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Chocolate gourami Sphaerichthys osphromenoides 7 cm (2.8 in) Difficult
Croaking gourami Trichopsis vittata 6.5 cm (2.6 in) Often confused with the pygmy gourami
Dwarf gourami Colisa lalia 5 cm (2.0 in) Community/species Intermediate the dwarf gourami is perfect for small to mid-sized aquariums as it will not grow as large as its larger relatives. A beautiful, peaceful gourami. Prone to bacterial infections . When harassed by species other than its own it will not make any effort to defend itself often leading to death.
Giant gourami Osphronemus goramy 60 cm (24 in) Occasionally, some other gouramis are also referred to as "giant gouramis"
Paradise fish Macropodus opercularis 7.5 cm (3.0 in) One of the few freshwater aquarium fish that survive in cold water. Most common variety is the Blue Paradise.
Pearl gourami Trichopodus leerii 11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Pygmy gourami, Sparkling gourami Trichopsis pumila 3.8 cm (1.5 in) Often confused with the croaking gourami
Kissing gourami Helostoma temminckii 15 cm (5.9 in) The pink variety is more popular than the natural green one. They are called Kissing Gouramis because the seem to pucker their lips outwards. they require aquarium salt in the water or hard water
Moonlight gourami Trichopodus microlepis 15 cm (5.9 in)
Snakeskin gourami Trichopodus pectoralis 20 cm (7.9 in)
Three spot gourami Trichopodus trichopterus 10 cm (3.9 in) Easy Various color varieties each given a different name (blue gourami, gold gourami, and opaline gourami)
Siamese fighting fish (sometimes Betta, esp. US) Betta splendens 7.5 cm (3.0 in) Single fish only for males, community for females. Easy Numerous color and fin pattern varieties. Betta is the name of the genus that includes more than 60 species other than the Siamese fighting fish. Multiple males in a tank will result in conflicts and possibly death. Females can be housed together in groups of 5+ in a tank, though they may become territorial and attack each other. Males have long flowing fins with vibrant colors, and females have shorter fins. This fish is best put with fish that do not nip fins, as the fins of the betta are easy to attack. They should also not be housed with other fish with long, flowing fins as the Betta may confuse it with another male, and attack.
Giant betta Betta Anabatoides [] 12 cm (4.7 in) Single fish only for males, community for females. Medium Sometimes refers to a giant mutant of betta splendens. Multiple males in a tank will result in conflicts and possibly death. Females can be housed together in groups of 5+ in a tank, though they may become territorial and attack each other. Males have longer fins and a larger head. Females have shorter fins. This fish is best put with fish that do not nip fins, as the fins of the betta are easy to attack. Because of their size they need a larger aquarium

Live-bearers

Guppies and mollies
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Guppy Poecilia reticulata 5 cm (2.0 in) Community/Species Easy Many color and tail pattern varieties exist. They generally need a ratio of 1 male to 2 females or more.
Endler's livebearer Poecilia wingei 3.8 cm (1.5 in) Community/Species Easy
Black molly Poecilia sphenops 5 cm (2.0 in) Community/Species Easy
Sailfin molly Poecilia latipinna 5 cm (2.0 in) Community/Species Easy Gold and silver varieties commonly found; also thrive in brackish water
Dalmatian molly hybrid 5 cm (2.0 in) Community/Species Easy The dalmatian molly is a hybrid color variation that can be generated by crossing some species of Poecilia, like P. sphenops and P. latipinna. The variety "Dalmatian" is spotted alike to a Dalmatian dog.
Lyretail Molly Variety 5 cm (2.0 in) Community/Species Easy Lyretail Mollies are available in all of these species, can be cross bred with any species of Molly.
Platies and swordtails
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Southern platy Xiphophorus maculatus Community/Species Easy Many color varieties exist
Variable platy Xiphophorus variatus Community Easy Sometimes called Feeder platy because can be used to feed larger fish like Stingrays, Payara, Cichlida, Pickerel, Catfish, Sunfish, Arowanas, Gar, Arapaima, and other predator fish. Many color varieties exist
Green swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii Community Easy Many color varieties exist
Other Livebearers, like Gambusia
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis Community/pond Easy
Eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki Community/pond Easy
Celebes half beak Nomorhamphus liemi Community Difficult
Cuban lima Limia vittata Community Easy
Tangunyika pearl killifish Lamprichthys tanganicus Community Easy Not actually a type of killifish but a livebearer.
Knife livebearer Alfaro cultratus Community Easy
Least killifish Heterandria formosa Community/pond Easy Not as common as other livebearers in the aquarium trade. One of the smallest fish in the world.
Loaches
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Bengal loach Botia dario 6 in (15 cm) Also known as the Queen loach. They hide during the day. They like river sand in the tank because they like to cover themselves in it.
Blue botia Yasuhikotakia modesta
Burmese border loach Botia kubotai 5 in (13 cm)
Clown loach Chromobotia macracanthus 7-15 in community Intermediate Clown loach has a sociable personality and should be kept in at least groups of 5. They may eat pond snails kept in aquariums. Clown loaches will eventually need a 6' long aquarium
Dwarf loach Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki formerly named Botia sidthimunki
Dojo loach, weather loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Horseface loach Acantopsis choirorhynchus
Kuhli loach, coolie loach Pangio kuhlii Community Easy a number of similar Pangio species are sold under the same name
Longnose loach Acantopsis octoactinotos
Skunk loach Yasuhikotakia morleti formerly named Botia morleti
Yoyo loach Botia almorhae
Zebra loach Botia striata
Other related cypriniformes
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Chinese high fin banded shark Myxocyprinus asiaticus 90+ cm (36+ in) Goldfish/Large Pond Difficult the highfin shark is a truly unique fish. At youth, the shark has a high dorsal fin, a plump body, and radiant colors. However, as the fish matures, the characteristics of the fish changes drastically. The dorsal fin becomes shorter, the fish achieves a more cylindrical shape, and the color fades to a dark brown. The fish is not suitable for fish tanks because of the size it can grow to. The highfin cannot be housed with tropical fish due to their lower temperature preferences. The highfin prefers to be in a school, so more than one should be housed together. The "shark" is a peaceful fish, and will not openly attack others. Highfins are bottom dwellers and omnivorous. They will eat invertebrates and scrape algae off rocks.
Chinese hillstream loach Beaufortia kweichowensis 3 in Hillstream Community easy Eats a mainly algae. High oxygen level required in addition to a strong current

Neotropical electric fish

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Black ghost knifefish Apteronotus albifrons 20 in Semi-aggressive Community Intermediate Not to be confused with the featherback "knifefish" of the Bonytongue group (see above) Very aggressive to other knifefish, but otherwise peaceful. Temperature 23-28C (73-82F). pH 6.0-8.0
Brown ghost knifefish Apteronotus leptorhynchus Semi-aggressive Community Intermediate Very hard to feed it anything but live food
Elephant nose Gnathonemus petersii Semi-aggressive Community Intermediate/Difficult
Electric eel Electrophorus electricus Advanced Despite the name, this is not an "eel" but rather a huge knifefish; illegal to possess in some areas; dangerous; very large adult size
Glass knifefish Eigenmannia virescens Peaceful Community Intermediate

Pufferfish

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Amazon puffer Colomesus asellus
Fahaka puffer Tetraodon lineatus 1-foot 5 inches Difficult
Figure 8 pufferfish Tetraodon biocellatus 6 cm (2.4 in) Intermediate often sold as freshwater fish, but this species prefers brackish water
Green spotted puffer Tetraodon nigroviridis 15 cm (5.9 in) Difficult often sold as freshwater fish, but this species actually thrives in brackish water and may even require saltwater when reaches adulthood
Giant freshwater pufferfish Tetraodon mbu 75 cm (30 in) Difficult This fish also occurs in estuaries.
Dwarf pufferfish Carinotetraodon travancoricus 2.9 cm (1.1 in) easy
Congo pufferfish Tetraodon miurus 15 cm (5.9 in) Difficult

Rainbowfish

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Salmon-red rainbowfish Glossolepis incisus 13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in) a.k.a. Red rainbowfish. These are very hardy fish and get along with almost any fish. They aren't aggressive and love to follow fingers! When these fish get stressed out they tend to turn a more gray color. It will regain its color when it becomes more relaxed
Tami River rainbowfish Glossolepis pseudoincisus 7.5 cm (3.0 in) a.k.a. Millennium rainbowfish
Lake Wanam rainbowfish Glossolepis wanamensis 13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in) a.k.a. Emerald rainbowfish
Threadfin rainbowfish Iriatherina werneri Species Easy Threadfins have very tiny mouths and cannot compete well with other fish for food. Keep in species only tanks or with small Pseudomugil (i.e.: gertrudae)
New Guinea rainbowfish Melanotaenia affinis 13 cm (5.1 in)
Boeseman's rainbowfish Melanotaenia boesemani 10–13 cm (3.9–5.1 in)
Duboulayi's rainbowfish Melanotaenia duboulayi 13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in) a.k.a. Crimson-Spotted rainbowfish
Australian rainbowfish Melanotaenia fluviatilis 13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in)
Lake Kurumoi rainbowfish Melanotaenia parva 7.5–8 cm (3.0–3.1 in) a.k.a. Flame rainbowfish
Madagascar rainbowfish Bedotia madagascariensis 7.5–8 cm (3.0–3.1 in)
Neon rainbowfish Melanotaenia praecox 6–7.5 cm (2.4–3.0 in)
Eastern rainbowfish Melanotaenia splendida splendida 13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in)

Spiny eels

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks
Fire eel Mastacembelus erythrotaenia 100 cm (39 in)
Spotfinned spiny eel Macrognathus siamensis 30 cm (12 in)
Tire track eel Mastacembelus armatus 90 cm (35 in)
Lesser spiny eel Macrognathus aculeatus

Sunfish and relatives

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Remarks
Orangespotted sunfish Lepomis humilis
Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus
Redbreast sunfish Lepomis auritus
Redear sunfish Lepomis microlophus
Longear sunfish Lepomis megalotis
Blackbanded sunfish Enneacanthus chaetodon
Blue-spotted sunfish Enneacanthus gloriosus
Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus
Green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus
Warmouth Lepomis gulosus
Pygmy sunfish Elassomatidae

Gar

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Remarks
Spotted Gar Lepisosteus oculatus 70 cm (27.5 in) Large One species of the gars, the Alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) can attain an astounding length of 3m in the wild. On average, gars can attain a length of not less than 70 cm in captivity. They are aggressive fish by nature, however, they are also frightened easily.

These fish are generally piscivorous in the wild, but will take a variety of meaty foods in captivity. Therefore, a strong filtration system must be ensured for a healthy gar tank. Housing a 6-inch gar may require at least a 50 US gallons (190 L) tank with width of 12 inches. As the gar grows, it must be moved to a larger tank. The tank length to house a sub-adult gar should be at least 72 inches, but longer is even better. The width of the tank should not be less than 36 inches. (otherwise, the gar may feel uncomfortable making turns while it swims) A minimum of 24 inches of water depth will suit the gar well. Gars are strong jumpers, hence the tank lid should be weighted down.

Gars are hardy fish. They have the ability to breathe atmosphere air by means of vascularised gas bladder that act as lung. They are generally peaceful, usually keeping to themselves and not disturbing others. Hence, if space allows, they can be kept in a group. Large gars are capable of inflicting a painful wound. If possible, try not to handle them with bare hands. Always use a net.

Florida Gar Lepisosteus platyrhincus 70 cm (27.5 in) Large
Longnose Gar Lepisosteus osseus Large
Shortnose Gar Lepisosteus platostomus Large
Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula 300 cm (118 in) Large
Cuban Gar Atractosteus treacherous 200 cm (78.5 in) Large
Tropical Gar Atractosteus tropcius 150 cm (59 in) Large

Other fish

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Remarks
Clown knifefish Chitala ornata Intermediate
Ocellate river stingray Potamotrygon motoro
Black devil stingray Potamotrygon leopoldi
Freshwater pipefish Doryichthys martensii
Sterlet Acipenser ruthenus
Shovelnose Sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus
Freshwater needlefish Xenentodon cancila
Pickerel Esox americanus
Freshwater sole Brachirus panoides
Brook stickleback Culaea inconstans
Medaka Oryzias latipes
European Perch Perca fluviatilis
Lungfish subclass Dipnoi

See also

Sources

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Freshwater aquarium fish.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Corydoras-haraldschultzi.html Fishbase:haraldschultzi
  2. ↑ http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Corydoras-sterbai.html Fishbase:sterbai
  3. ↑ http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?ID=12199&AT=Threestripe+corydoras Fishbase:thilineatus
  4. ↑ "More flowerhorn guides on caring, breeding, determining sex". Thai FH - Supplier of flowerhorn fish international. Retrieved 2016-02-05.
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