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

Angelfish

Common name Taxonomy Life span Level of aggression About Image Size Remarks Temperature range Ph range
Angelfish 'Pterophyllum scalare 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. They are good fish for beginners but only if you pay attention to their tankmates and temperaments. They work well with other fish but should be kept in a school of 3 or more if you want more than 1.
Altum Angelfish Pterophyllum altum
Spotted Angelfish Pterophyllum leopoldi

Catfish

Armored catfish including Aspidoras, Brochis, Callichthys, and Corydoras
Common name Taxonomy About Image Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Brown-point shield skin longirostrisAspidoras fuscoguttatus 3.8 cm (1.5 in)[1]22–25 °C (72–77 °F)[1]5.5–6.8[1]
Aspidoras lakoi 4 cm (1.6 in)[2]
Loach catfishAspidoras rochai 4 cm (1.6 in) maximum length[3]21 - 25 degrees Celsius[3] 6.0-7.5[3]
Sixray corydoras, false corydorasAspidoras pauciradiatus 2.9 cm (1.1 in)[4]73–82 °F (23–28 °C)6.0-7.2[4]
Britski's catfishBrochis britskii 8.9 cm (3.5 in)Brochis is often synonymized with Corydoras.
Emerald catfishBrochis splendens 10 cm (3.9 in)Brochis is often synonymized with Corydoras.70–82 °F (21–28 °C)5.8-8.0[5]
Hognosed brochisBrochis multiradiatus 6.6 cm (2.6 in)Brochis is often synonymized with Corydoras.
CascarudoCallichthys callichthys 20 cm (7.9 in)
Adolfo's catfish/corydorasCorydoras adolfoi 5.7 cm (2.2 in)72–79 °F (22–26 °C)6.0-7.0
Banded corydorasScleromystax barbatus 10 cm (3.9 in)
Masked corydoras, bandit corydorasCorydoras metae 4.8 cm (1.9 in)72–79 °F (22–26 °C)6.0-7.0
Barred-tail corydorasCorydoras cochui 2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Blackstripe corydorasCorydoras bondi 4.7 cm (1.9 in)
Blacktop corydorasCorydoras acutus 4.4 cm (1.7 in)
Blue corydorasCorydoras nattereri 5.4 cm (2.1 in)
Bluespotted corydorasCorydoras melanistius 5.1 cm (2.0 in)
Bronze corydoras, Emerald green coryCorydoras aeneus Extremely common.6.35 cm (2.50 in)The albino strain of C. aeneus is common among aquarists.77 °F to 82 ° (25 °C to 28 °C)
CarachaCorydoras atropersonatus 4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Ehrhardt's corydorasCorydoras ehrhardti 4.1 cm (1.6 in)
Evelyn's coryCorydoras evelynae 4 cm (1.6 in)
Corydoras geoffroy 7 cm (2.8 in)
Corydoras latus 5.2 cm (2.0 in)
Loxozonus coryCorydoras loxozonus 4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Corydoras nainCorydoras nanus 4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Long nosed arched coryCorydoras 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 corydorasCorydoras hastatus 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Elegant corydorasCorydoras elegans 5.1 cm (2.0 in)
False network catfishCorydoras sodalis 4.9 cm (1.9 in)
False spotted catfishCorydoras leucomelas 4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Gold laser coryCorydoras melanotaenia 5.8 cm (2.3 in)
Guapore corydorasCorydoras guapore 4.1 cm (1.6 in)
Mosaic corydoras, reticulated corydorasCorydoras haraldschultzi 5.9 cm (2.3 in)[6]
Mosaic corydoras, reticulated corydorasCorydoras reticulatus 5.1–6.1 cm (2.0–2.4 in)
Panda corydorasCorydoras panda 3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in)6.0-8.0[7]
Pastaza corydorasCorydoras pastazensis 6.4–7.1 cm (2.5–2.8 in)
Peppered corydoras, salt and pepper catfishCorydoras paleatus 5.1–7.6 cm (2.0–3.0 in)
Pink corydorasCorydoras axelrodi 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in)
Pygmy corydorasCorydoras pygmaeus 2.5–3.3 cm (0.98–1.30 in)
Sailfin corydorasScleromystax macropterus
Salt and pepper catfish/corydorasCorydoras habrosus 2.5–3.6 cm (0.98–1.42 in)
Schwartz's catfishCorydoras schwartzi 3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in)
Spotted corydoras, longnose corydorasCorydoras ambiacus 5.1–6.1 cm (2.0–2.4 in)
Sterba's corydorasCorydoras sterbai 6.8 cm (2.7 in)[8]
Sychr's catfishCorydoras sychri
Tailspot corydorasCorydoras caudimaculatus 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in)
Threestripe corydoras, leopard catfish, false julii coryCorydoras trilineatus 6.1 cm (2.4 in)[9]
Xingu corydorasCorydoras xinguensis 3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in)
Julii corydorasCorydoras julii 5.1–6.4 cm (2.0–2.5 in)
Flagtail catfish Dianema urostriatum
12.5 cm

(4.9 in)

Originated from the Amazon Basin. 77° – 82 °F

(25° – 28 °C)

6.0-8.0
Armored suckermouth catfish (plecos)
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Bristlenose pleco, bushynose plecoAncistrus spp.13 cm (5 in)[10] The bristlenose genus has at least 59 identified species and many others yet to be named. Males and female both have long "bristles" on their nose, the males having distinctly longer ones.72-84 F (20-27 C) |
Gold nugget plecoBaryancistrus 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 catfishRineloricaria spp.20 species
Twig catfishFarlowella spp.at least 20 species
PanaquePanaque spp.Several species of panaque are popular aquarium fish.
Pineapple pleco, orange cheek plecoPseudorinelepis spp.four species
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish, Amazon sailfin catfishPterygoplichthys pardalis16 cm (6.3 in)One of the several fish sold under this name; there is also an albino variation.
Common pleco, suckermouth catfishHypostomus punctatusOne of the several fish sold under this name.
Common pleco, suckermouth catfishHypostomus plecostomus50 cm (20 in)One of the several fish sold under this name.
Leopard sailfin pleco, clown sailfin plecoPterygoplichthys gibbicepsOther related fish also share this common name.
Zebra pleco, L-046Hypancistrus zebra3-5 in One of the most popular Hypancistrus species.
Sailfin catfishPterygoplichthys multiradiatus
Golden dwarf sucker, golden otoMacrotocinclus affinis5 cm (2 in)A peaceful algae eater. Keep in groups of 3 or more. 6+ being the preferred size.
Zebra dwarf sucker, zebra otoOtocinclus cocama
Long-whiskered catfish
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Bolt catfishAguarunichthys torosus35 cm (14 in)
Gold Zebra catfishBrachyplatystoma juruense60 cm (24 in)
Zebra shovelnoseBrachyplatystoma tigrinum60 cm (24 in)
Vulture Catfish, zamuritoCalophysus macropterus 40 cm (16 in)
Leiarius marmoratus100 cm (39 in)
Leiarius pictus60 cm (24 in)
Redtail catfishPhractocephalus hemioliopterus120 cm (3.9 ft)Needs at least a 2,600 US gallons (9,800 L) tank when mature, even though this does not provide them with the space to show their natural behaviour.[11]70–79 °F (21–26 °C)[11] 6.0–7.5[11]
Spotted pimelodus, pictus, pictus catfishPimelodus pictus30 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 PimelodusPimelodus ornatus38.5 cm (1.26 ft)
Sturgeon catfishPlatystomatichthys sturio40 cm (1.3 ft)
Barred sorubimPseudoplatystoma fasciatum104 cm (3.41 ft)Easy to confuse with P. tigrinum.
Tiger sorubimPseudoplatystoma tigrinum130 cm (4.3 ft)This fish is easy to confuse with P. fasciatum.
Firewood catfish, (planiceps) shovelnose catfishSorubimichthys planiceps178 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 catfishSorubium lima90 cm (3.0 ft)Although they are smaller than the tiger shovelnose, these catfish are extremely aggressive and extremely fast.
Squeakers and upside-down catfish
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Cuckoo squeakerSynodontis multipunctatus27.5 cm (10.8 in)
Decorated squeakerSynodontis decorus
Even-Spotted squeakerSynodontis petricola10 cm (3.9 in)
Featherfin squeakerSynodontis eupterus
Lake Malawi synoSynodontis njassae
Polka dot synoSynodontis angelicus
Common syno, false upside-down catfishSynodontis nigrita
Upside-down catfishSynodontis nigriventris9.6 cm (3.8 in)S. nigriventris prefers bottom feeding on Tubifex, but its main diet consists of algae.
Other catfishes
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Three-striped African catfishPareutropius buffei11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Giraffe catfishAuchenoglanis occidentalis70 cm (28 in)
Electric catfishMalapterurus electricus122 cm (48 in)
Black lancer catfishBagrichthys macracanthus25 cm (9.8 in)
Harlequin lancer catfishBagroides melapterus30 cm (12 in)
Crystal-eyed catfishHemibagrus wyckii71 cm (28 in)highly aggressive and must be kept alone
Asian redtail catfishHemibagrus wyckioides130 cm (51 in)highly aggressive and must be kept alone
Shadow catfishHyalobagrus flavus4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Mystus bimaculatus6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Dwarf bumblebee catfishPseudomystus leiacanthus6 cm (2.4 in)
Asian bumblebee catfishPseudomystus siamensis15 cm (5.9 in)
Dinema catfishBelodontichthys dinema100 cm (39 in).
Glass catfishKryptopterus vitreolus8 cm (3.1 in).Needs to be kept in a group of five or more. Needs generous amounts of plants.
Striped glass catfishKryptopterus macrocephalus10 cm (3.9 in).Needs to be kept in a group of five or more. Needs generous amounts of plants.
Borneo glass catfishOmpok eugeneiatus16.5 cm (6.5 in).
Striped wallago catfishWallago leerii150 cm (59 in).
Chocolate frogmouth catfishChaca bankanensis20 cm (7.9 in)
Asian banjo catfishAcrochordonichthys rugosus11 cm (4.3 in)
Walking catfishClarias batrachus50 cm (19.5 in)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. It is a dangerouly invasive species and should never be released or thrown out alive.
Stinging catfishHeteropneustes fossilis30 cm (12 in)
Sun catfishHorabagrus brachysoma45 cm (18 in)
Iridescent sharkPangasianodon hypophthalmus130 cm (51 in)Albino form is common in the aquarium trade, needs a large aquarium
Chao Phraya giant shark, giant pangasiusPangasius sanitwongsei300 cm (120 in)
Colombian shark catfishAriopsis seemanni35 cm (14 in)
Blue whale catfishCetopsis coecutiens27 cm (11 in)
Banjo catfishBunocephalus coracoideus14 cm (5.5 in)
Striped raphael catfishPlatydoras armatulus43 cm (17 in)
Spotted raphael catfishAgamyxis pectinifrons15 cm (5.9 in)This species mainly feeds on algae. It needs a cave, and will feed when the aquarium light is out.
Bottlenose catfishAgeneiosus marmoratus18.5 cm (7.3 in)
Gulper catfishAsterophysus batrachus25 cm (9.8 in)
Midnight catfishAuchenipterichthys coracoideus10 cm (3.9 in)
Oil catfishCentromochlus perugiae5 cm (2.0 in)
Jaguar catfishLiosomadoras oncinus17 cm (6.7 in)
Pygmy driftwood catfishTrachelyichthys exilis8 cm (3.1 in)
Trachelyopterus fisheri28 cm (11 in)

Characins and other characiformes

Tetras
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Black phantom tetraHyphessobrycon megalopterus3.6 cm (1.4 in)[12]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 tetraHyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi3.2 cm (1.3 in)[13]This fish is similar to the neon tetra other than coloration.
Black tetra, skirt tetraGymnocorymbus ternetzi5 cm (2.0 in)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 tetraHyphessobrycon erythrostigma6.5 cm (2.6 in)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.
Bloodfin tetraAphyocharax anisitsi5 cm (2.0 in)The bloodfin tetra is distinguished by its red fins. This fish is generally peaceful. It will school with similarly sized and tempered fish.
Blue tetraKnodus borki5 cm (2.0 in)A very active species. In spite of its small size, it requires a larger tank (30"/29 gal or more)
Bucktooth tetraExodon paradoxus5 cm (2.0 in)Exodon paradoxus will eat smaller fish and harass larger fish, lepidophage (scale eater).
Buenos Aires tetraHyphessobrycon anisitsi7.5 cm (3.0 in)Hyphessobrycon anisitsi has some reputation as a "fin nipper" but this trend may vary among individual fish.
Cardinal tetraParacheirodon axelrodi5 cm (2.0 in)Generally hardy and peaceful. Will breed in captivity. Prefers low light and somewhat higher temperatures than the neon tetra. A schooling species (keep in groups of 8-10)
Cave tetra, blind tetraAstyanax mexicanus12 cm (4.7 in)The 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.
Diamond tetraMoenkhausia pittieri6 cm (2.4 in)Generally hardy and peaceful. Adults of both sexes develop spectacular reflective scales. Sexually dimorphic; males larger, with expanded dorsal fin.
Ember tetraHyphessobrycon amandae2 cm (0.79 in)A standard choice for "nano" tanks due to small adult size. Will not thrive with larger fish. A schooling species (keep in groups).
Emperor tetraNematobrycon palmeri5 cm (2.0 in)An active, shoaling species; keep in groups, but may be aggressive with members of the same species in smaller (under 40 gal) tanks.
Flame tetraHyphessobrycon flammeus2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Garnet tetra, pretty tetraHemigrammus pulcher6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Glass bloodfin tetraPrionobrama filigera6 cm (2.4 in)
Glowlight tetraHemigrammus erythrozonus3.75 cm (1.48 in)Generally hardy and peaceful; considered a standard choice for less experienced aquarists.
Golden pristella tetraPristella maxillaris5 cm (2.0 in)
Green neon tetraParacheirodon simulans2.5 cm (0.98 in)Similar to neon tetra in care, size, and behavior but fish sold in pet stores are wild-caught. Does not usually breed in captivity. Needs good water quality, prefers low light. A schooling species (keep in groups).
Head and tail light tetraHemigrammus ocellifer4 cm (1.6 in)
January tetraHemigrammus hyanuary4 cm (1.6 in)
Lemon tetraHyphessobrycon pulchripinnis5 cm (2.0 in)Very likely to jump out of the tank unless there are some floating aquatic plants
Neon tetraParacheirodon innesi3.75 cm (1.48 in)The neon tetra is sensitive towards water quality. Bred in captivity but often badly inbred, making them less hardy and susceptible to diseases. However, the fish is very peaceful and will not attack another member of the tank. Females are larger than males. Due to their small size, the neon tetra should not be kept with large or aggressive fish. The neon tetra is a schooling fish that feels most comfortable when in groups.
Ornate tetraHyphessobrycon bentosi4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Penguin tetra, blackline penguinfishThayeria boehlkei6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Red Eye tetraMoenkhausia sanctaefilomenae4 cm (1.6 in)
Red phantom tetraHyphessobrycon sweglesi4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Rosy tetraHyphessobrycon rosaceus4 cm (1.6 in)
Royal tetraInpaichthys kerri3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Rummy-nose tetraHemigrammus rhodostomus5 cm (2.0 in)This common name is used for three different species of schooling fish with similar patterns: Hemigrammus rhodostomus, Hemigrammus bleheri, and Petitella georgiae.
Splash tetraCopella arnoldi5.5 cm (2.2 in)Active, sensitive to water quality, prefers moving water. Lives near top of tank. Breeding pairs leap to deposit eggs on overhanging leaves; may jump out of uncovered tanks. A schooling species.
Serpae tetraHyphessobrycon serpae4.5 cm (1.8 in)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 tetraHasemania nana3 cm (1.2 in)Silvertip tetras tend to be moderately aggressive and, because of their small size, should not be kept with large or aggressive fish.
X-ray tetraPristella maxillaris4.5 cm (1.8 in)Also just called the X-ray fish.
Congo tetraPhenacogrammus interruptus7.5 cm (3.0 in)Sufficiently peaceful for larger (40 gal+) 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.
Jellybean tetraLadigesia roloffi3 cm (1.2 in)Smaller even than the neon tetra. This mid west African schooling species is a favoured species for the nano-aquarium.
Long-fin tetraBrycinus longipinnis12.5 cm (4.9 in)
Niger tetraArnoldichthys spilopterus10 cm (3.9 in)
Yellow-tailed Congo tetraAlestopetersius caudalis6 cm (2.4 in)
Hatchetfish
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Common hatchetfishGasteropelecus sternicla4 cm (1.6 in)
Marbled hatchetfishCarnegiella strigata5 cm (2.0 in)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 hatchetfishCarnegiella marthae4 cm (1.6 in)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 Remarks Temperature range pH range
Golden pencilfishNannostomus beckfordi6 cm (2.4 in)Hardiest, easiest-care species of aquarium pencilfish. Populations vary in color and pattern. Like all pencilfish, it is timid, eats small foods, enjoys live/frozen foods, can be bred in captivity, and cannot compete with aggressive fish. Like all pencilfish, males may be aggressive with each other if the tank or the group of pencilfish is too small.
Hockeystick pencilfishNannostomus eques3.5 cm (1.4 in)Naturally swims and rests at a 45-degree angle.
Barred pencilfishNannostomus espei3 cm (1.2 in)Other pencilfish adopt this barred pattern while inactive at night; only N. espei has it at all times.
Dwarf pencilfishNannostomus marginatus2.5 cm (0.98 in)Less aggressive with members of its own species than most pencilfish; males rarely spar.
Coral-red pencilfishNannostomus mortenthaleri3 cm (1.2 in)More aggressive with members of its own species than most pencilfish. Keep in larger groups in larger tanks to diffuse aggression.
Nannostomus nigrotaeniatus3 cm (1.2 in)
Three-lined pencilfishNannostomus trifasciatus3 cm (1.2 in)Males defend small territories. Otherwise a peaceful species.
One-lined PencilfishNannostomus unifasciatus 4 cm (1.6 in)Naturally swims and rests at a 45-degree angle.
Serrasalminae (pacus, piranhas, and silver dollars)
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Silver dollarMetynnis argenteus15 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 pacuColossoma bidens120 cm (3.9 ft)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 piranhaPygocentrus nattereri33 cm (13 in)Be very careful when conducting maintenance on their aquarium and hide any wires because they may chew through the waterproof coverings.
Disk tetraMyleus schomburgkii40 cm (16 in) 23 °C to 27 °C 5.0–7.0
Other Characins
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
African pike characinHepsetus odoe
Goliath tigerfishHydrocynus goliath133 cm (52 in)
Hujeta garCtenolucius hujeta25 cm (9.8 in)
Kissing prochilodus, flagtail ProchilodusSemaprochilodus insignis27.5 cm (10.8 in)
Marbled headstanderAbramites hypselonotus14 cm (5.5 in)[14]Keep either one headstander or a group of seven or more as they will fight amongst themselves in small groups.
Banded leporinusLeporinus fasciatus27 cm (11 in)
Striped headstanderAnostomus anostomus16 cm (6.3 in)
Six-banded distichodusDistichodus sexfasciatus75 cm (30 in)
PayaraHydrolycus scomberoides117 cm (46 in)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.
Pink-tail chalceusChalceus macrolepidotus25 cm (9.8 in)
Red wolf fishErythrinus erythrinus20 cm (7.9 in)
Red tail barracudaAcestrorhynchus falcatus30 cm (12 in)
Spotted headstanderChilodus punctatus8 cm (3.1 in)

Cichlids

Lake Malawi cichlids
Common name Taxonomy Image Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Sunshine peacock cichlidAulonocara baenschi15 cm (5.9 in)Beautiful coloration on males
Pale usisya aulonocaraAulonocara steveni
Red fin hapCopadichromis borleyi
Eureka red peacockAulonocara jacobfreibergi15 cm (5.9 in)Beautiful coloration on males
SpiloChampsochromis spilorhynchus40 cm (16 in)
Blue dolphin cichlid, lumphead cichlidCyrtocara moorii25 cm (9.8 in)
Afra cichlid, dogtooth cichildCynotilapia afra10 cm (3.9 in)
Rusty cichlid, lavender cichildIodotropheus sprengerae10 cm (3.9 in)
Fuelleborn's cichlid, Blue mbunaLabeotropheus fuelleborni18 cm (7.1 in)
Electric yellow cichlidLabidochromis caeruleus20 cm (7.9 in)Very active fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories, less aggressive than other mbuna
Electric blue cichlidSciaenochromis fryeri
Malawi eyebiterDimidiochromis compressiceps
Hongi, Red-top kimpumpaLabidochromis sp. "Hongi"13 cm (5.1 in)
Yellow Top MbambaLabidochromis sp. "Mbamba Bay"13 cm (5.1 in)
Auratus cichlid, Malawi golden cichlidMelanochromis auratus10 cm (3.9 in)Aggressive
Chipokee cichlidMelanochromis chipokae12 cm (4.7 in)Aggressive
Blue johanni cichlid, MainganoMelanochromis cyaneorhabdos10 cm (3.9 in)Very active fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories. Aggressive
Pearl of LikomaMelanochromis joanjohnsonae10 cm (3.9 in)
AuroraMelanochromis aurora10 cm (3.9 in)
Red zebra cichlidMetriaclima estherae10 cm (3.9 in)Very active fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories
Cobalt blue cichlid, cobalt zebra cichlidMaylandia callainos10 cm (3.9 in)Very active fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories
Kenyi cichlidMaylandia lombardoi13 cm (5.1 in)Aggressive; sexually dichromatic
FuscoNimbochromis fuscotaeniatus25 cm (9.8 in)
Livingston's cichlidNimbochromis livingstonii25 cm (9.8 in)
KaligonoNimbochromis polystigma30 cm (12 in)
Venustus cichlid, giraffe cichildNimbochromis venustus25 cm (9.8 in)'giraffe' spotting is juvenile coloration only
Red empress cichlidProtomelas taeniolatus15 cm (5.9 in)
Bumblebee cichlid, hornet cichlidPseudotropheus crabro15 cm (5.9 in)
Yellow-tail aceiPseudotropheus acei10 cm (3.9 in)
Johanni cichlidPseudotropheus johannii10 cm (3.9 in)Aggressive
Dwarf MbunaPseudotropheus demasoni10 cm (3.9 in)
SaulosiPseudotropheus saulosi7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Malawi barracudaRhampsochromis cf. macrophthalmus23 cm (9.1 in)
Tyrannochromis macrostoma38 cm (15 in)
Lake Tanganyika cichlids
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Benthochromis tricoti
Boulengerochromis microlepis90 cm (35 in)The largest cichlid
Frontosa cichildCyphotilapia frontosa40 cm (16 in)Aggressive; well-known
Cyathopharynx furciferNot readily available in the aquarium trade.
Variabilichromis moorii
Frontosa cichildCyphotilapia gibberosa40 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 cichildCyphotilapia sp. "North"40 cm (16 in)This yet to be officially named species is intermediate in scale count between gibberosa and frontosa.
Julie cichlidJulidochromis dickfeldiBeautiful; interesting
Masked JulieJulidochromis marlieri15 cm (5.9 in) fem / 10 cm (3.9 in) maleStriking coloration
Julie cichlidJulidochromis ornatus
Julie cichlidJulidochromis regani15 cm (5.9 in) fem / 10 cm (3.9 in) male
Julie cichlidJulidochromis transcriptus10 cm (3.9 in)Striking coloration
Herring cichlid, sardine cichlidCyprichromis leptosoma
Ectodus descampsii
Chalinochromis spp.
Neolamprologus multifasciatus3.8 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. One of the best choices for first-time cichlid keepers and smaller aquaria.
Lamprologus ocellatus5 cm (2.0 in)
Neolamprologus similis3.8 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 labiatus40 cm (16 in)
Lyretail cichlid, fairy cichlidNeolamprologus brichardi10 cm (3.9 in)Often recommended for first-time cichlid keepers. Needs somewhat more space than N. multifasciatus
Lemon cichlidNeolamprologus leleupi11.5 cm (4.5 in)
FeatherfinOphthalmotilapia ventralis15 cm (5.9 in)
Petrochromis trewavasae20 cm (7.9 in)Aggressive
Simochromis pleurospilus10 cm (3.9 in)
Tropheus duboisi13 cm (5.1 in)Males very aggressive; juveniles distinctively colored
Tropheus moorii14 cm (5.5 in)
Tropheus polli14 cm (5.5 in)
Lake Victoria cichlids
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Astatotilapia aenocolor13 cm (5.1 in)
Astatotilapia elegans10 cm (3.9 in)
Zebra obliquidensAstatotilapia latifasciata11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Astatotilapia nubila11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Astatotilapia piceatus10 cm (3.9 in)
Astatotilapia schubotziellus10 cm (3.9 in)
Astatotilapia sp. "Red Tail"11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Astatotilapia sp. "Spot Bar"13 cm (5.1 in)
Allauad's haploAstatoreochromis alluaudi
Hippo Point SalmonPtyochromis sp. "Hippo Point Salmon"14 cm (5.5 in)
FlamebackPundamilia nyererei10 cm (3.9 in)
Xystichromis phytophagus10 cm (3.9 in)
Miscellaneous African cichlids (non-Rift Lake)
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
African butterfly cichlidAnomalochromis thomasi
Jewel cichlid, two-spotted jewel cichlidHemichromis bimaculatus4-5 inchother hemichromis species are sometimes sold under the same name
Lionhead cichlidSteatocranus casuarius
Lifalili jewel cichlid, blood-red jewel cichlidHemichromis lifalili
Kribensis, kribPelvicachromis pulcherReadily breed in small aquaria. Often recommended for smaller tanks and first-time cichlid keepers. Aggressive and territorial towards other fishes especially its own kind during mating and after spawning
Kribensis, krib, many common names because of many subspecies Pelvicachromis taeniatus
Guenther's MouthbrooderChromidotilapia guentheri
Dwarf cichlids (apistogrammas, rams and others)
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Agassiz's dwarf cichlidApistogramma agassizii
Zebra acaraNannacara adoketaThis genus (often represented by N. anomala, the golden dwarf cichlid) is often recommended as one of the best cichlids for new cichlid keepers and smaller aquaria.
Yellow dwarf cichlidApistogramma borellii
Cockatoo dwarf cichlidApistogramma cacatuoides
Panda dwarf cichlidApistogramma nijsseni
Three-Stripe Dwarf CichlidApistogramma trifasciata
Apistogramma eremnopyge
Two-Stripe Dwarf CichlidApistogramma bitaeniata7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Checkerboard CichlidDicrossus filamentosus
Blue ram, German ramMikrogeophagus ramireziFairly common. Sensitive to water quality. Several color morphs available. Has been highly inbred in the aquarium trade and often shows poor hardiness.
Bolivian ramMikrogeophagus altispinosa
Dwarf flag cichlidLaetacara curviceps
Central American cichlids
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Midas cichild, red devil cichlidAmphilophus citrinellusNote that Amphilophus labiatus is also called red devil cichlid
Poor man's tropheusHypsophrys nematopus
Red devil cichlidAmphilophus labiatusNote that Amphilophus citrinellus is also called red devil cichlid
Firemouth cichlidCichlasoma meekiTypically medium aggression; easily bred
Jack Dempsey cichlidRocio octofasciata
Jaguar cichlid, managuense cichlidParachromis managuensisExceptionally beautiful adult coloration; large adult size
Mayan cichlidMayaheros urophthalmus
Convict cichlidArchocentrus nigrofasciatusCommon, 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 cichlidAmatitlania sajicaalign="center"
Wolf cichlidParachromis dovii
Texas cichlid, Rio Grande cichlidHerichthys cyanoguttatusLarge adult size
South American cichlids
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
SeverumHeros efasciatusYthe gold variety is more common than the natural green one
Green terrorAndinoacara rivulatusFairly common
Blue acaraAndinoacara pulcherH
Greenstreaked Eartheater, cupid cichlidBiotodoma cupido
Keyhole cichlidCleithracara maronii
Flag cichlidMesonauta festivus
15 cm (5.9 in)
Thread-finned acaraAcarichthys heckelii
Pterophyllum leopoldi
Eartheater cichlidGeophagus altifrons
Common discus, red discusSymphysodon discus20 cm (7.9 in)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 discusSymphysodon aequifasciatus20 cm (7.9 in)fancy hybrids of this species and Symphysodon discus can also be found in trade
Chocolate cichlidHypselecara temporalis
OscarAstronotus ocellatus45 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, warooUaru amphiacanthoidesAlso known as the Triangle Ciclid.
Peacock bass, butterfly peacock bassCichla orinocensis
Other cichlids
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Canara pearlspotEtroplus canarensis
Green chromideEtroplus suratensis
Orange chromideEtroplus maculatus
Pinstripe dambaParetroplus menarambo
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) 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.

Cyprinids

Barbs
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Arulius barbDawkinsia arulius12 cm (4.7 in)
Bigspot barb, Duncker's barbBarbodes dunckeri13 cm (5.1 in)Peaceful when small but should not be kept with other species at adulthood.
Black ruby barbPethia nigrofasciatus6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Cherry barbPuntius titteya4.8 cm (1.9 in)very peaceful and hardy, and works well with white clouds and neon tetras. Long-finned and extra red morphs are available. Wild type females are larger and much less red than males.
Clipper barbEnteromius callipterus7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Clown barbBarbodes everetti15 cm (5.9 in)
Denison's barb, red line torpedo barbSahyadria denisonii15 cm (5.9 in)Sensitive to water quality.
Gold barbBarbodes semifasciolatus8 cm (3.1 in)One of the most common fish for new aquarists. Very hardy, breeds in captivity, tolerates small tanks. The wild type of this species is greenish-gray and rarely seen for sale.
Golden barbPethia gelius5 cm (2.0 in)
Greenstripe barbPuntius vittatus5 cm (2.0 in)
Indian Glass BarbLaubuka laubuca6.7 cm (2.6 in)
Melon barbPuntius fasciatus15 cm (5.9 in)
Odessa barbPuntius padamya8 cm (3.1 in)Bright red coloration on males; females are slightly larger and show less red. Hardy and tolerant. Like most barbs, needs a diet with some vegetable food or algae.
Onespot barbPuntius terio15 cm (5.9 in)
Panda barbPuntius fasciatus5 inches
Pool barbPuntius sophore18 cm (7.1 in)
Partipentazona barbPuntigrus partipentazona3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Rosy barbPethia conchonius13 cm (5.1 in)Similar to odessa barb but requires somewhat more space. A "neon" form is available; both males and females are bright red.
Shortfin barbBarbus brevipinnis4.6 cm (1.8 in)
Snakeskin barbDesmopuntius rhomboocellatus3.5 inches
Spottedsail barb, dwarf barbPethia phutunio7.8 cm (3.1 in)
Swamp barbPuntius chola15 cm (5.9 in)
Ticto barbBarbus ticto10 cm (3.9 in)
Tic-tac-toe barbPuntius stoliczkanus5 cm (2.0 in)
Tiger barb, sumatra barbPuntius tetrazona7.5 cm (3.0 in)There are many varieties as well as hybrids with other barbs. Good community schooling fish. Can be aggressive if kept in small numbers, aim for a group of 6 or more.
Spanner barb, t-barbBarbodes lateristriga20 cm (7.9 in)
Fiveband barb, pentazona barbDesmopuntius hexazona5 cm (2.0 in)this species may be confused with tiger barb due to similarities
Checker barbOliotius oligolepis5 cm (2.0 in)
Tinfoil barbBarbonymus schwanenfeldii36 cm (14 in)This species is much larger than most other barbs
Other cyprinids
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Bala sharkBalantiocheilus melanopterus40 cm (16 in)
Black sharkLabeo chrysophekadion90 cm (35 in)
Siamese algae eaterCrossocheilus oblongus16 cm (6.3 in)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.
Flying fox (fish)Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus16 cm (6.3 in)this species may be sold as Siamese algae eater
Red-tailed black sharkEpalzeorhynchos bicolor6 inalbino variation available. aggressive with fish of same species. best kept alone or in groups of 5 or more.
Rainbow sharkEpalzeorhynchos frenatum6 inalbino 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 eaterGarra cambodgiensisthis species may be sold as Siamese algae eater
Chinese algae eaterGyrinocheilus aymonieriThis species may be sold as Siamese algae eater. A gold colored form also exists. Could be territorial
Rasboras
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Espei rasboraTrigonostigma espei5 cm (2.0 in)
Harlequin rasboraTrigonostigma heteromorpha5 cm (2.0 in)Also known as Harlequin tetra or Harlequin barb.
Glowlight rasboraTrigonostigma hengeli5 cm (2.0 in)5 cm (2.0 in)
Red-striped rasboraTrigonopoma pauciperforata7.5 cm (3.0 in)Range: Sumatra 22–29 °C (72–84 °F)
Dwarf rasboraBoraras maculatus2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Eyespot rasboraBrevibora dorsiocellata3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Brilliant rasboraRasbora einthovenii9 cm (3.5 in)
Clown rasboraRasbora kalochroma10 cm (3.9 in)
Scissortail rasboraRasbora trilineata15 cm (5.9 in)
Volcano rasboraRasbora vulcanus5 cm (2.0 in)
Blackline rasbora, red-tailed rasboraRasbora borapetensis
Danios and other danionins
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Sundadanio axelrodi2 cm (0.79 in)
Pearl danioDanio albolineatus6.5 cm (2.6 in)subspecies:blue-redstripe danio, Kedah danio
Bengal danio, Sind danioDevario devario
Giant danioDevario aequipinnatus
Malabar danioDevario malabaricus11.5–14 cm (4.5–5.5 in)
Queen danioDevario regina
Spotted danioDanio nigrofasciatus
Turquoise danioDanio kerri
Zebra danioDanio rerio5 cm (2.0 in)there are many variations of this fish: leopard danio, the spotted colour morph, and GloFish, the genetically modified fluorescent fish.
Cold-water cyprinids
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
GoldfishCarassius auratus15+ cm (6+ in)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. All need a large tank or pond. Cannot survive in "goldfish bowls."
Koi, common carpCyprinus carpio30+ cm (12+ in)the fancy variations of common carp are known as koi.
BitterlingRhodeus amarus10 cm (4 in)
White Cloud Mountain minnowTanichthys albonubes3.8 cm (1.5 in)lutino variety can also be found in the aquarium trade
Red shinerCyprinella lutrensis5–9 cm (2.0–3.5 in)
Common daceLeuciscus leuciscus40 cm (16 in) 39 to 72 °F (4 to 22 °C) 6.0 to 8.0
Rosy red minnow, fathead minnowPimephales promelas5–7.5 cm (2.0–3.0 in)sold as feeder fish; the gold variety known as "rosy red" is very common (the image is of the "rosy red" strain) 10–21 °C (50–70 °F) 7.0 - 7.5
Rainbow shinerNotropis chrosomus
European minnowPhoxinus phoxinus
Southern redbelly dacePhoxinus erythrogaster7.5–10 cm (3.0–3.9 in)
TenchTinca tincaA few color varieties have been made from the wild species, even some multicolored.
Golden orfeLeuciscus idus
Chinese high fin banded sharkMyxocyprinus asiaticus60 cm (24 in)
Loaches
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Saddle-back LoachHomaloptera orthogoniata 13 cm (5.1 in)
Fork-tailed loachVaillantella maassi12.5 cm (4.9 in)Rarely sold and not bred in captivity.
Horseface loachAcantopsis dialuzona20 cm (7.9 in)May bury itself; keep on sand substrate.
Pangio anguillaris12 cm (4.7 in)
Kuhli loach, coolie loachPangio kuhlii10 cm (3.9 in)a number of similar Pangio species are sold under the same name. All are hardy, peaceful, and highly social; keep in groups.
Java loachPangio oblonga8 cm (3.1 in)
Clown loachChromobotia macracanthus20 cm (7.9 in)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
Green tiger loachSyncrossus hymenophysa21 cm (8.3 in)
Banded tiger loachSyncrossus helodes30 cm (12 in)
Redfin tiger loachSyncrossus berdmorei15 cm (5.9 in)
Dwarf botiaAmbastaia sidthimunki5.5 cm (2.2 in)formerly named Botia sidthimunki. An active and peaceful social species (keep in groups) that often swims in mid-water.
Yoyo loachBotia almorhae15 cm (5.9 in)
Bengal loachBotia dario15 cm (5.9 in)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.
Botia histrionica12 cm (4.7 in)
Polka-Dot LoachBotia kubotai12 cm (4.7 in)
Gangetic loachBotia rostrata25 cm (9.8 in)
Zebra loachBotia striata9 cm (3.5 in)
Redtail loachYasuhikotakia modesta25 cm (9.8 in)
Skunk loachYasuhikotakia morleti10 cm (3.9 in)formerly named Botia morleti
Yasuhikotakia splendida10 cm (3.9 in)
Borneo hillstream loachGastromyzon sp.6–8 cm (2.4–3.1 in)Eats mainly algae. High oxygen level and water quality required in addition to a strong current
Tiger hillstream loachSewellia lineolata6 cm (2.4 in)Eats mainly algae. High oxygen level and water quality required in addition to a strong current
Butterfly hillstream loachBeaufortia kweichowensis8 cm (3.1 in)Eats mainly algae. High oxygen level and water quality required in addition to a strong current

Live-bearers and killifish

Guppies and mollies
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
GuppyPoecilia reticulata5 cm (2.0 in)Many color and tail pattern varieties exist. They generally need a ratio of 1 male to 2 females or more. All guppies and mollies are hardy fish that tolerate lower oxygen levels and temperatures than most aquarium fish, give birth to live young, and readily breed in home tanks.
Endler's livebearerPoecilia wingei3.8 cm (1.5 in)Several color varieties have been bred. Will crossbreed with P. reticulata and the wild type has become rare.
Black mollyPoecilia sphenops5 cm (2.0 in)
Sailfin mollyPoecilia latipinna5 cm (2.0 in)Gold and silver varieties commonly found; also thrive in brackish water
Dalmatian mollyhybrid5 cm (2.0 in)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 MollyVariety5 cm (2.0 in)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 Remarks Temperature range pH range
Southern platyXiphophorus maculatusMany color varieties exist
Variable platyXiphophorus variatusSometimes called Feeder platy because can be used to feed larger fish like Stingrays, Payara, Cichlids, Pickerel, Catfish, Sunfish, Arowanas, Gar, Arapaima, and other predator fish. Many color varieties exist
Green swordtailXiphophorus helleriiMany color varieties exist
Other Livebearers, like Gambusia
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Largescale four-eyed fishAnableps anableps
Pike topminnowBelonesox belizanus
Cuban limaLimia vittata
Knife livebearerAlfaro cultratus
Least killifishHeterandria formosaNot as common as other livebearers in the aquarium trade. One of the smallest fish in the world.
Tanganyika killifishLamprichthys tanganicanusNot actually a type of killifish but a livebearer.
Norman's lampeyePoropanchax normaniNot actually a type of killifish but a livebearer.
Celebes halfbeakNomorhamphus liemi8 cm (3.1 in)All halfbeaks are sensitive to changes in water quality or temperature, swim at the water surface, do not compete well with larger fish, and may jump out of uncovered tanks. Difficult to breed in captivity, most halfbeaks sold are wild-caught.
Wrestling halfbeakDermogenys pusilla5 cm (2.0 in)Used in its native Southeast Asia as a fighting fish; males spar with their elongated lower jaws but rarely harm each other.
Forest halfbeakHemirhamphodon pogonognathus10 cm (3.9 in)
Killifish
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Blue LyretailFundulopanchax gardneri5 cm (2.0 in)Killifish of all species breed in captivity but are short-lived by nature; many species live for 1 year and breeding may be triggered by changes in water or temperature. They are best kept and bred in killifish-only aquaria.
Clown KillifishEpiplatys annulatus3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Bluefin Notho, Rachow's Notho, Rainbow NothoNothobranchius rachovii6 cm (2.4 in)Considered most beautiful freshwater fish by some killifish enthusiasts.
Striped panchax, Golden WonderAplocheilus lineatusGolden Wonder is the more yellowish variant.
American FlagfishJordanella floridaeNative to SE United States
Argentine PearlAustrolebias nigripinnis
Golden ToppminnowFundulus chrysotus
Northern StudfishFundulus catenatus
Red-seam KillifishAphyosemion calliurum
Arabian KillifishAphanius dispar

Labyrinth fish

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Dwarf gouramiTrichogaster lalius5 cm (2.0 in)Suitable for small to mid-sized aquariums but cannot compete with more aggressive fish and males kept together may fight. Several color varieties available. Massive inbreeding has led to high rates of Dwarf gourami iridovirus (DGIV) in pet store fish.[15] Beautiful but short-lived at best.
Paradise fishMacropodus opercularis7.5 cm (3.0 in)One of the few freshwater aquarium fish that survive in cold water. Can live without aeration. Most common variety is the Blue Paradise.
Pygmy gourami, Sparkling gouramiTrichopsis pumila3.8 cm (1.5 in)Often confused with the croaking gourami. Does not compete well with larger fish. Hunts and eats small shrimp.
Moonlight gouramiTrichopodus microlepis15 cm (5.9 in)
Snakeskin gouramiTrichopodus pectoralis20 cm (7.9 in)
Siamese fighting fish (sometimes Betta, esp. US)Betta splendens7.5 cm (3.0 in)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. Minimum tank size for one male or female and maybe a few shrimp or snails is 5 gallons. Minimum tank size for a female betta sorority is 20 gallons.
Malay combtailBelontia hasselti20 cm (7.9 in)
Slender bettaBetta bellica9 cm (3.5 in)
Betta burdigala3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Scarlet bettaBetta coccina4 cm (1.6 in)
Crescent bettaBetta imbellis6 cm (2.4 in)
Betta miniopinna3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Toba bettaBetta rubra4 cm (1.6 in)
Betta simorum9 cm (3.5 in)
Giant PikeheadLuciocephalus pulcher20 cm (7.9 in)
Parosphromenus phoenicurus3 cm (1.2 in)
Chocolate gouramiSphaerichthys osphromenoides7 cm (2.8 in)
Pearl gouramiTrichopodus leerii11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Three spot gouramiTrichopodus trichopterus10 cm (3.9 in)Various color varieties each given a different name (blue gourami, gold gourami, and opaline gourami)
Croaking gouramiTrichopsis vittata6.5 cm (2.6 in)Often confused with the pygmy gourami, but larger. May hunt and eat aquarium shrimp.
Giant gouramiOsphronemus goramy60 cm (24 in)Occasionally, some other gouramis are also referred to as "giant gouramis"
Other labyrinth fishes
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Kissing gouramiHelostoma temminckii15 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
Climbing perchAnabas testudineus20 cm (7.9 in)
Leopard bush fishCtenopoma acutirostre15 cm (5.9 in)
African leaffishPolycentropsis abbreviata8 cm (3.1 in)
Bornean leaffishNandus nebulosus12 cm (4.7 in)
Malayan leaffishPristolepis fasciata20 cm (7.9 in)
Snakehead
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Forest snakeheadChanna lucius40 cm (16 in)
Dwarf snakeheadChanna gachua20 cm (7.9 in)
Emperor snakeheadChanna marulioides65 cm (26 in)
Giant snakeheadChanna micropeltes130 cm (51 in)
Ocellated snakeheadChanna pleurophthalma35 cm (14 in)
African snakeheadParachanna obscura50 cm (20 in)

Rainbowfish

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Red rainbowfishGlossolepis incisus9–13 cm (3.5–5.1 in)Almost all rainbowfish species are bred in captivity and wild populations may be protected.
Lake Wanam rainbowfishGlossolepis wanamensis9 cm (3.5 in)
Threadfin rainbowfishIriatherina werneri3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in)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 rainbowfishMelanotaenia affinis13 cm (5.1 in)
Western rainbowfishMelanotaenia australis11 cm (4.3 in)
Boeseman's rainbowfishMelanotaenia boesemani10–13 cm (3.9–5.1 in)
Duboulayi's rainbowfishMelanotaenia duboulayi13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in)a.k.a. Crimson-Spotted rainbowfish
Australian rainbowfishMelanotaenia fluviatilis13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in)
Lake Tebera rainbowfishMelanotaenia herbertaxelrodi9 cm (3.5 in)
Lake Kutubu rainbowfishMelanotaenia lacustris12 cm (4.7 in)
Lake Kurumoi rainbowfishMelanotaenia parva7.5–8 cm (3.0–3.1 in)a.k.a. Flame rainbowfish
Neon rainbowfishMelanotaenia praecox6–7.5 cm (2.4–3.0 in)A good beginner fish, but sensitive to water quality. Peaceful and very bold; for example it is unafraid of gravel cleaners and algae scrubbers. It is relatively tolerant of other fish chasing and/or bulling it.
Eastern rainbowfishMelanotaenia splendida splendida13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in)
Banded rainbowfishMelanotaenia trifasciata13 cm (5.1 in)
Celebes rainbowMarosatherina ladigesi8 cm (3.1 in)
Forktail blue-eyePseudomugil furcatus4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in)An active species. Requires space to swim; not suitable for nano tanks in spite of its small size.
Spotted blue-eyePseudomugil gertrudae3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in)Often recommended for nano tanks. A schooling fish (keep in groups). Males do spectacular displays with their expanded dorsal and anal fins.
Pacific blue-eyePseudomugil signifer3.5–7 cm (1.4–2.8 in)
Delicate blue-eyePseudomugil tenellus4–5.5 cm (1.6–2.2 in)
Madagascar rainbowfishBedotia madagascariensis7.5–8 cm (3.0–3.1 in)

Gobies and sleepers

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Empire gudgeonHypseleotris compressa12 cm (4.7 in)Omnivorous. Sexually dimorphic—males much larger and brighter-colored than females.
Purple sleeper gudgeonMogurnda mogurnda20 cm (7.9 in)Sometimes called purple sleeper goby. Not a true goby, a gudgeon. Requires a very large tank.
Peacock gudgeonTateurndina ocellicauda7.5 cm (3.0 in)Sometimes called peacock goby, but a gudgeon. Will breed in home tanks. Shy but territorial. Pairs hold small territories around caves or pots and display to neighbors. Best kept in a species tank or with very small peaceful fish, to enjoy its beautiful appearance and interesting behavior.
Black toraja gobyMugilogobius sarasinorum
Bumblebee gobyBrachygobius doriae4 cm (1.6 in)Native to costal streams and estuaries; keep in brackish water or add crushed coral to water. May only eat live food. Territorial; keep in groups of 6+ to diffuse aggression between males.
Knight gobyStigmatogobius sadanundio9 cm (3.5 in)
Rainbow stiphodonStiphodon ornatus5 cm (2.0 in)
Cobalt blue gobyStiphodon semonialign="center"align="center" |4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in)
Sicyopus zosterophorus4–4.5 cm (1.6–1.8 in)
Bearded worm gobyTaenioides cirratus30 cm (12 in)
Marbled gobyOxyeleotris marmorata30–65 cm (12–26 in)
Crazy fishButis butis15 cm (5.9 in)
Rhinogobius duospilus
Dragon goby, Violet gobyGobioides broussonnetii
Striped sleeper gobyDormitator maculatus

Sunfish and relatives

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Pygmy sunfishElassomatidae4 cm (1.6 in)Suits smaller tanks. May only accept live or frozen foods.
Blackbanded sunfishEnneacanthus chaetodon10 cm (3.9 in)Relatively peaceful, small sunfish.
Blue-spotted sunfishEnneacanthus gloriosus10 cm (3.9 in)Relatively peaceful, small sunfish.
Redbreast sunfishLepomis auritus30 cm (12 in)
Green sunfishLepomis cyanellus25 cm (9.8 in)Likely the most aggressive sunfish. Difficult to keep with other green sunfishes, other sunfishes, or even other perciform fishes in general unless kept in very spacious aquaria or ponds. Like many fishes, more tolerant of distantly related species (i.e. catfishes and minnows), if too large to be eaten. Very aware of environment outside of aquarium, making it an engaging "wet pet." Accepts a variety of foods (flakes, pellets, krill, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and live prey).
Orangespotted sunfishLepomis humilis15 cm (5.9 in)Among the less aggressive of the sunfishes.
PumpkinseedLepomis gibbosus28 cm (11 in)One of the more aggressive sunfishes. Good at preying on snails.
WarmouthLepomis gulosus30 cm (12 in)
BluegillLepomis macrochirus41 cm (16 in)Fairly aggressive, but prefers to live in shoals.
Dollar sunfishLepomis marginatus12 cm (4.7 in)
Longear sunfishLepomis megalotis24 cm (9.4 in)
Redear sunfishLepomis microlophus40 cm (16 in)Also known as shellcracker for its ability to prey on snails.
Redspotted sunfishLepomis miniatus20 cm (7.9 in)Formerly considered conspecific with the spotted sunfish.
Northern sunfishLepomis peltastes13 cm (5.1 in)Until recently considered conspecific with the longear sunfish.
Spotted sunfishLepomis punctatus10 cm (3.9 in)A fairly peaceable sunfish.

Other fish

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Remarks Temperature range pH range
Gray bichir, Senegal bichir, or dinosaur bichirPolypterus senegalus70.0 cm (27.6 in) maximum length[16]40.0 cm (16 in) in captivity[17] This species is known for predatory behavior toward tankmates.25–28 °C (77–82 °F)[16]6.0-8.0[16]
Ornate bichirPolypterus ornatipinnis60 cm (24 in) maximum length[18] 26–28 °C (79–82 °F)[18]6.0–8.0
Retropinnis bichirPolypterus retropinnis34.0 cm (13.4 in)[19] 26–28 °C (79–82 °F)6.5–7.5
Barred bichirPolypterus delhezi35 cm (14 in)24–30 °C (75–86 °F)6–8
Saddled bichirPolypterus endlicheri63 cm (25 in)[20]22–27 °C (72–81 °F)6–8
ReedfishErpetoichthys calabaricus31.4 cm (12.4 in) at maturity, 37 centimetres (15 in) maximum length[21]Nocturnal, can slither around out of water as long as they stay wet.22–28 °C (72–82 °F)[21]6.0–8.0[21]
HingemouthPhractolaemus ansorgii25 cm (9.8 in)
Blunt-jawed elephantnoseCampylomormyrus tamandua40 cm (16 in)
Peters' elephant noseGnathonemus petersii22.5 cm (8.9 in)
African butterflyfishPantodon buchholzi12 cm (4.7 in)
Aba abaGymnarchus niloticus120 cm (47 in)
Reticulated knifefishPapyrocranus afer80 cm (31 in)
African brown knifefishXenomystus nigri30 cm (12 in)
Clown knifefishChitala ornata
Asian arowanaScleropages formosus90 cm (35 in)
Silver arowanaOsteoglossum bicirrhosum90 cm (35 in)
Freshwater pipefishDoryichthys martensii15 cm (5.9 in)
African freshwater pipefishEnneacampus ansorgii14 cm (5.5 in)
Fire eelMastacembelus erythrotaenia100 cm (39 in)
Tire track eelMastacembelus armatus90 cm (35 in)
Spotfinned spiny eelMacrognathus siamensis30 cm (12 in)
Half-banded spiny eelMacrognathus circumcinctus20 cm (7.9 in)
Lesser spiny eelMacrognathus aculeatus38 cm (15 in)
Freshwater soleBrachirus panoides20 cm (8 in)
Freshwater needlefishXenentodon cancila35 cm (14 in)
Javanese ricefishOryzias javanicus3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Daisy's RicefishOryzias woworae3 cm (1.2 in)
Indian glassy fishParambassis ranga8 cm (3.1 in)
Amazon leaffishMonocirrhus polyacanthus8 cm (3.1 in)
Gymnochanda filamentosa3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Indonesian tigerfishDatnioides microlepis45 cm (18 in)
Silver tigerfishDatnioides polota30 cm (12 in)
Banded archerfishToxotes jaculatrix30 cm (12 in)
Spotted scatScatophagus argus20 cm (7.9 in)
Green spotted pufferDichotomyctere nigroviridis15 cm (5.9 in)often sold as freshwater fish, but this species actually thrives in brackish water and may even require saltwater when reaches adulthood
Humpback PufferPao palembangensis20 cm (7.9 in)
Red-tail dwarf pufferCarinotetraodon irrubesco4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Golden pufferAuriglobus modestus10 cm (3.9 in)
Figure 8 pufferfishTetraodon biocellatus6 cm (2.4 in)often sold as freshwater fish, but this species prefers brackish water
Dwarf pufferfishCarinotetraodon travancoricus2.9 cm (1.1 in)
Fahaka pufferTetraodon lineatus1-foot 5 inches
Giant freshwater pufferfishTetraodon mbu75 cm (30 in)This fish also occurs in estuaries.
Congo pufferfishTetraodon miurus15 cm (5.9 in)
Amazon pufferColomesus asellus
West African lungfishProtopterus annectens100 cm (39 in)
Spotted lungfishProtopterus dolloi130 cm (51 in)
South American lungfishLepidosiren paradoxa125 cm (49 in)
Ocellate river stingrayPotamotrygon motoro
Black devil stingrayPotamotrygon leopoldi
Black ghost knifefishApteronotus albifrons20 inNot to be confused with the featherback "knifefish" of the Bonytongue group (see above) Very aggressive to other knifefish, but otherwise peaceful. 23-28C (73-82F) 6.0-8.0
Brown ghost knifefishApteronotus leptorhynchusVery hard to feed it anything but live food
Electric eelElectrophorus electricusDespite the name, this is not an "eel" but rather a huge knifefish; illegal to possess in some areas; dangerous; very large adult size
Glass knifefishEigenmannia virescens
SterletAcipenser ruthenus
Shovelnose SturgeonScaphirhynchus platorynchus
Spotted GarLepisosteus oculatus70 cm (27.5 in)
Longnose GarLepisosteus osseus
Florida GarLepisosteus platyrhincus70 cm (27.5 in)
Alligator GarAtractosteus spatula300 cm (118 in)
Cuban GarAtractosteus tristoechus200 cm (78.5 in)
Tropical GarAtractosteus tropicus150 cm (59 in)
Freshwater blennySalaria fluviatilis
PickerelEsox americanus
Brook sticklebackCulaea inconstans
European PerchPerca fluviatilis
Banded darterEtheostoma zonale
Gilt darterPercina evides
Orangethroat darterEtheostoma spectabile
Rainbow darterEtheostoma caeruleum
Splendid darterEtheostoma barrenense

See also

Sources

  • Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish (2005) (David Alderton)
  • 500 Aquarium Fish: A Visual Reference to the Most Popular Species

References

  1. "Aspidoras fuscoguttatus summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2017-12-12.
  2. "Aspidoras lakoi summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2017-12-12.
  3. "Aspidoras rochai summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2017-12-14.
  4. "Aspidoras pauciradiatus summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2017-12-14.
  5. "Corydoras splendens summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
  6. http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Corydoras-haraldschultzi.html Fishbase:haraldschultzi
  7. "Corydoras panda summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
  8. http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Corydoras-sterbai.html Fishbase:sterbai
  9. http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?ID=12199&AT=Threestripe+corydoras Fishbase:thilineatus
  10. "Everything You Need to Know About the Bristlenose Catfish". The Spruce. Retrieved 2018-01-26.
  11. "Phractocephalus hemioliopterus (Red-tail Catfish)". Seriously Fish. Retrieved 2019-02-02.
  12. "Hyphessobrycon megalopterus summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2018-12-26.
  13. "Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2018-12-26.
  14. "Abramites hypselonotus summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2018-12-26.
  15. "Trichogaster lalius (Dwarf Gourami)". Seriously Fish. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
  16. "Polypterus senegalus summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2017-12-12.
  17. "Polypterus (bichirs)". www.thetropicaltank.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-01-26.
  18. "Polypterus ornatipinnis summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2017-12-12.
  19. "Polypterus retropinnis summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2017-12-12.
  20. "Polypterus endlicheri summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2019-03-02.
  21. "Erpetoichthys calabaricus summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2017-12-12.
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