Species & Care Guides
Quick-reference care guides for 110 popular freshwater aquarium species — a starting point for research before you buy, not a substitute for it.
Guppy
Poecilia reticulataOne of the most popular aquarium fish ever kept, bred into hundreds of fin shapes and colour strains over the decades; extremely easy to breed, so expect fry unless keeping males only.
Molly
Poecilia sphenopsA robust livebearer originally from Central America that appreciates a touch of aquarium salt and some algae to graze on; does best in slightly harder, alkaline water alongside other calm tankmates.
Platy
Xiphophorus maculatusA compact, adaptable livebearer available in dozens of colour and pattern varieties; tolerates a wide range of water conditions, making it a forgiving choice for keepers still finding their feet.
Swordtail
Xiphophorus helleriiNamed for the male's elongated, sword-like tail extension used in courtship displays; keep one male to several females, since multiple males will relentlessly chase and stress a single female.
Endler's Livebearer
Poecilia wingeiA smaller, even hardier cousin of the Guppy from Venezuela, prized for its intense, almost metallic colouration; breeds prolifically, so a species-only or heavily planted tank suits it well.
Sailfin Molly
Poecilia latipinnaLarger than the common Molly, with males raising a dramatic sail-like dorsal fin to court females and rival other males; does best with some algae in the diet and slightly brackish water.
Wrestling Halfbeak
Dermogenys pusillaA surface-dwelling livebearer with an elongated lower jaw used to snap up food and spar with rival males; skirmishes rarely cause lasting harm, and floating plants help it feel secure.
Humpback Limia
Limia nigrofasciataAn underrated, hardy Caribbean livebearer that develops a noticeably humped back as it matures; does well in harder, alkaline water alongside Mollies and other robust livebearers.
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesiA classic shoaling tetra from the Amazon basin, prized for its electric-blue stripe and red underbelly; best kept in groups of 6 or more, and can be sensitive to poor water quality when first introduced.
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodiSimilar in looks to the Neon Tetra, but with its red stripe running the full length of the body; hardier once established, and colours up best in soft, tannin-stained blackwater conditions.
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetziA silvery-black tetra with a flowing, skirt-like anal fin that ripples as it swims; can nip at the fins of slower, long-finned tankmates, but settles down well in a large enough school.
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandaeA tiny, glowing orange tetra from Brazil that barely reaches 2cm, making it ideal for nano and heavily planted tanks; its colour intensifies against a dark substrate and dim lighting.
Rummy-nose Tetra
Hemigrammus bleheriNamed for its bright red nose set against a silver body with a bold black-and-white striped tail; often called a tank's "health barometer", since the nose colour fades quickly under stress or poor water.
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon equesA deep-red tetra with a distinctive dark shoulder patch; can be nippy toward slower tankmates, so it's best kept in a larger school where any aggression gets spread out rather than focused on one fish.
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptusA larger, iridescent tetra from the Congo basin with shimmering blue, gold, and violet scales; needs open swimming room and dim lighting to really show off its colour.
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonusA soft silver-bodied tetra with a glowing orange-red stripe that seems to catch and hold the light; looks its best in a planted, dimly lit tank with dark substrate.
Lemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnisA pale, subtly yellow-tinted tetra whose colour intensifies with a good, varied diet and dark substrate; an easygoing schooling fish that rarely bothers other tankmates.
Diamond Tetra
Moenkhausia pittieriA deep-bodied tetra from Venezuela whose scales sparkle with an iridescent, diamond-like shimmer under the right lighting; a peaceful, easy-to-please schooler for a mid-sized community tank.
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigmaNamed for the small red mark near its heart; larger, calmer, and slower-moving than most tetras, making it a good centrepiece schooling fish for bigger community tanks.
Buenos Aires Tetra
Hyphessobrycon anisitsiA cooler-tolerant tetra from South America that's tougher than most tropical tetras; can nip fins and shred soft-leaved plants, so it suits a more robust, hardy community setup.
Penguin Tetra
Thayeria boehlkeiRecognisable by the way it swims at a distinctive head-up angle, almost as if standing on its tail; a hardy, easygoing schooler that gets along with most peaceful community fish.
Silvertip Tetra
Hasemania nanaAn active, silvery tetra with pale-tipped fins that shimmer as it darts around the tank; best kept in a proper school, since a small group can turn mildly fin-nippy out of boredom.
Beacon Tetra
Hemigrammus ocelliferNamed for the glowing spots on its head and the base of its tail that seem to catch aquarium lighting; a calm, easy community staple that rarely causes any trouble.
Zebra Danio
Danio rerioA fast-swimming, striped danio from South Asia that tolerates a wide temperature range, from unheated tanks to warm tropical setups; a hardy choice often used to safely cycle a new tank.
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazonaA boldly striped, orange-and-black barb with a reputation as a notorious fin-nipper when kept in numbers too small; a school of 6 or more spreads that energy out and calms individual aggression.
Cherry Barb
Puntius titteyaOne of the calmest, least nippy barbs in the hobby, with males flushing a deep cherry-red when in good condition; a great alternative for keepers who like barbs but not the drama of Tiger Barbs.
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorphaInstantly recognisable by the bold black wedge marking across its orange-pink body; looks its best in a tight school over dark substrate with plenty of plants to dart between.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubesA hardy, cold-tolerant minnow originally from mountain streams in China; one of the few community fish that genuinely thrives in cooler, unheated tanks or outdoor tubs.
Gold Barb
Barbodes semifasciolatusA hardy, golden-scaled barb that tolerates cooler water better than most tropical species; an easygoing schooler that adds a warm splash of colour to a community tank.
Rosy Barb
Pethia conchoniusA cold-tolerant, easy-to-breed barb whose males flush a deep rosy-red when conditions and diet are good; a hardy choice for unheated or coolwater community setups.
Odessa Barb
Pethia padamyaA striking red-striped barb that's noticeably calmer and less nippy than many of its barb cousins; settles in well as part of a lively, peaceful schooling community.
Denison Barb (Roseline Shark)
Sahyadria denisoniiA striking centrepiece fish with a bold red-and-gold racing stripe down its flank; needs a large school and strong water current to feel secure and display its best colour.
Pearl Danio
Danio albolineatusAn understated, iridescent danio whose pearly sheen is easy to overlook in a shop tank but shows beautifully under aquarium lighting; tougher and more adaptable than it looks.
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Danio margaritatusA tiny, jewel-like species covered in pearl-like spots against a deep blue-black body; perfect for nano and densely planted tanks, though shy around boisterous tankmates.
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittaeOne of the smallest fish in the aquarium hobby, barely reaching 2cm, with an intense red body; needs soft, stable water and only the gentlest tankmates so it isn't outcompeted for food.
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalareA tall, elegant Amazonian cichlid that pairs off and can become territorial when guarding eggs or fry; needs a tall tank to accommodate its distinctive body shape as it matures.
German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramireziA small, jewel-toned dwarf cichlid from Venezuela and Colombia with stunning blue-and-gold colouration; sensitive to water quality, so it does best in a mature, stable, well-established tank.
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatusA large, intelligent South American cichlid that grows past 30cm and can learn to recognise its keeper; needs serious filtration and a big tank to handle its size and appetite.
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcherA colourful West African dwarf cichlid that pairs up readily and cares attentively for its fry; easy to breed, and often flushes a deep pink-purple belly when conditions are right.
Electric Yellow Cichlid
Labidochromis caeruleusA hardy, vivid-yellow Malawi cichlid that stands out beautifully against rockwork in an African cichlid setup; best kept with other similarly robust Malawi species rather than gentle community fish.
Discus
Symphysodon spp.A tall, disc-shaped Amazonian cichlid prized for its striking patterns and colours; needs pristine, warm water and frequent water changes, making it a rewarding challenge best suited to experienced keepers.
Convict Cichlid
Amatitlania nigrofasciataA boldly striped Central American cichlid that's extremely hardy and breeds almost too easily; becomes noticeably territorial once paired up and guarding a brood of fry.
Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meekiFlares a fiery red throat and gill plates when displaying to rivals or potential mates; less destructive to plants and decor than many other Central American cichlids.
Jack Dempsey
Rocio octofasciataA large, robust cichlid whose muted juvenile colours give way to a stunning iridescent blue-green sheen at maturity; digs and rearranges decor, so plan hardscape accordingly.
Blood Parrot Cichlid
HybridA man-made hybrid cichlid with a distinctive rounded body, small mouth, and often a naturally curved spine; peaceful for a cichlid, though its unusual mouth shape can make some foods tricky to eat.
Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara spp.Among the most colourful of the Malawi cichlids, with males displaying vivid blues, oranges, and metallic sheens; best kept with other Peacocks or Haps rather than more aggressive Mbuna species.
Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosusA hardier, more forgiving alternative to the German Blue Ram with the same gentle dwarf-cichlid charm; tolerates a wider range of water parameters while still appreciating a stable tank.
Severum
Heros severusA gentle giant among cichlids, growing large but staying largely peaceful with tankmates its own size; does best in a large, well-planted tank with plenty of room to grow.
Texas Cichlid
Herichthys cyanoguttatusNorth America's only native cichlid, sporting a striking pattern of pale spots across a dark body; bold and hardy, but needs a big footprint to accommodate its size and temperament.
Apistogramma (Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid)
Apistogramma cacatuoidesOne of the most widely kept Apistogramma in the local hobby; a harem of one male to several females does best in a soft, slightly acidic tank with plenty of cover.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.A peaceful, armoured bottom-dweller that forages constantly across the substrate in search of food; keep in groups of 6 or more over soft sand to protect its sensitive barbels.
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus spp.A compact, well-mannered algae-eater that stays a fraction of the size of the Common Pleco; males develop distinctive bristly growths on the face as they mature.
Common Pleco
Hypostomus plecostomusA large, heavy-bodied algae-eater that can grow past 45cm in a home aquarium; a serious long-term commitment that frequently outgrows the tank it was originally bought for.
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhliiAn eel-like, nocturnal scavenger with a slender, patterned body that can squeeze into the tightest gaps; needs a tight-fitting lid and soft substrate to burrow into during the day.
Yoyo Loach
Botia almorhaeNamed for the Y-O-Y-O-like markings running along its body; an excellent, characterful snail-eater best kept in a group, where its playful, social side really comes through.
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras pandaA cooler-water Cory with a distinctive black eye patch that gives it a panda-like face; keep in a group over soft substrate, and avoid overly warm tropical temperatures.
Sterbai Corydoras
Corydoras sterbaiOne of the more heat-tolerant Corydoras species, handling warmer water better than most of its relatives; makes an excellent bottom-dwelling companion for a Discus tank.
Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolusAlmost entirely transparent, with its skeleton and organs visible through its see-through body; needs a school of 6 or more to feel secure and display natural mid-water schooling behaviour.
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus spp.A small, dedicated algae-grazer that spends most of its time rasping biofilm off leaves and glass; best added to an already-established, algae-rich tank rather than a brand-new one.
Clown Loach
Chromobotia macracanthusA brightly striped, sociable loach that can eventually grow to 30cm in the right conditions; needs a group and a genuinely large, long-term tank that's often underestimated by new keepers.
Zebra Loach
Botia striataOne of the calmer, more compact Botia loaches, with bold striping running along its body; a good snail-control option when kept in a small group.
Rubber Lip Pleco
Chaetostoma spp.A smaller, algae-focused pleco that stays far more manageable in size than the Common Pleco; grazes on biofilm and soft algae without demanding constant driftwood or heavy feeding.
Upside-Down Catfish
Synodontis nigriventrisSpends most of its life swimming belly-up, an unusual adaptation thought to help it feed at the water's surface and on the underside of leaves; a genuine conversation starter in any tank.
Bronze Cory
Corydoras aeneusThe classic, hardiest Corydoras species in the hobby, tolerating a wide range of temperatures and water conditions; a great first bottom-dweller, best kept in groups of 6 or more.
Pygmy Cory
Corydoras pygmaeusA true nano Corydoras that shoals in open water nearly as much as it forages along the substrate; ideal for smaller, gentle community tanks that other Corys might outgrow.
Orange Venezuelan Cory
Corydoras sp. (Venezuela Orange)A striking, less common orange-toned Corydoras sought after by collectors for its unusual colouration; less regularly available than mainstream Cory species, so it's often a special find.
Corydoras Duplicareus
Corydoras duplicareusA bold, black-and-tan patterned Corydoras closely resembling the similarly marked Adolfoi Cory; best kept in groups of 6 or more like other Corydoras species.
King Tiger Pleco
Hypancistrus sp. (L066)A striking, high-contrast striped pleco from the Rio Xingu that wants strong flow, warmth, and plenty of driftwood-rich cover; can be territorial toward others of its own kind.
Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish)
Betta splendensA labyrinth fish famous for its flowing fins and vivid colours, bred for centuries in Thailand for both beauty and combat; one male per tank, since males will fight fiercely if housed together.
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster laliusA small, colourful labyrinth fish that breathes air at the surface in addition to extracting oxygen from the water; keep only one male per tank, as two will often clash.
Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leeriiOne of the calmest gouramis in the hobby, with an elegant, lace-like pearlescent pattern across its body; a peaceful addition to most gentle community tanks.
Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chunaA smaller, shyer relative of the Dwarf Gourami with a warm, honey-gold colouration; well suited to quiet, densely planted community tanks with calm tankmates.
Three Spot Gourami
Trichopodus trichopterusA larger, hardy gourami that's the wild-type ancestor behind popular colour varieties like the Blue and Gold Gourami; adaptable and easygoing once it settles into a tank.
Chocolate Gourami
Sphaerichthys osphromenoidesA small, richly patterned blackwater specialist from Southeast Asian peat swamps; delicate and dependent on very soft, acidic water, best left to experienced keepers running a dedicated setup.
Paradise Fish
Macropodus opercularisOne of the first ornamental fish ever kept in aquariums, prized for its bold striping and flowing fins; strikingly cold-tolerant, but males become territorial and aggressive toward each other.
Licorice Gourami
Parosphromenus spp.A tiny, secretive blackwater specialist that spends much of its time hiding among leaf litter and dense planting; suited only to dedicated nano soft-water setups with very stable conditions.
Sparkling Gourami
Trichopsis pumilaA tiny labyrinth fish that makes an audible croaking or clicking sound when males display to one another; peaceful and well suited to nano tanks with gentle tankmates.
Boesemani Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia boesemaniA strikingly two-toned rainbowfish from Papua whose colours intensify with age, good lighting, and a varied diet; needs open swimming space to show off its schooling behaviour.
Rainbow Shark
Epalzeorhynchos frenatumA sleek, torpedo-shaped bottom-dweller with red fins that contrast against its dark body; keep just one per tank, as it's territorial toward other similarly shaped bottom-dwellers.
Red-tailed Black Shark
Epalzeorhynchos bicolorA striking jet-black fish with a vivid red tail that makes it a real standout in a planted tank; needs a large tank and careful tankmate selection due to its territorial streak.
Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia praecoxA compact, vividly blue rainbowfish that packs the same shimmer as its larger cousins into a much smaller frame; a great alternative to the Boesemani for smaller tanks.
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Iriatherina werneriMales grow delicate, elongated fin rays that trail behind them as they swim, making them a real standout in a calm, planted tank; best kept in a peaceful nano or small community setup.
Bala Shark
Balantiocheilos melanopterusA fast, active schooling fish that can grow to 35cm despite its small, appealing size in the shop; needs a very large tank as an adult and should never be bought on impulse.
Flying Fox
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterusAn efficient, hardy algae-eater that patrols the tank picking at biofilm on leaves and hardscape; can become territorial with other similarly shaped bottom-dwellers as it matures.
Blue Eye Rainbowfish
Pseudomugil gertrudaeA tiny, shimmering nano rainbowfish named for its striking pale blue eyes; best kept in a school of 8 or more in a heavily planted tank where its colours really pop.
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidiA hardy, brightly coloured Neocaridina shrimp that breeds readily in a stable, mature tank; sensitive to copper, so avoid any medication containing it while shrimp are present.
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentataA larger, hardworking shrimp famous for its algae-clearing abilities, popularised by aquascaper Takashi Amano; one of the most reliable clean-up crew members in the hobby, though it won't breed in freshwater.
Nerite Snail
Neritina spp.A hardy algae-eating snail whose larvae need brackish or salt water to develop, so it won't breed or overpopulate in a freshwater tank; tidy, reliable glass and hardscape cleaning.
Mystery Snail
Pomacea bridgesiiA large, colourful clean-up crew member available in many shell and body colours; needs supplemental calcium in the water to keep its shell strong and healthy.
Ghost Shrimp
Palaemonetes spp.An inexpensive, hardy, and nearly transparent shrimp often sold as feeder stock but perfectly capable as a permanent, active tank resident; a great low-cost beginner shrimp.
Bamboo Shrimp
Atyopsis moluccensisA filter-feeding shrimp that fans out its distinctive net-like arms to catch food particles drifting in the current; needs decent flow and won't compete with fish for food at the substrate.
Vampire Shrimp
Atya gabonensisA larger filter-feeding shrimp with striking blue-grey colouring, related to the Bamboo Shrimp but even bigger; fans its arms out in moderate-to-strong current to catch drifting food.
Crystal Red Shrimp
Caridina cantonensisA prized Caridina shrimp known for its bold red-and-white banded pattern; needs very stable, soft, slightly acidic water, and is markedly more sensitive than hardier Neocaridina shrimp.
Assassin Snail
Clea helenaA predatory snail that actively hunts down and eats pest snails one by one; a natural, effective population-control option if ramshorn or bladder snails have gotten out of hand.
Malaysian Trumpet Snail
Melanoides tuberculataA burrowing snail that tunnels through substrate day and night, helping aerate it and prevent anaerobic pockets; breeds prolifically if the tank is overfed, so keep feeding in check.
Common Goldfish
Carassius auratusThe classic, hardy coldwater fish that can live for decades and grow to 30cm or more in the right conditions; needs a pond or a genuinely large tank long-term, never a bowl.
Comet Goldfish
Carassius auratusA slender, single-tailed goldfish variety bred for speed and endurance; well suited to ponds and larger coldwater tanks where it has plenty of room to swim freely.
Fantail Goldfish
Carassius auratusA rounder-bodied fancy goldfish variety with a paired, flowing tail; slower-swimming and somewhat less cold-hardy than single-tailed varieties like the Comet.
Oranda Goldfish
Carassius auratusRecognisable by its distinctive raspberry-like head growth, called a wen, which needs clean, well-maintained water to avoid infection; a slower, more delicate fancy variety.
Ryukin Goldfish
Carassius auratusA high-backed fancy goldfish variety with a pronounced shoulder hump behind the head; appreciates a deep tank that accommodates its tall, rounded body shape.
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteusA disc-shaped, silvery schooling fish that will happily eat most soft-leaved live plants; keep with tough, broad-leaved, or artificial plants if you want any greenery to survive.
Dwarf Puffer
Carinotetraodon travancoricusThe smallest freshwater puffer species, reaching barely 3cm but full of personality and curiosity; needs live or frozen foods to keep its ever-growing teeth worn down, and does best in a species-only tank.
Elephant Nose Fish
Gnathonemus petersiiA nocturnal, weakly electric fish from West Africa that uses electrical signals to navigate and locate food in murky water; needs soft sand to forage in and dim lighting to feel secure.
Freshwater Butterflyfish
Pantodon buchholziAn ambush predator that hovers motionless at the surface, waiting to snap up insects and small fish that stray too close; needs a tight-fitting lid, since it's an excellent jumper.
Bichir
Polypterus senegalusA living fossil with both lungs and gills, letting it gulp air at the surface as well as breathe underwater; escapes easily through the smallest gap without a secure lid.
Black Ghost Knifefish
Apteronotus albifronsAn elegant, all-black nocturnal fish that navigates using a weak electric field rather than sight; needs plenty of hiding spots and tends to stay shy and hidden during the day.
Killifish
Nothobranchius spp.A striking, short-lived fish whose wild ancestors evolved in temporary seasonal pools; some species live only a year, and their eggs can be stored dry and hatched later — a genuinely unique breeding challenge.
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Oryzias latipesThe most widely available ricefish locally, sold in gold, platinum, and other line-bred colours; thrives in unheated tanks and shoals well in groups of 6+.
Daisy's Blue Ricefish
Oryzias woworaeA small, vividly blue-and-orange nano ricefish from Sulawesi, found through specialty importers; best kept in a school of 6+ in a planted tank.
Scarlet Badis
Dario darioOne of the smallest true fish in the hobby, with males flushing a deep red when displaying to rivals; needs live or frozen micro-foods and only the gentlest, slow-moving tankmates.
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