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A vast number of species of [[fish]] have been successfully kept in the home [[freshwater]] [[aquarium]]. This list gives only some of the most commonly-kept species.
A vast number of species of [[fish]] have been successfully kept in the home [[freshwater]] [[aquarium]]. This list gives only some of the most commonly-kept species.

Extended Information On These Fish Can Be Found At: http://www.TheFishForum.com


==[[Polypteriformes|Bichirs and reedfish]]==
==[[Polypteriformes|Bichirs and reedfish]]==

Revision as of 04:33, 19 November 2010

A vast number of species of fish have been successfully kept in the home freshwater aquarium. This list gives only some of the most commonly-kept species.

Extended Information On These Fish Can Be Found At: http://www.TheFishForum.com

Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Ph Range
Gray bichir Polypterus senegalus 35.5 cm (14.0 in) Species Easy Predatory needs a big tank
Ornate bichir Polypterus ornatipinnis 38 cm (15 in) Species Easy/Intermediate
Reedfish Erpetoichthys calabaricus 40 cm (16 in) Species Easy/Intermediate Nocturnal 22 and 28 °C (72 and 83 °F) 6.5-7.5 pH
Armored catfish including Aspidoras, Brochis, Callichthys, and Corydoras
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Ph Range
棕点盾皮鮠 (brown-point shield skin longirostris) Aspidoras fuscoguttatus 3.8 cm (1.5 in) 22 to 25 °C (72 to 77 °F) 5.5–6.8 pH
Paranankaitamonninen Aspidoras lakoi 4 cm (1.6 in)
Schmerlenpanzerwels (loach catfish) Aspidoras rochai 4 cm (1.6 in)
Sixray corydoras, false corydoras Aspidoras pauciradiatus 2.9 cm (1.1 in)
Britski's catfish Corydoras britskii 8.9 cm (3.5 in)
Emerald catfish Corydoras splendens 10 cm (3.9 in) Green spots on the gills are normal and do not indicate disease.
Hognosed brochis Corydoras multiradiatus 6.6 cm (2.6 in)
Cascarudo Callichthys callichthys 20 cm (7.9 in)
Adolfo's catfish Corydoras adolfoi 5.7 cm (2.2 in)
Banded corydoras Scleromystax barbatus 10 cm (3.9 in)
Masked corydoras, bandit corydoras Corydoras metae 4.8 cm (1.9 in)
Barredtail 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) The albino strain is common
Caracha Corydoras atropersonatus 4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Hohtolaikkumonninen Corydoras ehrhardti 4.1 cm (1.6 in)
Ruutuselkämonninen Corydoras evelynae 4 cm (1.6 in)
Sukamonninen Corydoras geoffroy 7 cm (2.8 in)
Hellgrüner Panzerwels Corydoras latus 5.2 cm (2.0 in)
Deckers Panzerwels Corydoras loxozonus 4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Corydoras nain Corydoras nanus 4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Narziß-Panzerwels Corydoras narcissus 6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Schmuckpanzerwels Corydoras ornatus 4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Sirrimonninen Corydoras osteocarus 4 cm (1.6 in)
Savannenpanzerwels Corydoras polystictus 3.2 cm (1.3 in)
鋸背兵鯰 Scleromystax prionotos 5.3 cm (2.1 in)
Flügelpanzerwels Corydoras semiaquilus 6.0 cm (2.4 in)
Siebenfleck-Panzerwels Corydoras septentrionalis 4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Schlichter Schwarzrücken-Panzerwels Corydoras simulatus 4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Gewellter Panzerwels Corydoras undulatus 4.4 cm (1.7 in)
Dwarf corydoras Corydoras hastatus 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Elegant corydoras Corydoras elegans 5.1 cm (2.0 in)
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
Mosaic corydoras, reticulated corydoras Corydoras reticulatus
Panda corydoras Corydoras panda
Pastaza corydoras Corydoras pastazensis
Peppered corydoras Corydoras paleatus
Pink corydoras Corydoras axelrodi
Pygmy corydoras Corydoras pygmaeus
Sailfin corydoras Corydoras macropterus
Salt and pepper catfish Corydoras habrosus
Schwartz's catfish Corydoras schwartzi
Spotted corydoras, longnose corydoras Corydoras ambiacus
Sterba's corydoras Corydoras sterbai
Sychr's catfish Corydoras sychri
Tailspot corydoras Corydoras caudimaculatus
Threestripe corydoras, leopard catfish Corydoras trilineatus
Xingu corydoras Corydoras xinguensis
Armored suckermouth catfish (plecos)
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Bristlenose pleco, bushynose placo Ancistrus spp. the bristlenose genus has at least 59 identified species and many others yet to be named
Gold nugget pleco Baryancistrus spp. many species exist but not yet officially identified; the three common aquarium species are known as L-018, L-081, and L-177
Whiptail catfish Rineloricaria spp. there are about 20 species of whiptail catfish
Twig catfish Farlowella spp. there are at least 20 species in the twig catfish genus
Panaque Panaque spp. Several species of panaque are popular aquarium fish
Pineapple pleco, orange cheek pleco Pseudorinelepis spp. there are 4 species in this genus
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 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
Zebra dwarf sucker, zebra oto Otocinclus cocama
Airbreathing catfish
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Walking catfish Clarias batrachus 21 cm (8.3 in) Easy/Intermediate albino form is common in the aquarium trade

After some years of keeping this fish, it will know its owner and come to his/her hand when he/she puts his/her hand in. This fish can stay out of the water and "walk" as long as moisturised for a very long time. || ||

Banjo catfish
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Ph Range
Banjo catfish Bunocephalus coracoideus
Talking catfish
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Striped Raphael Platydoras armatulus
Spotted Raphael Agamyxis pectinifrons Females at around 6 inches males slightly smaller around 5.5 inches Tropical aquarium Intermediate, Do not buy if you are new to the aquarium trade. Only keep if you have fully researched the needs of this fish. Main diet is algae although they are know to eat aquarium snails.[citation needed]
Squeakers and upside-down catfish
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Cuckoo squeaker Synodontis multipunctatus
Decorated squeaker Synodontis decorus
Even-Spotted squeaker Synodontis petricola
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 Prefers bottom feeding of Tubifex but main diet is algae.
Shark catfish
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Iridescent shark Pangasius hypophthalmus Community albino form is common in the aquarium trade Needs at least a 300 gallon aquarium (preferably larger)[citation needed].
Chao Phraya giant shark, Giant pangasius Pangasius sanitwongsei dwarf "balloon" form is available in the aquarium trade
Sea catfish
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Colombian shark catfish Arius seemanni
Berney's shark catfish Arius berneyi
Australian shark catfish Arius graeffei
Sheatfish
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Glass catfish Kryptopterus bicirrhis 10–12 cm (4–5 in), 15 cm (6 in) in the wild. Needs to be kept in a group of 5 or more.
Two spot glass catfish Ompok bimaculatus 45 cm (18 in) Looks very similar to Kryptopterus bicirrhis except the difference lies in the triangular dorsal fin of the Ompok in contrast to what looks like a small spine than a fin of the K. bicirrhis.
Bagrid catfishes
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Crystal eyed catfish Hemibagrus wyckii 71 cm (28 in) This fish is highly aggressive and must be kept alone.
Asian redtail catfish Hemibagrus wyckioides 130 cm (51 in) This fish is highly aggressive and must be kept alone.
Horabagrus brachysoma 45 cm (18 in)
Long-whiskered catfish
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Leiarius marmoratus 100 cm (39 in)
Leiarius pictus 60 cm (24 in)
Redtail catfish Phractocephalus hemioliopterus 120 cm (3.9 ft) this fish grows really large and will need a 300 gallon Min. when mature.
Spotted pimelodus, pictus, Pictus catfish Pimelodus pictus
Ornate Pimelodus Pimelodus ornatus
Tiger shovelnose catfish Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum 104 cm (3.41 ft) This fish is easy to confuse with P. tigrinum.
Tiger shovelnose catfish Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum 130 cm (4.3 ft) This fish is easy to confuse with P. fasciatum.
Tetras
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
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 Intermediate this fish is similar to the neon tetra other than coloration.
Black 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 File:Bloodfin dec20 2006.jpg 5 cm (2.0 in) Community
Blue tetra Boehlkea fredcochui Community
Bucktooth tetra Exodon paradoxus 5 cm (2.0 in) will eat smaller fish and harass larger fish, lepidophage (scale eater)
Buenos Aires tetra Hyphessobrycon anisitsi 7.5 cm (3.0 in) Easy Has some reputation as a fin nipper
Cardinal tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi 5 cm (2.0 in) Community
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.
Emperor tetra Nematobrycon palmeri 5 cm (2.0 in) Easy
Garnet tetra, pretty tetra Hemigrammus pulcher 6.5 cm (2.6 in) Community
Glowlight tetra Hemigrammus erythrozonus 3.75 cm (1.48 in) Community Easy
Green neon tetra Paracheirodon simulans 2.5 cm (0.98 in) Community Intermediate
Lemon tetra Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis 5 cm (2.0 in)
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.
Penguin tetra, blackline penguinfish Thayeria boehlkei 6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Rummy-nose tetra Hemigrammus rhodostomus 5 cm (2.0 in) Community Intermediate
Disk tetra Myleus schomburgkii 5 cm (2.0 in) 5.0 - 7.0 23°C to 27°C
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.
Hatchetfish
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Common hatchetfish Gasteropelecus sternicla
Silver hatchetfish Gasteropelecus levis
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 Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
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 Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
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 mongst themselves in small groups.
Serrasalminae (pacus, piranhas, and silver dollars)
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
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) 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 litre (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 diet of nuts suggests. Be aware that this fish can grow to 1.2 metres (four feet) and the owner must be prepared to house them in a very large tank if they wish to keep the fish (750 l/200 gal minimum). Also be aware that this fish grows very fast, and can grow as much as one foot in the first year.
Lake Malawi cichlids
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Sunshine peacock cichlid Aulonocara baenschi 15 cm (5.9 in) Easy Beautiful coloration on males
Copadichromis borleyi
Eureka red peacock Aulonocara jacobfreibergi 15 cm (5.9 in) Easy Beautiful coloration on males
Spilo Champsochromis spilorhyncus 40 cm (16 in)
Blue dolphin cichlid, lumphead cichlid Cyrtocara moorii 25 cm (9.8 in) 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
Johanni cichlid Melanochromis johannii 10 cm (3.9 in) Mbuna Easy Aggressive
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
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 Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Boulengerochromis microlepsis 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 Opthalmotilapia 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 Temp Range Acceptable Ph
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 Temp Range Acceptable Ph
African butterfly cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi
Jewel cichlid, two-spotted jewel cichlid Hemichromis bimaculatus 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
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 Temp Range Acceptable Ph
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 Temp Range Acceptable Ph
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
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
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 Temp Range Acceptable Ph
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 - 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.
Wolf cichlid Parachromis dovii
Barbs
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Arulius barb Puntius arulius 12 cm (4.7 in)
Bigspot barb, Duncker's barb Puntius dunckeri 13 cm (5.1 in) Peaceful when small but should not be kept with other species at adulthood.
Black ruby barb Puntius nigrofasciatus 6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Checker barb Puntius 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 Puntius everetti 15 cm (5.9 in)
Gold barb Puntius semifasciolatus 8 cm (3.1 in) Community Easy
Golden barb Puntius gelius 5 cm (2.0 in)
Greenstripe barb Puntius vittatus 5 cm (2.0 in)
Melon barb Puntius fasciatus 15 cm (5.9 in)
Onespot barb Puntius terio 15 cm (5.9 in)
Pentazona barb, fiveband barb Puntius pentazona 5 cm (2.0 in) this species may be confused with tiger barb due to similarities
Pool barb Puntius sophore 18 cm (7.1 in)
Partipentazona barb Puntius partipentazona 3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Red line torpedo barb, Denison's barb Puntius denisonii 15 cm (5.9 in)
Rosy barb Puntius conchonius 13 cm (5.1 in) Community Easy
Shortfin barb Barbus brevipinnis 4.6 cm (1.8 in)
Spanner barb, t-barb Puntius lateristriga 20 cm (7.9 in)
Spotted barb, common barb Puntius binotatus 19.5 cm (7.7 in)
Spottedsail barb, dwarf barb Puntius phutunio 7.8 cm (3.1 in)
Swamp barb Puntius chola 15 cm (5.9 in)
Ticto barb Barbus ticto 10 cm (3.9 in)
Tic-tac-toe barb Puntius stoliczkanus 5 cm (2.0 in)
Tiger barb, sumatra barb Puntius tetrazona 7.5 cm (3.0 in) Community Easy There are many varieties as well as hybrids with other barbs. Good community schooling fish. They are fin nippers.
Tinfoil barb Barbonymus schwanenfeldii 36 cm (14 in) This species is much larger than most other barbs
Cold-water cyprinids
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Goldfish Carassius auratus 15+ cm (6+ in) Community 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.
White Cloud Mountain minnow Tanichthys albonubes 3.8 cm (1.5 in) Pond Easy lutino variety can also be found in the aquarium trade
Common dace Leuciscus leuciscus 40 cm (16 in)
Rosy red minnow, fathead minnow Pimephales promelas 5-7.5 cm (2–3 in) Pond/Minnow Tank Easy sold as feeder fish; the gold variety known as "rosy red" is very common
Southern redbelly dace Phoxinus erythrogaster 7.5–10 cm (3–4 in) Pond/Minnow Tank Easy
Danios and other danionins
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Bengal danio, Sind danio Danio 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
Turquoise danio Brachydanio kerri
Zebra danio Brachydanio 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 Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Harlequin rasbora Trigonostigma heteromorpha 5 cm (2.0 in) Also known as Harlequin tetra
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 - 85 °F)
Volcano rasbora Rasbora vulcanus
Other cyprinids
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Bala shark Balantiocheilus melanopterus 40 cm (16 in) Community
Flying fox (fish) Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus this species may be sold as Siamese algae eater
Red-tailed black shark Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Red-finned shark Epalzeorhynchos frenatum albino variation available
Cambodian log sucker, false Siamese algae eater Garra cambodgiensis this species may be sold as Siamese algae eater
Chinese algae eater Gyrinocheilus aymonieri this species may be sold as Siamese algae eater
Siamese algae eater Crossocheilus siamensis many other cyprinids are sometimes mistakenly sold under this name
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Blue Lyretail Fundulopanchax gardneri 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.
Striped panchax, Golden Wonder Aplocheilus lineatus Species Easy Golden Wonder is the more yellowish variant.
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Chocolate gourami Sphaerichthys osphromenoides 7 cm (2.8 in)
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 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 [citation needed].
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 Trichogaster 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 Trichogaster microlepis 15 cm (5.9 in)
Snakeskin gourami Trichogaster pectoralis File:Trichogaster pectoralis male.jpg 20 cm (7.9 in)
Three spot gourami Trichogaster trichopterus 10 cm (3.9 in) Various color varieties each given a different name (blue gourami, gold gourami, and opaline gourami)
Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens 7.5 cm (3.0 in) Community Easy Numerous color and fin pattern varieties. In the U.S., the fish is often called "betta", although this word is actually 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 4+ 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, and attack.
Guppies and mollies
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Guppy Poecilia reticulata 5 cm (2.0 in) Community/Species Easy Many color and tail pattern varieties exist
Endler's livebearer Poecilia wingei 3.8 cm (1.5 in) Community/Species
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 fertile hybrid that can be generated by crossing some species of Poecilia, like P. sphenops or P. latipinna. The variety "Dalmatian" is spotted alike to a Dalmatian dog.
Platies and swordtails
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Southern platy Xiphophorus maculatus Community/Species Easy Many color varieties exist
Variable platy Xiphophorus variatus Community Easy Many color varieties exist
Green swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii File:Xiphophorus helleri 02.jpg Community Easy Many color varieties exist
Loaches
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Bengal loach Botia dario also known as the Queen loach
Blue botia Yasuhikotakia modesta
Burmese border loach Botia kubotai
Clown loach Botia macracantha Clown loach has a sociable personality and should be kept in at least groups of 2. They may eat pond snails kept in aquariums.
Dwarf loach Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki formerly named Botia sidthimunki
Dojo loach, weather loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Horseface loach Acantopsis choirorhynchus
Kuhli loach, coolie loach Pangio kuhlii 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 File:Botia almorhae 1.jpg
Zebra loach Botia striata
Other related cypriniforms
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
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
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Black ghost knifefish Apteronotus albifrons Intermediate Not to be confused with the featherback "knifefish" of the Bonytongue group (see above)
Brown ghost knifefish Apteronotus leptorhynchus Intermediate Very hard to feed it anything but live food
Clown knifefish Chitala chitala Intermediate
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
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
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 File:MooBoo.jpg 75 cm (30 in) Difficult This fish also occurs in estuaries.
Dwarf pufferfish Carinotetraodon travancoricus 2.9 cm (1.1 in) Intermediate
Congo pufferfish Tetraodon miurus 15 cm (5.9 in) Difficult
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Salmon-red rainbowfish Glossolepis incisus 13–15 cm (5–6 in) aka Red rainbowfish. These are very heardy 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) aka Millennium rainbowfish
Lake Wanam rainbowfish Glossolepis wanamensis 13–15 cm (5–6 in) aka Emerald rainbowfish
Threadfin rainbowfish Iriatherina werneri 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 (4–5 in)
Duboulayi's rainbowfish Melanotaenia duboulayi 13–15 cm (5–6 in) aka Crimson-Spotted rainbowfish
Australian rainbowfish Melanotaenia fluviatilis 13–15 cm (5–6 in)
Lake Kurumoi rainbowfish Melanotaenia parva 7.5–8 cm (3-3.25 in) aka Flame rainbowfish
Neon rainbowfish Melanotaenia praecox 6-7.5 cm (2.5–3 in)
Eastern rainbowfish Melanotaenia splendida splendida 13–15 cm (5–6 in)
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Fire eel Mastacembelus erythrotaenia 100 cm
Spotfinned spiny eel Macrognathus siamensis 30 cm
Tire track eel Mastacembelus armatus 90 cm
Lesser spiny eel Macrognathus aculeatus
Common name Taxonomy Picture Size Tank Type Care Level Remarks Temp Range Acceptable Ph
Spotted Gar Lepisosteus oculatus

See also