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Fish & Aquarium

Complete species profiles to help you choose and care for your first aquarium fish. Each guide covers tank requirements, water parameters, feeding, compatibility, and health tips.

Amano Shrimp photo

Amano Shrimp

The Amano Shrimp is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Angelfish photo

Angelfish

Angelfish are stunning freshwater fish known for their distinctive triangular shape and long, flowing fins. Despite their graceful appearance, they are cichlids with personality that can become true pets in your aquarium.

Medium (6 inches tall, 8 inches long) 10-12 years
Apistogramma photo

Apistogramma

Apistogrammas are a genus of stunning dwarf cichlids renowned for their incredible color diversity and fascinating behaviors. Males display brilliant reds, yellows, and blues.

Small (2-3.5 inches) 3-5 years
Betta Fish photo

Betta Fish

Betta fish are stunningly beautiful freshwater fish known for their vibrant colors and flowing fins. Despite their small size, they have big personalities and make excellent pets for first-time fish keepers willing to learn their specific care requirements.

Small (2-3 inches) 3-5 years
Black Skirt Tetra photo

Black Skirt Tetra

Black Skirt Tetras are active, peaceful fish known for their distinctive black dorsal and anal fins that resemble flowing skirts. These schooling fish display fascinating group behavior and bring constant gentle movement to aquariums.

Small (2-2.5 inches) 3-5 years
Bleeding Heart Tetra photo

Bleeding Heart Tetra

The Bleeding Heart Tetra is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Blue Acara photo

Blue Acara

Blue Acaras are moderately-sized South American cichlids admired for their stunning metallic blue coloring and surprisingly peaceful temperament. These intelligent fish offer cichlid enthusiasts beauty and personality without the extreme aggression of many cichlid species.

Medium (6-7 inches) 10-12 years
Bolivian Ram photo

Bolivian Ram

Bolivian Rams are peaceful dwarf cichlids known for their subtle beauty and calm disposition. These fish display warm yellow-brown bodies with striking black markings and red highlights in their fins.

Small-Medium (3-4 inches) 4-6 years
Bristlenose Catfish L144 photo

Bristlenose Catfish L144

The Bristlenose Catfish L144 is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Bristlenose Pleco photo

Bristlenose Pleco

Bristlenose Plecos are peaceful catfish known for their distinctive bristle-like tentacles and exceptional algae-eating abilities. They're excellent tank cleaners that stay smaller than most other pleco species.

Small-Medium (4-6 inches) 10-15 years
Buenos Aires Tetra photo

Buenos Aires Tetra

The Buenos Aires Tetra is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Cardinal Tetra photo

Cardinal Tetra

Cardinal Tetras are stunningly beautiful fish known for their brilliant red and blue stripes that run the entire length of their body. They are peaceful schooling fish that create breathtaking displays in groups.

Small (2 inches) 5-8 years
Celestial Pearl Danio photo

Celestial Pearl Danio

Celestial Pearl Danios, also known as Galaxy Rasboras, are breathtakingly small fish adorned with pearl-like spots on dark bodies and bright red fins. These peaceful schooling fish bring unmatched beauty to nano aquariums.

Tiny (0.75-1 inch) 3-5 years
Cherry Barb photo

Cherry Barb

Cherry Barbs are small, peaceful cyprinids known for the vibrant red coloration of males. Unlike many barb species, they are gentle and non-aggressive, making them perfect for peaceful community tanks.

Small (2 inches) 4-6 years
Chili Rasbora photo

Chili Rasbora

Chili Rasboras are miniature fish named for their intense red coloration and peaceful disposition. These tiny schooling fish create a stunning display in groups, resembling flickering flames in a well-planted aquarium.

Tiny (0.7-0.8 inches) 3-5 years
Chocolate Gourami photo

Chocolate Gourami

The Chocolate Gourami is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Clown Loach photo

Clown Loach

Clown Loaches are beloved freshwater fish known for their bright orange and black striped pattern and entertaining social behavior. These playful fish are favorites among aquarists for their personality and amusing habit of sleeping on their sides.

Large (8-12 inches) 20-25 years
Clownfish photo

Clownfish

Clownfish are vibrant orange and white saltwater fish famous for their symbiotic relationship with sea anemones. Hardy and captivating, they are among the most popular marine aquarium fish for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.

TODO: Small/Medium/Large TODO: X-Y years
Congo Tetra photo

Congo Tetra

The Congo Tetra is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Convict Cichlid photo

Convict Cichlid

Convict Cichlids are hardy Central American cichlids named for their distinctive black vertical stripes resembling prison uniforms. Known for their incredible ease of breeding and devoted parental care, they are popular beginner cichlids despite their feisty temperament.

Medium (4-6 inches) 8-10 years
Corydoras Catfish photo

Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras are peaceful, social catfish that live at the bottom of the aquarium. Known for their adorable appearance and helpful nature, they're excellent additions to community tanks and help keep the substrate clean.

Small (2-3 inches) 5-7 years
Denison Barb photo

Denison Barb

Denison Barbs, also known as Miss Kerala, are stunning Indian fish named for their distinctive red line running along their silver bodies. These active schooling fish bring constant movement and beauty to larger aquariums.

Medium (4-6 inches) 5-8 years
Diamond Tetra photo

Diamond Tetra

The Diamond Tetra is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Discus photo

Discus

Discus are stunningly beautiful freshwater fish known as the King of the Aquarium. Their vibrant colors, graceful movements, and unique round body shape make them a prized centerpiece fish for dedicated aquarists willing to meet their specific care needs.

TODO: Small/Medium/Large TODO: X-Y years
Dwarf Gourami photo

Dwarf Gourami

Dwarf Gouramis are small, peaceful labyrinth fish known for their stunning iridescent colors. Like Bettas, they breathe atmospheric air, making them unique and interesting additions to community tanks.

Small (3 inches) 4-6 years
Dwarf Puffer photo

Dwarf Puffer

The Dwarf Puffer is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Electric Blue Acara photo

Electric Blue Acara

Electric Blue Acaras are stunning cichlids named for their brilliant metallic blue coloration. Unlike many cichlids, these fish are remarkably peaceful and suitable for community aquariums.

Medium (6-8 inches) 8-10 years
Ember Tetra photo

Ember Tetra

Ember Tetras are diminutive fish named for their brilliant orange-red coloration that glows like embers in an aquarium. Despite their tiny size, these peaceful schooling fish bring vibrant color and constant gentle activity to planted tanks.

Tiny (0.8-1 inch) 2-4 years
Endler Tiger photo

Endler Tiger

The Endler Tiger is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Endlers Livebearer photo

Endlers Livebearer

Endlers Livebearers are tiny, brilliantly colored freshwater fish that bring incredible vibrancy to nano and community aquariums. Related to guppies, they are hardy, peaceful, and prolific breeders, making them an excellent choice for beginners.

TODO: Small/Medium/Large TODO: X-Y years
Featherfin Catfish photo

Featherfin Catfish

The Featherfin Catfish is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Firemouth Cichlid photo

Firemouth Cichlid

Firemouth Cichlids are striking Central American cichlids named for their brilliant red-orange throat and belly coloring. These moderately aggressive fish display fascinating territorial behavior and make impressive centerpiece fish for medium to large aquariums.

Medium (5-6 inches) 10-15 years
Glass Catfish photo

Glass Catfish

Glass Catfish are one of the most visually unique freshwater fish, with completely transparent bodies that reveal their skeleton and internal organs. These peaceful schooling fish create an ethereal display that never fails to captivate aquarium visitors.

Small-Medium (3-4 inches) 5-8 years
Goldfish photo

Goldfish

Goldfish are one of the most recognizable and beloved aquarium fish in the world. Despite their common reputation as simple bowl fish, they are intelligent, social creatures that can live for decades with proper care.

Medium-Large (6-12 inches) 10-15 years
Green Neon Tetra photo

Green Neon Tetra

Green Neon Tetras are tiny jewel-like fish that display an intense iridescent green-blue horizontal stripe. Smaller and more vibrantly colored than regular Neon Tetras, these delicate nano fish create breathtaking displays when kept in large schools.

Nano (0.75-1 inch) 2-3 years
Guppy photo

Guppy

Guppies are among the most popular aquarium fish worldwide, known for their brilliant colors, playful personalities, and ease of breeding. These small livebearers are perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

Small (1-2.5 inches) 2-3 years
Harlequin Rasbora photo

Harlequin Rasbora

Harlequin Rasboras are peaceful, striking freshwater fish recognized by their distinctive triangular black patch. Their shimmering copper-orange body and calm schooling behavior make them one of the most popular community tank fish for beginners.

TODO: Small/Medium/Large TODO: X-Y years
Hillstream Loach photo

Hillstream Loach

Hillstream Loaches are fascinating fish specially adapted to life in fast-flowing streams. Their flattened bodies and modified fins act like suction cups allowing them to cling to rocks against strong currents.

Small (2-3 inches) 8-10 years
Honey Gourami photo

Honey Gourami

Honey Gouramis are small, peaceful fish known for their warm honey-orange coloration and shy but endearing personalities. These labyrinth fish breathe atmospheric air like Bettas but are far less aggressive.

Small (2-2.5 inches) 4-6 years
Keyhole Cichlid photo

Keyhole Cichlid

Keyhole Cichlids are one of the most peaceful cichlid species, named for the distinctive keyhole-shaped marking on their flanks. These gentle fish are perfect for community tanks and provide cichlid enthusiasts with fascinating behavior without the aggression.

Small-Medium (4-5 inches) 8-10 years
Kuhli Loach photo

Kuhli Loach

Kuhli Loaches are fascinating eel-like bottom-dwelling fish with distinctive banded patterns. Nocturnal and peaceful, these unique freshwater fish bring personality to any community aquarium and are especially valued for their substrate-cleaning habits.

TODO: Small/Medium/Large TODO: X-Y years
Leopard Danio photo

Leopard Danio

The Leopard Danio is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Marble Hatchetfish photo

Marble Hatchetfish

The Marble Hatchetfish is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Molly photo

Molly

Mollies are peaceful, attractive livebearer fish that come in various colors including black, white, gold, and dalmatian-spotted. They are hardy, active swimmers that adapt well to different water conditions.

Small-Medium (3-5 inches) 3-5 years
Mystery Snail photo

Mystery Snail

The Mystery Snail is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Neon Tetra photo

Neon Tetra

Neon Tetras are small, brilliantly colored freshwater fish known for the iridescent blue stripe running along their body and bright red tail. They are peaceful, schooling fish that create stunning displays when kept in groups.

Small (1.5 inches) 5-8 years
Nerite Snail photo

Nerite Snail

The Nerite Snail is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Oscar photo

Oscar

Oscars are large, intelligent, and charismatic freshwater cichlids known for their dog-like personalities. They recognize their owners, beg for food, and display fascinating behavior, making them one of the most interactive pet fish available.

TODO: Small/Medium/Large TODO: X-Y years
Otocinclus Catfish photo

Otocinclus Catfish

Otocinclus Catfish are tiny, peaceful algae-eating fish beloved by planted tank enthusiasts. These gentle bottom-dwellers work tirelessly to keep aquarium glass and plants clean, making them one of the best natural algae control solutions available.

TODO: Small/Medium/Large TODO: X-Y years
Paradise Fish photo

Paradise Fish

The Paradise Fish is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Pea Puffer photo

Pea Puffer

Pea Puffers, also known as Dwarf Puffers, are fascinating freshwater fish with enormous personalities packed into tiny bodies. These intelligent fish recognize their owners and display behaviors unlike any other aquarium fish.

Tiny (1 inch) 4-5 years
Peacock Cichlid photo

Peacock Cichlid

Peacock Cichlids are among the most colorful freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Native to Lake Malawi in Africa, these stunning cichlids display brilliant iridescent colors that rival saltwater fish, making them centerpiece fish for experienced aquarists.

Medium (4-6 inches) 6-10 years
Pearl Gourami photo

Pearl Gourami

Pearl Gouramis are elegant freshwater fish adorned with a stunning pattern of white pearl-like spots across their body. Peaceful, hardy, and beautifully iridescent, they make an excellent centerpiece fish for community aquariums of moderate size.

TODO: Small/Medium/Large TODO: X-Y years
Platy photo

Platy

Platies are small, peaceful livebearer fish known for their bright colors and active personalities. Available in red, orange, yellow, blue, and many other color varieties, they are perfect for community tanks.

Small (2-3 inches) 3-5 years
Pygmy Corydoras photo

Pygmy Corydoras

Pygmy Corydoras are adorable miniature catfish that bring personality and cleaning ability to nano aquariums. Unlike their larger Corydoras cousins, these tiny fish are mid-water swimmers that create charming schooling displays throughout the aquarium.

Nano (1 inch) 3-4 years
Rainbow Cichlid photo

Rainbow Cichlid

The Rainbow Cichlid is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Ram Cichlid photo

Ram Cichlid

Ram Cichlids are small, strikingly colorful freshwater fish known for their peaceful temperament and vivid blue, gold, and red coloration. Unlike many cichlids, they thrive in community tanks and are among the most beautiful dwarf cichlids available.

TODO: Small/Medium/Large TODO: X-Y years
Red Cherry Shrimp photo

Red Cherry Shrimp

The Red Cherry Shrimp is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Red Phantom Tetra photo

Red Phantom Tetra

The Red Phantom Tetra is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Rosy Barb photo

Rosy Barb

The Rosy Barb is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Royal Pleco photo

Royal Pleco

Royal Plecos are striking large catfish with intricate maze-like patterns on their bodies. These wood-eating nocturnal fish are prized for their stunning appearance and fascinating behavior of consuming driftwood as a primary food source.

Large (10-17 inches) 10-15 years
Rummy-Nose Rasbora photo

Rummy-Nose Rasbora

The Rummy-Nose Rasbora is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Rummy Nose Tetra photo

Rummy Nose Tetra

Rummy Nose Tetras are elegant schooling fish instantly recognizable by their bright red noses and striped tails. Their tight schooling behavior and sensitivity to water conditions make them both a beautiful display fish and a reliable water quality indicator.

TODO: Small/Medium/Large TODO: X-Y years
Scarlet Badis photo

Scarlet Badis

The Scarlet Badis is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Severum photo

Severum

The Severum is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Siamese Algae Eater photo

Siamese Algae Eater

Siamese Algae Eaters are peaceful fish renowned for their exceptional algae-eating abilities. These active bottom-dwellers provide invaluable service controlling algae while adding movement to aquariums.

Medium (6 inches) 8-10 years
Silver Dollar photo

Silver Dollar

The Silver Dollar is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
Sparkling Gourami photo

Sparkling Gourami

Sparkling Gouramis are tiny iridescent fish that literally sparkle under aquarium lighting. These unique labyrinth fish are known for producing audible croaking sounds and display stunning blue and red iridescent spots across their entire body.

Nano (1.5 inches) 4-5 years
Swordtail photo

Swordtail

Swordtails are vibrant, hardy freshwater fish named for the distinctive elongated lower tail fin found on males. Available in numerous color varieties, they are peaceful community fish that are easy to care for and breed, perfect for beginners.

TODO: Small/Medium/Large TODO: X-Y years
Threadfin Rainbowfish photo

Threadfin Rainbowfish

Threadfin Rainbowfish are exquisite nano fish known for their dramatic thread-like fin extensions and subtle iridescent coloring. Males display spectacular elongated fins during courtship creating one of the most elegant displays in the freshwater aquarium hobby.

Nano (1.5-2 inches) 3-5 years
Tiger Barb photo

Tiger Barb

Tiger Barbs are energetic, boldly striped freshwater fish that bring constant movement and visual interest to aquariums. Best kept in groups of six or more, these active schooling fish are hardy and entertaining, though they can be nippy with slow tankmates.

TODO: Small/Medium/Large TODO: X-Y years
White Cloud Gold photo

White Cloud Gold

The White Cloud Gold is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years
White Cloud Mountain Minnow photo

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are small, colorful fish native to mountain streams of China. These peaceful schooling fish are renowned for their exceptional hardiness and ability to thrive in unheated aquariums.

Tiny (1.5-2 inches) 3-5 years
Zebra Danio photo

Zebra Danio

Zebra Danios are small, striped fish known for their incredible energy and hardiness. These active swimmers are perfect for beginners and add constant motion and life to any aquarium.

Small (2 inches) 3-5 years
Zebra Pleco photo

Zebra Pleco

The Zebra Pleco is a popular aquarium species appreciated for its distinctive appearance and interesting behavior. Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, this species brings color and activity to freshwater community tanks while remaining manageable to care for.

Small to Medium 3-8 years