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 longirostris	Aspidoras 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 catfish	Aspidoras rochai			4 cm (1.6 in) maximum length[3]		21 - 25 degrees Celsius[3]	6.0-7.5[3]
Sixray corydoras, false corydoras	Aspidoras pauciradiatus			2.9 cm (1.1 in)[4]		73–82 °F (23–28 °C)	6.0-7.2[4]
Britski's catfish	Brochis britskii			8.9 cm (3.5 in)	Brochis is often synonymized with Corydoras.
Emerald catfish	Brochis splendens			10 cm (3.9 in)	Brochis is often synonymized with Corydoras.	70–82 °F (21–28 °C)	5.8-8.0[5]
Hognosed brochis	Brochis multiradiatus			6.6 cm (2.6 in)	Brochis is often synonymized with Corydoras.
Cascarudo	Callichthys callichthys			20 cm (7.9 in)
Adolfo's catfish/corydoras	Corydoras adolfoi			5.7 cm (2.2 in)		72–79 °F (22–26 °C)	6.0-7.0
Banded corydoras	Scleromystax barbatus			10 cm (3.9 in)
Masked corydoras, bandit corydoras	Corydoras metae			4.8 cm (1.9 in)		72–79 °F (22–26 °C)	6.0-7.0
Barred-tail corydoras	Corydoras cochui			2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Blackstripe corydoras	Corydoras bondi			4.7 cm (1.9 in)
Blacktop corydoras	Corydoras acutus			4.4 cm (1.7 in)
Blue corydoras	Corydoras nattereri			5.4 cm (2.1 in)
Bluespotted corydoras	Corydoras melanistius			5.1 cm (2.0 in)
Bronze corydoras, Emerald green cory	Corydoras 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)
Caracha	Corydoras atropersonatus			4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Ehrhardt's corydoras	Corydoras ehrhardti			4.1 cm (1.6 in)
Evelyn's cory	Corydoras evelynae			4 cm (1.6 in)
	Corydoras geoffroy			7 cm (2.8 in)
	Corydoras latus			5.2 cm (2.0 in)
Loxozonus cory	Corydoras loxozonus			4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Corydoras nain	Corydoras nanus			4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Long nosed arched cory	Corydoras narcissus			6.5 cm (2.6 in)
	Corydoras ornatus			4.9 cm (1.9 in)
	Corydoras osteocarus			4 cm (1.6 in)
	Corydoras polystictus			3.2 cm (1.3 in)
	Scleromystax prionotos			5.3 cm (2.1 in)
	Corydoras semiaquilus			6.0 cm (2.4 in)
	Corydoras septentrionalis			4.9 cm (1.9 in)
	Corydoras simulatus			4.9 cm (1.9 in)
	Corydoras undulatus			4.4 cm (1.7 in)
Dwarf corydoras	Corydoras hastatus			3.5 cm (1.4 in)
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)
Gold laser cory	Corydoras melanotaenia			5.8 cm (2.3 in)
Guapore corydoras	Corydoras guapore			4.1 cm (1.6 in)
Mosaic corydoras, reticulated corydoras	Corydoras haraldschultzi			5.9 cm (2.3 in)[6]
Mosaic corydoras, reticulated corydoras	Corydoras reticulatus			5.1–6.1 cm (2.0–2.4 in)
Panda corydoras	Corydoras panda			3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in)			6.0-8.0[7]
Pastaza corydoras	Corydoras pastazensis			6.4–7.1 cm (2.5–2.8 in)
Peppered corydoras, salt and pepper catfish	Corydoras paleatus			5.1–7.6 cm (2.0–3.0 in)
Pink corydoras	Corydoras axelrodi			4–5 cm (1.5–2 in)
Pygmy corydoras	Corydoras pygmaeus			2.5–3.3 cm (0.98–1.30 in)
Sailfin corydoras	Scleromystax macropterus
Salt and pepper catfish/corydoras	Corydoras habrosus			2.5–3.6 cm (0.98–1.42 in)
Schwartz's catfish	Corydoras schwartzi			3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in)
Spotted corydoras, longnose corydoras	Corydoras ambiacus			5.1–6.1 cm (2.0–2.4 in)
Sterba's corydoras	Corydoras sterbai			6.8 cm (2.7 in)[8]
Sychr's catfish	Corydoras sychri
Tailspot corydoras	Corydoras caudimaculatus			4–5 cm (1.5–2 in)
Threestripe corydoras, leopard catfish, false julii cory	Corydoras trilineatus			6.1 cm (2.4 in)[9]
Xingu corydoras	Corydoras xinguensis			3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in)
Julii corydoras	Corydoras julii			5.1–6.4 cm (2.0–2.5 in)
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 pleco	Ancistrus 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 pleco	Baryancistrus spp.			Many species of this fish exist, but are not yet officially identified; the three common aquarium species are known as L-018, L-081, and L-177.	77-86 F (25-30 C)	|
Whiptail catfish	Rineloricaria spp.			20 species
Twig catfish	Farlowella spp.			at least 20 species
Panaque	Panaque spp.			Several species of panaque are popular aquarium fish.
Pineapple pleco, orange cheek pleco	Pseudorinelepis spp.			four species
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish, Amazon sailfin catfish	Pterygoplichthys pardalis		16 cm (6.3 in)	One of the several fish sold under this name; there is also an albino variation.
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish	Hypostomus punctatus			One of the several fish sold under this name.
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish	Hypostomus plecostomus		50 cm (20 in)	One of the several fish sold under this name.
Leopard sailfin pleco, clown sailfin pleco	Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps			Other related fish also share this common name.
Zebra pleco, L-046	Hypancistrus zebra		3-5 in	One of the most popular Hypancistrus species.
Sailfin catfish	Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus
Golden dwarf sucker, golden oto	Macrotocinclus affinis		5 cm (2 in)	A peaceful algae eater. Keep in groups of 3 or more. 6+ being the preferred size.
Zebra dwarf sucker, zebra oto	Otocinclus cocama

Long-whiskered catfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Bolt catfish	Aguarunichthys torosus		35 cm (14 in)
Gold Zebra catfish	Brachyplatystoma juruense		60 cm (24 in)
Zebra shovelnose	Brachyplatystoma tigrinum		60 cm (24 in)
Vulture Catfish, zamurito	Calophysus macropterus		40 cm (16 in)
	Leiarius marmoratus		100 cm (39 in)
	Leiarius pictus		60 cm (24 in)
Redtail catfish	Phractocephalus hemioliopterus		120 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 catfish	Pimelodus pictus		30 cm (12 in)	These catfish are very appealing when small, but may grow somewhat large. Their mouths look small, but may eat smaller fish, as they can open their mouths very wide.
Ornate Pimelodus	Pimelodus ornatus		38.5 cm (1.26 ft)
Sturgeon catfish	Platystomatichthys sturio		40 cm (1.3 ft)
Barred sorubim	Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum		104 cm (3.41 ft)	Easy to confuse with P. tigrinum.
Tiger sorubim	Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum		130 cm (4.3 ft)	This fish is easy to confuse with P. fasciatum.
Firewood catfish, (planiceps) shovelnose catfish	Sorubimichthys planiceps		178 cm (70 in)	The largest of the shovelnoses, this catfish grows huge and will need a 450 US gallons (1,700 L) min when mature.
Lima shovelnose catfish	Sorubium lima		90 cm (3.0 ft)	Although they are smaller than the tiger shovelnose, these catfish are extremely aggressive and extremely fast.

Squeakers and upside-down catfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Cuckoo squeaker	Synodontis multipunctatus		27.5 cm (10.8 in)
Decorated squeaker	Synodontis decorus
Even-Spotted squeaker	Synodontis petricola		10 cm (3.9 in)
Featherfin squeaker	Synodontis eupterus
Lake Malawi syno	Synodontis njassae
Polka dot syno	Synodontis angelicus
Common syno, false upside-down catfish	Synodontis nigrita
Upside-down catfish	Synodontis nigriventris		9.6 cm (3.8 in)	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 catfish	Pareutropius buffei		11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Giraffe catfish	Auchenoglanis occidentalis		70 cm (28 in)
Electric catfish	Malapterurus electricus		122 cm (48 in)
Black lancer catfish	Bagrichthys macracanthus		25 cm (9.8 in)
Harlequin lancer catfish	Bagroides melapterus		30 cm (12 in)
Crystal-eyed catfish	Hemibagrus wyckii		71 cm (28 in)	highly aggressive and must be kept alone
Asian redtail catfish	Hemibagrus wyckioides		130 cm (51 in)	highly aggressive and must be kept alone
Shadow catfish	Hyalobagrus flavus		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
	Mystus bimaculatus		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Dwarf bumblebee catfish	Pseudomystus leiacanthus		6 cm (2.4 in)
Asian bumblebee catfish	Pseudomystus siamensis		15 cm (5.9 in)
Dinema catfish	Belodontichthys dinema		100 cm (39 in).
Glass catfish	Kryptopterus vitreolus		8 cm (3.1 in).	Needs to be kept in a group of five or more. Needs generous amounts of plants.
Striped glass catfish	Kryptopterus macrocephalus		10 cm (3.9 in).	Needs to be kept in a group of five or more. Needs generous amounts of plants.
Borneo glass catfish	Ompok eugeneiatus		16.5 cm (6.5 in).
Striped wallago catfish	Wallago leerii		150 cm (59 in).
Chocolate frogmouth catfish	Chaca bankanensis		20 cm (7.9 in)
Asian banjo catfish	Acrochordonichthys rugosus		11 cm (4.3 in)
Walking catfish	Clarias batrachus		50 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 catfish	Heteropneustes fossilis		30 cm (12 in)
Sun catfish	Horabagrus brachysoma		45 cm (18 in)
Iridescent shark	Pangasianodon hypophthalmus		130 cm (51 in)	Albino form is common in the aquarium trade, needs a large aquarium
Chao Phraya giant shark, giant pangasius	Pangasius sanitwongsei		300 cm (120 in)
Colombian shark catfish	Ariopsis seemanni		35 cm (14 in)
Blue whale catfish	Cetopsis coecutiens		27 cm (11 in)
Banjo catfish	Bunocephalus coracoideus		14 cm (5.5 in)
Striped raphael catfish	Platydoras armatulus		43 cm (17 in)
Spotted raphael catfish	Agamyxis pectinifrons		15 cm (5.9 in)	This species mainly feeds on algae. It needs a cave, and will feed when the aquarium light is out.
Bottlenose catfish	Ageneiosus marmoratus		18.5 cm (7.3 in)
Gulper catfish	Asterophysus batrachus		25 cm (9.8 in)
Midnight catfish	Auchenipterichthys coracoideus		10 cm (3.9 in)
Oil catfish	Centromochlus perugiae		5 cm (2.0 in)
Jaguar catfish	Liosomadoras oncinus		17 cm (6.7 in)
Pygmy driftwood catfish	Trachelyichthys exilis		8 cm (3.1 in)
	Trachelyopterus fisheri		28 cm (11 in)

Characins and other characiformes

Tetras

Common name	Taxonomy	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Black phantom tetra	Hyphessobrycon megalopterus		3.6 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 tetra	Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi		3.2 cm (1.3 in)[13]	This fish is similar to the neon tetra other than coloration.
Black tetra, skirt tetra	Gymnocorymbus ternetzi		5 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 tetra	Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma		6.5 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 tetra	Aphyocharax anisitsi		5 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 tetra	Knodus borki		5 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 tetra	Exodon paradoxus		5 cm (2.0 in)	Exodon paradoxus will eat smaller fish and harass larger fish, lepidophage (scale eater).
Buenos Aires tetra	Hyphessobrycon anisitsi		7.5 cm (3.0 in)	Hyphessobrycon anisitsi has some reputation as a "fin nipper" but this trend may vary among individual fish.
Cardinal tetra	Paracheirodon axelrodi		5 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 tetra	Astyanax mexicanus		12 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 tetra	Moenkhausia pittieri		6 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 tetra	Hyphessobrycon amandae		2 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 tetra	Nematobrycon palmeri		5 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 tetra	Hyphessobrycon flammeus		2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Garnet tetra, pretty tetra	Hemigrammus pulcher		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Glass bloodfin tetra	Prionobrama filigera		6 cm (2.4 in)
Glowlight tetra	Hemigrammus erythrozonus		3.75 cm (1.48 in)	Generally hardy and peaceful; considered a standard choice for less experienced aquarists.
Golden pristella tetra	Pristella maxillaris		5 cm (2.0 in)
Green neon tetra	Paracheirodon simulans		2.5 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 tetra	Hemigrammus ocellifer		4 cm (1.6 in)
January tetra	Hemigrammus hyanuary		4 cm (1.6 in)
Lemon tetra	Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis		5 cm (2.0 in)	Very likely to jump out of the tank unless there are some floating aquatic plants
Neon tetra	Paracheirodon innesi		3.75 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 tetra	Hyphessobrycon bentosi		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Penguin tetra, blackline penguinfish	Thayeria boehlkei		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Red Eye tetra	Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae		4 cm (1.6 in)
Red phantom tetra	Hyphessobrycon sweglesi		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Rosy tetra	Hyphessobrycon rosaceus		4 cm (1.6 in)
Royal tetra	Inpaichthys kerri		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Rummy-nose tetra	Hemigrammus rhodostomus		5 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 tetra	Copella arnoldi		5.5 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 tetra	Hyphessobrycon serpae		4.5 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 tetra	Hasemania nana		3 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 tetra	Pristella maxillaris		4.5 cm (1.8 in)	Also just called the X-ray fish.
Congo tetra	Phenacogrammus interruptus		7.5 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 tetra	Ladigesia roloffi		3 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 tetra	Brycinus longipinnis		12.5 cm (4.9 in)
Niger tetra	Arnoldichthys spilopterus		10 cm (3.9 in)
Yellow-tailed Congo tetra	Alestopetersius caudalis		6 cm (2.4 in)

Hatchetfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Common hatchetfish	Gasteropelecus sternicla		4 cm (1.6 in)
Marbled hatchetfish	Carnegiella strigata		5 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 hatchetfish	Carnegiella marthae		4 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 pencilfish	Nannostomus beckfordi		6 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 pencilfish	Nannostomus eques		3.5 cm (1.4 in)	Naturally swims and rests at a 45-degree angle.
Barred pencilfish	Nannostomus espei		3 cm (1.2 in)	Other pencilfish adopt this barred pattern while inactive at night; only N. espei has it at all times.
Dwarf pencilfish	Nannostomus marginatus		2.5 cm (0.98 in)	Less aggressive with members of its own species than most pencilfish; males rarely spar.
Coral-red pencilfish	Nannostomus mortenthaleri		3 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 nigrotaeniatus		3 cm (1.2 in)
Three-lined pencilfish	Nannostomus trifasciatus		3 cm (1.2 in)	Males defend small territories. Otherwise a peaceful species.
One-lined Pencilfish	Nannostomus 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 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)	The red-bellied pacu is a close relative of the piranhas, but without the sharp teeth and the aggression. However, care should be taken if interacting physically with the pacu, as their powerful jaws can crush human bone. The pacu is a peaceful fish that requires at least a 750-liter (200-gallon) tank when fully mature. It is omnivorous and can be put with large cichlids, but avoid smaller fish. Despite their similar appearance to piranhas, the pacu is not suited to eat meat very well, as their natural diets of nuts suggest. This fish can grow to 1.2 m (3.9 ft), so need a very large tank (750 l or 200 gal minimum). This fish grows very fast, and can grow as much as one foot in the first year.	78–82 °F (26–28 °C)
Red piranha	Pygocentrus nattereri		33 cm (13 in)	Be very careful when conducting maintenance on their aquarium and hide any wires because they may chew through the waterproof coverings.
Disk tetra	Myleus schomburgkii		40 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 characin	Hepsetus odoe
Goliath tigerfish	Hydrocynus goliath		133 cm (52 in)
Hujeta gar	Ctenolucius hujeta		25 cm (9.8 in)
Kissing prochilodus, flagtail Prochilodus	Semaprochilodus insignis		27.5 cm (10.8 in)
Marbled headstander	Abramites hypselonotus		14 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 leporinus	Leporinus fasciatus		27 cm (11 in)
Striped headstander	Anostomus anostomus		16 cm (6.3 in)
Six-banded distichodus	Distichodus sexfasciatus		75 cm (30 in)
Payara	Hydrolycus scomberoides		117 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 chalceus	Chalceus macrolepidotus		25 cm (9.8 in)
Red wolf fish	Erythrinus erythrinus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Red tail barracuda	Acestrorhynchus falcatus		30 cm (12 in)
Spotted headstander	Chilodus punctatus		8 cm (3.1 in)

Cichlids

Lake Malawi cichlids

Common name	Taxonomy	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Sunshine peacock cichlid	Aulonocara baenschi		15 cm (5.9 in)	Beautiful coloration on males
Pale usisya aulonocara	Aulonocara steveni
Red fin hap	Copadichromis borleyi
Eureka red peacock	Aulonocara jacobfreibergi		15 cm (5.9 in)	Beautiful coloration on males
Spilo	Champsochromis spilorhynchus		40 cm (16 in)
Blue dolphin cichlid, lumphead cichlid	Cyrtocara moorii		25 cm (9.8 in)
Afra cichlid, dogtooth cichild	Cynotilapia afra		10 cm (3.9 in)
Rusty cichlid, lavender cichild	Iodotropheus sprengerae		10 cm (3.9 in)
Fuelleborn's cichlid, Blue mbuna	Labeotropheus fuelleborni		18 cm (7.1 in)
Electric yellow cichlid	Labidochromis caeruleus		20 cm (7.9 in)	Very active fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories, less aggressive than other mbuna
Electric blue cichlid	Sciaenochromis fryeri
Malawi eyebiter	Dimidiochromis compressiceps
Hongi, Red-top kimpumpa	Labidochromis sp. "Hongi"		13 cm (5.1 in)
Yellow Top Mbamba	Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba Bay"		13 cm (5.1 in)
Auratus cichlid, Malawi golden cichlid	Melanochromis auratus		10 cm (3.9 in)	Aggressive
Chipokee cichlid	Melanochromis chipokae		12 cm (4.7 in)	Aggressive
Blue johanni cichlid, Maingano	Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos		10 cm (3.9 in)	Very active fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories. Aggressive
Pearl of Likoma	Melanochromis joanjohnsonae		10 cm (3.9 in)
Aurora	Melanochromis aurora		10 cm (3.9 in)
Red zebra cichlid	Metriaclima estherae		10 cm (3.9 in)	Very active fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories
Cobalt blue cichlid, cobalt zebra cichlid	Maylandia callainos		10 cm (3.9 in)	Very active fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories
Kenyi cichlid	Maylandia lombardoi		13 cm (5.1 in)	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)	'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)
Yellow-tail acei	Pseudotropheus acei		10 cm (3.9 in)
Johanni cichlid	Pseudotropheus johannii		10 cm (3.9 in)	Aggressive
Dwarf Mbuna	Pseudotropheus demasoni		10 cm (3.9 in)
Saulosi	Pseudotropheus saulosi		7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Malawi barracuda	Rhampsochromis cf. macrophthalmus		23 cm (9.1 in)
	Tyrannochromis macrostoma		38 cm (15 in)

Lake Tanganyika cichlids

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
	Benthochromis tricoti
	Boulengerochromis microlepis		90 cm (35 in)	The largest cichlid
Frontosa cichild	Cyphotilapia frontosa		40 cm (16 in)	Aggressive; well-known
	Cyathopharynx furcifer			Not readily available in the aquarium trade.
	Variabilichromis moorii
Frontosa cichild	Cyphotilapia gibberosa		40 cm (16 in)	The frontosa have recently been broken up into three separate species. The gibberosa come from the southern part of the Lake
Frontosa cichild	Cyphotilapia sp. "North"		40 cm (16 in)	This yet to be officially named species is intermediate in scale count between gibberosa and frontosa.
Julie cichlid	Julidochromis dickfeldi			Beautiful; interesting
Masked Julie	Julidochromis marlieri		15 cm (5.9 in) fem / 10 cm (3.9 in) male	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)	Striking coloration
Herring cichlid, sardine cichlid	Cyprichromis leptosoma
	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. One of the best choices for first-time cichlid keepers and smaller aquaria.
	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)	Often recommended for first-time cichlid keepers. Needs somewhat more space than N. multifasciatus
Lemon cichlid	Neolamprologus leleupi		11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Featherfin	Ophthalmotilapia ventralis		15 cm (5.9 in)
	Petrochromis trewavasae		20 cm (7.9 in)	Aggressive
	Simochromis pleurospilus		10 cm (3.9 in)
	Tropheus duboisi		13 cm (5.1 in)	Males very aggressive; juveniles distinctively colored
	Tropheus moorii		14 cm (5.5 in)
	Tropheus polli		14 cm (5.5 in)

Lake Victoria cichlids

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
	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)
Allauad's haplo	Astatoreochromis alluaudi
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	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
African butterfly cichlid	Anomalochromis thomasi
Jewel cichlid, two-spotted jewel cichlid	Hemichromis bimaculatus		4-5 inch	other hemichromis species are sometimes sold under the same name
Lionhead cichlid	Steatocranus casuarius
Lifalili jewel cichlid, blood-red jewel cichlid	Hemichromis lifalili
Kribensis, krib	Pelvicachromis pulcher			Readily 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 Mouthbrooder	Chromidotilapia guentheri

Dwarf cichlids (apistogrammas, rams and others)

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid	Apistogramma agassizii
Zebra acara	Nannacara adoketa			This 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 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)
Checkerboard Cichlid	Dicrossus filamentosus
Blue ram, German ram	Mikrogeophagus ramirezi			Fairly common. Sensitive to water quality. Several color morphs available. Has been highly inbred in the aquarium trade and often shows poor hardiness.
Bolivian ram	Mikrogeophagus altispinosa
Dwarf flag cichlid	Laetacara curviceps

Central American cichlids

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Midas cichild, red devil cichlid	Amphilophus citrinellus			Note that Amphilophus labiatus is also called red devil cichlid
Poor man's tropheus	Hypsophrys nematopus
Red devil cichlid	Amphilophus labiatus			Note that Amphilophus citrinellus is also called red devil cichlid
Firemouth cichlid	Cichlasoma meeki			Typically medium aggression; easily bred
Jack Dempsey cichlid	Rocio octofasciata
Jaguar cichlid, managuense cichlid	Parachromis managuensis			Exceptionally beautiful adult coloration; large adult size
Mayan cichlid	Mayaheros urophthalmus
Convict cichlid	Archocentrus nigrofasciatus			Common, very easy to breed, aggressive. A beautiful fish with bad temper. Small variations in colors, can be found in almost completely black and white coloration - therefore the name "Convict"
T-bar cichlid	Amatitlania sajica	align="center"
Wolf cichlid	Parachromis dovii
Texas cichlid, Rio Grande cichlid	Herichthys cyanoguttatus			Large adult size

South American cichlids

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Severum	Heros efasciatus		Y	the gold variety is more common than the natural green one
Green terror	Andinoacara rivulatus			Fairly common
Blue acara	Andinoacara pulcher			H
Greenstreaked Eartheater, cupid cichlid	Biotodoma cupido
Keyhole cichlid	Cleithracara maronii
Flag cichlid	Mesonauta festivus
			15 cm (5.9 in)
Thread-finned acara	Acarichthys heckelii
	Pterophyllum leopoldi
Eartheater cichlid	Geophagus altifrons
Common discus, red discus	Symphysodon discus		20 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 discus	Symphysodon aequifasciatus		20 cm (7.9 in)	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

Other cichlids

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Canara pearlspot	Etroplus canarensis
Green chromide	Etroplus suratensis
Orange chromide	Etroplus maculatus
Pinstripe damba	Paretroplus 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 barb	Dawkinsia arulius		12 cm (4.7 in)
Bigspot barb, Duncker's barb	Barbodes dunckeri		13 cm (5.1 in)	Peaceful when small but should not be kept with other species at adulthood.
Black ruby barb	Pethia nigrofasciatus		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Cherry barb	Puntius titteya		4.8 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 barb	Enteromius callipterus		7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Clown barb	Barbodes everetti		15 cm (5.9 in)
Denison's barb, red line torpedo barb	Sahyadria denisonii		15 cm (5.9 in)	Sensitive to water quality.
Gold barb	Barbodes semifasciolatus		8 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 barb	Pethia gelius		5 cm (2.0 in)
Greenstripe barb	Puntius vittatus		5 cm (2.0 in)
Indian Glass Barb	Laubuka laubuca		6.7 cm (2.6 in)
Melon barb	Puntius fasciatus		15 cm (5.9 in)
Odessa barb	Puntius padamya		8 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 barb	Puntius terio		15 cm (5.9 in)
Panda barb	Puntius fasciatus		5 inches
Pool barb	Puntius sophore		18 cm (7.1 in)
Partipentazona barb	Puntigrus partipentazona		3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Rosy barb	Pethia conchonius		13 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 barb	Barbus brevipinnis		4.6 cm (1.8 in)
Snakeskin barb	Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus		3.5 inches
Spottedsail barb, dwarf barb	Pethia 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)	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-barb	Barbodes lateristriga		20 cm (7.9 in)
Fiveband barb, pentazona barb	Desmopuntius hexazona		5 cm (2.0 in)	this species may be confused with tiger barb due to similarities
Checker barb	Oliotius oligolepis		5 cm (2.0 in)
Tinfoil barb	Barbonymus schwanenfeldii		36 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 shark	Balantiocheilus melanopterus		40 cm (16 in)
Black shark	Labeo chrysophekadion		90 cm (35 in)
Siamese algae eater	Crossocheilus oblongus		16 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 kalopterus		16 cm (6.3 in)	this species may be sold as Siamese algae eater
Red-tailed black shark	Epalzeorhynchos bicolor		6 in	albino variation available. aggressive with fish of same species. best kept alone or in groups of 5 or more.
Rainbow shark	Epalzeorhynchos frenatum		6 in	albino variation available. aggressive with other fish of same species. best kept either alone, or in groups of 5 or more individuals.
Cambodian log sucker, false Siamese algae eater	Garra cambodgiensis			this species may be sold as Siamese algae eater
Chinese algae eater	Gyrinocheilus aymonieri			This 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 rasbora	Trigonostigma espei		5 cm (2.0 in)
Harlequin rasbora	Trigonostigma heteromorpha		5 cm (2.0 in)	Also known as Harlequin tetra or Harlequin barb.
Glowlight rasbora	Trigonostigma hengeli		5 cm (2.0 in)	5 cm (2.0 in)
Red-striped rasbora	Trigonopoma pauciperforata		7.5 cm (3.0 in)	Range: Sumatra	22–29 °C (72–84 °F)
Dwarf rasbora	Boraras maculatus		2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Eyespot rasbora	Brevibora dorsiocellata		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Brilliant rasbora	Rasbora einthovenii		9 cm (3.5 in)
Clown rasbora	Rasbora kalochroma		10 cm (3.9 in)
Scissortail rasbora	Rasbora trilineata		15 cm (5.9 in)
Volcano rasbora	Rasbora vulcanus		5 cm (2.0 in)
Blackline rasbora, red-tailed rasbora	Rasbora borapetensis

Danios and other danionins

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
	Sundadanio axelrodi		2 cm (0.79 in)
Pearl danio	Danio albolineatus		6.5 cm (2.6 in)	subspecies:blue-redstripe danio, Kedah danio
Bengal danio, Sind danio	Devario devario
Giant danio	Devario aequipinnatus
Malabar danio	Devario malabaricus		11.5–14 cm (4.5–5.5 in)
Queen danio	Devario regina
Spotted danio	Danio nigrofasciatus
Turquoise danio	Danio kerri
Zebra danio	Danio rerio		5 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
Goldfish	Carassius auratus		15+ 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 carp	Cyprinus carpio		30+ cm (12+ in)	the fancy variations of common carp are known as koi.
Bitterling	Rhodeus amarus		10 cm (4 in)
White Cloud Mountain minnow	Tanichthys albonubes		3.8 cm (1.5 in)	lutino variety can also be found in the aquarium trade
Red shiner	Cyprinella lutrensis		5–9 cm (2.0–3.5 in)
Common dace	Leuciscus leuciscus		40 cm (16 in)		39 to 72 °F (4 to 22 °C)	6.0 to 8.0
Rosy red minnow, fathead minnow	Pimephales promelas		5–7.5 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 shiner	Notropis chrosomus
European minnow	Phoxinus phoxinus
Southern redbelly dace	Phoxinus erythrogaster		7.5–10 cm (3.0–3.9 in)
Tench	Tinca tinca			A few color varieties have been made from the wild species, even some multicolored.
Golden orfe	Leuciscus idus
Chinese high fin banded shark	Myxocyprinus asiaticus		60 cm (24 in)

Loaches and related cypriniformes

Loaches

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Saddle-back Loach	Homaloptera orthogoniata		13 cm (5.1 in)
Fork-tailed loach	Vaillantella maassi		12.5 cm (4.9 in)	Rarely sold and not bred in captivity.
Horseface loach	Acantopsis dialuzona		20 cm (7.9 in)	May bury itself; keep on sand substrate.
	Pangio anguillaris		12 cm (4.7 in)
Kuhli loach, coolie loach	Pangio kuhlii		10 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 loach	Pangio oblonga		8 cm (3.1 in)
Clown loach	Chromobotia macracanthus		20 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 loach	Syncrossus hymenophysa		21 cm (8.3 in)
Banded tiger loach	Syncrossus helodes		30 cm (12 in)
Redfin tiger loach	Syncrossus berdmorei		15 cm (5.9 in)
Dwarf botia	Ambastaia sidthimunki		5.5 cm (2.2 in)	formerly named Botia sidthimunki. An active and peaceful social species (keep in groups) that often swims in mid-water.
Yoyo loach	Botia almorhae		15 cm (5.9 in)
Bengal loach	Botia dario		15 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 histrionica		12 cm (4.7 in)
Polka-Dot Loach	Botia kubotai		12 cm (4.7 in)
Gangetic loach	Botia rostrata		25 cm (9.8 in)
Zebra loach	Botia striata		9 cm (3.5 in)
Redtail loach	Yasuhikotakia modesta		25 cm (9.8 in)
Skunk loach	Yasuhikotakia morleti		10 cm (3.9 in)	formerly named Botia morleti
	Yasuhikotakia splendida		10 cm (3.9 in)
Borneo hillstream loach	Gastromyzon 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 loach	Sewellia lineolata		6 cm (2.4 in)	Eats mainly algae. High oxygen level and water quality required in addition to a strong current
Butterfly hillstream loach	Beaufortia kweichowensis		8 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
Guppy	Poecilia reticulata		5 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 livebearer	Poecilia wingei		3.8 cm (1.5 in)	Several color varieties have been bred. Will crossbreed with P. reticulata and the wild type has become rare.
Black molly	Poecilia sphenops		5 cm (2.0 in)
Sailfin molly	Poecilia latipinna		5 cm (2.0 in)	Gold and silver varieties commonly found; also thrive in brackish water
Dalmatian molly	hybrid		5 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 Molly	Variety		5 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 platy	Xiphophorus maculatus			Many color varieties exist
Variable platy	Xiphophorus variatus			Sometimes 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 swordtail	Xiphophorus hellerii			Many color varieties exist

Other Livebearers, like Gambusia

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Largescale four-eyed fish	Anableps anableps
Pike topminnow	Belonesox belizanus
Cuban lima	Limia vittata
Knife livebearer	Alfaro cultratus
Least killifish	Heterandria formosa			Not as common as other livebearers in the aquarium trade. One of the smallest fish in the world.
Tanganyika killifish	Lamprichthys tanganicanus			Not actually a type of killifish but a livebearer.
Norman's lampeye	Poropanchax normani			Not actually a type of killifish but a livebearer.
Celebes halfbeak	Nomorhamphus liemi		8 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 halfbeak	Dermogenys pusilla		5 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 halfbeak	Hemirhamphodon pogonognathus		10 cm (3.9 in)

Killifish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Blue Lyretail	Fundulopanchax gardneri		5 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 Killifish	Epiplatys annulatus		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Bluefin Notho, Rachow's Notho, Rainbow Notho	Nothobranchius rachovii		6 cm (2.4 in)	Considered most beautiful freshwater fish by some killifish enthusiasts.
Striped panchax, Golden Wonder	Aplocheilus lineatus			Golden Wonder is the more yellowish variant.
American Flagfish	Jordanella floridae			Native to SE United States
Argentine Pearl	Austrolebias nigripinnis
Golden Toppminnow	Fundulus chrysotus
Northern Studfish	Fundulus catenatus
Red-seam Killifish	Aphyosemion calliurum
Arabian Killifish	Aphanius dispar

Labyrinth fish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Dwarf gourami	Trichogaster lalius		5 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 fish	Macropodus opercularis		7.5 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 gourami	Trichopsis pumila		3.8 cm (1.5 in)	Often confused with the croaking gourami. Does not compete well with larger fish. Hunts and eats small shrimp.
Moonlight gourami	Trichopodus microlepis		15 cm (5.9 in)
Snakeskin gourami	Trichopodus pectoralis		20 cm (7.9 in)
Siamese fighting fish (sometimes Betta, esp. US)	Betta splendens		7.5 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 combtail	Belontia hasselti		20 cm (7.9 in)
Slender betta	Betta bellica		9 cm (3.5 in)
	Betta burdigala		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Scarlet betta	Betta coccina		4 cm (1.6 in)
Crescent betta	Betta imbellis		6 cm (2.4 in)
	Betta miniopinna		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Toba betta	Betta rubra		4 cm (1.6 in)
	Betta simorum		9 cm (3.5 in)
Giant Pikehead	Luciocephalus pulcher		20 cm (7.9 in)
	Parosphromenus phoenicurus		3 cm (1.2 in)
Chocolate gourami	Sphaerichthys osphromenoides		7 cm (2.8 in)
Pearl gourami	Trichopodus leerii		11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Three spot gourami	Trichopodus trichopterus		10 cm (3.9 in)	Various color varieties each given a different name (blue gourami, gold gourami, and opaline gourami)
Croaking gourami	Trichopsis vittata		6.5 cm (2.6 in)	Often confused with the pygmy gourami, but larger. May hunt and eat aquarium shrimp.
Giant gourami	Osphronemus goramy		60 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 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
Climbing perch	Anabas testudineus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Leopard bush fish	Ctenopoma acutirostre		15 cm (5.9 in)
African leaffish	Polycentropsis abbreviata		8 cm (3.1 in)
Bornean leaffish	Nandus nebulosus		12 cm (4.7 in)
Malayan leaffish	Pristolepis fasciata		20 cm (7.9 in)

Snakehead

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Forest snakehead	Channa lucius		40 cm (16 in)
Dwarf snakehead	Channa gachua		20 cm (7.9 in)
Emperor snakehead	Channa marulioides		65 cm (26 in)
Giant snakehead	Channa micropeltes		130 cm (51 in)
Ocellated snakehead	Channa pleurophthalma		35 cm (14 in)
African snakehead	Parachanna obscura		50 cm (20 in)

Rainbowfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Red rainbowfish	Glossolepis incisus		9–13 cm (3.5–5.1 in)	Almost all rainbowfish species are bred in captivity and wild populations may be protected.
Lake Wanam rainbowfish	Glossolepis wanamensis		9 cm (3.5 in)
Threadfin rainbowfish	Iriatherina werneri		3–4 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 rainbowfish	Melanotaenia affinis		13 cm (5.1 in)
Western rainbowfish	Melanotaenia australis		11 cm (4.3 in)
Boeseman's rainbowfish	Melanotaenia boesemani		10–13 cm (3.9–5.1 in)
Duboulayi's rainbowfish	Melanotaenia duboulayi		13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in)	a.k.a. Crimson-Spotted rainbowfish
Australian rainbowfish	Melanotaenia fluviatilis		13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in)
Lake Tebera rainbowfish	Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi		9 cm (3.5 in)
Lake Kutubu rainbowfish	Melanotaenia lacustris		12 cm (4.7 in)
Lake Kurumoi rainbowfish	Melanotaenia parva		7.5–8 cm (3.0–3.1 in)	a.k.a. Flame rainbowfish
Neon rainbowfish	Melanotaenia praecox		6–7.5 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 rainbowfish	Melanotaenia splendida splendida		13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in)
Banded rainbowfish	Melanotaenia trifasciata		13 cm (5.1 in)
Celebes rainbow	Marosatherina ladigesi		8 cm (3.1 in)
Forktail blue-eye	Pseudomugil furcatus		4–5 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-eye	Pseudomugil gertrudae		3–4 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-eye	Pseudomugil signifer		3.5–7 cm (1.4–2.8 in)
Delicate blue-eye	Pseudomugil tenellus		4–5.5 cm (1.6–2.2 in)
Madagascar rainbowfish	Bedotia madagascariensis		7.5–8 cm (3.0–3.1 in)

Gobies and sleepers

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Empire gudgeon	Hypseleotris compressa		12 cm (4.7 in)	Omnivorous. Sexually dimorphic—males much larger and brighter-colored than females.
Purple sleeper gudgeon	Mogurnda mogurnda		20 cm (7.9 in)	Sometimes called purple sleeper goby. Not a true goby, a gudgeon. Requires a very large tank.
Peacock gudgeon	Tateurndina ocellicauda		7.5 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 goby	Mugilogobius sarasinorum
Bumblebee goby	Brachygobius doriae		4 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 goby	Stigmatogobius sadanundio		9 cm (3.5 in)
Rainbow stiphodon	Stiphodon ornatus		5 cm (2.0 in)
Cobalt blue goby	Stiphodon semoni	align="center"	align="center" |4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in)
	Sicyopus zosterophorus		4–4.5 cm (1.6–1.8 in)
Bearded worm goby	Taenioides cirratus		30 cm (12 in)
Marbled goby	Oxyeleotris marmorata		30–65 cm (12–26 in)
Crazy fish	Butis butis		15 cm (5.9 in)
	Rhinogobius duospilus
Dragon goby, Violet goby	Gobioides broussonnetii
Striped sleeper goby	Dormitator maculatus

Sunfish and relatives

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Pygmy sunfish	Elassomatidae		4 cm (1.6 in)	Suits smaller tanks. May only accept live or frozen foods.
Blackbanded sunfish	Enneacanthus chaetodon		10 cm (3.9 in)	Relatively peaceful, small sunfish.
Blue-spotted sunfish	Enneacanthus gloriosus		10 cm (3.9 in)	Relatively peaceful, small sunfish.
Redbreast sunfish	Lepomis auritus		30 cm (12 in)
Green sunfish	Lepomis cyanellus		25 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 sunfish	Lepomis humilis		15 cm (5.9 in)	Among the less aggressive of the sunfishes.
Pumpkinseed	Lepomis gibbosus		28 cm (11 in)	One of the more aggressive sunfishes. Good at preying on snails.
Warmouth	Lepomis gulosus		30 cm (12 in)
Bluegill	Lepomis macrochirus		41 cm (16 in)	Fairly aggressive, but prefers to live in shoals.
Dollar sunfish	Lepomis marginatus		12 cm (4.7 in)
Longear sunfish	Lepomis megalotis		24 cm (9.4 in)
Redear sunfish	Lepomis microlophus		40 cm (16 in)	Also known as shellcracker for its ability to prey on snails.
Redspotted sunfish	Lepomis miniatus		20 cm (7.9 in)	Formerly considered conspecific with the spotted sunfish.
Northern sunfish	Lepomis peltastes		13 cm (5.1 in)	Until recently considered conspecific with the longear sunfish.
Spotted sunfish	Lepomis punctatus		10 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 bichir	Polypterus senegalus		70.0 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 bichir	Polypterus ornatipinnis		60 cm (24 in) maximum length[18]		26–28 °C (79–82 °F)[18]	6.0–8.0
Retropinnis bichir	Polypterus retropinnis		34.0 cm (13.4 in)[19]		26–28 °C (79–82 °F)	6.5–7.5
Barred bichir	Polypterus delhezi		35 cm (14 in)	24–30 °C (75–86 °F)	6–8
Saddled bichir	Polypterus endlicheri		63 cm (25 in)[20]	22–27 °C (72–81 °F)	6–8
Reedfish	Erpetoichthys calabaricus		31.4 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]
Hingemouth	Phractolaemus ansorgii		25 cm (9.8 in)
Blunt-jawed elephantnose	Campylomormyrus tamandua		40 cm (16 in)
Peters' elephant nose	Gnathonemus petersii		22.5 cm (8.9 in)
African butterflyfish	Pantodon buchholzi		12 cm (4.7 in)
Aba aba	Gymnarchus niloticus		120 cm (47 in)
Reticulated knifefish	Papyrocranus afer		80 cm (31 in)
African brown knifefish	Xenomystus nigri		30 cm (12 in)
Clown knifefish	Chitala ornata
Asian arowana	Scleropages formosus		90 cm (35 in)
Silver arowana	Osteoglossum bicirrhosum		90 cm (35 in)
Freshwater pipefish	Doryichthys martensii		15 cm (5.9 in)
African freshwater pipefish	Enneacampus ansorgii		14 cm (5.5 in)
Fire eel	Mastacembelus erythrotaenia		100 cm (39 in)
Tire track eel	Mastacembelus armatus		90 cm (35 in)
Spotfinned spiny eel	Macrognathus siamensis		30 cm (12 in)
Half-banded spiny eel	Macrognathus circumcinctus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Lesser spiny eel	Macrognathus aculeatus		38 cm (15 in)
Freshwater sole	Brachirus panoides		20 cm (8 in)
Freshwater needlefish	Xenentodon cancila		35 cm (14 in)
Javanese ricefish	Oryzias javanicus		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Daisy's Ricefish	Oryzias woworae		3 cm (1.2 in)
Indian glassy fish	Parambassis ranga		8 cm (3.1 in)
Amazon leaffish	Monocirrhus polyacanthus		8 cm (3.1 in)
	Gymnochanda filamentosa		3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Indonesian tigerfish	Datnioides microlepis		45 cm (18 in)
Silver tigerfish	Datnioides polota		30 cm (12 in)
Banded archerfish	Toxotes jaculatrix		30 cm (12 in)
Spotted scat	Scatophagus argus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Green spotted puffer	Dichotomyctere nigroviridis		15 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 Puffer	Pao palembangensis		20 cm (7.9 in)
Red-tail dwarf puffer	Carinotetraodon irrubesco		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Golden puffer	Auriglobus modestus		10 cm (3.9 in)
Figure 8 pufferfish	Tetraodon biocellatus		6 cm (2.4 in)	often sold as freshwater fish, but this species prefers brackish water
Dwarf pufferfish	Carinotetraodon travancoricus		2.9 cm (1.1 in)
Fahaka puffer	Tetraodon lineatus		1-foot 5 inches
Giant freshwater pufferfish	Tetraodon mbu		75 cm (30 in)	This fish also occurs in estuaries.
Congo pufferfish	Tetraodon miurus		15 cm (5.9 in)
Amazon puffer	Colomesus asellus
West African lungfish	Protopterus annectens		100 cm (39 in)
Spotted lungfish	Protopterus dolloi		130 cm (51 in)
South American lungfish	Lepidosiren paradoxa		125 cm (49 in)
Ocellate river stingray	Potamotrygon motoro
Black devil stingray	Potamotrygon leopoldi
Black ghost knifefish	Apteronotus albifrons		20 in	Not 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 knifefish	Apteronotus leptorhynchus			Very hard to feed it anything but live food
Electric eel	Electrophorus electricus			Despite the name, this is not an "eel" but rather a huge knifefish; illegal to possess in some areas; dangerous; very large adult size
Glass knifefish	Eigenmannia virescens
Sterlet	Acipenser ruthenus
Shovelnose Sturgeon	Scaphirhynchus platorynchus
Spotted Gar	Lepisosteus oculatus		70 cm (27.5 in)
Longnose Gar	Lepisosteus osseus
Florida Gar	Lepisosteus platyrhincus		70 cm (27.5 in)
Alligator Gar	Atractosteus spatula		300 cm (118 in)
Cuban Gar	Atractosteus tristoechus		200 cm (78.5 in)
Tropical Gar	Atractosteus tropicus		150 cm (59 in)
Freshwater blenny	Salaria fluviatilis
Pickerel	Esox americanus
Brook stickleback	Culaea inconstans
European Perch	Perca fluviatilis
Banded darter	Etheostoma zonale
Gilt darter	Percina evides
Orangethroat darter	Etheostoma spectabile
Rainbow darter	Etheostoma caeruleum
Splendid darter	Etheostoma barrenense

See also

• List of aquarium fish by scientific name
• List of brackish aquarium fish species
• List of fish common names
• List of freshwater aquarium amphibian species
• List of freshwater aquarium invertebrate species
• List of freshwater aquarium plant species
• List of marine aquarium fish species
• List of marine aquarium invertebrate species
• The Aquarium Wiki Encyclopaedia List of Freshwater aquarium fish

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.