| Common name |
Taxonomy |
Picture |
Size |
Tank Type |
Care Level |
Remarks |
| Armored catfish including Aspidoras, Brochis, Callichthys, and Corydoras |
| 棕点盾皮鮠 |
Aspidoras fuscoguttatus |
|
3.8 centimetres (1.5 in) |
|
|
|
| Paranankaitamonninen |
Aspidoras lakoi |
|
4 centimetres (1.6 in) |
|
|
|
| Schmerlenpanzerwels |
Aspidoras rochai |
|
4 centimetres (1.6 in) |
|
|
|
| Sixray corydoras, false corydoras |
Aspidoras pauciradiatus |
|
2.9 centimetres (1.1 in) |
|
|
|
| Britski's catfish |
Corydoras britskii |
|
8.9 centimetres (3.5 in) |
|
|
|
| Emerald catfish |
Corydoras splendens |
|
10 centimetres (3.9 in) |
|
|
Green spots on the gills are normal and do not indicate disease. |
| Hognosed brochis |
Corydoras multiradiatus |
|
6.6 centimetres (2.6 in) |
|
|
|
| Cascarudo |
Callichthys callichthys |
|
20 centimetres (7.9 in) |
|
|
|
| Adolfo's catfish |
Corydoras adolfoi |
|
5.7 centimetres (2.2 in) |
|
|
|
| Banded corydoras |
Scleromystax barbatus |
 |
10 centimetres (3.9 in) |
|
|
|
| Masked corydoras |
Corydoras metae |
|
4.8 centimetres (1.9 in) |
|
|
|
| Barredtail corydoras |
Corydoras cochui |
|
2.5 centimetres (0.98 in) |
|
|
|
| Blackstripe corydoras |
Corydoras bondi |
|
4.7 centimetres (1.9 in) |
|
|
|
| Blacktop corydoras |
Corydoras acutus |
|
4.4 centimetres (1.7 in) |
|
|
|
| Blue corydoras |
Corydoras nattereri |
|
5.4 centimetres (2.1 in) |
|
|
|
| Bluespotted corydoras |
Corydoras melanistius |
|
5.1 centimetres (2.0 in) |
|
|
|
| Bronze corydoras |
Corydoras aeneus |
 |
6.35 centimetres (2.50 in) |
|
|
The albino strain is common |
| Caracha |
Corydoras atropersonatus |
|
4.5 centimetres (1.8 in) |
|
|
|
| Hohtolaikkumonninen |
Corydoras ehrhardti |
|
4.1 centimetres (1.6 in) |
|
|
|
| Ruutuselkämonninen |
Corydoras evelynae |
|
4 centimetres (1.6 in) |
|
|
|
| Sukamonninen |
Corydoras geoffroy |
|
7 centimetres (2.8 in) |
|
|
|
| Hellgrüner Panzerwels |
Corydoras latus |
|
5.2 centimetres (2.0 in) |
|
|
|
| Deckers Panzerwels |
Corydoras loxozonus |
|
4.9 centimetres (1.9 in) |
|
|
|
| Corydoras nain |
Corydoras nanus |
|
4.5 centimetres (1.8 in) |
|
|
|
| Narziß-Panzerwels |
Corydoras narcissus |
|
6.5 centimetres (2.6 in) |
|
|
|
| Schmuckpanzerwels |
Corydoras ornatus |
|
4.9 centimetres (1.9 in) |
|
|
|
| Sirrimonninen |
Corydoras osteocarus |
|
4 centimetres (1.6 in) |
|
|
|
| Savannenpanzerwels |
Corydoras polystictus |
|
3.2 centimetres (1.3 in) |
|
|
|
| 鋸背兵鯰 |
Corydoras prionotos |
|
5.3 centimetres (2.1 in) |
|
|
|
| Flügelpanzerwels |
Corydoras semiaquilus |
 |
6.0 centimetres (2.4 in) |
|
|
|
| Siebenfleck-Panzerwels |
Corydoras septentrionalis |
|
4.9 centimetres (1.9 in) |
|
|
|
| Schlichter Schwarzrücken-Panzerwels |
Corydoras simulatus |
|
4.9 centimetres (1.9 in) |
|
|
|
| Gewellter Panzerwels |
Corydoras undulatus |
|
4.4 centimetres (1.7 in) |
|
|
|
| Dwarf corydoras |
Corydoras hastatus |
|
3.5 centimetres (1.4 in) |
|
|
|
| Elegant corydoras |
Corydoras elegans |
 |
5.1 centimetres (2.0 in) |
|
|
|
| False network catfish |
Corydoras sodalis |
|
4.9 centimetres (1.9 in) |
|
|
|
| False spotted catfish |
Corydoras leucomelas |
 |
4.5 centimetres (1.8 in) |
|
|
|
| Green gold catfish |
Corydoras melanotaenia |
|
5.8 centimetres (2.3 in) |
|
|
|
| Guapore corydoras |
Corydoras guapore |
|
4.1 centimetres (1.6 in) |
|
|
|
| Masked corydoras, bandit corydoras |
Corydoras metae |
|
5 |
|
|
|
| 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) |
| 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 |
 |
|
|
|
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 |
Otocinclus affinis |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Zebra dwarf sucker, zebra oto |
Otocinclus cocama |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Airbreathing catfish |
| Walking catfish |
Clarias batrachus |
 |
|
|
|
albino form is common in the aquarium trade |
| Banjo catfish |
| Banjo catfish |
Bunocephalus coracoideus |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Talking catfish |
| Striped Raphael |
Platydoras costatus |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Spotted Raphael |
Agamyxis pectinifrons |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Squeakers and upside-down catfish |
| 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 (4") |
Community |
|
Prefers bottom feeding of Tubifex but main diet is algae. |
| Shark catfish |
| Iridescent shark |
Pangasius hypophthalmus |
 |
|
Community |
|
albino form is common in the aquarium trade |
| Chao Phraya giant shark, Giant pangasius |
Pangasius sanitwongsei |
|
|
|
|
dwarf "balloon" form is available in the aquarium trade |
| Sea catfish |
| Colombian shark catfish |
Arius seemanni |
|
|
|
|
|
| Berney's shark catfish |
Arius berneyi |
|
|
|
|
|
| Australian shark catfish |
Arius graeffei |
|
|
|
|
|
| Sheatfish |
| Glass catfish |
Kryptopterus bicirrhis |
 |
10-12 (4-5"), 15 (6") in the wild. |
|
|
Needs to be kept in a group of 5 or more. |
| Two spot glass catfish |
Ompok bimaculatus |
|
45 (18") |
|
|
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 |
| Crystal eyed catfish |
Hemibagrus wyckii |
|
71 (28") |
|
|
This fish is highly aggressive and must be kept alone. |
| Asian redtail catfish |
Hemibagrus wyckioides |
|
130 (50") |
|
|
This fish is highly aggressive and must be kept alone. |
|
Horabagrus brachysoma |
|
45 (18") |
|
|
|
| Long-whiskered catfish |
|
Leiarius marmoratus |
|
100 (39") |
|
|
|
|
Leiarius pictus |
|
60 (24") |
|
|
|
| Redtail catfish |
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus |
 |
120 (4') |
|
|
this fish grows really large and will need a 300 gallon Min. when mature. |
| Spotted pimelodus, pictus, Pictus catfish |
Pimelodus pictus |
|
|
|
|
|
| Tiger shovelnose catfish |
Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum |
|
104 (3.4') |
|
|
This fish is easy to confuse with P. tigrinum. |
| Tiger shovelnose catfish |
Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum |
 |
130 (4.3') |
|
|
This fish is easy to confuse with P. fasciatum. |
| Common name |
Taxonomy |
Picture |
Size (cm) |
Tank Type |
Care Level |
Remarks |
| Tetras |
| Black phantom tetra |
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus |
 |
4.5 (1.75") |
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 (1.6") |
Community |
Intermediate |
this fish is similar to the neon tetra other than coloration. |
| Black tetra |
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi |
 |
5 (2") |
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 (2.5") |
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 |
 |
5 (2") |
Community |
|
|
| Blue tetra |
Boehlkea fredcochui |
|
|
Community |
|
|
| Bucktooth tetra |
Exodon paradoxus |
 |
5 (2") |
|
|
will eat smaller fish and harass larger fish, lepidophage (scale eater) |
| Buenos Aires tetra |
Hyphessobrycon anisitsi |
|
7.5 (3") |
|
Easy |
Has some reputation as a fin nipper |
|
| Cardinal tetra |
Paracheirodon axelrodi |
 |
5 (2") |
Community |
|
|
| Cave tetra, blind tetra |
Astyanax mexicanus |
 |
12 (4.7") |
|
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 (3") |
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 (2") |
|
Easy |
|
| Garnet tetra, pretty tetra |
Hemigrammus pulcher |
|
6.5 (2.5") |
Community |
|
|
| Glowlight tetra |
Hemigrammus erythrozonus |
 |
3.75 (1.5") |
Community |
Easy |
|
| Green neon tetra |
Paracheirodon simulans |
 |
2.5 (1") |
Community |
Intermediate |
|
| Lemon tetra |
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis |
 |
5 (2") |
|
|
|
| Neon tetra |
Paracheirodon innesi |
 |
3.75 (1.6") |
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 (2.5") |
|
|
|
| Rummy-nose tetra |
Hemigrammus rhodostomus |
 |
5 (2") |
Community |
Intermediate |
|
| Serpae tetra |
Hyphessobrycon serpae |
 |
4.5 (1.75") |
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 hatchetfish |
Gasteropelecus sternicla |
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver hatchetfish |
Gasteropelecus levis |
|
|
|
|
|
| Marbled hatchetfish |
Carnegiella strigata |
 |
5 (2") |
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 (1.5") |
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 |
| Three-lined pencilfish |
Nannostomus trifasciatus |
 |
5 (2") |
Community |
Intermediate |
Males defend small territories. Otherwise a peaceful, beautiful species. |
|
| Headstanders |
| Marbled Headstander |
Abramites hypselonotus |
 |
13 (5") |
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) |
| Silver dollar |
Metynnis argenteus |
 |
15 (6") |
|
|
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 (48") |
|
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. |
| Common name |
Taxonomy |
Picture |
Size (cm) |
Tank Type |
Care Level |
Remarks |
| Lake Malawi cichlids |
| Sunshine peacock cichlid |
Aulonocara baenschi |
|
15 (6") |
|
|
|
|
Copadichromis borleyi |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Eureka red peacock |
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi |
 |
15 (6") |
|
|
|
| Spilo |
Champsochromis spilorhyncus |
|
40 (16") |
|
|
|
| Blue dolphin cichlid, lumphead cichlid |
Cyrtocara moorii |
 |
25 (10") |
|
|
|
| Afra cichlid, dogtooth cichild |
Cynotilapia afra |
 |
10 (3.9") |
Mbuna |
Easy |
|
| Rusty cichlid, lavender cichild |
Iodotropheus sprengerae |
 |
10 (4") |
Mbuna |
|
|
| Fuelleborn's cichlid/Blue mbuna |
Labeotropheus fuelleborni |
 |
18 (7") |
Mbuna |
|
|
| Electric yellow cichlid |
Labidochromis caeruleus |
 |
20 (8") |
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 (5") |
Mbuna |
|
|
| Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba Bay" |
Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba Bay" |
|
13 (5") |
Mbuna |
|
|
| Auratus cichlid, Malawi golden cichlid |
Melanochromis auratus |
 |
10 (3.9") |
|
Easy |
|
| Chipokee cichlid |
Melanochromis chipokae |
|
12 (4.7") |
Mbuna |
Easy |
|
| Blue johanni cichlid, Maingano |
Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos |
 |
10 (4") |
Mbuna |
Easy |
Very active and entertaining fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories |
| Melanochromis joanjohnsonae |
Melanochromis joanjohnsonae |
 |
10 (3.9") |
Mbuna |
|
|
| Johanni cichlid |
Melanochromis johannii |
|
10 (4.7") |
Mbuna |
|
|
| Aurora |
Melanochromis aurora |
|
10 (4") |
Mbuna |
|
|
| Red zebra cichlid |
Metriaclima estherae |
 |
10 (4.7") |
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 (4.7") |
Mbuna |
Easy |
Very active and entertaining fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories |
| Kenyi cichlid |
Maylandia lombardoi |
 |
13 (5") |
Mbuna |
|
|
| Fusco |
Nimbochromis fuscotaeniatus |
|
25 (10") |
|
|
|
| Livingston's cichlid |
Nimbochromis livingstonii |
 |
25 (9.8") |
|
|
|
| Kaligono |
Nimbochromis polystigma |
 |
30 (12") |
|
|
|
| Venustus cichlid, giraffe cichild |
Nimbochromis venustus |
 |
25 (10") |
|
Easy |
|
| Red empress cichlid |
Protomelas taeniolatus |
 |
15 (5.9") |
|
|
|
| Bumblebee cichlid, hornet cichlid |
Pseudotropheus crabro |
 |
15 (5.9") |
Mbuna |
|
|
| Pseudotropheus acei |
Pseudotropheus acei |
 |
10 (4") |
Mbuna |
|
|
| Saulosi |
Pseudotropheus saulosi |
 |
7.5 (3") |
Mbuna |
|
|
| Malawi barracuda |
Rhampsochromis cf. macrophthalmus |
|
23 (9") |
|
|
|
|
Tyrannochromis macrostoma |
|
38 (15") |
|
|
|
| Lake Tanganyika cichlids |
| Boulengerochromis microlepsis |
Boulengerochromis microlepsis |
|
90 (36") |
|
|
The largest cichlid |
| Frontosa cichild |
Cyphotilapia frontosa |
 |
40 (16") |
|
|
|
|
Cyathopharynx |
 |
|
|
Not readily available in the aquarium trade. |
|
Variabilichromis |
 |
|
|
|
| Frontosa cichild |
Cyphotilapia gibberosa |
|
40 (16") |
|
|
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 (16") |
|
|
This yet to be officially named species is intermediate in scale count between gibberosa and frontosa. |
| Julie cichlid |
Julidochromis dickfeldi |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Masked Julie |
Julidochromis marlieri |
 |
15 (6") f / 10 (4") m |
|
|
Striking coloration |
| Julie cichlid |
Julidochromis ornatus |
|
|
|
|
|
| Julie cichlid |
Julidochromis regani |
 |
15 (6") f / 10 (4") m |
|
|
|
| Julie cichlid |
Julidochromis transcriptus |
 |
10 (4") |
|
|
Striking coloration |
| Herring/Sardine cichlid |
Cyprichromis |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Ectodus descampsii |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Chalinochromis |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| Neolamprologus multifasciatus |
Neolamprologus multifasciatus |
 |
3.8 (1½") |
|
|
A small shell-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Distinguished from the similar L. similis by the lack of striping on the face]] |
| Lamprologus ocellatus |
Lamprologus ocellatus |
 |
5 (2") |
|
|
|
| Neolamprologus similis |
Neolamprologus similis |
|
3.8 (1½") |
|
|
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 |
Lobochilotes labiatus |
|
40 (16") |
|
|
|
| Lyretail cichlid, fairy cichlid |
Neolamprologus brichardi |
 |
10 (4") |
|
|
|
| Lemon cichlid |
Neolamprologus leleupi |
 |
11.5 (4½") |
|
|
|
| Featherfin |
Opthalmotilapia ventralis |
|
15 (6") |
|
|
|
| Petrochromis trewavasae |
Petrochromis trewavasae |
|
20 (8") |
|
|
|
| Petrochromis sp. "Zaire Texas" |
Petrochromis sp. "Zaire Texas" |
|
18 (7") |
|
|
|
| Simochromis pleurospilus |
Simochromis pleurospilus |
|
10 (4") |
|
|
|
| Tropheus duboisi |
Tropheus duboisi |
 |
13 (5") |
|
|
Males very aggressive |
| Tropheus moorii |
Tropheus moorii |
 |
14 (5½") |
|
Easy |
|
| Tropheus polli |
Tropheus polli |
|
14 (5½") |
|
|
|
| Lake Victoria cichlids |
|
Astatotilapia aenocolor |
|
13 (5") |
|
|
|
|
Astatotilapia elegans |
|
10 (4") |
|
|
|
| Zebra obliquidens |
Astatotilapia latifasciata |
|
11.5 (4½") |
|
|
|
| Astatotilapia nubila |
Astatotilapia nubila |
|
11.5 (4½") |
|
|
|
|
Astatotilapia piceatus |
|
10 (4") |
|
|
|
|
Astatotilapia schubotziellus |
|
10 (4") |
|
|
|
| Haplochromis obliquedens |
Astatotilapia sp "Red Tail" |
|
11.5 (4½") |
|
|
|
|
Astatotilapia sp. "Spot Bar" |
|
13 (5") |
|
|
|
| Hippo Point Salmon |
Ptyochromis sp. "Hippo Point Salmon" |
|
14 (5½") |
|
|
|
| Flameback |
Pundamilia nyererei |
|
10 (4") |
|
|
|
| Xystichromis phytophagus |
Xystichromis phytophagus |
|
10 (4") |
|
|
|
| Miscellaneous African cichlids (non-Rift Lake) |
| African butterfly cichlid |
Anomalochromis thomasi |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Jewel cichlid, two-spotted jewel cichlid |
Hemichromis bimaculatus |
 |
|
|
|
other hemichromis species are sometimes sold under the same name |
|
Steatocranus |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Lifalili jewel cichlid, blood-red jewel cichlid |
Hemichromis lifalili |
|
|
|
|
|
| Kribensis, krib |
Pelvicachromis pulcher |
 |
|
|
Easy |
Readily breed in 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) |
| Agassiz's dwarf cichlid |
Apistogramma agassizii |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
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 (3") |
40 litre (10 gallon) tank for one pair |
Intermediate |
|
| Checkerboard Cichlid |
Dicrossus filamentosus |
|
|
|
|
|
| Blue ram, German ram |
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Bolivian ram |
Mikrogeophagus altispinosa |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Dwarf flag cichlid |
Laetacara curviceps |
|
|
|
|
|
| American cichlids (cichlasomas, acaras, angelfish, discuses, and others) |
| 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 |
| Jack Dempsey cichlid |
Cichlasoma octofasciatum |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Jaguar cichlid, managuense cichlid |
Cichlasoma managuense |
 |
|
|
Easy |
Exceptionally beautiful adult coloration |
| Mayan cichlid |
Cichlasoma urophthalmus |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Convict cichlid |
Archocentrus nigrofasciatus |
 |
|
|
Easy |
|
| T-bar cichlid |
Archocentrus sajica |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Severum |
Heros severus |
 |
|
|
|
the gold variety is more common than the natural green one |
| Green terror |
Aequidens rivulatus |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Blue acara |
Aequidens pulcher |
|
|
|
|
|
| Thread-finned acara |
Acarichthys heckelii |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Eartheater cichlid |
Geophagus altifrons |
|
|
|
|
|
| Greenstreaked Eartheater,cupid cichlid |
Biotodoma cupido |
 |
|
|
|
| Keyhole cichlid |
Cleithracara maronii |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Angelfish |
Pterophyllum scalare |
 |
15 (6") |
|
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 (8") |
|
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 (8") |
|
Difficult |
fancy hybrids of this species and Symphysodon discus can also be found in trade |
| Chocolate cichlid |
Hypselecara temporalis |
|
|
|
|
|
| Oscar |
Astronotus ocellatus |
 |
45 (18") |
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Peacock bass, butterfly peacock bass |
Cichla orinocensis |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Texas cichlid, Rio Grande cichlid |
Herichthys cyanoguttatus |
 |
|
|
Easy |
|
| Other cichlids |
| Orange chromide |
Etroplus maculatus |
|
|
|
|
| Blood parrot cichlid |
|
 |
|
|
|
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 |
|
 |
|
|
|
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. |
|
Parachromis dovii |
|
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|
| Common name |
Taxonomy |
Picture |
Size (cm) |
Tank Type |
Care Level |
Remarks |
| Barbs |
| Arulius barb |
Puntius arulius |
|
12 (4.7") |
|
|
|
| Bigspot barb, Duncker's barb |
Puntius dunckeri |
|
13 (5") |
|
|
Peaceful when small but should not be kept with other species at adulthood. |
| Black ruby barb |
Puntius nigrofasciatus |
 |
6.5 (2.5") |
|
|
|
| Checker barb |
Puntius oligolepis |
|
5 (2") |
|
|
|
| Cherry barb |
Puntius titteya |
 |
4.8 (1.9") |
Community |
Easy |
very peaceful, and works well with white clouds and neon tetras |
| Clipper barb |
Barbus callipterus |
|
7.5 (3") |
|
|
|
| Clown barb |
Puntius everetti |
|
15 (6") |
|
|
|
| Gold barb |
Puntius semifasciolatus |
 |
8 (3.1") |
Community |
Easy |
|
| Golden barb |
Puntius gelius |
|
5 (2") |
|
|
|
| Greenstripe barb |
Puntius vittatus |
|
5 (2") |
|
|
|
| Melon barb |
Puntius fasciatus |
|
15 (6") |
|
|
|
| Onespot barb |
Puntius terio |
|
15 (6") |
|
|
|
| Pentazona barb, fiveband barb |
Puntius pentazona |
 |
5 (2") |
|
|
this species may be confused with tiger barb due to similarities |
| Pool barb |
Puntius sophore |
|
18 (7") |
|
|
|
| Partipentazona barb |
Puntius partipentazona |
|
3.8 (1.5") |
|
|
|
| Red line torpedo barb |
Puntius denisonii |
 |
15 (6") |
|
|
|
| Rosy barb |
Puntius conchonius |
 |
13 (5") |
Community |
Easy |
|
| Shortfin barb |
Barbus brevipinnis |
|
4.6 (1.8") |
|
|
|
| Sixband barb |
Puntius pentazona |
|
5 (2") |
|
|
|
| Spanner barb, t-barb |
Puntius lateristriga |
|
20 (7.8") |
|
|
|
| Spotted barb, common barb |
Puntius binotatus |
|
19.5 (7.75") |
|
|
|
| Spottedsail barb, dwarf barb |
Puntius phutunio |
|
7.8 (3.1") |
|
|
|
| Swamp barb |
Puntius chola |
|
15 (6") |
|
|
|
| Ticto barb |
Barbus ticto |
|
10 (4") |
|
|
|
| Tic-tac-toe barb |
Puntius stoliczkanus |
|
5 (2") |
|
|
|
| Tiger barb, sumatra barb |
Puntius tetrazona |
 |
7.5 (3") |
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 (14") |
|
|
|
| Cold-water cyprinids |
| Goldfish |
Carassius auratus |
 |
15+ (6"+) |
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+ (12"+) |
Pond |
Easy |
the fancy variations of common carp are known as koi. |
| White Cloud Mountain minnow |
Tanichthys albonubes |
 |
3.8 (1.5") |
Pond |
Easy |
lutino variety can also be found in the aquarium trade |
| Common dace |
Leuciscus leuciscus |
|
40 (16") |
|
|
|
| Rosy red minnow, fathead minnow |
Pimephales promelas |
|
5-7.5 (2"-3") |
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 (3"-4") |
Pond/Minnow Tank |
Easy |
|
| Danios and other danionins |
| Bengal danio, Sind danio |
Danio devario |
|
|
|
|
|
| Giant danio |
Devario aequipinnatus |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Malabar danio |
Devario malabaricus |
 |
11.5-14 (4,5-5,5") |
Community |
Easy |
|
| Pearl danio |
Danio albolineatus |
 |
6.5 (2,6") |
|
Easy |
subspecies:blue-redstripe danio, Kedah danio |
| Queen danio |
Devario regina |
|
|
|
|
|
| Spotted danio |
Danio nigrofasciatus |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Turquoise danio |
Brachydanio kerri |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Zebra danio |
Brachydanio rerio |
 |
5 (2") |
|
Easy |
there are many variations of this fish: leopard danio,the spotted colour morph, and GloFish, the genetically modified fluorescent fish. |
| Rasboras |
| Harlequin rasbora |
Trigonostigma heteromorpha |
 |
5 (2") |
|
|
Also known as Harlequin tetra |
| Blackline rasbora, red-tailed rasbora |
Rasbora borapetensis |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Red-striped rasbora |
Rasbora pauciperforata |
|
7.5 (3") |
Community |
|
Range: Sumatra; Temperature: 22 - 29 °C (72 - 85 °F) |
| Volcano rasbora |
Rasbora vulcanus |
|
|
|
|
|
| Other cyprinids |
| Bala shark |
Balantiocheilus melanopterus |
|
40 (16")  |
|
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 (cm) |
Tank Type |
Care Level |
Remarks |
| Chocolate gourami |
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides |
 |
7 (2.75") |
|
|
|
| Croaking gourami |
Trichopsis vittata |
|
6.5 (2.5") |
|
|
Often confused with the pygmy gourami |
| Dwarf gourami |
Colisa lalia |
 |
5 (2") |
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. |
| Giant gourami |
Osphronemus goramy |
 |
10 (4") |
|
|
Occasionally, some other gouramis are also referred to as "giant gouramis" |
| Paradise fish |
Macropodus opercularis |
 |
7.5 (3") |
|
|
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 (4.5") |
|
|
|
| Pygmy gourami, Sparkling gourami |
Trichopsis pumila |
 |
3.8 (1.5") |
|
|
Often confused with the croaking gourami |
| Kissing gourami |
Helostoma temminckii |
 |
15 (6") |
|
|
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 (6") |
|
|
|
| Snakeskin gourami |
Trichogaster pectoralis |
|
20 (8") |
|
|
|
| Three spot gourami |
Trichogaster trichopterus |
 |
10 (4") |
|
|
Various color varieties each given a different name (blue gourami, gold gourami, and opaline gourami) |
| Siamese fighting fish |
Betta splendens |
 |
7.5 (3") |
|
|
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. |
| Common name |
Taxonomy |
Picture |
Size (cm) |
Tank Type |
Care Level |
Remarks |
| Loaches |
| 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 |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Zebra loach |
Botia striata |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Other related cypriniforms |
| Chinese high fin banded shark |
Myxocyprinus asiaticus |
|
90+ (36"+) |
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 |
 |
|
|
|
|
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