List of freshwater aquarium fish species

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

Bichirs and reedfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	pH Range	Recommended water hardness
Gray bichir	Polypterus senegalus		35.5 cm (14.0 in)	Species	Easy	Predatory needs a big tank
Ornate bichir	Polypterus ornatipinnis		38 cm (15 in)	Species	Easy/Intermediate
Reedfish	Erpetoichthys calabaricus		40 cm (16 in)	Species	Easy/Intermediate	Nocturnal	22 and 28 °C (72 and 83 °F)	6.5-7.5 pH

Catfish

Armored catfish including Aspidoras, Brochis, Callichthys, and Corydoras

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	pH Range	Recommended water hardness
棕点盾皮鮠 (brown-point shield skin longirostris)	Aspidoras fuscoguttatus		3.8 cm (1.5 in)				22 to 25 °C (72 to 77 °F)	5.5–6.8 pH
Paranankaitamonninen	Aspidoras lakoi		4 cm (1.6 in)
Schmerlenpanzerwels (loach catfish)	Aspidoras rochai		4 cm (1.6 in)
Sixray corydoras, false corydoras	Aspidoras pauciradiatus		2.9 cm (1.1 in)				73-82 F (23-28 C)	6.5 pH
Britski's catfish	Corydoras britskii		8.9 cm (3.5 in)
Emerald catfish	Corydoras splendens		10 cm (3.9 in)				70-82 F (21-28 C)	6.5 pH
Hognosed brochis	Corydoras multiradiatus		6.6 cm (2.6 in)
Cascarudo	Callichthys callichthys		20 cm (7.9 in)
Adolfo's catfish	Corydoras adolfoi		5.7 cm (2.2 in)				72-79 F (22-26 C)	6.0-7.0 pH
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 pH
Barredtail corydoras	Corydoras cochui		2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Blackstripe corydoras	Corydoras bondi		4.7 cm (1.9 in)
Blacktop corydoras	Corydoras acutus		4.4 cm (1.7 in)
Blue corydoras	Corydoras nattereri		5.4 cm (2.1 in)
Bluespotted corydoras	Corydoras melanistius		5.1 cm (2.0 in)
Bronze corydoras	Corydoras aeneus		6.35 cm (2.50 in)			The albino strain is common
Caracha	Corydoras atropersonatus		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Hohtolaikkumonninen	Corydoras ehrhardti		4.1 cm (1.6 in)
Ruutuselkämonninen	Corydoras evelynae		4 cm (1.6 in)
Sukamonninen	Corydoras geoffroy		7 cm (2.8 in)
Hellgrüner Panzerwels	Corydoras latus		5.2 cm (2.0 in)
Deckers Panzerwels	Corydoras loxozonus		4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Corydoras nain	Corydoras nanus		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Narziß-Panzerwels	Corydoras narcissus		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Schmuckpanzerwels	Corydoras ornatus		4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Sirrimonninen	Corydoras osteocarus		4 cm (1.6 in)
Savannenpanzerwels	Corydoras polystictus		3.2 cm (1.3 in)
鋸背兵鯰	Scleromystax prionotos		5.3 cm (2.1 in)
Flügelpanzerwels	Corydoras semiaquilus		6.0 cm (2.4 in)
Siebenfleck-Panzerwels	Corydoras septentrionalis		4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Schlichter Schwarzrücken-Panzerwels	Corydoras simulatus		4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Gewellter Panzerwels	Corydoras undulatus		4.4 cm (1.7 in)
Dwarf corydoras	Corydoras hastatus		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Elegant corydoras	Corydoras elegans		5.1 cm (2.0 in)
False network catfish	Corydoras sodalis		4.9 cm (1.9 in)
False spotted catfish	Corydoras leucomelas		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Green gold catfish	Corydoras melanotaenia		5.8 cm (2.3 in)
Guapore corydoras	Corydoras guapore		4.1 cm (1.6 in)
Mosaic corydoras, reticulated corydoras	Corydoras haraldschultzi
Mosaic corydoras, reticulated corydoras	Corydoras reticulatus
Panda corydoras	Corydoras panda
Pastaza corydoras	Corydoras pastazensis
Peppered corydoras	Corydoras paleatus
Pink corydoras	Corydoras axelrodi
Pygmy corydoras	Corydoras pygmaeus
Sailfin corydoras	Corydoras macropterus
Salt and pepper catfish	Corydoras habrosus
Schwartz's catfish	Corydoras schwartzi
Spotted corydoras, longnose corydoras	Corydoras ambiacus
Sterba's corydoras	Corydoras sterbai
Sychr's catfish	Corydoras sychri
Tailspot corydoras	Corydoras caudimaculatus
Threestripe corydoras, leopard catfish	Corydoras trilineatus
Xingu corydoras	Corydoras xinguensis

Armored suckermouth catfish (plecos)

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Bristlenose pleco, bushynose placo	Ancistrus spp.					the bristlenose genus has at least 59 identified species and many others yet to be named
Gold nugget pleco	Baryancistrus spp.					many species exist but not yet officially identified; the three common aquarium species are known as L-018, L-081, and L-177
Whiptail catfish	Rineloricaria spp.					there are about 20 species of whiptail catfish
Twig catfish	Farlowella spp.					there are at least 20 species in the twig catfish genus
Panaque	Panaque spp.					Several species of panaque are popular aquarium fish
Pineapple pleco, orange cheek pleco	Pseudorinelepis spp.					there are 4 species in this genus
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish, Amazon sailfin catfish	Pterygoplichthys pardalis		16 cm (6.3 in)		Easy	one of the several fish sold under this name; there is also an albino variation
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish	Hypostomus punctatus					one of the several fish sold under this name
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish	Hypostomus plecostomus					one of the several fish sold under this name
Leopard sailfin pleco, clown sailfin pleco	Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps					other related fish also share this common name
Zebra pleco, L-046	Hypancistrus zebra
Sailfin catfish	Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus
Golden dwarf sucker, golden oto	Macrotocinclus affinis
Zebra dwarf sucker, zebra oto	Otocinclus cocama

Airbreathing catfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Walking catfish	Clarias batrachus		21 cm (8.3 in)		Easy/Intermediate	albino form is common in the aquarium trade.After some years of keeping this fish, it will know its owner and come to his/her hand when he/she puts his/her hand in. This fish can stay out of the water and "walk" as long as moisturised for a very long time.

Banjo catfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	pH Range	Recommended water hardness
Banjo catfish	Bunocephalus coracoideus

Talking catfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Striped Raphael	Platydoras armatulus
Spotted Raphael	Agamyxis pectinifrons		Females at around 6 inches males slightly smaller around 5.5 inches	Tropical aquarium	Intermediate, Do not buy if you are new to the aquarium trade. Only keep if you have fully researched the needs of this fish.	Main diet is algae although they are know to eat aquarium snails.

Squeakers and upside-down catfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Cuckoo squeaker	Synodontis multipunctatus
Decorated squeaker	Synodontis decorus
Even-Spotted squeaker	Synodontis petricola
Featherfin squeaker	Synodontis eupterus
Lake Malawi syno	Synodontis njassae
Polka dot syno	Synodontis angelicus
Common syno, false upside down catfish	Synodontis nigrita
Upside-down catfish	Synodontis nigriventris		9.6 cm (3.8 in)	Community		Prefers bottom feeding of Tubifex but main diet is algae.

Shark catfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Iridescent shark	Pangasius hypophthalmus			Community		albino form is common in the aquarium trade Needs at least a 300 gallon aquarium (preferably larger).
Chao Phraya giant shark, Giant pangasius	Pangasius sanitwongsei					dwarf "balloon" form is available in the aquarium trade

Sea catfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Colombian shark catfish	Arius seemanni
Berney's shark catfish	Arius berneyi
Australian shark catfish	Arius graeffei

Sheatfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Glass catfish	Kryptopterus bicirrhis		10–12 cm (4–5 in), 15 cm (6 in) in the wild.			Needs to be kept in a group of 5 or more.
Two spot glass catfish	Ompok bimaculatus		45 cm (18 in)			Looks very similar to Kryptopterus bicirrhis except the difference lies in the triangular dorsal fin of the Ompok in contrast to what looks like a small spine than a fin of the K. bicirrhis.

Bagrid catfishes

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Crystal eyed catfish	Hemibagrus wyckii		71 cm (28 in)			This fish is highly aggressive and must be kept alone.
Asian redtail catfish	Hemibagrus wyckioides		130 cm (51 in)			This fish is highly aggressive and must be kept alone.
	Horabagrus brachysoma		45 cm (18 in)

Long-whiskered catfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recmomended water hardness
	Leiarius marmoratus		100 cm (39 in)
	Leiarius pictus		60 cm (24 in)
Redtail catfish	Phractocephalus hemioliopterus		120 cm (3.9 ft)			this fish grows really large and will need a 300 gallon Min. when mature.
Spotted pimelodus, pictus, Pictus catfish	Pimelodus pictus
Ornate Pimelodus	Pimelodus ornatus
Tiger shovelnose catfish	Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum		104 cm (3.41 ft)			This fish is easy to confuse with P. tigrinum.
Tiger shovelnose catfish	Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum		130 cm (4.3 ft)			This fish is easy to confuse with P. fasciatum.

Characins and other characiformes

Tetras

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Black phantom tetra	Hyphessobrycon megalopterus		4.5 cm (1.8 in)	Community	Easy	the black phantom tetra enjoy being in groups of 6 or more and a slightly shaded tank. Males may claim small territories and occasionally minor battles may occur. The Phantom tetra goes well with other tetras of similar size. They also prefer floating plants.
Black neon tetra	Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi		4 cm (1.6 in)	Community	Intermediate	this fish is similar to the neon tetra other than coloration.
Black tetra	Gymnocorymbus ternetzi		5 cm (2.0 in)	Community	Easy	a highly spirited fish that may occasionally chase its own species as well as harass slow moving fish with long fins. This fish is very hardy and can stand a variety of water qualities. Disease is not a big problem with the black tetra. The black tetra is also known as the black skirt tetra. The female black tetra is more robust and larger than the male.
Bleeding heart tetra	Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma		6.5 cm (2.6 in)	Community	Intermediate	the bleeding heart tetra is distinguished by the small red spot on both sides of the fish. This fish is very prone to diseases, and can grow larger than most tetra species. It is not recommended for beginners.
Bloodfin tetra	Aphyocharax anisitsi	File:Bloodfin dec20 2006.jpg	5 cm (2.0 in)	Community
Blue tetra	Boehlkea fredcochui			Community
Bucktooth tetra	Exodon paradoxus		5 cm (2.0 in)			will eat smaller fish and harass larger fish, lepidophage (scale eater)
Buenos Aires tetra	Hyphessobrycon anisitsi		7.5 cm (3.0 in)		Easy	Has some reputation as a fin nipper
Cardinal tetra	Paracheirodon axelrodi		5 cm (2.0 in)	Community
Cave tetra, blind tetra	Astyanax mexicanus		12 cm (4.7 in)		Easy	cave tetra is the blind cave form of the Mexican tetra. The blind cave tetra is easy to care for and is hardy. The fish is born with eyes, but they quickly deteriorate leaving behind two scars where the eyes once were. The blind tetra needs to be in a shoal in order to show peaceful behavior, and to prevent fin nipping. Despite their lack of eyes, the blind cave tetra can easily avoid other fish and obstacles in the tank. This tetra prefers low to moderate lighting.
Congo tetra, Lufundi (native name)	Phenacogrammus interruptus		7.5 cm (3.0 in)	Community	Intermediate	Sufficiently peaceful for home aquariums, though it may bite fishes smaller than its size. It is more comfortable in indirect light. Over-head lighting is preferred and under no circumstances should light be directed at the front or rear glass.
Emperor tetra	Nematobrycon palmeri		5 cm (2.0 in)		Easy
Garnet tetra, pretty tetra	Hemigrammus pulcher		6.5 cm (2.6 in)	Community
Glowlight tetra	Hemigrammus erythrozonus		3.75 cm (1.48 in)	Community	Easy
Green neon tetra	Paracheirodon simulans		2.5 cm (0.98 in)	Community	Intermediate
Lemon tetra	Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis		5 cm (2.0 in)
Neon tetra	Paracheirodon innesi		3.75 cm (1.48 in)	Community	Easy	the neon tetra is sensitive towards water quality and is susceptible to many freshwater diseases. However, the fish is very peaceful and will not attack another member of the tank. Females are larger than the males. Due to their small size, the neon tetra should not be kept with large fish. Neon tetras are also very delicate and any harassment they may receive can result in death. This can be prevented by putting them with other small community fish or fish known to ignore their tankmates. The neon tetra feels the most comfortable when in groups.
Penguin tetra, blackline penguinfish	Thayeria boehlkei		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Rummy-nose tetra	Hemigrammus rhodostomus		5 cm (2.0 in)	Community	Intermediate
Disk tetra	Myleus schomburgkii		5 cm (2.0 in)				5.0 - 7.0	23°C to 27°C
Serpae tetra	Hyphessobrycon serpae		4.5 cm (1.8 in)	Community	Easy	this fish may nip the fins of slow moving fish or fish smaller than it. It is best put with other large tetras or with fish of similar size or larger.

Hatchetfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Common hatchetfish	Gasteropelecus sternicla
Silver hatchetfish	Gasteropelecus levis
Marbled hatchetfish	Carnegiella strigata		5 cm (2.0 in)	Community	Intermediate	Peaceful and dwells at the top of the tank in schools. Rarely breeds in captivity. This powerful leaper can easily jump out of an aquarium, so keep only in a fully-covered tank.
Black-winged hatchetfish	Carnegiella marthae		4 cm (1.6 in)	Community	Intermediate	Peaceful and dwells at the top of the tank in schools. The most hardy of all the hatchetfish, but not the most plentiful. Does not breed in captivity. This powerful leaper can easily jump out of an aquarium, so keep only in a fully-covered tank.

Pencil fishes

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Three-lined pencilfish	Nannostomus trifasciatus		5 cm (2.0 in)	Community	Intermediate	Males defend small territories. Otherwise a peaceful, beautiful species.

Headstanders

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Marbled Headstander	Abramites hypselonotus		13 cm (5.1 in)	Community	Intermediate	Keep either one headstander or a group of seven or more as they will fight amongst themselves in small groups.

Serrasalminae (pacus, piranhas, and silver dollars)

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Silver dollar	Metynnis argenteus		15 cm (5.9 in)			The name "silver dollar" may also refer to Metynnis hypsauchen, Metynnis maculatus, or other related fishes. It will chew and eat plants.
Red bellied pacu	Colossoma bidens		120 cm (3.9 ft)		Difficult	the red bellied pacu is a close relative of the piranhas, but without the sharp teeth and the aggression. However, care should be taken if interacting physically with the pacu as their powerful jaws can crush human bone. The Pacu is a peaceful fish that requires at least a 750 litre (200 gallon) tank when fully mature. It is omnivorous and can be put with large cichlids, but avoid smaller fish. Despite their similar appearance to piranhas, the pacu is not suited to eat meat very well, as their natural diet of nuts suggests. Be aware that this fish can grow to 1.2 metres (four feet) and the owner must be prepared to house them in a very large tank if they wish to keep the fish (750 l/200 gal minimum). Also be aware that this fish grows very fast, and can grow as much as one foot in the first year.

Cichlids

Lake Malawi cichlids

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Sunshine peacock cichlid	Aulonocara baenschi		15 cm (5.9 in)		Easy	Beautiful coloration on males
	Copadichromis borleyi
Eureka red peacock	Aulonocara jacobfreibergi		15 cm (5.9 in)		Easy	Beautiful coloration on males
Spilo	Champsochromis spilorhyncus		40 cm (16 in)
Blue dolphin cichlid, lumphead cichlid	Cyrtocara moorii		25 cm (9.8 in)		Easy
Afra cichlid, dogtooth cichild	Cynotilapia afra		10 cm (3.9 in)	Mbuna	Easy
Rusty cichlid, lavender cichild	Iodotropheus sprengerae		10 cm (3.9 in)	Mbuna
Fuelleborn's cichlid, Blue mbuna	Labeotropheus fuelleborni		18 cm (7.1 in)	Mbuna
Electric yellow cichlid	Labidochromis caeruleus		20 cm (7.9 in)	Mbuna	Easy	Very active and entertaining fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories, less aggressive than other mbuna
Malawi eyebiter	Dimidiochromis compressiceps				Easy
Hongi, Red-top kimpumpa	Labidochromis sp. "Hongi"		13 cm (5.1 in)	Mbuna
	Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba Bay"		13 cm (5.1 in)	Mbuna
Auratus cichlid, Malawi golden cichlid	Melanochromis auratus		10 cm (3.9 in)		Easy	Aggressive
Chipokee cichlid	Melanochromis chipokae		12 cm (4.7 in)	Mbuna	Easy	Aggressive
Blue johanni cichlid, Maingano	Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos		10 cm (3.9 in)	Mbuna	Easy	Very active and entertaining fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories. Aggressive
Pearl of Likoma	Melanochromis joanjohnsonae		10 cm (3.9 in)	Mbuna
Johanni cichlid	Melanochromis johannii		10 cm (3.9 in)	Mbuna	Easy	Aggressive
Aurora	Melanochromis aurora		10 cm (3.9 in)	Mbuna	Easy
Red zebra cichlid	Metriaclima estherae		10 cm (3.9 in)	Mbuna	Easy	Very active and entertaining fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories
Cobalt blue cichlid, cobalt zebra cichlid	Maylandia callainos		10 cm (3.9 in)	Mbuna	Easy	Very active and entertaining fish, need many rock caves to allow establishment of territories
Kenyi cichlid	Maylandia lombardoi		13 cm (5.1 in)	Mbuna	Easy	Aggressive; sexually dichromatic
Fusco	Nimbochromis fuscotaeniatus		25 cm (9.8 in)
Livingston's cichlid	Nimbochromis livingstonii		25 cm (9.8 in)
Kaligono	Nimbochromis polystigma		30 cm (12 in)
Venustus cichlid, giraffe cichild	Nimbochromis venustus		25 cm (9.8 in)		Easy	'giraffe' spotting is juvenile coloration only
Red empress cichlid	Protomelas taeniolatus		15 cm (5.9 in)
Bumblebee cichlid, hornet cichlid	Pseudotropheus crabro		15 cm (5.9 in)	Mbuna
Yellow-tail acei	Pseudotropheus acei		10 cm (3.9 in)	Mbuna
	Pseudotropheus demasoni		10 cm (3.9 in)
Saulosi	Pseudotropheus saulosi		7.5 cm (3.0 in)	Mbuna
Malawi barracuda	Rhampsochromis cf. macrophthalmus		23 cm (9.1 in)
	Tyrannochromis macrostoma		38 cm (15 in)

Lake Tanganyika cichlids

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
	Boulengerochromis microlepsis		90 cm (35 in)			The largest cichlid
Frontosa cichild	Cyphotilapia frontosa		40 cm (16 in)			Aggressive; well-known
	Cyathopharynx furcifer					Not readily available in the aquarium trade.
	Variabilichromis moorii
Frontosa cichild	Cyphotilapia gibberosa		40 cm (16 in)			The frontosa have recently been broken up into three separate species. The gibberosa come from the southern part of the Lake
Frontosa cichild	Cyphotilapia sp. "North"		40 cm (16 in)			This yet to be officially named species is intermediate in scale count between gibberosa and frontosa.
Julie cichlid	Julidochromis dickfeldi				Easy	Beautiful; interesting
Masked Julie	Julidochromis marlieri		15 cm (5.9 in) fem / 10 cm (3.9 in) male		Easy	Striking coloration
Julie cichlid	Julidochromis ornatus
Julie cichlid	Julidochromis regani		15 cm (5.9 in) fem / 10 cm (3.9 in) male
Julie cichlid	Julidochromis transcriptus		10 cm (3.9 in)		Intermediate	Striking coloration
Herring cichlid, Sardine cichlid	Cyprichromis spp.
	Ectodus descampsii
	Chalinochromis spp.
	Neolamprologus multifasciatus		3.8 cm (1.5 in)			A small shell-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Distinguished from the similar L. similis by the lack of striping on the face
	Lamprologus ocellatus		5 cm (2.0 in)
	Neolamprologus similis		3.8 cm (1.5 in)			A small shell-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Very similar to N. multifsciatus but similis has striping from the body continue to the head
	Lobochilotes labiatus		40 cm (16 in)
Lyretail cichlid, fairy cichlid	Neolamprologus brichardi		10 cm (3.9 in)		Easy
Lemon cichlid	Neolamprologus leleupi		11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Featherfin	Opthalmotilapia ventralis		15 cm (5.9 in)
	Petrochromis trewavasae		20 cm (7.9 in)			Aggressive
	Petrochromis sp. "Zaire Texas"		18 cm (7.1 in)
	Simochromis pleurospilus		10 cm (3.9 in)
	Tropheus duboisi		13 cm (5.1 in)		Advanced	Males very aggressive; juveniles distinctively colored
	Tropheus moorii		14 cm (5.5 in)		Easy
	Tropheus polli		14 cm (5.5 in)

Lake Victoria cichlids

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
	Astatotilapia aenocolor		13 cm (5.1 in)
	Astatotilapia elegans		10 cm (3.9 in)
Zebra obliquidens	Astatotilapia latifasciata		11.5 cm (4.5 in)
	Astatotilapia nubila		11.5 cm (4.5 in)
	Astatotilapia piceatus		10 cm (3.9 in)
	Astatotilapia schubotziellus		10 cm (3.9 in)
	Astatotilapia sp. "Red Tail"		11.5 cm (4.5 in)
	Astatotilapia sp. "Spot Bar"		13 cm (5.1 in)
Hippo Point Salmon	Ptyochromis sp. "Hippo Point Salmon"		14 cm (5.5 in)
Flameback	Pundamilia nyererei		10 cm (3.9 in)
	Xystichromis phytophagus		10 cm (3.9 in)

Miscellaneous African cichlids (non-Rift Lake)

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
African butterfly cichlid	Anomalochromis thomasi
Jewel cichlid, two-spotted jewel cichlid	Hemichromis bimaculatus				Easy	other hemichromis species are sometimes sold under the same name
	Steatocranus spp.
Lifalili jewel cichlid, blood-red jewel cichlid	Hemichromis lifalili
Kribensis, krib	Pelvicachromis pulcher				Easy	Readily breed in small aquaria
Zebra tilapia	Tilapia buttikoferi
Guenther's Mouthbrooder	Chromidotilapia guentheri
Allauad's haplo	Astatoreochromis alluaudi
Pale usisya aulonocara	Aulonocara steveni
	Benthochromis tricoti

Dwarf cichlids (apistogrammas, rams and others)

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid	Apistogramma agassizii				Advanced	Beautiful
Zebra acara	Nannacara adoketa
Yellow dwarf cichlid	Apistogramma borellii
Cockatoo dwarf cichlid	Apistogramma cacatuoides
Panda dwarf cichlid	Apistogramma nijsseni
Three-Stripe Dwarf Cichlid	Apistogramma trifasciata
	Apistogramma eremnopyge
Two-Stripe Dwarf Cichlid	Apistogramma bitaeniata		7.5 cm (3.0 in)	40 litre (10 gallon) tank for one pair	Intermediate
Checkerboard Cichlid	Dicrossus filamentosus
Blue ram, German ram	Mikrogeophagus ramirezi				Easy	Fairly common
Bolivian ram	Mikrogeophagus altispinosa
Dwarf flag cichlid	Laetacara curviceps

American cichlids (cichlasomas, acaras, angelfish, discuses and others)

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Midas cichild, red devil cichlid	Amphilophus citrinellus					Note that Amphilophus labiatus is also called red devil cichild
Poor man's tropheus	Hypsophrys nematopus
Red devil cichlid	Amphilophus labiatus
Firemouth cichlid	Cichlasoma meeki				Easy	Typically medium aggression; easily bred
Jack Dempsey cichlid	Cichlasoma octofasciatum
Jaguar cichlid, managuense cichlid	Parachromis managuensis				Easy	Exceptionally beautiful adult coloration; large adult size
Mayan cichlid	Cichlasoma urophthalmus
Convict cichlid	Archocentrus nigrofasciatus				Easy	Common
T-bar cichlid	Cryptoheros sajica
Severum	Heros severus				Easy	the gold variety is more common than the natural green one
Green terror	Andinoacara rivulatus					Fairly common
Blue acara	Andinoacara pulcher
Thread-finned acara	Acarichthys heckelii
Eartheater cichlid	Geophagus altifrons
Greenstreaked Eartheater,cupid cichlid	Biotodoma cupido
Keyhole cichlid	Cleithracara maronii
Angelfish	Pterophyllum scalare		15 cm (5.9 in)		Intermediate	several color varieties; this species is the common angelfish in the aquarium trade. Angelfish can grow up to fifteen centimetres (six inches), and therefore should be housed in a large aquarium. Angelfish should be kept alone, or kept with three or more. This is because that if two are kept together, the larger fish will pick on the smaller fish. Angelfish are not as hardy as other cichlids and should not be kept with small fish such as neon tetras. However, just the opposite is true: Angelfish should not be kept with fish that may nip and annoy it such as some large tetras.
Altum angelfish	Pterophyllum altum
Spotted angelfish	Pterophyllum leopoldi
Common discus, red discus	Symphysodon discus		20 cm (7.9 in)		Difficult	various color varieties, the discus requires high water quality and a varied diet. Do not keep with fast fish as the discus is a slow eater and will not fight for food. Despite their beauty, the discus is one of the least hardy aquarium fishes available. This fish should only be kept by the experienced aquarium keeper.
Blue discus, green discus	Symphysodon aequifasciatus		20 cm (7.9 in)		Difficult	fancy hybrids of this species and Symphysodon discus can also be found in trade
Chocolate cichlid	Hypselecara temporalis
Oscar	Astronotus ocellatus		45 cm (18 in)			has different varieties including long-fin, albino, golden, etc. The oscar cichlid is fast growing and can grow to a very large size when mature, and therefore should be housed in a large aquarium. The oscar can be messy to look after as they love to dig up plants and scoop up rocks. The oscar should be put with fish of similar size as they will eat any fish that can fit in their mouth. The oscar prefers to be with members of its own species, but this is not a necessity for its well being. The oscar is one of the more hardy cichlids, and can be put with other large cichlids, pacus, large plecos, large sharks, and other large fish.
Uaru, waroo	Uaru amphiacanthoides					Also known as the Triangle Ciclid.
Peacock bass, butterfly peacock bass	Cichla orinocensis
Texas cichlid, Rio Grande cichlid	Herichthys cyanoguttatus				Easy	Large adult size

Other cichlids

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Orange chromide	Etroplus maculatus
Blood parrot cichlid	- Hybrid -					In the scientific community it is not considered a cichlid (or any species of fish) because it does not occur naturally in the wild (created by man), for this reason it will not be given a scientific name.
Flowerhorn cichlid	- Hybrid -					In the scientific community it is not considered a cichlid (or any species of fish) because it does not occur naturally in the wild (created by man), for this reason it will not be given a scientific name.
Wolf cichlid	Parachromis dovii

Cyprinids

Barbs

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Arulius barb	Puntius arulius		12 cm (4.7 in)
Bigspot barb, Duncker's barb	Puntius dunckeri		13 cm (5.1 in)			Peaceful when small but should not be kept with other species at adulthood.
Black ruby barb	Puntius nigrofasciatus		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Checker barb	Puntius oligolepis		5 cm (2.0 in)
Cherry barb	Puntius titteya		4.8 cm (1.9 in)	Community	Easy	very peaceful, and works well with white clouds and neon tetras
Clipper barb	Barbus callipterus		7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Clown barb	Puntius everetti		15 cm (5.9 in)
Gold barb	Puntius semifasciolatus		8 cm (3.1 in)	Community	Easy
Golden barb	Puntius gelius		5 cm (2.0 in)
Greenstripe barb	Puntius vittatus		5 cm (2.0 in)
Melon barb	Puntius fasciatus		15 cm (5.9 in)
Onespot barb	Puntius terio		15 cm (5.9 in)
Pentazona barb, fiveband barb	Puntius pentazona		5 cm (2.0 in)			this species may be confused with tiger barb due to similarities
Pool barb	Puntius sophore		18 cm (7.1 in)
Partipentazona barb	Puntius partipentazona		3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Red line torpedo barb, Denison's barb	Puntius denisonii		15 cm (5.9 in)
Rosy barb	Puntius conchonius		13 cm (5.1 in)	Community	Easy
Shortfin barb	Barbus brevipinnis		4.6 cm (1.8 in)
Spanner barb, t-barb	Puntius lateristriga		20 cm (7.9 in)
Spotted barb, common barb	Puntius binotatus		19.5 cm (7.7 in)
Spottedsail barb, dwarf barb	Puntius phutunio		7.8 cm (3.1 in)
Swamp barb	Puntius chola		15 cm (5.9 in)
Ticto barb	Barbus ticto		10 cm (3.9 in)
Tic-tac-toe barb	Puntius stoliczkanus		5 cm (2.0 in)
Tiger barb, sumatra barb	Puntius tetrazona		7.5 cm (3.0 in)	Community	Easy	There are many varieties as well as hybrids with other barbs. Good community schooling fish. They are fin nippers.
Tinfoil barb	Barbonymus schwanenfeldii		36 cm (14 in)			This species is much larger than most other barbs

Cold-water cyprinids

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Goldfish	Carassius auratus		15+ cm (6+ in)	Community	Easy	variations: Black Moor, Bubble Eye, Butterfly Tail, Calico, Celestial Eye, Comet, Common, Fantail, Lionchu, Lionhead, Oranda, Panda Moor, Pearlscale, Pompom, Ranchu, Ryukin, Shubunkin, Telescope eye, Veiltail
Koi, common carp	Cyprinus carpio		30+ cm (12+ in)	Pond	Easy	the fancy variations of common carp are known as koi.
White Cloud Mountain minnow	Tanichthys albonubes		3.8 cm (1.5 in)	Pond	Easy	lutino variety can also be found in the aquarium trade
Common dace	Leuciscus leuciscus		40 cm (16 in)
Rosy red minnow, fathead minnow	Pimephales promelas		5-7.5 cm (2–3 in)	Pond/Minnow Tank	Easy	sold as feeder fish; the gold variety known as "rosy red" is very common
Southern redbelly dace	Phoxinus erythrogaster		7.5–10 cm (3–4 in)	Pond/Minnow Tank	Easy

Danios and other danionins

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Bengal danio, Sind danio	Danio devario
Giant danio	Devario aequipinnatus
Malabar danio	Devario malabaricus		11.5–14 cm (4.5-5.5 in)	Community	Easy
Pearl danio	Danio albolineatus		6.5 cm (2.6 in)		Easy	subspecies:blue-redstripe danio, Kedah danio
Queen danio	Devario regina
Spotted danio	Danio nigrofasciatus
Turquoise danio	Brachydanio kerri
Zebra danio	Brachydanio rerio		5 cm (2.0 in)		Easy	there are many variations of this fish: leopard danio,the spotted colour morph, and GloFish, the genetically modified fluorescent fish.

Rasboras

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Harlequin rasbora	Trigonostigma heteromorpha		5 cm (2.0 in)			Also known as Harlequin tetra
Blackline rasbora, red-tailed rasbora	Rasbora borapetensis
Red-striped rasbora	Rasbora pauciperforata		7.5 cm (3.0 in)	Community		Range: Sumatra	22 - 29 °C (72 - 85 °F)
Volcano rasbora	Rasbora vulcanus

Other cyprinids

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Bala shark	Balantiocheilus melanopterus		40 cm (16 in)		Community
Flying fox (fish)	Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus					this species may be sold as Siamese algae eater
Red-tailed black shark	Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Red-finned shark	Epalzeorhynchos frenatum					albino variation available
Cambodian log sucker, false Siamese algae eater	Garra cambodgiensis					this species may be sold as Siamese algae eater
Chinese algae eater	Gyrinocheilus aymonieri					This species may be sold as Siamese algae eater. A gold colored form also exists.
Siamese algae eater	Crossocheilus siamensis					many other cyprinids are sometimes mistakenly sold under this name

Killifish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Blue Lyretail	Fundulopanchax gardneri			Species	Easy/Intermediate
Bluefin Notho, Rachow's Notho, Rainbow Notho	Nothobranchius rachovii		6 cm (2.4 in)	Species	Easy/Intermediate	Considered most beautiful freshwater fish by some killifish enthusiasts.
Striped panchax, Golden Wonder	Aplocheilus lineatus			Species	Easy	Golden Wonder is the more yellowish variant.

Labyrinth fish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Chocolate gourami	Sphaerichthys osphromenoides		7 cm (2.8 in)
Croaking gourami	Trichopsis vittata		6.5 cm (2.6 in)			Often confused with the pygmy gourami
Dwarf gourami	Colisa lalia		5 cm (2.0 in)	Community	Intermediate	the dwarf gourami is perfect for small to mid sized aquariums as it will not grow as large as its larger relatives. A beautiful, peaceful gourami. Prone to bacterial infections .
Giant gourami	Osphronemus goramy		60 cm (24 in)			Occasionally, some other gouramis are also referred to as "giant gouramis"
Paradise fish	Macropodus opercularis		7.5 cm (3.0 in)			One of the few freshwater aquarium fish that survive in cold water. Most common variety is the Blue Paradise.
Pearl gourami	Trichogaster leerii		11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Pygmy gourami, Sparkling gourami	Trichopsis pumila		3.8 cm (1.5 in)			Often confused with the croaking gourami
Kissing gourami	Helostoma temminckii		15 cm (5.9 in)			The pink variety is more popular than the natural green one. They are called Kissing Gouramis because the seem to pucker their lips outwards. they require aquarium salt in the water or hard water
Moonlight gourami	Trichogaster microlepis		15 cm (5.9 in)
Snakeskin gourami	Trichogaster pectoralis	File:Trichogaster pectoralis male.jpg	20 cm (7.9 in)
Three spot gourami	Trichogaster trichopterus		10 cm (3.9 in)			Various color varieties each given a different name (blue gourami, gold gourami, and opaline gourami)
Siamese fighting fish	Betta splendens		7.5 cm (3.0 in)	Community	Easy	Numerous color and fin pattern varieties. In the U.S., the fish is often called "betta", although this word is actually the name of the genus that includes more than 60 species other than the Siamese fighting fish. Multiple males in a tank will result in conflicts and possibly death. Females can be housed together in groups of 4+ in a tank, though they may become territorial and attack each other. Males have long flowing fins with vibrant colors, and females have shorter fins. This fish is best put with fish that do not nip fins, as the fins of the betta are easy to attack. They should also not be housed with other fish with long, flowing fins as the Betta may confuse it with another, and attack.

Live-bearers

Guppies and mollies

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Guppy	Poecilia reticulata		5 cm (2.0 in)	Community/Species	Easy	Many color and tail pattern varieties exist
Endler's livebearer	Poecilia wingei		3.8 cm (1.5 in)	Community/Species
Black molly	Poecilia sphenops		5 cm (2.0 in)	Community/Species	Easy
Sailfin molly	Poecilia latipinna		5 cm (2.0 in)	Community/Species	Easy	Gold and silver varieties commonly found; also thrive in brackish water
Dalmatian molly	- hybrid -		5 cm (2.0 in)	Community/Species	Easy	The dalmatian molly is a fertile hybrid that can be generated by crossing some species of Poecilia, like P. sphenops or P. latipinna. The variety "Dalmatian" is spotted alike to a Dalmatian dog.

Platies and swordtails

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Southern platy	Xiphophorus maculatus			Community/Species	Easy	Many color varieties exist
Variable platy	Xiphophorus variatus			Community	Easy	Many color varieties exist
Green swordtail	Xiphophorus hellerii	File:Xiphophorus helleri 02.jpg		Community	Easy	Many color varieties exist

Loaches and related cypriniforms

Loaches

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Bengal loach	Botia dario					also known as the Queen loach
Blue botia	Yasuhikotakia modesta
Burmese border loach	Botia kubotai
Clown loach	Botia macracantha					Clown loach has a sociable personality and should be kept in at least groups of 2. They may eat pond snails kept in aquariums.
Dwarf loach	Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki					formerly named Botia sidthimunki
Dojo loach, weather loach	Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Horseface loach	Acantopsis choirorhynchus
Kuhli loach, coolie loach	Pangio kuhlii					a number of similar Pangio species are sold under the same name
Longnose loach	Acantopsis octoactinotos
Skunk loach	Yasuhikotakia morleti					formerly named Botia morleti
Yoyo loach	Botia almorhae	File:Botia almorhae 1.jpg
Zebra loach	Botia striata

Other related cypriniforms

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Chinese high fin banded shark	Myxocyprinus asiaticus		90+ cm (36+ in)	Goldfish/Large Pond	Difficult	the highfin shark is a truly unique fish. At youth, the shark has a high dorsal fin, a plump body, and radiant colors. However, as the fish matures, the characteristics of the fish changes drastically. The dorsal fin becomes shorter, the fish achieves a more cylindrical shape, and the color fades to a dark brown. The fish is not suitable for fish tanks because of the size it can grow to. The highfin cannot be housed with tropical fish due to their lower temperature preferences. The highfin prefers to be in a school, so more than one should be housed together. The "shark" is a peaceful fish, and will not openly attack others. Highfins are bottom dwellers and omnivorous. They will eat invertebrates and scrape algae off rocks.
Chinese hillstream loach	Beaufortia kweichowensis

Neotropical electric fish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Black ghost knifefish	Apteronotus albifrons				Intermediate	Not to be confused with the featherback "knifefish" of the Bonytongue group (see above)
Brown ghost knifefish	Apteronotus leptorhynchus				Intermediate	Very hard to feed it anything but live food
Clown knifefish	Chitala chitala				Intermediate
Electric eel	Electrophorus electricus				Advanced	Despite the name, this is not an "eel" but rather a huge knifefish; illegal to possess in some areas; dangerous; very large adult size

Pufferfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Figure 8 pufferfish	Tetraodon biocellatus		6 cm (2.4 in)		Intermediate	often sold as freshwater fish, but this species prefers brackish water
Green spotted puffer	Tetraodon nigroviridis		15 cm (5.9 in)		Difficult	often sold as freshwater fish, but this species actually thrives in brackish water and may even require saltwater when reaches adulthood
Giant freshwater pufferfish	Tetraodon mbu	File:MooBoo.jpg	75 cm (30 in)		Difficult	This fish also occurs in estuaries.
Dwarf pufferfish	Carinotetraodon travancoricus		2.9 cm (1.1 in)		Intermediate
Congo pufferfish	Tetraodon miurus		15 cm (5.9 in)		Difficult

Rainbowfish

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Salmon-red rainbowfish	Glossolepis incisus		13–15 cm (5–6 in)			aka Red rainbowfish. These are very heardy fish and get along with almost any fish. They aren't aggressive and love to follow fingers! When these fish get stressed out they tend to turn a more gray color. It will regain its color when it becomes more relaxed
Tami River rainbowfish	Glossolepis pseudoincisus		7.5 cm (3.0 in)			aka Millennium rainbowfish
Lake Wanam rainbowfish	Glossolepis wanamensis		13–15 cm (5–6 in)			aka Emerald rainbowfish
Threadfin rainbowfish	Iriatherina werneri				Easy	Threadfins have very tiny mouths and cannot compete well with other fish for food. Keep in species only tanks or with small pseudomugil (i.e.: gertrudae)
New Guinea rainbowfish	Melanotaenia affinis		13 cm (5.1 in)
Boeseman's rainbowfish	Melanotaenia boesemani		10–13 cm (4–5 in)
Duboulayi's rainbowfish	Melanotaenia duboulayi		13–15 cm (5–6 in)			aka Crimson-Spotted rainbowfish
Australian rainbowfish	Melanotaenia fluviatilis		13–15 cm (5–6 in)
Lake Kurumoi rainbowfish	Melanotaenia parva		7.5–8 cm (3-3.25 in)			aka Flame rainbowfish
Neon rainbowfish	Melanotaenia praecox		6-7.5 cm (2.5–3 in)
Eastern rainbowfish	Melanotaenia splendida splendida		13–15 cm (5–6 in)

Spiny eels

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Fire eel	Mastacembelus erythrotaenia		100 cm
Spotfinned spiny eel	Macrognathus siamensis		30 cm
Tire track eel	Mastacembelus armatus		90 cm
Lesser spiny eel	Macrognathus aculeatus

Gar

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Tank Type	Care Level	Remarks	Temp Range	Acceptable pH	Recommended water hardness
Spotted Gar	Lepisosteus oculatus		70cm - 300cm	Large	Easy/Intermediate	One species of the gars, the Alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) can attain an astounding length of 3m in the wild. On average, gars can attain a length of not less than 70 cm in captivity. They are aggressive fish by nature, however, they are also frightened easily. These fish are generally piscivorous in the wild, but will take a variety of meaty foods in captivity. Tehrefore, a strong filtration system must be ensured for a healthy gar tank.Housing a 6-inch gar may require at least a 50-gallon tank with width of 12 inches. As the gar grows, it must be moved to a larger tank. The tank length to house a sub-adult gar should be at least 72 inches, but longer is even better. The width of the tank should not be less than 36 inches. (otherwise, the gar may feel uncomfortable making turns while it swims) A minimum of 24 inches of water depth will suit the gar well. Gars are strong jumpers, hence the tank lid should be weighted down. Gars are hardy fish. They have the ability to breathe atmosphere air by means of vascularised gas bladder that act as lung. They are generally peaceful, usually keeping to themselves and not disturbing others. Hence, if space allows, they can be kept in a group. Large gars are capable of inflicting a painful wound. If possible, try not to handle them with bare hands. Always use a net.

See also

• List of aquarium fish by scientific name
• List of fish common names
• List of freshwater aquarium plant species
• List of freshwater aquarium amphibian species
• List of freshwater aquarium invertebrate species
• List of brackish aquarium fish 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)