! align="left" style="background:#F2F3F4" width="80px" | pH range
! align="left" style="background:#F2F3F4" width="80px" | pH range
|-
|-
|Gray bichir, Senegal bichir, or dinosaur bichir || ''[[Polypterus senegalus]]'' || align="center" | [[File:Polypterus senegalus senegalus headstand.jpg|110px]] || align="cennter" | {{convert|35.5|cm|in|abbr=on}} inthewild, 9 in is more typical in homeaquaria|| Species || This species is known for predatory behavior toward tankmates. || {{convert|25|-|28|C|F}} <ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.fishbase.se/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?ID=5024&AT=senegal+bichir|title=Polypterus senegalus summary page|website=FishBase|language=en|access-date=2017-12-12}}</ref>||6.0-8.0<ref name=":0" />
|Gray bichir, Senegal bichir, or dinosaur bichir || ''[[Polypterus senegalus]]'' || align="center" | [[File:Polypterus senegalus senegalus headstand.jpg|110px]] || align="cennter" | {{convert|70.0|cm|in|abbr=on}} maximum length<ref name=":0" />|| Species || This species is known for predatory behavior toward tankmates. || {{convert|25|-|28|C|F}} <ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.fishbase.se/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?ID=5024&AT=senegal+bichir|title=Polypterus senegalus summary page|website=FishBase|language=en|access-date=2017-12-12}}</ref>||6.0-8.0<ref name=":0" />
|Reedfish || ''[[Erpetoichthys calabaricus]]'' || align="center" | [[File:Akwa19 reedfish.jpg|110px]] || align="center" | {{convert|40|cm|in|abbr=on}}|| Semi-aggressive community || Nocturnal, can slither around out of water as long as they stay wet. || {{convert|22|–|28|C|F}}<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.fishbase.se/summary/Erpetoichthys-calabaricus.html|title=Erpetoichthys calabaricus summary page|website=FishBase|language=en|access-date=2017-12-12}}</ref> || 6.0–8.0<ref name=":1" />
|Reedfish || ''[[Erpetoichthys calabaricus]]'' || align="center" | [[File:Akwa19 reedfish.jpg|110px]] || align="center" | {{convert|31.4|cm|in|abbr=on}} at maturity, {{Convert|37.0|cm|inch}} maximum length<ref name=":1" />|| Semi-aggressive community || Nocturnal, can slither around out of water as long as they stay wet. || {{convert|22|–|28|C|F}}<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.fishbase.se/summary/Erpetoichthys-calabaricus.html|title=Erpetoichthys calabaricus summary page|website=FishBase|language=en|access-date=2017-12-12}}</ref> || 6.0–8.0<ref name=":1" />
A vast number of aquatic species have successfully adapted to live in the freshwateraquarium. This list gives some examples of the most common species found in home aquariums.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
M aroni and Oyapock Rivers, French Guiana, South America. Most specimens in the trade are captive-bred. Female fish are slightly larger than males in fish of the same age. Will acclimatise to a wide range of conditions. pH: 6.0–7.5, dH: up to 25 degrees. Yellow Phantom tetras should be kept in shoals of six or more fish. The aquarium should be well-planted with rooted and floating plants in order to provide much-appreciated shady areas. They are usually peaceful with most other fish species, although there are reports of some specimens being a little nippy, so long-finned tank-mates are best avoided. Will eagerly accept most aquarium foods offered: flake, micro-pellets, small frozen foods such as daphnia and cyclops.A conditioned pair should be added to a specially set up breeding aquarium which should contain soft water with a pH below 6.5 and plenty of live plants, including Java moss. Once the eggs have been released or fertilised, the parents should be removed. The eggs should hatch after 24 hours, and after five days the fry will become free-swimming. The tiny fry should be fed on infusoria for the first week, followed by finely powdered first foods and baby brine shrimp.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Flowerhorn Kingkamfa
Hybrid
Adult size. This male flowerhorn is result of many cross breeding. Many male flowerhorns are sterile[12]
sold as feeder fish; the gold variety known as "rosy red" is very common (the image is of the "rosy red" strain) Temperature 10–21 °C (50–70 °F) pH 7.0 - 7.5
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.
the dwarf gourami is perfect for small to mid-sized aquariums as it will not grow as large as its larger relatives. A beautiful, peaceful gourami. Prone to bacterial infections .[citation needed] When harassed by species other than its own it will not make any effort to defend itself often leading to death.
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
Male betta fish should be housed singly. A sorority community tank for females is possible.
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.
Single fish only for males, community for females.
Sometimes refers to a giant mutant of betta splendens. 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 longer fins and a larger head. 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. Because of their size they need a larger aquarium
Gold and silver varieties commonly found; also thrive in brackish water
Dalmatian molly
hybrid
5 cm (2.0 in)
Community/Species
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)
Community/Species
Lyretail Mollies are available in all of these species, can be cross bred with any species of Molly.
Sometimes called Feeder platy because can be used to feed larger fish like Stingrays, Payara, Cichlida, Pickerel, Catfish, Sunfish, Arowanas, Gar, Arapaima, and other predator fish. Many color varieties exist
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
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.
Not to be confused with the featherback "knifefish" of the Bonytongue group (see above) Very aggressive to other knifefish, but otherwise peaceful. Temperature 23-28C (73-82F). pH 6.0-8.0
a.k.a. Red rainbowfish. These are very hardy 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
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)
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. Therefore, a strong filtration system must be ensured for a healthy gar tank. Housing a 6-inch gar may require at least a 50 US gallons (190 L) 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.