Explore our growing database of freshwater fish species. Each profile includes detailed care requirements, compatibility data, and environmental needs to help you build the perfect aquarium.
Geophagus brasiliensis
A robust, highly adaptable South American cichlid known for its iridescent pearl-like spangling. While classified as an 'eartheater' (sifting sand for food), they are less obligate sifters than other Geophagus species but still require a soft sand substrate. They are surprisingly tolerant of cooler water and even brackish conditions. They are aggressive for eartheaters, especially when breeding.
Trichopodus leerii
Widely considered the most beautiful and peaceful of the large Gouramis. They feature a 'mosaic' of iridescent spots and a distinct black line running through the eye. Unlike their aggressive cousins (the Three-Spot Gourami), Pearls are generally gentle giants, though males can be territorial towards one another. They are thermophilic (love heat) and require floating plants to feel secure.
Neolamprologus stappersi
A fascinating, tiny shell-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Despite their minuscule size, they possess immense attitude and will fiercely defend their chosen snail shells from much larger fish (and even the aquarist's hands). They use their mouths to move sand and bury their shells to their exact liking.
Thayeria boehlkei
An active schooling characin instantly recognizable by its bold black horizontal stripe that extends down into the lower half of the tail fin, and its unique, oblique (head-up) swimming posture. They are hardy and do well in community tanks, but must be kept in groups to prevent stress and fin-nipping behavior towards tank mates.
Corydoras paleatus
One of the most popular and hardy Corydoras species. Notably, they prefer cooler water temperatures than most tropical fish. They are peaceful, bottom-dwelling schooling fish that use their sensitive barbels to sift through the substrate for food. They must be kept in groups to thrive.
Parancistrus nudiventris
An attractive, medium-sized pleco endemic to the warm, fast-moving waters of Brazil's Rio Xingu. Popular for its dark body covered in striking white spots, reminiscent of peppermint candy. Like many Loricariids from this region, they need highly oxygenated water, a varied diet containing both vegetable matter and protein, and plenty of hiding spaces.
Gnathonemus petersii
A highly intelligent, nocturnal oddball native to African rivers. They navigate, communicate, and hunt using a weak electrical field generated from a specialized organ in their tail and a highly sensitive 'trunk' (a specialized chin appendage). A soft sand substrate is absolutely mandatory to prevent their trunk from being damaged by abrasion. They are notoriously aggressive toward conspecifics unless kept in very large shoals in massive aquariums.
Synodontis petricola
A strikingly beautiful and relatively small catfish endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Known for its rich brown body covered in black spots and striking white-edged fins. They are highly social, nocturnal scavengers that thrive in hard, alkaline water. They are often confused with the slightly smaller Synodontis lucipinnis.
Schistura robertsi
The Phuket Loach is a small, active stone loach native to fast-flowing, clear streams in the Malay Peninsula and southern Thailand. Like most Schistura species, they are highly territorial bottom-dwellers that require highly oxygenated water with moderate to high flow. They should be kept in setups with smooth river stones to break lines of sight and minimize aggression.
Pimelodus pictus
An extremely active, striking silver catfish with black spots and incredibly long barbels, native to South America. While peaceful toward similarly sized tank mates, they are highly effective nocturnal predators that will easily swallow small fish (like Neon Tetras) whole. They are scaleless and possess sharp pectoral spines that can easily become entangled in aquarium nets.
Crenicichla sp. Xingu
A massive, highly intelligent, and aggressive predatory cichlid native to the fast-flowing clear waters of the Rio Xingu basin. Characterized by their elongated, torpedo-like bodies and huge mouths, they are formidable ambush predators. Due to their immense size (often exceeding 14 inches) and extreme territorial nature, they require massive aquariums with heavy filtration. They are highly intolerant of conspecifics unless kept as a confirmed bonded pair.
Chalceus macrolepidotus
A large, incredibly active, and fast-swimming characin from South America known for its shimmering silver body and striking pink tail. They are primarily surface dwellers and are notorious jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory. While generally peaceful with larger tankmates, they are predatory and will consume small fish. They must be kept either singly or in a shoal of 6+; small groups often result in severe squabbling.
Brachyplatystoma filamentosum
One of the largest freshwater fish in the world, native to the Amazon Basin. It is a highly active, migratory apex predator. This 'Monster Fish' is almost entirely unsuitable for home aquaria, requiring an enormous, custom-built heated indoor pool or public aquarium setting for its adult life stage.
Metynnis hypsauchen
A large, peaceful, schooling characin closely related to pacus and piranhas. Unlike their carnivorous cousins, Silver Dollars are primarily herbivorous and are notorious plant destroyers. They are highly active and easily startled, requiring large tanks with plenty of open swimming space, dim lighting or cover, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent jumping.
Andinoacara latifrons
A striking, medium-sized South American cichlid known for its broad forehead and platinum-blue iridescence. Often confused with the standard Blue Acara in the aquarium trade. They are relatively peaceful for cichlids but become aggressively territorial when forming pairs and spawning. They are open-substrate spawners that appreciate sandy bottoms and driftwood.
Thoracocharax stellatus
The Platinum Hatchetfish is a distinctive, deep-chested surface dweller known for its extraordinary jumping ability. They are obligate top-level swimmers that require a strictly sealed, tight-fitting lid to prevent escape. Floating plants are highly recommended to help them feel secure and minimize skittishness. They must be kept in schools to thrive.
Xiphophorus maculatus
A quintessential community fish known for its durability and massive variety of colors. Native to Central America, Platies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry. They are peaceful, active grazers that require hard, alkaline water to thrive. They are excellent for beginners but breed prolifically.
Polypterus bichir lapradei
The Lapradei Bichir is a massive, ancient, air-breathing predatory fish native to West Africa. Featuring distinct dorsal finlets and a heavily armored, snake-like body, it is a fascinating 'monster fish'. As nocturnal ambush predators, they will consume any tank mate that fits in their surprisingly large mouths. However, they are remarkably peaceful with robust companions that are too large to eat. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory as they are notorious escape artists.
Pseudomugil connieae
The Popondetta Blue-eye is a stunning, active nano fish native to the clear, fast-flowing streams of Papua New Guinea. Recognized by their bright blue eyes and striking finnage, they are an excellent choice for peaceful community aquariums. As a schooling species, they establish a pecking order, with males frequently flaring their fins in beautiful displays to attract females or establish dominance. They require well-oxygenated, moderately hard, alkaline water to thrive.
Cichlasoma portalegrense
The Port Acara is a hardy, medium-sized South American cichlid. Known for being relatively peaceful compared to other cichlids of its size, it makes an excellent entry-level cichlid for community tanks with appropriately sized tank mates. They display subtle but beautiful iridescent green and blue spangling. During breeding, they become territorial and will dig pits in the substrate, potentially uprooting unsecured plants.
Chilatherina pricei
A rare, energetic, and beautiful species native to the Reifafeif River on Yapen Island, Indonesia. They form midwater aggregations in main river channels over rocks and boulders. Like most large rainbowfishes, they are rapid, continuous swimmers that require long aquariums with moderate to high water flow and pristine, oxygen-rich conditions.
Scleromystax prionotos
A distinctive, elongated cory-type catfish from the cooler coastal rivers of southeastern Brazil (Mata Atlântica). Unlike many tropical Corydoras, it requires cooler, highly oxygenated water. They are facultative air breathers and will occasionally dart to the surface. It is vital to keep them on a soft sand substrate to prevent severe damage to their sensory barbels.
Pseudotropheus acei
The Acei is a uniquely behaved Mbuna from Lake Malawi. Unlike their strictly rock-dwelling relatives, they are active, shoaling mid-water swimmers that naturally graze on algae growing on submerged wood. They are considered one of the most peaceful Mbuna species, making them excellent for a Lake Malawi community tank provided they have ample swimming space.
Metriaclima pulpican
A striking 'dwarf' Mbuna from Lake Malawi. Originally known in the trade as Pseudotropheus sp. 'Kingsizei', it is a highly active and deeply territorial rock-dwelling cichlid. They require hard, alkaline water, a sandy substrate for digging, and an algae-heavy, low-protein diet to prevent 'Malawi Bloat'.
