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.
Micropterus dolomieu
A popular North American freshwater gamefish sometimes kept by dedicated hobbyists in massive coldwater aquariums. They are powerful, highly active apex predators that require exceptional filtration, high water flow, and massive tank footprints. They will consume any tank mate that can fit into their large mouths.
Betta channoides
A striking wild mouthbrooding Betta native to the highly acidic blackwater streams of the Mahakam River basin in Borneo. Named for its snake-like head, it is a highly sought-after species in the hobby. Unlike the common Betta splendens, B. channoides is relatively peaceful, does not build bubble nests, and can be kept in pairs or small groups. They are exceptional jumpers and require a tight-fitting lid.
Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. white
A strikingly bright white color morph of the Neocaridina dwarf shrimp. The name 'Snowball' comes from the pure white, snowball-like eggs the females carry. They are peaceful, highly prolific biofilm grazers that thrive in established aquariums. They are completely safe with nano fish, though baby shrimp may be predated upon by almost any fish.
Chindongo socolofi
A stunning and highly active Mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. Unusually for Mbuna, both males and females share the same striking powder blue coloration. Like most Mbuna, they are highly aggressive, territorial, and require a rock-filled aquarium with hard, alkaline water. They graze on algae (aufwuchs) in the wild and are prone to fatal 'Malawi bloat' if fed diets high in animal protein.
Melanotaenia fredericki
The Sorong Rainbowfish is a stunning, highly active schooling fish native to the Vogelkop Peninsula in West Papua. Adult males develop a striking mauve body with bright yellow fins. Being rapid swimmers, they strictly require a long aquarium (at least 120cm) with ample open swimming space and high water oxygenation. They are peaceful community fish but have voracious appetites and may outcompete timid tank mates during feeding.
Trichopsis pumila
A stunning nano species known for its iridescent blue/green eyes, body spots, and ability to make audible 'croaking' sounds. Unlike many anabantoids, they are social and best kept in groups. However, they are efficient micropredators that will hunt shrimp fry and pests like hydra. Requires stable water parameters and dense planting.
Pangasius larnaudii
A massive, fast-swimming catfish native to the Mekong basin, recognizable by a distinct large black spot just above its pectoral fins. Like the Iridescent Shark, it is a 'tank buster' that grows well over a meter in length. They are easily startled and prone to panic-swimming into glass, requiring enormous tanks with smooth decor.
Tanganicodus irsacae
A fascinating, bottom-dwelling cichlid from the shallow surge zones of Lake Tanganyika. They possess a reduced swim bladder, causing them to 'hop' or rest on the rocky substrate similar to marine gobies. They feature specialized pointed mouths for picking insect larvae and crustaceans out of rock crevices. While peaceful towards upper-water tank mates, they are violently intolerant of other goby cichlids.
Lepisosteus oculatus
A primitive, predatory 'monster fish' native to North America. Known for its heavily armored, elongated body and beak-like mouth filled with sharp teeth. As an ambush predator, it rests near the surface disguised as a floating log. It breathes atmospheric air using a modified swim bladder. Suitable only for expert aquarists with massive aquariums or indoor ponds.
Chilodus punctatus
A unique, peaceful South American characin known for swimming at a distinct 45-degree, head-down angle. They are highly social, somewhat skittish shoaling fish that thrive in mature, densely planted aquariums. They actively graze on algae and biofilm across surfaces and leaves, though they do not eat ornamental plants. They require stable water parameters and should only be added to mature tanks.
Gastromyzon punctulatus
A highly specialized, rheophilic (flow-loving) fish adapted to cling to rocks in fast-moving streams. Their modified fins act like suction cups. They graze constantly on biofilm and algae. To thrive, they require cooler, highly oxygenated water with strong currents (like a river manifold or powerhead setup) and plenty of smooth river stones.
Glossolepis maculosus
A small, beautiful rainbowfish endemic to the Markham and Ramu river systems of Papua New Guinea. Unusually small for a Glossolepis species, it features a greenish-bronze body adorned with up to eight distinct black spots along its sides. They are peaceful, active schooling fish that thrive in densely planted aquariums with slow-moving water.
Agamyxis pectinifrons
A peaceful, highly armored, and strictly nocturnal bottom-dweller from the Amazon basin. Known as a 'Talking Catfish' because it produces distinct clicking or croaking sounds by rubbing its pectoral fins in their sockets when stressed or defending its favorite hiding spot. Very hardy and extremely long-lived (often 10-15+ years). Caution: They have sharp, serrated pectoral spines that easily tangle in standard aquarium nets; catching them with a plastic container is recommended.
Chaetostoma milesi
A hardworking, algae-eating catfish native to the fast-flowing, highly oxygenated mountain streams of Colombia. Known for its bulldog-like blunt snout and spotted pattern. Unlike many tropical fish, they require cooler water, high flow, and pristine water conditions to thrive. They are peaceful towards mid-water fish but can be territorial over their favorite hiding spots.
Ancistrus dolichopterus
The true Starlight Bristlenose (L183) is a stunning blackwater species from the Rio Negro. They are distinguished by their deep black coloration, brilliant white starry spots, and a striking thick white seam on the dorsal and caudal fins that remains into adulthood (unlike similar species). They require driftwood in their diet for digestion and prefer warmer, softer, acidic water than common bristlenoses.
Apistogramma steindachneri
A larger, hardy species of dwarf cichlid native to the rivers of Suriname and Guyana. Unlike many delicate Apistogramma species, they are adaptable to a wider range of water parameters. They are excellent community fish for larger setups but require a sandy substrate (they sift sand for food) and plenty of hiding spots like caves or leaf litter.
Corydoras sterbai
A highly popular and peaceful schooling catfish known for its striking white-on-black spotted pattern and bright orange pectoral fins. Uniquely among Corydoras, they thrive in higher temperatures, making them excellent bottom-dwelling companions for warm-water species like Discus. They are obligate shoalers and must be kept on fine sand to prevent the erosion and infection of their delicate barbels.
Platydoras armatulus
A highly robust, armored catfish native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Famous for their ability to produce audible squeaking or grunting sounds when distressed or defending territory. They are nocturnal scavengers that spend most of the day hiding in driftwood or caves. Note: Their rigid pectoral spines can easily become tangled in standard aquarium nets.
Gymnogeophagus rhabdotus
A beautifully spangled subtropical eartheater native to Uruguay and southern Brazil. Unlike tropical South American cichlids, they thrive in cooler water and optimally require a winter 'cool down' period (below 20°C) to simulate their natural seasonal cycle, promoting long-term health and breeding. As eartheaters, they constantly sift the substrate for food, meaning soft sand is an absolute requirement to prevent gill damage.
Platystomatichthys sturio
A striking, ancient-looking predatory catfish native to the fast-flowing rivers of the Amazon basin. Known for its highly elongated, delicate snout and long maxillary barbels, it resembles a sturgeon. They are very active swimmers that require massive aquariums with massive footprints to prevent permanently damaging their snouts against the glass. They are highly predatory toward small fish but peaceful with large, deep-bodied tank mates.
Otopharynx lithobates
A stunning Lake Malawi Haplochromine cichlid. They are famously associated with the 'Zimbawe Rock' collection point. In the wild, they inhabit caves, and in the aquarium, they appreciate rockwork. Relatively peaceful for a Malawi cichlid, they do well in all-male Hap/Peacock displays or in species-specific harems.
Schistura balteata
The Sumo Loach is a fascinating, highly active bottom dweller native to fast-flowing hillstreams in Myanmar. Named for their aggressive, 'wrestling' matches over territory, they require highly oxygenated water, strong flow, and plenty of visual barriers like smooth river stones. They are highly intolerant of conspecifics and other bottom dwellers in small tanks.
Dimidiochromis strigatus
A striking, large, open-water predator native to Lake Malawi. As its name implies, mature males develop a spectacular 'sunset' coloration with a blue head fading into a deep orange-red belly. They are pursuit/ambush predators and will readily consume any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (including small Mbuna). Best kept in an all-male Hap/Peacock display or in a harem (1 male to multiple females).
Xiphophorus variatus
The Variatus Platy, highly popular in its 'Sunset' color morph, is an active, hardy livebearer. Unlike its cousin the Southern Platy (X. maculatus), the Variatus prefers slightly cooler temperatures and is highly adaptable. They are prolific breeders. Males relentlessly pursue females, so keeping a ratio of 1 male to 2-3 females is strictly recommended to prevent female exhaustion.
