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.
Panaqolus sp. L002
The L002 Tiger Pleco is a striking dwarf species of wood-eating catfish (Panaqolus). Characterized by high-contrast yellow and dark brown banded patterns, it is an excellent bottom dweller for smaller aquariums. As a xylophagous (wood-eating) species, it absolutely requires natural driftwood in the aquarium for grazing, digestion, and shelter.
Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum
A truly massive, highly predatory South American catfish distinguished by its long, flattened snout and striking tiger-like stripes. It grows exceptionally fast and reaches sizes suitable only for the largest custom aquariums, indoor ponds, or public aquaria. Will swallow any tank mate that fits in its cavernous mouth.
Caridina mariae
A highly popular dwarf shrimp species known for the distinct dark striping across its back. Originally from Southern China, they have been selectively bred into several striking color morphs. They are peaceful algae-eaters and detritivores, but like most Caridina species, they require stable water parameters, mature tanks, and no predatory fish.
Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
A large, active, and schooling riverine species that quickly outgrows standard aquariums. Known for their metallic silver scales and red fins. They are notoriously skittish, robust eaters, and will consume almost any live plant or small fish that fits in their mouths. A massive tank with strong filtration is strictly required.
Mastacembelus armatus
A massive, predatory spiny eel known for its distinctive tire-track patterning. They are nocturnal bottom-dwellers that love to burrow. A soft sand substrate is absolutely mandatory; sharp gravel will severely damage their skin and lead to fatal bacterial infections. While peaceful to fish too large to swallow, they are highly efficient predators that will eat any tank mate that fits into their surprisingly large mouths. Excellent escape artists; a heavy, tight-fitting lid is required.
Cipangopaludina chinensis
A large, livebearing freshwater snail named for its tough operculum (trapdoor) used for defense against predators and harsh conditions. They are excellent scavengers and algae eaters, heavily favored for outdoor ponds and unheated aquariums due to their extreme cold tolerance. They require hard, alkaline water to prevent shell erosion.
Labeotropheus trewavasae
A distinctive, rock-dwelling Mbuna from Lake Malawi easily identified by its fleshy, overhanging snout. They use this specialized mouth to scrape algae (aufwuchs) from rocks while remaining parallel to the surface. Highly active and aggressively territorial, they require a heavily rock-scaped tank, hard alkaline water, and a strict herbivorous diet to prevent 'Malawi bloat'.
Amphilophus trimaculatus
The Trimac is a massive, incredibly aggressive Central American cichlid. Famous for the three distinct dark spots along its flanks, it is the primary ancestral species of the man-made Flowerhorn hybrid. A true 'glass-banger', it requires a huge tank, heavy filtration, and is highly intolerant of tank mates. It constantly digs and rearranges decor.
Tropheus moorii
A highly active, specialized herbivore endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika. Known for their intense conspecific aggression, they must be kept in large, crowded colonies (12-15+) to establish a stable hierarchy and disperse bullying. They are strict 'Aufwuchs' (algae) grazers and require a specialized low-protein, high-spirulina diet to prevent fatal 'Malawi/Tropheus Bloat'.
Atractosteus tropicus
An ancient, heavily armored ambush predator native to Central America. They are true 'monster fish' that require massive aquariums or heated indoor ponds. They possess a modified swim bladder that acts as a lung, allowing them to breathe atmospheric air. They are strict piscivores and will consume any tank mate small enough to fit in their mouths.
Champsochromis caeruleus
A massive, fast-swimming predatory cichlid from Lake Malawi, often called the 'Malawi Trout' due to its streamlined, torpedo-like body. They are pursuit predators that require enormous tanks with a massive footprint for open swimming. Not highly aggressive for a Malawi cichlid, but their sheer size and piscivorous nature mean they will instantly consume any fish that fits in their large mouths.
Corydoras julii
A highly sought-after, peaceful schooling catfish native to the lower Amazon. They feature distinctive fine black dots on their heads (unlike the reticulated, maze-like lines of the commonly mislabeled 'False Julii', C. trilineatus) and a black-tipped dorsal fin. As obligate bottom-dwellers, they continuously sift through the substrate and strictly require soft sand to prevent erosion and infection of their delicate sensory barbels. They are highly gregarious and must be kept in groups.
Melanotaenia lacustris
A stunning, deep-bodied rainbowfish endemic to Lake Kutubu in Papua New Guinea. Famous for their ability to shift colors from deep teal to bright iridescent blue depending on mood and water quality. They are active schooling fish that thrive in hard, alkaline water.
Farlowella vittata
A highly specialized, peaceful Loricariid that perfectly mimics a submerged twig to hide from predators. Extremely slender and heavily reliant on grazing natural algae and biofilm from driftwood and plant leaves. They are highly sensitive to fluctuating water parameters and are easily outcompeted for food by faster tank mates.
Farlowella acus
The Twig Catfish is an extremely elongated, master-of-camouflage suckermouth catfish from South America. True to its name, it mimics a dead twig perfectly, spending most of its time motionless on branches or plant leaves. It is a specialized aufwuchs and algae grazer that requires a mature tank, high oxygenation, and plenty of driftwood. They are completely peaceful but highly sensitive to fluctuating water parameters.
Apistogramma rupununi
The Two-spot Apistogramma is a dwarf cichlid native to the Rupununi River basin in Guyana and the Branco River in Brazil. Like most Apistogramma, they are bottom-dwelling omnivores with a carnivorous tendency that thrive in soft, slightly acidic water with a sandy substrate and leaf litter. They are territorial but generally peaceful with top-dwelling dither fish.
Uaru amphiacanthoides
A large, relatively peaceful but highly gregarious South American cichlid. Often kept with Discus due to their shared need for very warm, pristine, acidic water. They are notorious herbivores that will devour almost any aquatic plant, and they actually require grazing on driftwood for proper digestion. They must be kept in groups.
Synodontis nigriventris
A fascinating West African catfish famous for its unique habit of swimming, feeding, and resting upside down under broad leaves or driftwood. It is a peaceful, schooling species that is most active at dusk and night. They must be kept in groups to feel secure. Note: Ensure you are buying true S. nigriventris (max 10cm) and not misidentified juvenile Featherfin Squeakers (S. eupterus), which grow over 20cm.
Gymnogeophagus australis
A beautiful, subtropical eartheating cichlid from the Uruguay River basin. They constantly sift sand for food and are generally peaceful but territorial during breeding. Crucially, they require a cool 'winter' period (15-20°C) to thrive long-term; keeping them at year-round tropical temperatures will drastically shorten their lifespan and cause them to lose color.
Atya gabonensis
Despite its intimidating name, the Vampire Shrimp is a gentle giant. It is a strictly peaceful freshwater invertebrate that uses specialized fan-like appendages to filter microscopic food from the water column. They require heavily oxygenated water with strong currents, mature tanks (to ensure suspended particulate matter), and places to hide.
Nimbochromis venustus
A large, striking Haplochromine cichlid from Lake Malawi. Named for its elegant 'giraffe-like' blotched pattern. In the wild, they are specialized ambush predators that lie motionless in the sand to attract and consume smaller fish. They require large aquariums, hard alkaline water, and cannot be kept with fish small enough to fit in their mouths.
Otocinclus vestitus
Otocinclus are among the smallest and most peaceful algae-eating catfish in the aquarium hobby. They are strictly herbivorous, constantly grazing on soft green algae and biofilm on plants and glass. They are highly social and must be kept in groups. Crucially, Otocinclus are notoriously sensitive to newly setup aquariums and require mature, stable water conditions with plenty of surfaces to graze on.
Vieja fenestrata
A large, robust Central American cichlid known for its beautiful speckled patterns and a prominent dark lateral bar. Primarily herbivorous in the wild, they are highly territorial and aggressive, especially towards conspecifics. Due to their massive adult size and digging behavior, they require large aquariums, heavy filtration, and robust hardscape. They will actively uproot and consume live plants.
Gobioides broussonnetii
Often misunderstood due to its terrifying 'Dragon' appearance and sharp teeth, the Violet Goby is actually a gentle, nearly blind scavenger and filter feeder. It uses its teeth to scrape algae, not to bite fish. It requires brackish water to thrive long-term and fine sand to sift through for food. It is not a predator.
