Tropical Fish A-Z

Barbs

Barbs are an extremely popular group of tropical fish. They’re schooling fish, so if you plan on keeping them, keep them in groups of at least 5-6. They’re also very active swimmers in the tank, so generally, they need at least 20 gallons of tank space or more!

And to truly make them happy, the tank should have plenty of plants and hiding places to provide the barbs with a sense of security.

Barbs are usually found in the middle to upper levels of the tank. However, they’re not shy fish, and they will often swim around the tank. Some species can also be aggressive towards other fish that are smaller or slower than them. So make sure to choose tank mates carefully.

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
Albino Tiger Barb	6.0-7.0	77-82°F	20 Gallons	3″	7 Years
Arulius Barb	6.0-7.5	66-77°F	40 Gallons	5″	5-7 Years
Beardless Barb	5.5-8.0	68-78°F	30 Gallons	7″	4-6 Years
Black Ruby/Purplehead Barb	6.0-6.5	72-79°F	30 Gallons	2-3″	3-5 Years
Butterfly Barb	5.0-6.5	72-76°F	10 Gallons	1″	2-4 Years
Checker Barbs	6.0-7.0	68-75°F	20 Gallons	2″	8 Years
Cherry Barbs	6.0-8.0	73-81°F	30 Gallons	2″	4 Years
Drape Fin Barb	6.0-7.5	73-82°F	15 Gallons	2″	3-4 Years
Dwarf Ember Barb	6.0-7.0	72-79°F	10 Gallons	0.7″	2 Years
Filament/Black-Spot Barb	5.5-7.0	74-79°F	65 Gallons	5-7″	4 Years
Fiveband/Pentazona Barb	6.0-7.0	77-82°F	20 Gallons	2″	5-8 Years
Glofish Barb	6.8-7.8	75-80°F	20 Gallons	3″	4-7 Years
Golden Barbs	6.0-8.0	64-75°F	20 Gallons	3″	4-6 Years
Golden Dwarf Barb	5.5-7.0	68-77°F	10 Gallons	2.5-3″	3-5 Years
Jae Barb	5.0-.6.5	70-77°F	10 Gallons	1.5″	3-5 Years
Khavli/Mahajara Barb	6.8-7.9	65-79°F	25 Gallons	2.5″	4-6 Years
Odessa Barb	6.0-7.0	70-78°F	30 Gallons	3″	3-5 Years
Panda Barb	6.0-7.5	72-79°F	30 Gallons	2.5″	4-6 Years
Red Panda/Melon Barb	6.0-7.5	72-79°F	30 Gallons	2″	6 Years
Redside/Two Spot Barb	6.5-7.5	72-78°F	20 Gallons	3-3.5″	4-6 Years
Rosy Barbs	6.0-8.0	64-72°F	30 Gallons	6″	5 Years
Snakeskin Barb	5.5-7.0	73-82°F	25 Gallons	2″	5-8 Years
Spanner Barb	6.0-7.5	77-83°F	55 Gallons	6-7″	8 Years
Swamp Barb	6.0-6.5	68-77°F	30 Gallons	6″	10 Years
Ticto Barb	6.0-7.0	58-72°F	30 Gallons	4″	5-7 Years
Tiger Barbs	6.0-7.0	77-82°F	20 Gallons	3″	7 Years
Tinfoil Barb	6.0-7.5	72-77°F	75 Gallons	14″	10-15 Years

Catfish

If you plan on choosing catfish for your tank there are actually a number of different choices! So you should decide which catfish you want from the following!

Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras catfish are some of the greatest fish for your tank, especially if you’re jut starting out. This is thanks to how peaceful and hardy they are, as well as how easy they are to care for. There are also so many different varieties of them to choose from, so you really are spoilt for choice!

Like all catfish, Corydoras catfish are bottom-dwelling fish, so they will spend most of their time swimming near the substrate. They also prefer to be kept in groups, so make sure you’re keeping at least 5-6 together.

The ideal tank size for corydoras catfish, does depend on the species but generally 20 gallons or larger is going to be best. The tank you keep them in should have plenty of plants and hiding places, such as rocks, driftwood, and caves.

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
(Paletus) Peppered Corydoras (Corydoras paleatus)	6.0-7.0	72-79°F	20 Gallons	2.5″	3-5 Years
Adolfo Cory (Corydoras adolfoi)	4.0-7.0	68-79°F	20 Gallons	2.2″	5 Years
Agassizi Corydoras (Corydoras agassizii)	6.0-8.0	72-79°F	20 Gallons	2.25″	3-5 Years
Albino Cory (Corydoras aeneus)	6.0-8.0	72-79°F	20 Gallons	2.5-3″	2-3 Years
Arched (Skunk) Corydoras (Corydoras arcuatus)	6.5-7.0	72-81°F	15 Gallons	2-3″	5-8 Years
Banded (Barbatus) Cory (Scleromystax barbatus)	5.5-7.5	65-79°F	30 Gallons	4″	5 Years
Black Cory (Corydoras schultzei)	6.0-7.5	72-82°F	15 Gallons	2.4″	5-10 Years
Blue Spotted (Black Sail) Corydoras (Corydoras melanistius)	6.0-8.0	72-79 °F	20 Gallons	2″	10-15 Years
Bronze/Common Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus)	6.0-8.0	68-82°F	10 Gallons	2.5″	10 Years
Delphax Cory (Corydoras delphax)	6.5-7.5	72 -79°F	20 Gallons	2-3″	10-15 Years
Elegant Corydoras (Corydoras elegans)	6.0-8.0	72-79°F	20 Gallons	2.5″	10 Years
Emerald Cory (Corydoras splendens)	5.8-8.0	68-82°F	30 Gallons	3″	5 Years
False Bandit Cory (Corydoras melini)	6.5-7.5	72-79°F	10 Gallons	2″	3-5 Years
Flagtail Corydoras (Corydoras robineae)	6.0-7.5	71-78°F	20 Gallons	2″	10 Years
Hognosed Brochis (Brochis multiradiatus)	6.0-7.5	70-75°F	30 Gallons	2.6″	5-8 Years
Julii Cory (Corydoras julii)	6.5-7.8	72-79°F	10 Gallon	2.5″	5-7 Years
Leopard Corydoras (Corydoras leopardus)	6.0-7.5	70-79°F	15 Gallons	2.3″	5 Years
Orange Laser Cory (Corydoras sp Orange Laser)	6.0-7.0	72-78°F	30 Gallons	2.5″	5 Years
Panda Corydoras (Corydoras panda)	6.0-7.0	68-77°F	10 Gallons	2″	10 Years
Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus)	6.0-8.0	72–79°F	10 Gallons	1″	3 Years
Salt & Pepper Cory (Corydoras habrosus)	6.2-7.2	72-79°F	10 Gallons	1.4″	5 Years
Schwartz’s Corydoras (Corydoras schwartzi)	6.0-7.5	72-75°F	20 Gallons	2.5-3″	3-5 Years
Shy Cory (Corydoras gracilis)	6.0-8.0	68-78°F	15 Gallons	2″	10 Years
Smudge Spot Cory (Corydoras Similis)	5.5-7.5	68-81°F	15 Gallons	2.4″	3-5 Years
Sterba’s Corydoras (Corydoras sterbai)	6.0-7.5	73-79°F	20 Gallons	2.6″	10-15 Years
Tail Spot Cory (Corydoras hastatus)	6.0-8.0	72-79°F	10 Gallons	1.6″	3-5 Years
Three Striped/False Julii Cory (Corydoras trilineatus)	6.0-8.0	73-79°F	30 Gallons	2.5″	5 Years

Plecos

Plecos, also known as suckermouth catfish, are a staple of most aquariums thanks to how easy to care for they are. There are over 150 species of plecos, but some of the most popular include the common pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus), the bristlenose pleco (Ancistrus sp.), and the rubberlip pleco (Otocinclus affinis).

Plecos are bottom-dwelling fish, so they’ll spend most of their time near the bottom of the tank, where you’ll see them sucking algae off the glass of your tank and driftwood! They’re also nocturnal, so if you want to see them when they’re most active, you’ll need to catch them at night.

One important thing to note about keeping plecos is that they often need large tanks. While smaller species like the bristlenose pleco can live in tanks that are 30 gallons or bigger, larger species may need tanks that are 150 gallons or bigger!

They are also long lived fish, so buying them is no small investment. It’s not uncommon for them to live 20 years or more!

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
Alenquer Pleco	6.5-7.5	79-84°F	30 Gallons	4.5-5″	10 Years
Blue Eyed Pleco	6.5-7.5	75-80°F	200 Gallons	12″	10-12 Years
Bristlenose Pleco	6.5-7.5	70-80°F	29 Gallons	5″	15 Years
Butterfly Pleco	5.6-7.0	77-82°F	40 Gallons	6″	5-8 Years
Candy Striped Pleco	5.6-7.0	73-79°F	20 Gallons	4″	10 Years
Clown Pleco	6.8-7.6	73-82°F	20 Gallons	3-4″	10-12 Years
Common Pleco	7.0-8.0	74-80°F	75 Gallons	15″	10-15 Years
Flat Flyer Pleco	6.2-7.0	75-82°F	40 Gallons	6″	8-10 Years
Gold Nugget Pleco	6.5-7.5	73-79°F	55 Gallons	7-10″	5 Years
Green Phantom Pleco	5.5-7.5	79-86°F	30 Gallons	6″	12 Years
Leopard Frog Pleco	6.5-7.5	75-86°F	30 Gallons	3.5-4″	8-10 Years
Lujans Pleco	6.5-7.2	75-82°F	30 Gallons	4.5″	8-10 Years
Mango Pleco	6.5-7.5	78-82°F	75 Gallons	8-11″	10-15 Years
Medusa Pleco	6.0-6.5	80-84°F	30 Gallons	5″	5-8 Years
Mega Clown Pleco	6.5-7.5	78-86°F	20 Gallons	3″	10-12 Years
Orange Spot Pleco	6.0-7.0	73-82°F	20 Gallons	6″	12 Years
Peppermint Pleco	6.8-7.8	73-80°F	50 Gallons	7″	10 Years
Royal Pleco	6.5-7.5	72-78°F	125 Gallons	16-17″	10 Years
Rubber Lip Pleco	6.5-8.0	72-80°F	25 Gallons	5″	1-3 Years
Sailfin Pleco	6.5-7.5	73-86°F	100 Gallons	13-19″	10-20 Years
Snowball Pleco	5.0-7.6	72-86°F	40 Gallons	5.5-6.5″	8-10 Years
Sunshine Pleco	5.0-7.5	77-82°F	120 Gallons	10-12″	10-15 Years
Tiger Pleco	5.8-7.0	77-82°F	40 Gallons	5-6″	10-15 Years
Vampire Pleco	6.5-7.0	72-80°F	100 Gallons	10″	15 Years
Zebra Pleco	6.5-7.0	79-88°F	30 Gallons	3-4″	10-15 Years

Upside Down Catfish

Upside down catfish are some of the most unique and interesting tropical fish you can add to your tank, however, they aren’t as commonly seen as most catfish. As you can guess by their name, what makes them so unique is that they like to swim upside down!

If you want to add upside down catfish to your tank, make sure you’re adding lots of driftwood and large leafed plants, as they like to spend most of their time foraging for algae on the undersides. And when you’re choosing a tank for them, make sure you’re picking a tank which is 30 gallons or larger.

Other Catfish

Glass Catfish

Another truly fascinating fish to keep are glass catfish! As you can guess by their name, they’re almost see through, however, it’s important to note that as their name suggests, they’re also very fragile, so they should be kept by more experienced fish keepers!

Unlike other catfish, glass catfish aren’t bottom-dwellers and prefer to spend their time in the mid levels of the tank. On top of this, they’re also schooling fish, and they are going to be a lot more likely to survive in schools of 6 or more!

If you do plan on keeping glass catfish, you’ll need to make sure that the tank is at least 30 gallons, and due to their peaceful nature it should be full of plants, driftwood and other hiding places.

With proper care, your glass catfish can live for 6-8 years. However, again, it’s important to remember, that they are fragile fish, so caution must be taken when keeping them.

Twig Catfish

Twig catfish (Farlowella spp.) are a group of small, slender catfish that are native to South America. They’re most known for their long, thin bodies and their ability to camouflage themselves against driftwood and other objects in the aquarium, however, they’re not often seen in most hobbyists tanks.

Twig catfish are peaceful fish so you can keep them in community tanks. Just make sure you’re keeping them with other peaceful fish. One thing to note is that they’re not the most active fish, so if you do plan on keeping them, don’t expect too much from them.

The ideal tank for twig catfish is a planted tank with a sandy substrate. The tank should be at least 20 gallons in size, and it should have plenty of hiding places for the fish to feel secure.

Lastly, twig catfish are not difficult to care for, and they make good additions to community tanks. With proper care, they can live for 10-12 years.

Whiptail Catfish

Whiptail catfish are another species of peaceful catfish that are great for community tanks. They’re not very active, and they prefer to spend most of their time hiding in plants or driftwood. They are also relatively hardy fish, and they can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.

The ideal tank for whiptail catfish is a planted tank with a sandy substrate. The tank should be at least 30 gallons in size, and it should have plenty of hiding places to keep them feeling secure.

Fortunately whiptail catfish are not difficult to care for, making them great additions for community tanks. When given proper care, you can even expect them to live for up to 8 years!

Pictus Catfish

Pictus catfish are schooling fish, so keeping one isn’t going to be enough, you’re going to need to keep 5-6. This on top of the fact they’re active swimmers, and can grow up to 5 inches in length means that you need to keep them in tanks which are at least 55 gallons in size or larger.

The ideal tank for pictus catfish is a planted tank with a sandy substrate and plenty of hiding places. Remember, the more hiding spots, the more comfortable your fish will feel, and the more likely they are to be active in the tank.

Pictus catfish are not difficult to care for, so if you’re just starting out and you want a unique looking fish for your tank, then they could be your newest addition!

Cichlids

Cichlids are a large and diverse group of freshwater fish known for their colorful and varied appearance, complex social behavior, and their ability to adapt to a wide range of water conditions.

Cichlids come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny dwarf cichlid, which only grows to be a few inches long, with the largest cichlid (Boulengerochromis microlepis) growing up to 3 feet in length! They are also found in a wide variety of colors, including red, blue, green, yellow, and orange.

Cichlids are social fish, and they often form dominance hierarchies. They are also territorial, and they may fight with other fish for food or breeding rights. However, there are also many peaceful cichlid species that make great community fish!

If you do plan on keeping Cichlids, it’s important to remember that while they’re not difficult to care for, they can be aggressive.

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
African Cichlid	7.4-7.9	72-80°F	55 Gallons	8″	8 Years
Auratus (Golden Mbuna)	7.6-8.8	75-82°F	50 Gallons	4.4″	3-5 Years
Black Belt Cichlid	6.5-7.5	76-84°F	120 Gallons	12″	8-10 Years
Black Belt Cichlid	6.5-7.5	76-84°F	70 Gallons	12″	8-10 Years
Black Nasty Cichlid	6.0-7.5	73-82°F	75 Gallons	15″	10 Years
Blood Parrot Cichlid	6.5-8.0	72-82°F	30 Gallons	7-8″	10-15 Years
Blue Acara	6.5-8.0	72-86°F	30 Gallons	6″	8-10 Years
Blue Neon Cichlid	8.0-9.0	77-84°F	80 Gallons	4.3″	8 Years
Chocolate/Emerald Cichlid	5.0-7.0	76-86°F	75 Gallons	12″	10 Years
Convict Cichlid	6.5-8.0	75-82°F	30 Gallons	4-5″	8-10 Years
Cuban Cichlid	7.0-8.0	75-82°F	100 Gallons	10″	6-10 Years
Demon Eartheater Cichlid	5.5-7.5	68-82°F	200 Gallons	7″	10 Years
Electric Blue Hap	7.0-8.0	75-82°F	40 Gallons	8″	7-10 Years
Electric Blue Johanni	7.5-8.5	74-80°F	40 Gallons	5″	12 Years
Festivum Cichlid	6.5-7.5	76-82°F	40 Gallons	6″	10 Years
Firemouth Cichlid	6.5-8.0	75-84°F	30 Gallons	6″	8-10 Years
Flowerhorn Cichlid	7.4-8.0	80-85°F	75 Gallons	12″	10-12 Years
Frontosa Cichlid	8.0-9.0	74-80°F	75 Gallons	15″	15-25 Years
Giraffe (Venustus) Cichlid	7.7-8.6	75-82°F	150 Gallons	10″	10 Years
Green Terror Cichlid	6.5-8.0	70-80°F	50 Gallons	6-8″	7-10 Years
Jack Dempsey Fish	6.0-7.0	72-86°F	55 Gallons	12″	8-10 Years
Jaguar Cichlid	7.0-8.7	75-82°F	100 Gallons	14-16″	15 Years
Jewel Cichlid	6.5-7.5	75-82°F	30 Gallons	6″	5 Years
Kenyi Cichlid	7.6-8.4	72-82°F	75 Gallons	5″	10 Years
Livingstonii Cichlid	7.6-8.8	75-82°F	125 Gallons	10″	10 Years
Malawi Eye Biter	8.0-8.5	77-81°F	100 Gallons	9″	7 Years
Midas Cichlid	6.5-8.0	72-82°F	75 Gallons	10-14″	12 Years
Moga Cichlid	6.5-7.5	74-80°F	50 Gallons	10″	10-15 Years
Oscar Fish	6.0-8.0	75-80°F	55 Gallons	10-12″	20 Years
Peacock Ciclhid	7.5-8.5	75-82°F	55 Gallons	6″	6-8 Years
Pearl Cichlid	6.0-7.2	75-81°F	40 Gallons	10″	15 Years
Pearlscale Cichlid	7.5-8.5	75-79°F	60 Gallons	12″	10-15 Years
Pink Convict Cichlid	6.0-8.0	70-80°F	30 Gallons	6″	8-10 Years
Red Devil Cichlid	6.0-8.0	70-79°F	55 Gallons	15″	10-12 Years
Red Empress Cichlid	7.5-8.5	75-82°F	75 Gallons	6″	5 Years
Red Zebra Cichlid	7.6-8.6	72-82°F	55 Gallons	5″	10 Years
RedHead Cichlid	7.0-8.0	77-83°F	80 Gallons	14″	10 Years
Redhump Eartheater	6.0-7.0	70-82°F	50 Gallons	5-6″	10 Years
Salvini Cichlid	7.0-8.0	72-79°F	55 Gallons	8″	13 Years
Sardine Cichlid	8.0-8.5	73-77°F	55 Gallons	4.5″	8 Years
Severum Cichlid	6.0-6.5	75-85°F	45 Gallons	7″	5 Years
T-Bar Cichlid	7.0-8.0	73-86°F	40 Gallons	4.9″	10 Years
Texas Cichlid	6.5-7.5	68-82°F	55 Gallons	12″	10-13 Years
Trimac (Three Spot) Cichlid	6.5-7.5	74-86°F	125 Gallons	15″	12 Years
Uaru Cichlid	5.0-7.0	75-82°F	70 Gallons	8-10″	10-15 Years
Umbee Cichlid	6.5-7.5	72-80°F	150 Gallons	14″	8-10 Years
White Pearly Calvus	7.5-9.0	75-83°F	50 Gallons	6″	10 Years

Angelfish

Angelfish are relatively large fish, reaching up to 6 inches in length and 8 inches in height at maturity. While they’re not schooling fish, they do like to live in pairs or groups, so try to keep two together minimum.

They’re also extremely active, so you should make sure the tank is big enough. In fact, the tank should be 55 gallons in size, and heavily planted to provide them with enough hiding spots.

Angelfish are not difficult to care for, however, due to the size they can grow too I wouldn’t recommend them for beginners. And while they’re mostly peaceful fish, they can be territorial, espcially when they don’t have enough space

Dwarf Cichlids

Dwarf cichlids typically grow to be no more than 4 inches in length, making them ideal for smaller aquariums. They’re also relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginners!

Dwarf cichlids are social fish, and they do best when kept in groups of at least 3 or 4, with one male for every 2-3 females. They’re also territorial, so make sure to provide them with plenty of hiding places in the aquarium. The ideal tank for dwarf cichlids is a planted tank with a sandy substrate. The tank should be at least 10-20 gallons in size,

Dwarf cichlids are omnivores, and they will eat a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, frozen food, and live food. They should be fed a diet that is high in protein.

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
African Butterfly Cichlid	5.5-7.5	73-80°F	30 Gallons	3″	3-5 Years
Agassiz’s dwarf cichlid	6.0-6.5	72-84°F	15 Gallons	3″	5 Years
Apistogramma Cichlid	6.0-7.0	72-86°F	20 Gallons	3.5″	5-10 Years
Black Ram Cichlid	6.0-7.5	79-86°F	30 Gallons	1.6″	3-4 Years
Bolivian Ram	6.5-7.5	77-82°F	15 Gallons	3-4″	4 Years
Bolivian Ram	6.5-7.5	77-82°F	15 Gallons	3-4″	4 Years
Brevis Shelldweller	8.0-8.5	77-80°F	10 Gallons	2.4″	8 Years
Checkerboard Cichlid	4.5-6.5	82-86°F	55 Gallons	2.5″	3-5 Years
Cockatoo Cichlid	6.0-7.0	79-84°F	30 Gallons	2-3.5″	3-5 Years
Dogtooth Cichlid	7.5-8.5	77-82°F	25 Gallons	4″	7 Years
Dwarf Flag Cichlid	4.5-7.5	68-82°F	20 Gallons	3.5″	2-4 Years
Egyptian Mouthbrooder	6.5-7.2	68-79°F	20 Gallons	3″	3-5 Years
Electric Yellow Lab Cichlid	7.2-8.8	74-84°F	55 Gallons	4″	10 Years
German (Electric) Blue Ram	5.5-6.5	78-85°F	20 Gallons	2-3″	3-4 Years
Golden Dwarf Cichlid	6.0-7.5	72-77°F	20 Gallons	3″	5-8 Years
Golden Dwarf Cichlid	6.0-7.2	72-77°F	20 Gallons	3″	5-8 Years
Honduran Red Point Cichlid	7.0-8.0	72-90°F	20 Gallons	4″	10 Years
Keyhole Cichlid	4.0-7.5	70-82°F	20 Gallons	4″	5-10 Years
Lemon Cichlid	8.0-9.0	75-82°F	20 Gallons	4″	8-10 Years
Lemon Cichlid	8.0-9.0	73-81°F	20 Gallons	4″	8-10 Years
Lionhead/Buffalo Head Cichlid	6.0-7.5	75-81°F	30 Gallons	4″	5-8 Years
Masked Julie	8.0-9.0	73-80°F	20 Gallons	3″	5-8 Years
Panda Cichlid	5.0-7.0	72-84°F	15 Gallons	3″	2-5 Years
Pike Cichlid	5.5-6.5	73-82°F	30 Gallons	4″	10 Years
Rainbow Cichlid	7.0-8.0	78-82°F	20 Gallons	3″	9 Years
Rainbow Cichlid	7.0-8.0	78-82°F	20 Gallons	3″	7-9 Years
Rainbow Kribensis	5.0-8.0	72-79°F	10 Gallons	3-4″	5 Years
Red Fin Three Stripe Cichlid	5.0-7.0	72-84°F	15 Gallons	2.2″	5-10 Years
Redbreasted Acara	5.0-7.0	64-79°F	25 Gallons	1.4″	3-8 Years
Spotfin Goby Cichlid	8.0-9.0	75-82°F	30 Gallons	2.8″	3-5 Years
Umbrella Cichlid	5.0-8.0	68-79°F	10 Gallons	2″	5-7 Years
Wolf Cichlid	7.0-8.0	72-81°F	120 Gallons	28″	30 Years

Danios

Danios are small, hardy, and active freshwater fish, and in fact, some of the most popular amongst fish-keepers.

They’re schooling fish, that do best in groups of at least 5 or more. And because of how active they are you should keep them in a tank that favours length over height.

The ideal tank for danios is a planted tank with a sandy substrate. The tank should generally be at least 20 gallons in size (however, this depends on the type), and it should have plenty of hiding places for them to feel secure.

They’re peaceful fish, that won’t bother other tank mates which makes them great for community tanks. However, the only time this isn’t the case is when the tank is too small, and then they may become fin nippers.

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
Bengal Danios	6.0-8.0	60-79°F	35 Gallons	4″	3-5 Years
Black/Black Barred Danio	6.0-8.0	69-79°F	20 Gallons	3″	3-5 Years
Blue Danio	6.5-7.0	73-77°F	10 Gallons	1.5-2″	4 Years
Celestial Pearl Danio	6.6-7.5	72-78°F	10 Gallons	0.8″	3-5 Years
Dwarf Spotted Danio	6.5-7.0	74-82°F	10 Gallons	1.5″	3 Years
Emerald Danio	7.0-8.0	68-76°F	10 Gallons	1-1.5″	3-5 Years
Fireline Danio	6.5-7.5	68-79°F	60 Gallons	2.6″	8 Years
Giant Danio	6.0-8.0	72-81°F	55 Gallons	4-6″	5-7 Years
GloFish Danio	6.5-8.0	75-80°F	20 Gallons	2-3″	5 Years
Glowlight Danio	6.0-7.5	68-79°F	15 Gallons	1″	1-3 Years
Gold Longfin Danio	6.5-7.0	64-75°F	10 Gallons	2″	4 Years
Gold Ring Danio	6.5-7.5	68-80°F	10 Gallons	1-1.5″	2-3 Years
Leopard Danio	6.5-7.5	65-75°F	10 Gallons	2″	4 Years
Malabar Danio	6.2-7.8	72-77°F	20 Gallons	4″	5 Years
Moustached Danio	6.0-7.5	60-75°F	55 Gallons	6″	3-5 Years
Orange Finned Danio	6.0-7.5	65-77°F	30 Gallons	2″	3 Years
Panther Danio	6.8-7.2	72-81°F	15 Gallons	1-1.5″	4 Years
Pearl Danio	6.5-7.0	64-75°F	20 Gallons	2″	10 Years
Rose Danio	6.0-7.0	68-77°F	20 Gallons	1.25″	3-5 Years
Zebra Danio	6.5-7.5	64-78°F	10 Gallons	2″	3-5 Years

Freshwater Pufferfish

Freshwater Pufferfish are less talked about, but they’re great if you’re just getting started and want something cool! They’re generally hardy fish, so as long as you’re keeping the water parameters stable they’re going to be happy!

Freshwater Pufferfish are active fish however, so they’ll need plenty of space to swim and explore. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for smaller species, such as pea puffers. Larger species, such as the Fahaka puffer, may require a tank as large as 100 gallons.

One thing to note is that they’re extremely territorial, and often kill other tropical fish in their tank. So if you do want to keep them, you can only keep them with their own kind.

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
Pea Puffer	6.5-8.5	74-82°F	10 Gallons	1.5″	4-5 Years
Imitator Puffer	6.8-7.5	76-82°F	10 Gallons	1.25″	4-5 Years
Mbu Puffer	7.0-8.0	75-79°F	1000 Gallons	26″	20 Years
Hairy Puffer	6.5-7.5	74-81°F	30 Gallons	5.9″	8-15 Years
Green Spotted Puffer	7.2-8.2	78-82°F	55 Gallons	6″	10 Years
Spotted Congo Puffer	6.5-7.5	72-79°F	30 Gallons	4″	10 Years
Amazon Puffer	6.0-8.0	72-82°F	55 Gallons	3″	8-10 Years
Red-Tailed Dwarf Puffer	5.5-6.5	68-82°F	15 Gallons	1.8″	5 Years
Fahaka Puffer	7.0-8.0	75-82°F	150 Gallons	18″	10 Years
Golden Puffer	6.0-7.8	74-82°F	20 Gallons	4.5″	10 Years
Ocellated Puffer	6.0-7.8	74-80°F	20 Gallons	4″	8-10 Years
Arrowhead Puffer	6.5-7.5	72-79°F	30 Gallons	6″	10 Years
Eyespot/Figure 8 Puffer	7.0-8.0	72-79°F	30 Gallons	2.5″	15 Years
Target Puffer	7.0-7.5	72-78°F	30 Gallons	5-6″	6-8 Years

Gobies

Gobies are bottom-dwelling fish that prefer to stay close to the substrate. They have a suction cup-like disc on their pelvic fins that allows them to cling to rocks and other surfaces.

They’re also peaceful fish, which makes them great for community tanks. However, some species of gobies can be territorial, so it is important to do your research before adding them to your tank.

Gobies do not require a lot of space, but they do appreciate having plenty of hiding places. A good-sized tank for a group of gobies would be 10-20 gallons or larger.

The substrate in the tank should be soft and sandy, as gobies have sensitive mouths. You should also add plenty of live plants to the tank, to give your gobies lots of shelter!

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
Annies Dwarf Goby	6.5-7.5	70-82°F	15 Gal	1.2″	2-3 Years
Blue Belly Red Goby	6.0-7.5	72-79°F	10 Gal	1.5-2″	3-5 Years
Bumbebee Goby	7.0-8.5	72-84°F	10 Gal	1-1.5″	3 Years
Cobalt Blue Dwarf Goby	6.5-7.5	68-82°F	10 Gal	1.2-1.4″	2 Years
Desert Goby	7.0-8.0	68-82°F	15 Gal	2″	5 Years
Dragon Goby	6.5-8.5	72-78°F	55 Gal	24″	10 Years
Empire Gudgeon Goby	7.0-8.5	68-95°F	30 Gal	4-4.5″	5 Years
Fan Dance/Knight Goby	7.0-8.5	68-78°F	20 Gal	3″	3-5 Years
Foot Cleaner Goby/Garra Rufa	6.0-8.0	59-83°F	30 Gal	4-5″	6 Years
Glass Goby	6.5-7.0	73-85°F	10 Gal	1″	3-5 Years
Gold Neon Dwarf/Gold Spot Goby	5.5-7.0	68-82°F	10 Gal	1.2-1.4″	6 Years
Golden Malili/Rexi Goby	7.0-8.0	77-82°F	5 Gal	1″	3 Years
Indonesian Dragon Micro Goby	7.0-7.8	72-79°F	15 Gal	2″	5 Years
Marbled Sleeper Goby	6.5-7.5	72-82°F	150 Gal	26″	5-8 Years
Monk Goby	7.0-7.8	76-82°F	30 Gal	5″	8 Years
Neon Blue Stiphodon Goby	5.5-7.0	68-82°F	10 Gal	1.5-2″	2 Years
Neon Red Stiphodon Goby	5.5-7.0	68-82°F	10 Gal	1.5-2″	2 Years
Orange Fin Stiphodon Goby	5.5-7.0	68-82°F	10 Gal	2″	2-3 Years
Palauan Riffle Dwarf Goby	6.5-7.5	72-82°F	10 Gal	1.6-1.8″	2-3 Years
Peacock Goby/Peacock Gudgeon	6.0-7.8	72-79°F	15 Gal	3″	4-5 Years
Rainbow Stiphodon Goby	6.5-7.5	68-82°F	10 Gal	2″	2 Years
Red Belted Goby	6.0-7.5	72-79°F	10 Gal	1.5-2″	5 Years
Red Lipstick Goby	6.0-7.5	72-79°F	10 Gal	1.5-2″	2 Years
White Cheeked Goby	7.0-8.0	59-77°F	10 Gal	1.5-2″	5-8 Years

Gourami’s

Gouramis are a group of freshwater fish that are native to Southeast Asia. They are known for their labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe oxygen from the surface of the water, however, it’s still better to give them well oxygenated water.

Gouramis come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from the tiny honey gourami, which only grows to be about 2 inches long, to kissing gouramis, which can grow to be over 12 inches long. They are also found in a wide variety of colors, including blue, green, yellow, and orange.

It’s also important to note that while for the most part, the majority of gouramis, can be kept in community tanks, as long as you make sure you’re not keeping them with fish that look like them, or other aggressive fish.

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
Banded Gourami	6.0-7.5	70-82°F	30 Gallons	4″	4 Years
Chocolate Gourami	4.0-6.0	77-81°F	30 Gallons	2.4″	5-8 Years
Croaking Gourami	6.0-8.0	72-82°F	10 Gallons	2″	2 Years
Dwarf Gourami	6.0-7.5	72-82°F	10 Gallons	2-3″	3-5 Years
Giant Gourami	6.5-8.0	68-86°F	200 Gallons	2.8″	10 Years
Gold Gourami	6.5-7.5	73-82°F	30 Gallons	5″	5 Years
Honey Gourami	6.0-8.0	74-82°F	20 Gallons	2″	5-8 Years
Kissing Gourami	6.8-8.5	72-82°F	100 Gallons	6″	5-7 Years
Licorice Gourami	6.8-7.6	76-82°F	20 Gallons	2.5″	5-6 Years
Moonlight Gourami	6.0-7.0	77-86°F	20 Gallons	5″	4-Years
Opaline Gourami	6.5-7.5	73-82°F	30 Gallons	5″	5 Years
Paradise Fish	5.8-8.0	68-82°F	20 Gallons	2.5″	8 Years
Pearl Gourami	6.0-7.5	77-82°F	30 Gallons	4.5″	4-5 Years
Snakeskin Gourami	5.8-8.5	72-86°F	40 Gallons	8″	4-6 Years
Sparkling Gourami	6.0-7.0	76-82°F	10 Gallons	1.5″	4-5 Years
Thick Lipped Gourami	6.0-7.0	72-82°F	20 Gallons	3.5″	4-7 Years
Threespot Gourami	6.5-7.5	73-82°F	30 Gallons	5″	5 Years

Hatchet Fish

Hatchet fish are small, freshwater fish native to South America. As their name suggests, they have small flat bodies, looking similar to a hatchet.

Hatchet fish are schooling fish, so they do best when kept in groups of 6 or more. You also need to keep in mind that they are active swimmers, so even though they’re not big fish, they will need a lot of space.

Hatchetfish are not difficult to care for, and they make good additions to community tanks. They are peaceful fish, and they will not bother other tank mates. However, they can be nippy, so it is important to provide them with plenty of space.

Killifish

Killifish are typically shy fish that prefer to stay in the middle to lower levels of the tank. Fortunately, though, they’re not aggressive fish and make grest tank mates for other small, peaceful fish.

And because of their small size, they don’t typically need to be kept in big tanks, anything from 10-20 gallons is enough. And they can live for 2-5 years with proper care.

With all this in mind killifish are a great choice for beginner fish keepers.

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
American Flagfish	7.0-8.0	64-72°F	20 Gallons	2.4″	2-3 Years
Blackfin Pearl Killifish	6.0-7.0	62-70°F	15 Gallons	2.5″	5 Years
Blue Fin Notho Killifish	6.0-7.0	70-80°F	20 Gallons	2.4″	1-1.5 Years
Blue Gularis Killifish	6.0-7.5	73-79°F	25 Gallons	4″	5 Years
Blue Striped Rivulus Killifish	5.5-7.0	73-77°F	10 Gallons	1.7″	2-4 Years
Bluefin Killifish	6.5-8.0	50-80°F	5 Gallons	1.6-2.5″	3-5 Years
Christys Killifish	6.0-6.5	68-75°F	20 Gallons	2-2.3″	3 Years
Clown Killifish/Banded Panchax	4.0-7.0	68-79°F	5 Gallons	1.2-1.4″	5 Years
Daisys Ricefish	6.5-7.5	73-81°F	10 Gallons	1.6″	3-4 Years
Eggers Killifish	7.0-8.0	70-77°F	10 Gallons	2″	1.5 Years
Gabon Jewelfish	5.5-6.5	77-95°F	30 Gallons	2.5″	3 Years
Gabon Killifish	6.5-7.2	72-77°F	10 Gallons	2″	2-3 Years
Gardneri Killifish	6.0-7.5	65-75°F	10 Gallons	2.5″	3 Years
Golden Wonder Killifish	6.0-7.5	72-77°F	20 Gallons	4″	4 Years
Large-finned Lampeye Killifish	5.8-7.5	68-77°F	15 Gallons	2.4″	2-3 Years
Lyretail Killifish	5.5-7.0	72-80°F	10 Gallons	2.5″	3 Years
Magnificent Killifish	6.5-7.5	76-82°F	10 Gallons	2.5″	3-5 Years
Mamou Killifish	5.0-7.0	71-77°F	10 Gallons	2″	1-2 Years
Normans Lampeye Killifish	6.5-7.0	73-78°F	20 Gallons	1.2-1.6″	3 Years
Poliaks Killifish	6.0-7.5	72-80°F	15 Gallons	2.5″	3 Years
Red Chinned Panchax	6.0-7.0	68-81°F	20 Gallons	1.8″	2 Years
Red Striped Killifish	6.5-7.5	68-79°F	10 Gallons	2″	3-5 Years
Redtail Notho/Gunthers Killifish	7.0-8.0	72-77°F	5 Gallons	1.8-2″	1-2 Years
Schlesers Longfin Killifish	6.0-7.0	72-78°F	10 Gallons	2″	2 Years
Splendid Killifish	6.0-6.5	71-79°F	10 Gallons	2.3″	3-5 Years
Steel Blue Lyretail Killifish	6.0-7.2	72-77°F	10 Gallons	2.6″	3 Years
Yabassi Lampeye Killifish	6.0-7.5	68-77°F	20 Gallons	2.3″	5 Years

Knifefish

Knifefish are a group of freshwater fish that are native to South America. Mostly known for their unique elongated bodies, these fish often need upwards of 120-180 gallons to truly thrive.

Knifefish are not difficult to care for, but they are not for beginners. They require a specific setup and diet, and they can be sensitive to water quality.

Livebearer’s

Livebearers are a group of fish that give birth to live young, rather than laying eggs. They’re some of the most popular aquarium fish, and for good reason. They’re super easy to care for, come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and are often very hardy.

Some of the most popular livebearers include guppies, mollies, platies, and swordtails. They are all relatively small, typically growing to be only a few inches long (although mollies can grow 4-5 inches). They’re also all peaceful fish, making them good choices for community tanks.

Endler’s Livebearer’s

Endler’s livebearers are a great choice for beginners just getting started in the trade thanks to how easy they are to care for! They’re slightly smaller than guppies but breed just as much.

If you do plan on keeping them, then try a 10 gallon tank and make sure that you have a way of dealing with the fry that inevitably follows.

Guppies

Voted the easiest fish to keep by 150 fishkeepers, guppies are another great choice for anyone starting out. They look fantastic and are generally hardy! Just make sure that you’re buying them from a reputable breeder, as inbreeding has made some variants weak.

Mollies

If you’re looking for something bigger, then mollies are a great choice. Again, incredibly peaceful, whilst also coming in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find some truly unique looking ones for your community tank!

Platies

I love platies, and they were some of the first fish I ever took care of. Again, all you have to do it out them in your tank, feed them and keep the parameters good in they’ll be happy!

One thing to note, like all livebearers if you don’t have other fish to eat their fry, then you may end up with more than you bargained for.

Swordtails

Lastly, some of the most unique looking fish you can add to your tank, swordtails, are also a great choice. As you can guess, their tail looks like a sword (however this is only the males)

While they are livebearers they don’t produce fry as often as the rest. And if you do plan on keeping them, make sure to keep them in a 20 gallon tank or bigger.

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
Endler’s Livebearer	6.5-8.5	68-82°F	10 Gallons	1.5″	5-8 Years
Guppies	6.8-7.8	74-82°F	5 Gallons	1.5-2.4″	2-3 Years
Least Killifish	7.0-8.0	68-78°F	5 Gallons	1.2″	3 Years
Limia Fish	7.5-8.5	72-79°F	20 Gallons	2″	3-5 Years
Mollies	7.5-8.5	71-82°F	20 Gallons	4-5″	3-5 Years
Mosquito Fish	6.5-8.0	33-104°F	10 Gallons	3″	1.5 Years
Platies	6.8-8.5	70-80°F	10 Gallons	2-3″	2-3 Years
Redtail Splitfin	6.5-8.0	59-86°F	15 Gallons	2.8″	3-5 Years
Swordtail	7.0-8.0	72-79°F	20 Gallons	5.5″	3-5 Years

Loaches

Loaches are another diverse group of freshwater fish that are found mostly in Asia, with a couple of species being found in Europe, and Northern Africa.

Loaches come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from the tiny hillstream loach, which only grows to be about 2 inches long, to clown loaches, which can grow to be over 12 inches long. They are also found in a wide variety of colors, including silver, gold, black, and striped.

Loaches are generally peaceful fish, and they make good additions to community tanks. However, some species, such as the clown loach, can be aggressive, so it is important to choose loaches that are compatible with each other.

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
Bengal Loach	6.0-7.5	75-82°F	30 Gallons	6″	5-8 Years
Blue Botia Loach	6.5-7.5	75-82°F	55 Gallons	10″	5 Years
Brown Forktail Loach	4.5-7.2	72-79°F	30 Gallons	5″	8 Years
Chinese Hillstream/Butterfly Loach	7.0-8.0	65-80°F	30 Gallons	2.5-3.5″	5-6 Years
Clown Loach	6.0-7.5	77-86°F	100 Gallons	6-8″	10-20 Years
Crimson Loach	6.0-7.2	72-79°F	30 Gallons	4″	10 Years
Dwarf Chain Loach	6.0-7.5	75-82°F	30 Gallons	2″	8-12 Years
Emperor Loach	6.0-8.5	73-79°F	45 Gallons	5-6″	15 Years
Galaxy Loach	6.5-7.5	68-78°F	20 Gallons	3″	5-8 Years
Golden Zebra Loach	6.8-8.0	68-75°F	30 Gallons	3.9″	6 Years
Green Tiger Loach	6.0-7.0	77-86°F	100 Gallons	9″	5-7 Years
Hillstream Loach	6.5-7.5	65-80°F	50 Gallons	3″	8-10 Years
Horseface Loach	6.0-6.5	75-82°F	55 Gallons	12″	12 Years
Hovering Zebra Loach	6.0-7.2	72-82°F	20 Gallons	1.4″	5 Years
Kansu Loach	6.8-8.0	68-75°F	30 Gallons	4″	10 Years
Kuhli Loach	6.5-7.5	75-86°F	20 Gallons	3″	5-10 Years
Panda Loach	6.5-7.5	68-75°F	20 Gallons	2-2.4″	6-8 Years
Polka Dot Loach	6.0-7.5	72-82°F	30 Gallons	5″	8-12 Years
Pond/Dojo Loach	6.0-8.0	65-75°F	100 Gallons	12″	7-10 Years
Rosy Loach	6.5-8.0	68-79°F	30 Gallons	1-1.2″	5-7 Years
Saddleback Loach	6.0-7.5	68-78°F	30 Gallons	3.7″	5 Years
Skunk Loach	6.0-8.0	79-86°F	30 Gallons	4″	10-12 Years
Spined Loach	7.0-8.0	57-64°F	25 Gallons	5″	3-5 Years
Splendid Loach	7.0-7.5	79-84°F	30 Gallons	4″	12 Years
Sucking Loach	6.0-8.0	64-82°F	30 Gallons	4″	12 Years
Sumo Loach	6.5-7.5	72-80°F	20 Gallons	3.5″	3-5 Years
Yoyo Loach	6.5-7.5	75-82°F	40 Gallons	2.5-3″	5-8 Years
Zebra Loach	6.0-7.5	70-79°F	30 Gal	3.5″	8-15 Years
Zodiac Loach	6.5-7.5	65-78°F	30 Gallons	2-2.2″	10 Years

Pencil Fish

Pencilfish are a group of small, slender freshwater fish that are native to South America. They are known for their long, thin bodies and their peaceful nature.

Pencilfish are schooling fish, so they do best when kept in groups of at least 6 or more. They are also relatively active fish, so they need a spacious tank with plenty of swimming space.

Pencilfish are also easy to care for and make great additions to community tanks. Most of the time they’re peaceful, however, they can be nippy when their basic requirements aren’t being met.

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
Barred Pencilfish	4.0-6.5	72-83	15 Gallons	1.2″	5 Years
Beckford/Golden Pencilfish	6.0-7.5	64-82	10 Gallons	2″	5 Years
Brown/Hockey Stick Pencilfish	4.5-7.5	72-82	15 Gallons	1.4″	4-5 Years
Cenepa Red Pencilfish	6.5-6.8	75-82	20 Gallons	1.4″	5 Years
Coral Red Pencilfish	4.0-6.5	77-81	15 Gallons	1.4″	5 Years
Dwarf Pencilfish	5.5-7.0	73-79	10 Gallons	1.4″	3-5 Years
Elegant Pencilfish	4.5-7.0	72-82	20 Gallons	1.5-2″	5 Years
Hockeystick Pencilfish	5.0-6.5	73-82	15 Gallons	1.4″	5 Years
One Lined Pencilfish	4.0-7.0	73-82	20 Gallons	1.5″	4-5 Years
Purple Pencilfish	4.0-7.0	75-82	20 Gallons	1.2″	5 Years
Red Pencilfish	5.0-8.0	72-82°F	15 Gallons	1.5″	5 Years
Three Lined Pencilfish	4.0-7.5	72-82	20 Gallons	1.3″	5 Years

Rainbowfish

Rainbowfish are a family of small, colorful freshwater fish native to Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. They are known for their iridescent scales, which change color depending on the light.

Like other fish, they’re schoolers so make sure you’re keeping them in groups of 6 or more and because they’re active fish, they’ll also need a spacious tank with plenty of swimming space.

Rainbowfish aren’t difficult to care for at all, and they’re great additions to community tanks.

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
Ajamaru Rainbowfish	6.5-8.0	80-86°F	55 Gallons	4″	5 Years
Aru Rainbowfish	7.0-8.0	72-82°F	30 Gallons	3-4″	1-2 Years
Axelrod’s Rainbowfish	7.0-8.0	80-86°F	15 Gallons	2.-2.8″	5-8 Years
Banded Rainbowfish	6.5-8.0	70-79°F	30 Gallons	5″	3-5 Years
Barred Rainbowfish	7.0-8.0	82-90°F	55 Gallons	5.5″	8 Years
Black Banded Rainbowfish	5.5-7.0	74-81°F	25 Gallons	3.9″	3-5 Years
Boesemani Rainbowfish	7.0-8.0	75-82°F	30 Gallons	4″	5-8 Years
Bonti Rainbowfish	7.0-8.5	71-75°F	25 Gallons	3″	5 Years
Celebes Rainbowfish	7.0-7.5	68-82°F	20 Gallons	3-3.2″	3-5 Years
Checkered Rainbowfish	6.5-8.0	79-91°F	30 Gallons	6″	5 Years
Crimson-Spotted Rainbowfish	5.4-7.8	60-85°F	30 Gallons	5″	3-4 Years
Deepwater Creek Rainbowfish	6.0-8.0	68-86°F	50 Gallons	4.7″	5 Years
Desert Rainbowfish	7.2-8.0	75-86°F	120 Gallons	4″	5 Years
Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish	6.0-8.0	74-80°F	15 Gallons	2.5″	4 Years
Eastern Rainbowfish	5.0-8.0	77-82°F	30 Gallons	6″	5 Years
Exquisite Rainbowfish	6.0-7.5	75-86°F	40 Gallons	3.5″	5 Years
Forktail/Furcata Blue Rainbowfish	6.0-8.0	75-79°F	30 Gallons	2.4″	3 Years
Gary Lange’s Rainbowfish	7.0-8.0	77-82°F	55 Gallons	3″	8 Years
Gertrude’s Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish	4.5-7.5	72-82°F	10 Gallons	1.2-1.5″	3-5 Years
Ivantsoff’s Blue Eye Rainbowfish	6.0-8.0	75-85°F	10 Gallons	1.3″	5 Years
Kamaka Rainbowfish	7.0-8.5	75-82°F	55 Gallons	2.8″	5 Years
Lake Furnusu Rainbowfish	7.0-8.0	70-80°F	30 Gallons	3″	5 Years
Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish	6.5-7.5	75-79°F	20 Gallons	1.5-2″	3-4 Years
Lake Kutubu/Kutubu Turquoise Rainbowfish	7.0-9.0	68-77°F	30 Gallons	4-4.8″	5 Years
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish	7.0-8.0	70-77°F	25 Gallons	3.6″	3-5 Years
Lake Wanam Rainbowfish	7.0-8.0	77-86°F	25 Gallons	4″	5 Years
Madagascan Rainbowfish	4.5-7.5	73-90°F	55 Gallons	4-6″	5 Years
Murray/Australian Rainbowfish	6.5-8.0	68-77°F	25 Gallons	4″	5 Years
Pacific Blue Eye Rainbowfish	5.8-7.8	72-82°F	10 Gallons	2″	2 Years
Parkinsoni Rainbowfish	6.5-8.0	79-85°F	30 Gallons	4-5″	5 Years
Red Irian Rainbowfish	6.0-7.5	72-77°F	55 Gallons	4-6″	6 Years
Red Laser Rainbowfish	7.0-8.0	72-82°F	50 Gallons	4.3″	5 Years
Red Neon Rainbowfish	6.5-7.5	65-79°F	10 Gallons	1.2-1.5″	2 Years
Redfin Dwarf Rainbowfish	5.5-7.5	68-86°F	20 Gallons	2.5-3″	3-5 Years
Spotted Blue-Eyed Rainbowfish	4.5-7.5	72-82°F	10 Gallons	1.2-1.5″	3-5 Years
Threadfin/Featherfin Rainbowfish	6.0-7.0	72-86°F	30 Gallons	2″	3-5 Years
Wapoga Rainbowfish	6.0-8.4	70-80°F	55 Gallons	4.5″	10 Years
Western Rainbowfish	6.5-8.0	72-82°F	55 Gallons	4.9″	5-8 Years

Rasboras

Rasboras are schooling fish, so when you’re keeping them in your aquarium, make sure you’re keeping them in groups of 6 or more.

Again, most rasboras are not difficult to care for at all, and they’re some of the best fish you can add to a community tank. They’re mostly peaceful, just make sure that you’re keeping them with other peaceful and similarly sized fish and you’ll have no problems looking after them!

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
Axelrod Rasbora/Neon Blue Rasbora (Sundadanio axelrodi)	4.0-6.5	72-76°F	10 Gallons	0.5-0.8″	3-5 Years
Blue Line Rasbora (Rasbora sarawakensis)	6.0-7.5	72-78°F	20 Gallons	2″	3-5 Years
Brilliant Rasbora (Rasbora einthovenii)	6.0-7.5	72-79°F	20 Gallons	2-3.5″	5 Years
Chili Rasbora/Mosquito Rasbora	5.0-7.0	72-82°F	5 Gallons	0.8″	4-8 Years
Clown Rasbora	5.0-7.0	75-82°F	30 Gallons	4″	3-5 Years
Dwarf Rasbora (Boraras maculatus)	5-6.5	68-82°F	10 Gallons	2.5″	3-5 Years
Emerald Eye/Eyespot Rasbora (Brevibora dorsiocellata)	6.0-6.5	68-77°F	20 Gallons	2.5″	4-6 Years
Exclamation Point/Least Rasbora	6.6-7.5	72-78°F	10 Gallons	0.8″	3-5 Years
Fire Rasbora	5.5-7.0	77-84°F	15 Gallons	1.5″	3-5 Years
Glowlight Rasbora	5.0-7.5	73-83°F	20 Gallons	1.2″	2-3 Years
Graceful Rasbora (Trigonopoma Gracile)	6.5-7.0	70-79°F	20 Gallons	2″	3-5 Years
Harlequin Rasbora	6.0-7.8	72-81°F	10 Gallons	2″	5-8 Years
Lambchop Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei)	6.0-7.0	72-82°F	10 Gallons	1.5″	3-5 Years
Neon Green/Kubotai Rasbora	6.0-7.0	72-79°F	15 Gallons	0.8-1″	3-7 Years
Phoenix Rasbora	4.0-7.0	68-83°F	5 Gallons	0.5-0.8″	5-7 Years
Porthole Rasbora (Rasbora cephalotaenia)	5.0-7.5	71-79°F	50 Gallons	5.2″	5 Years
Red Stripe Rasbora (Rasbora pauciperforata)	5.0-7.5	74-79°F	15 Gallons	2.5-3″	5-8 Years
Red-tailed/Black Line Rasbora	6.5-7.0	72-79°F	20 Gallons	2.6″	5-7 Years
Ruby Rasbora (Paedocypris progenetica)	4.0-5.5	75-80°F	5 Gallons	0.3″	1-2 Years
Rummy Nose Rasbora (Sawbwa resplendens)	7.0-8.0	68-75°F	20 Gallons	1″	3-5 Years
Scissor Tail Rasbora	6.0-7.5	72-82°F	20 Gallons	6″	4-7 Years
Siamese Dwarf Rasbora (Trigonostigma somphongsi)	5.0-7.0	71-79°F	10 Gallons	1″	4 Years
Sidestripe Rasbora (Rasbora paviana)	6.5-7.0	73-79°F	15 Gallons	3.5″	8 Years
Simon’s Rasbora (Rasbora simonbirchi)	6.0-7.5	72-78°F	30 Gallons	4″	5 Years
Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus)	5.5-7.0	77-82°F	5 Gallons	0.7″	8 Years
Volcano Rasbora (Rasbora vulcanus)	6.5-7.5	73-79°F	15 Gallons	1.5″	5-8 Years
Yellowtail Rasbora (Rasbora tornieri)	6.5-7.5	72-78°F	60 Gallons	7″	3-5 Years

Freshwater Sharks

Freshwater sharks are not actually sharks, in fact, they’re in the same family of fish as carps and minnows.

One thing about freshwater sharks is that they need a large tank with plenty of swimming space. The ideal tank size for a freshwater shark will vary depending on the species, but most species will need at least a 55-gallon tank.

It’s also important to remember that most freshwater sharks are semi-aggressive and territorial, so if you’re going to keep them, you need to make sure you’re picking the right tank mates for them.

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
Albino Rainbow Shark	6.5-7.5	75-80°F	55 Gallons	6″	8 Years
Bala Shark	6.0-8.0	72-78°F	125 Gallons	14″	10 Years
Black Shark	6.5-7.5	68-79°F	200 Gallons	36″	10-15 Years
Chinese High-Fin Banded Shark	6.8-7.5	55-75°F	500 Gallons	48″	10-15 Years
Colombian Shark	6.8-8.0	75-80°F	75 Gallons	10-14″	10-15 Years
Flying Fox	6.0-7.5	73-81°F	40 Gallons	6″	8 Years
Glo Shark	6.5-7.5	75-80°F	55 Gallons	6″	8 Years
Harlequin Shark	6.5-7.5	74-82°F	40 Gallons	6-8″	5-8 Years
Iridescent Shark	6.5-7.5	72-79°F	300 Gallons	51″	10-15 Years
Rainbow Shark	6.5-7.5	75-80°F	55 Gallons	6″	8 Years
Red Finned Cigar Shark	6.0-7.8	72-79°F	1325 Gallons	40″	5-8 Years
Red Tail Shark	6.8-7.5	72-79°F	55 Gallons	6″	5-8 Years
Roseline Shark	6.5-7.8	60-77°F	55 Gallons	6″	5 Years
Siamese Algae Eater	6.5-8.0	75-79°F	30 Gallons	6″	10 Years
Silver Apollo Shark	6.0-7.8	72-81°F	125 Gallons	10″	14 Years
Violet Blushing Shark	6.0-7.5	72-80°F	125 Gallons	12″	5-8 Years

Tetras

Tetras are schooling fish, and some of the most popular fish in the aquarium trade. The tank size they need depends on the species however the smallest size you should go is 10 gallons, with hiding places for them to feel secure.

Tetras aren’t difficult to care for, and they make great additions to community tanks. If all their needs are met they’re going to be peaceful fish, however, it is important to note that if the tank is too small or overcrowded, then they may become fin nippers.

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
Black Neon Tetra	5.0-7.5	73-81°F	20 Gal	1.5″	5 Years
Black Phantom Tetra	6.0-7.5	72-82°F	10 Gal	1.75″	5 Years
Black Skirt Tetra	6.0-7.5	70-85°F	15 Gal	3″	3-5 Years
Bleeding Heart Tetra	5.5-7.0	72-80°F	20 Gal	2-3″	3-5 Years
Blind Cave Tetra	6.5-8.0	68-77°F	20 Gal	5″	3-5 Years
Bloodfin Tetra	6.0-8.0	64-82°F	20 Gal	2″	5-8 Years
Blue Tetra	5.5-7.0	72-78°F	20 Gal	2″	2-4 Years
Bucktooth Tetra	5.0-7.5	72-82°F	55 Gal	5″	10 Years
Buenos Aires Tetra	5.8-8.5	64-82°F	30 Gal	2.75″	5 Years
Candy Cane Tetra	6.6-7.8	73-82°F	15 Gal	3″	3-5 Years
Cardinal Tetra	5.3-7.8	73-81°F	20 Gal	2″	5 Years
Colombian Tetra	5.5-7.0	75-82°F	20 Gal	3″	3-5 Years
Congo Tetra	6.0-7.5	73-82°F	30 Gal	3″	3-5 Years
Crystal Tetras	6.0-7.5	72-79°F	10 Gal	1.5″	3-5 Years
Diamond Tetra	5.5-7.5	72-82°F	15 Gal	2″	3-6 Years
Ember Tetra	6.0-7.0	73-84°F	10 Gal	0.8″	2-3 Years
Emperor Tetra	5.0-7.5	73-81°F	20 Gal	2-3″	5-8 Years
Flag Tetra	5.5-7.5	73-82°F	10 Gal	2″	5-7 Years
Flame Tetra	5.5-7.5	72-82°F	10 Gal	1.6″	3-5 Years
GloFish® Tetra	6.0-7.0	72-82°F	20 Gal	1.5″	3-5 Years
Glowlight Tetra	5.8-7.5	74-82°F	10 Gal	1.5″	5 Years
Green Fire Tetra	6.5-7.0	72-80°F	15 Gal	2″	3-6 Years
Green Neon Tetra	5.0-6.5	75-84°F	15 Gal	1.5″	2-3 Years
Lemon Tetra	6.0-8.0	72-82°F	20 Gal	2″	6-8 Years
Long-Finned Tetra	5.8-8.5	70-79°F	20 Gal	2″	6-7 Years
Loreto Tetra	5.5-7.0	72-78°F	10 Gal	1″	5-7 Years
Neon Tetra	4.0-7.5	72-78°F	10 Gal	1.5″	5-8 Years
Panda Tetra	5.5-7.5	72-82°F	20 Gal	2″	5 Years
Penguin Tetra	6.0-8.0	72-82°F	20 Gal	3″	3-5 Years
Rainbow Tetra	6.0-7.2	72-80°F	30 Gal	1.5″	3-5 Years
Red Phantom Tetra	6.0-7.5	68-73°F	20 Gal	1.5″	5 Years
Red-Base Tetra	6.2-7.2	73-79°F	20 Gal	1.7″	5-8 Years
Redeye Tetra	5.5-8.0	73-82°F	20 Gal	2.75″	5 Years
Rosy Tetra	5.5-7.5	75-82°F	15 Gal	2.5″	3-5 Years
Ruby Tetra	5.0-7.0	68-82°F	10 Gal	1.6″	5-10 Years
Rummy Nose Tetra	5.5-6.5	72-84°F	20 Gal	2″	5-6 Years
Serpae Tetra	5.0-7.8	72-79°F	20 Gal	1.75″	5 Years
Silvertip Tetra	6.0-8.0	72–82°F	20 Gal	1.2″	5-8 Years
Toucan Tetra	4.0-7.0	68-74°F	20 Gal	0.75″	5-7 Years
White Skirt Tetra	5.8-8.5	70-90°F	10 Gal	2″	5 Years
X-Ray/Pristella Tetra	6.0-7.5	72-82°F	15 Gal	1.75″	4-5 Years

Other Fish

Silver Dollar

Silver Dollars can grow to be up to 10 inches long, so they require a large tank. A 55-gallon tank is the minimum size for one Silver Dollar, but a 125-gallon tank is ideal. Silver Dollars are also messy fish, so the tank should be well-filtered.

Silver Dollars are not difficult to care for, and they make good additions to community tanks. They are peaceful fish, and they will not bother other tank mates. However, just remember that they grow incredibly large, so make sure you’re giving them plenty of space in the tank.

Red Pirahna

Red piranhas are a species of freshwater fish that are native to South America. They are known for their sharp teeth and their aggressive behavior. However, red piranhas are not as dangerous as they are often portrayed. In fact, they are mostly scavengers and will only attack if they are provoked or feel threatened.

Red piranhas can grow to be up to a foot in length, so they require a large tank. A 100-gallon tank is the minimum size for a group of red piranhas, but a 200-gallon tank is ideal. Red piranhas are also messy fish, so the tank should be well-filtered.

Red piranhas are not difficult to care for, but they are not recommended for beginner aquarists. They are best suited for experienced aquarists who are willing to provide them with the proper care.

Gray Bichir

Gray Bichir are a species of freshwater fish native to Africa. They are known for their long, eel-like bodies and their ability to breathe air, almost looking prehistoric.

Gray bichirs can grow to be up to 24 inches long, so they require a large tank. A 75-gallon tank is the minimum size for a single gray bichir, but a 125-gallon tank is ideal. Gray bichirs are also messy fish, so the tank should be well-filtered.

While they’re not particularly difficult to care for, due to their need for large tanks and powerful filters, they’re not recommended for beginners.

Barred Bichir

Barred bichirs can grow to be up to 14 inches long, so they require a large tank. Because of their large size, and the fact they are messy fish, they need to be kept in tanks that are 125 gallons or bigger with powerful filtration.

Japanese Ricefish

Japanese ricefish are small fish only growing to be about 1.5 inches long, so they can be kept in relatively small tanks. A 10-gallon tank is the minimum size for a group of Japanese rice fish, but a 20-gallon tank is ideal.

If you’re just starting out and you’re looking for a unique and easy fish to keep, then these are going to be a great choice!

Freshwater Shrimp

As well as fish, there are also freshwater shrimp to choose from as well! In fact, there are a whole range of species that come in different colors, shapes and sizes!

In fact, they’ve become so popular there are even difference grading and ranking guides for certain species!

While they are small, you should rarely house them in a tank smaller than 5 gallons, although a lot need 10 gallons or more! Some species are also susceptible to poor water conditions as well. If you’re just starting out stick to cherry shrimp, amano shrimp, or ghost shrimp.

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
Amano Shrimp	6.0-7.5	65-85°F	10 Gal	2″	2-3 Years
Babaulti Shrimp	6.5-7.8	70-80°F	5 Gal	1.5″	1-2 Years
Bamboo Shrimp	7.0-7.5	73-82°F	20 Gal	2-3″	1-2 Years
Bee Shrimp	6.0-6.8	70-78°F	10 Gal	1.5″	1.5 Years
Blue Bolt Shrimp	6.0-6.8	68-74°F	20 Gal	0.5″	1-2 Years
Blue Dream Shrimp	6.8-7.5	70-85°F	5 Gal	1.25″	1-2 Years
Blue Pearl Shrimp	6.2-7.8	65-85 °F	5 Gal	1.2″	2 Years
Blue Tiger Shrimp	6.0-8.0	72-80°F	10 Gal	2″	1-2 Years
Blue Velvet Shrimp	6.0-8.0	72-82°F	10 Gal	1.5″	2 Years
Cardinal Shrimp	7.0-8.5	77-86°F	5 Gal	1″	1-2 Years
Cherry Shrimp	6.5-8.0	72-82°F	5 Gal	1.25″	1-2 years
Chocolate Shrimp	6.8-7.5	64 -85°F	10 Gal	1.2″	1-2 Years
Crystal Shrimp	5.8-7.2	70-78°F	10 Gal	1″	2-3 Years
Ghost Shrimp	7.0-8.0	65-80°F	10 Gal	1.5″	1 Year
Green Jade Shrimp	6.5-7.5	70-83°F	10 Gal	1.5″	2 Years
Green Lace Shrimp	6.5-7.8	70-80 °F	20 Gal	2-3″	1-2 Years
Green Rili Shrimp	7.0-8.0	65-84°F	5 Gal	1.5″	1-2 Years
Indian Whisker Shrimp	7.0-8.0	72-82°F	10 Gal	2″	4-5 Years
Orange Pumpkin Shrimp	7.0-7.8	65-85°F	5 Gal	1.2″	1-2 Years
Panda Shrimp	6.0-6.8	68-78°F	10 Gal	1″	1-2 Years
Pinokio Shrimp	7.0-8.0	72-80°F	10 Gal	1.5″	2 Years
Pinto Shrimp	6.0-6.8	68-76°F	10 Gal	1-1.5″	1-2 Years
Red Rili Shrimp	6.8-7.5	70-85°F	10 Gal	1.5″	1-2 Years
Rili Shrimp	6.8-7.5	64-78° F	10 Gal	1.5″	1-2 Years
Snow White/Golden Bee Shrimp	6.0-6.8	68-78 °F	10 Gal	1.5″	1.5 Years
Snowball Shrimp	7.0–7.5	72–82°F	10 Gal	1-1.5″	1-2 Years
Tangerine Tiger Shrimp	6.0-7.5	68–74°F	10 Gal	1.25″	1-2 Years
Tiger Shrimp	6.5-7.5	72-78°F	10 Gal	1″	3 Years
Tiger Shrimp	6.5-7.5	72-78°F	10 Gal	1″	3 Years
Vampire Shrimp	6.0-7.5	75-84°F	20 Gal	5″	5 Years
Yellow King Kong Shrimp	6.0 – 6.8	68-74°F	10 Gal	1-1.5″	1-2 Years

Freshwater Snails

As well as freshwater shrimp, you should also consider freshwater snails. They can be found slowly moving around the tank looking for algae to eat. And sometimes, they can be introduced into the tank simply by adding new plants.

Snail populations can grow out of control, so if you do plan on adding them it’s a good idea to go for a species that doesn’t breed as often like rabbit snails or Malaysian trumpet snails.

And if your snail population does get out of control, you can also add assassin snails as well!

Name	pH	Temp	Tank Size	Size	Lifespan
Assassin Snails	7.0-8.0	75-80°F	30 Gallons	1.25″	2 Years
Mystery Snails	7.0-8.0	68-82°F	10 Gallons	2″	1-2 Years
Black Devil Snail	7.0-8.5	71-77°F	10 Gallons	2-3.5″	2-3 Years
Apple Snails	6.5-8.0	64-82°F	10 Gallons	2-3″	3 Years
Nerite Snails	7.0-8.0	72-78°F	5 Gallons	0.75″	1-2 Years
Rabbit Snail	7.3-8.5	70-84°F	30 Gallons	3″	3 Years
Japanese Trapdoor Snail	7.0-8.0	68-85°F	10 Gallons	2″	3-10 Years
Malaysian Trumpet Snail	7.0-8.0	70-79°F	5 Gallons	1.5″	1 Year
Ramshorn Snail	7.0-8.0	70-80°F	5 Gallons	1″	1 Year
Pond Snail	7.0-8.0	65-83°F	1 Gallon	1-3″	1 Year
White Wizard Snail	7.0-8.5	73-79°F	5 Gallons	2″	3-5 Years
Bladder Snail	7.0-8.0	64-84°F	10 Gallons	0.6″	1-2 Years
Pagoda Snail	7.0-8.0	72-82°F	5 Gallons	1-2″	3-5 Years