Species Care Sheets
Complete care guides for 27 freshwater species. Water parameters, diet, tank size, compatibility, breeding, and expert tips from experienced fishkeepers.
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
One of the most popular freshwater fish in the hobby. Neon tetras are peaceful schooling fish known for their iridescent blue and red stripe. Perfect for beginners and community tanks.
Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
The quintessential beginner fish. Guppies are hardy, colorful, and breed readily. Males display spectacular tail colors and patterns. Great for community tanks.
Betta
Betta splendens
The Siamese fighting fish — one of the most recognizable aquarium fish. Males have spectacular flowing fins and vibrant colors. Can be kept in community tanks with care.
Corydoras
Corydoras spp.
Adorable armored catfish that are the cleanup crew of the aquarium. Corydoras are peaceful bottom-dwellers that constantly sift through substrate for food. Essential for any community tank.
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
The elegant centerpiece fish for larger community tanks. Angelfish are semi-aggressive cichlids with tall, laterally compressed bodies and long flowing fins.
Molly
Poecilia sphenops
Versatile livebearers that thrive in freshwater, brackish, and even saltwater. Mollies come in many color varieties and are excellent community fish.
Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
Colorful, hardy livebearers perfect for beginners. Platies come in dozens of color combinations and are peaceful with virtually all community fish.
Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
Named for the distinctive 'sword' extension on the male's tail fin. Swordtails are hardy, colorful livebearers that make excellent community tank fish.
Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya
A peaceful, shy barb species with stunning red coloration. Males turn deep cherry red when in breeding condition. Unlike tiger barbs, cherry barbs are gentle community fish.
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
One of the most popular schooling fish in the hobby. The distinctive black triangular patch on a copper body makes them instantly recognizable. Peaceful and easy to keep.
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
A stunning centerpiece fish with iridescent blue and red stripes. Dwarf gouramis are labyrinth fish that breathe from the surface. Peaceful but can be territorial with other gouramis.
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus spp.
The best algae-eating fish for most aquariums. Unlike common plecos that grow huge, bristlenose plecos stay small and are the most effective glass cleaners in the hobby.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus spp.
Tiny, peaceful algae-eating catfish that are the best cleanup crew for planted tanks. Otos are gentle, non-destructive algae eaters that won't harm delicate plants.
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
The most popular freshwater shrimp in the hobby. Cherry shrimp are prolific breeders, excellent algae eaters, and come in color grades from pale to deep blood red.
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Named after legendary aquascaper Takashi Amano, these are the best algae-eating shrimp available. Larger and more voracious than cherry shrimp, they make short work of hair algae.
Nerite Snail
Neritina spp.
The best algae-eating snail for freshwater tanks. Nerites clean glass, rocks, and decorations without eating plants. They won't overpopulate your tank since their eggs don't hatch in freshwater.
Mystery Snail
Pomacea bridgesii
Large, colorful freshwater snails available in gold, blue, purple, ivory, and more. Mystery snails are peaceful, interesting to watch, and help clean the tank.
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
An active, striking fish known for its bold black stripes and tendency to nip fins. Tiger barbs must be kept in large groups to manage their semi-aggressive behavior.
Danio
Danio spp.
Energetic, hardy schooling fish that are among the easiest to keep. Zebra danios are the original aquarium 'starter fish' and are used extensively in scientific research.
Rainbowfish
Melanotaeniidae spp.
Stunning, active fish that display iridescent colors that shift with the light. Rainbowfish are peaceful schooling fish that make spectacular community tank centerpieces.
Clown Loach
Chromobotia macracanthus
The king of loaches — playful, social, and with distinct tiger-like stripes. Clown loaches are beloved for their personality but grow large and need big tanks long-term.
African Cichlid
Various (Mbuna, Peacock, Hap)
Vibrant, aggressive fish from the Rift Lakes of Africa. African cichlids offer saltwater-like colors in a freshwater setup but require specialized care and tank-mates.
American Cichlid
Various (Geophagus, Convict, etc.)
A diverse group from Central and South America including convicts, jack dempseys, and oscars. American cichlids range from small community-safe species to large predators.
Knifefish
Various (Chitala, Xenomystus)
Nocturnal predatory fish with a unique, blade-shaped body. Knifefish use weak electrical fields to navigate and hunt in the dark. Fascinating but for experienced keepers.
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
The classic pet fish — and much more demanding than most people realize. Goldfish are coldwater fish that need large tanks, heavy filtration, and should never be kept in bowls.
Puffer
Various (Tetraodon, Dichotomyctere)
Intelligent, curious fish with the ability to inflate when threatened. Puffers have fused beak-like teeth that need to be worn down by eating hard-shelled foods.
Catfish
Various (Synodontis, Pimelodus)
A vast group of bottom-dwelling fish that includes everything from tiny otos to giant plecos. Catfish are essential cleanup crew members that add activity to the lower levels of your tank.