Here are some of the most popular freshwater fish species that are commonly kept in aquariums, each with unique characteristics and care requirements.
A common rule of thumb for how many freshwater fish you can keep in an aquarium is to allow about 1 inch of fish per gallon of water; however, this can vary depending on the specific fish species, their adult size, activity level, and bioload, with heavily planted or densely stocked tanks often needing more filtration and swimming room.
Overview The Bala Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus), also called the tricolor shark minnow, is a silver, black-edged cyprinid, not a true shark. Native to rivers and lakes of Borneo, Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia. Grows to about 14 in (35 cm) standard length, so...
Overview The Banded Archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix) is famous for shooting jets of water to knock insects off overhanging plants. Widespread from India through Southeast Asia to northern Australia and the western Pacific. Grows to about 12 in (30 cm). Lives mainly in...
Overview The Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum) is a dark-bodied cyprinid with red fins. An albino form is common. Reportedly native to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, in the Mae Klong, Chao Phraya and Mekong basins. Grows to about 6 in (15 cm) standard length....
Overview The Red-tailed Black Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) is a velvet-black cyprinid with a bright red tail. Native to central and western Thailand. It is critically rare in the wild. Grows to about 5 in (12.5 cm) standard length. Fish in the trade are farmed....
Overview The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a small coldwater cyprinid with a gold stripe and red fins. Named for White Cloud Mountain near Guangzhou, China. It is very rare in the wild. Grows to about 1.6 in (4 cm) standard length. Long-finned,...
Overview The Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus langei and close relatives, long sold as "C. siamensis") is a slim cyprinid with a black side stripe. Found in Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, southern and western Thailand, and possibly Myanmar. Grows to about 6 in (15 cm)...