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 Banded Leporinus (Leporinus fasciatus), also called the black-banded or striped leporinus, is a boldly striped South American headstander. Found through much of the Amazon and Orinoco basins and the rivers of the Guianas. Grows to about 11 in (27 cm)...
Overview The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma cacatuoides) is a hardy South American dwarf cichlid named for the male's tall, crest-like dorsal fin. Widespread in the upper Amazon basin, in slow tributaries, backwaters and creeks with leaf litter. Males reach...
Overview The Frontosa Cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa) is a large, blue-and-white barred Lake Tanganyika cichlid with a prominent hump on the forehead. Native to the northern part of Lake Tanganyika. Grows to about 10 in (25.5 cm) standard length. Trade fish are often...
Overview The Fairy Cichlid (Neolamprologus brichardi), also known as the Princess of Burundi, is an elegant Lake Tanganyika cichlid with long, white-edged fins. Found along the rocky shores of Burundi, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, mostly 16–82 ft...
Overview The Pindani Cichlid (Pseudotropheus socolofi), also called Eduard's mbuna, is a powder-blue Lake Malawi mbuna. Native to the Mozambique coast of Lake Malawi, between Cobue and Tumbi Point. Grows to about 5 in (11.5 cm) standard length. An albino form is also...
Overview The Pearl Cichlid (Geophagus brasiliensis), also called the pearlscale or mother-of-pearl cichlid, is a robust eartheater with iridescent spangled scales. Native to coastal rivers of eastern and southern Brazil and Uruguay. Grows to about 10 in (25 cm)...
Overview The Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a large, intelligent South American cichlid, also called the velvet or tiger oscar. Widespread in the Amazon region, usually in slow or still forest waters. Grows to about 14 in (35 cm) standard length. Typically lives...
Overview The Red Shoulder Severum (Heros sp. "Rotkeil") is a severum from Brazil with a red patch behind the gills. Its exact identity is unclear. It is often linked to Heros efasciatus. Severums in general come from slow rivers and floodplain lakes of the Amazon....