Freshwater Aquarist

Popular Fish Species for your Aquarium

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.

Filters
Rainbow Shark

Rainbow Shark

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....

read more
Red-tailed Black Shark

Red-tailed Black Shark

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....

read more
White Cloud Mountain Minnow

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

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,...

read more