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 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 Betta (Betta splendens), or Siamese fighting fish, is one of the best-known aquarium fish. Native to central Thailand, where it lives in rice paddies, swamps, ditches and slow streams. Wild fish reach about 2.8 in (7 cm) standard length. Long-finned...