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.

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Banded Archerfish

Banded Archerfish

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...

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Betta

Betta

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...

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