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 Bronze Cory (Corydoras aeneus) is one of the best-known catfish in the hobby. Wild fish range across much of South America, from Trinidad to Argentina. Grows to about 3 in (7.5 cm) standard length. Albino and long-finned forms are bred. The origin of...
Overview The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a small, peaceful barb. Males turn deep cherry red. Endemic to the wet zone of southwestern Sri Lanka. Grows to about 2 in (5 cm) standard length. An excellent beginner fish. Almost all fish sold are farm-bred. Feeding...
Overview The Peppered Cory (Corydoras paleatus) is a hardy, mottled gray-green catfish and one of the first cories kept in aquariums. Native to southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. Grows to about 2.8 in (7 cm) standard length. Feeding An opportunistic...
Overview The Panda Cory (Corydoras panda, also placed in Hoplisoma) is a small white catfish with black eye and tail patches. Native to the upper Amazon in Peru, in clear and blackwater streams over sand. Grows to about 2 in (5 cm) standard length. Almost all fish...
Overview The Julii Cory (Corydoras julii, now sometimes placed in Hoplisoma) is a small catfish with a fine leopard-spot pattern. Native to coastal rivers south of the Amazon delta in northeastern Brazil. Grows to about 2.2 in (5.5 cm) standard length. Many fish sold...
Overview The Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) is a bold, orange-and-black striped barb and a classic aquarium fish. Probably native to central and southern Sumatra. Grows to about 2.4 in (6 cm) standard length. Green, albino and other strains are common. Wild fish are...
Overview The Tinfoil Barb (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii) is a large, shiny silver barb with red fins. Native to Southeast Asia. Found in Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. Grows to about 14 in (35.5 cm) standard length. It is sold small but grows fast. Feeding An...
Overview The Sterbai Cory (Corydoras sterbai, also placed in Hoplisoma) is a spotted catfish with orange pectoral fins. Native to the Rio Guaporé area of Bolivia and Brazil. Grows to about 2.6 in (6.5 cm) standard length. Almost all fish sold are commercially bred....
Overview The Three Stripe Cory (Corydoras trilineatus, also placed in Hoplisoma) is a patterned cory often sold as the julii cory. Found in the Amazon basin in Colombia, Peru and Brazil, and coastal rivers of Suriname. Grows to about 2.2 in (5.5 cm) standard length....
Overview The Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius) is a hardy barb. Males turn rose-red when in color. Widespread from Pakistan through India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Grows to about 3.9 in (10 cm) standard length. One of the hardiest small cyprinids. Long-finned and neon forms...