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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Iridescent Shark

Iridescent Shark

Overview The Iridescent Shark (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is a large, schooling catfish, not a shark. It was formerly called Pangasius sutchi. Native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya rivers of Southeast Asia. Can reach about 51 in (130 cm) standard length. Sold as...

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Scarlet Badis

Scarlet Badis

Overview The Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) is one of the smallest percoid fish. Males are bright red with blue bars. Found in tributaries of the Brahmaputra in West Bengal and Assam, India. Grows to about 0.8 in (2 cm) standard length. A popular nano fish. Feeding A...

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