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 Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is a peaceful dwarf cichlid. It is also sold as the Bolivian butterfly cichlid. Native to the upper Rio Madeira basin in Bolivia and Brazil. Grows to about 3.1 in (8 cm) standard length. Usually a better choice...
Overview The Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is a bright orange loach with black bands. It is very popular, but often bought without knowing how big it gets. Native to rivers of Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia. Can reach about 16 in (40 cm), though it grows...
Overview The Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus and related Symphysodon species) is a disc-shaped Amazon cichlid prized for its color. Wild fish live in slow tributaries and forest pools along the Rio Solimões and Amazon. Grows to about 6 in (15 cm) long and nearly as...
Overview The German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi), also called Ramirez's dwarf cichlid or butterfly cichlid, is a small, jewel-like dwarf cichlid. Native to the llanos savanna wetlands of the Orinoco basin in Venezuela and Colombia. Grows to about 1.6 in (4 cm)...
Overview "Pencilfish" covers several slim Nannostomus species. This profile follows the most common one, the golden pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi). N. beckfordi is found in Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and parts of the Amazon basin. Grows to about 2.6 in (6.5...
Overview The Kuhli Loach is a slender, eel-like loach with orange and dark bands. It is sold as Pangio kuhlii. Most trade fish are actually Pangio semicincta from Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. True P. kuhlii is from Java and is rarely exported. Grows to...
Overview The Zebra Loach (Botia striata) is a small botiid with fine yellow and dark stripes. Native to the Western Ghats region of southern India, described from the Tunga River. Grows to about 3.5 in (9 cm) standard length. Probably the best Botia for general...