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 Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a colorful labyrinth fish. Males have red and blue bars. Native to Pakistan, northern India and Bangladesh, in slow, heavily planted ponds, swamps, ditches and canals. Grows to about 3.5 in (8.8 cm) standard length....
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 The Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna) is a small, peaceful gourami. Breeding males turn honey-orange with a dark throat. Native to the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins of northern India and Bangladesh. Grows to about 2.2 in (5.5 cm) standard length. A good...
Overview The Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii) is a graceful gourami covered in pearly white spots. Breeding males develop a deep orange throat. Native to lowland swamps of Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra. Grows to about 5 in (12 cm) standard length. Hardy,...