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 Bala Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus), also called the tricolor shark minnow, is a silver, black-edged cyprinid, not a true shark. Native to rivers and lakes of Borneo, Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia. Grows to about 14 in (35 cm) standard length, so...
Overview The Blue Neon Goby (Stiphodon atropurpureus) is a small stream goby. Males show a vivid blue sheen. Found in short coastal streams in the Philippines, southern China, Taiwan, Japan and Malaysia. Grows to about 2 in (5 cm). Often sold under the wrong name,...
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 Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda) is a small, colorful sleeper (family Eleotridae), not a true goby. Native to lowland rainforest streams, ponds and rivers of eastern Papua New Guinea. Grows to about 3 in (7.5 cm) standard length. Feeding Accepts...
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...
Overview The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a small coldwater cyprinid with a gold stripe and red fins. Named for White Cloud Mountain near Guangzhou, China. It is very rare in the wild. Grows to about 1.6 in (4 cm) standard length. Long-finned,...
Overview The Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus langei and close relatives, long sold as "C. siamensis") is a slim cyprinid with a black side stripe. Found in Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, southern and western Thailand, and possibly Myanmar. Grows to about 6 in (15 cm)...