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List Of Freshwater Aquarium Fish SpeciesEdit

Freshwater aquarium fish represent a remarkably diverse segment of the global hobby, with species ranging from tiny nano fish to sizable centerpiece catfish. Enthusiasts keep these fish in systems that span room-sized public displays to compact desktop tanks, balancing aesthetics, behavior, and practical constraints like tank size, filtration, and water chemistry. Across continents, hobbyists have developed a culture of careful hobbyist care, selective breeding, and scientific curiosity about aquatic life.

The following overview highlights widely kept freshwater species and groups, describing typical roles in community tanks, general care tendencies, and natural history. Individual care can vary by strain, locale, and specific aquarium conditions, so consult species-specific guidance when planning a setup.

Notable freshwater aquarium fish species

  • Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) — small, colorful livebearer popular in beginner and advanced setups; thrives in a range of temperatures and water chemistries, and exhibits prolific breeding under stable conditions.

  • Gourami species — a broad group including dwarf varieties and larger forms; known for interesting behavior and distinctive fins. Common examples include Dwarf Gourami and Pearl Gourami.

  • Betta splendens — commonly kept in smaller, species-specific setups due to territorial tendencies; known for vivid coloration and labyrinth organ that allows some air exposure at the water surface.

  • Danio rerio (Zebra danio) — hardy, active schooling fish often used as beginner to intermediate residents; quick and easy to care for in well-filtered tanks.

  • Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) — small schooling fish prized for electric blue and red iridescence; best kept in groups in stable, softly lit tanks with consistent water parameters.

  • Cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) — similar to neon tetras but with a more vivid red stripe; requires stable conditions and a peaceful community setting.

  • Ember tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) — tiny schooling species that adds color and activity to dimly lit, densely planted tanks.

  • Harlequin rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) — robust schooling fish with distinctive black wedge on the body; suitable for community tanks with other calm species.

  • Tetra group — a broad family that includes many small, peaceful schooling fish suitable for community tanks; examples include various Hyphessobrycon and Paracheirodon species.

  • Corydoras catfish — bottom-dwelling scavengers that help keep an aquarium clean; prefer groups and soft substrate to prevent damage to barbels.

  • Otocinclus catfish — small, algae-eating catfish often kept in planted tanks; appreciate gentle handling and adequate hiding spots.

  • Ancistrus (bristlenose catfish) — popular algae eaters, often kept in community tanks; some species exhibit interesting facial horn development.

  • Plecostomus relatives (Hypostomus, Pterygoplichthys) — larger bottom dwellers; require bigger tanks and robust filtration; excellent at algae control but can outgrow small setups.

  • Angelfish (Pterophyllum spp.) — tall, graceful species that can be central in mid-to-large tanks; territorial tendencies require careful tank-mate selection and adequate vertical space.

  • Discus (Symphysodon spp.) — prized for striking coloration and shape; typically kept in species-friendly, meticulously maintained tanks with stable, warm, soft to moderately soft water.

  • Guppy and Platy livebearers — various colorforms and patterns; generally hardy, helpful for beginners and for showcasing selective breeding.

  • Xiphophorus maculatus (Platy) and Xiphophorus hellerii (Swordtail) — classic livebearers known for resilience and ease of care; suitable for community tanks when properly housed.

  • Goldfish (Carassius auratus) — traditional cold-water centerpiece for larger, filtration-heavy setups; notable for impressive growth and longevity but require substantial tank size and care to avoid problems in smaller systems.

  • Clown loach (Chromobotia macracantha) and other Loach species — active bottom-dwellers that add personality and movement; some grow large and need spacious aquaria.

  • Melanotaenia rainbowfish — colorful, active schooling fish suited to larger, well-filtered tropical freshwater systems; appreciate stable temperatures and ample swimming room.

  • Cherry barb (Puntius titteya) — small, peaceful schooling fish that can add color and movement without aggressive tendencies in appropriate groupings.

  • Tiger barb (Puntius tetrazona) — striking but sometimes semi-aggressive; best kept in larger groups or avoided in small community tanks with slow or long-finned fish.

  • Oryzias latipes (Medaka) — small, adaptable fish used in hobbyist and research settings alike; tolerate a range of salinity and temperature when acclimated properly.

  • Melanotaenia boesemani and other Rainbowfish lines — notable for color and activity, often needing more spacious, well-oxygenated water conditions.

  • Puntius titteya (Cherry barb) — another small, peaceful schooling option ideal for community tanks when kept in groups.

  • Pterophyllum (Angelfish) — added for vertical interest; care involves providing hiding places and compatible tank mates to minimize territorial incidents.

  • Symphysodon (Discus) — a group of central South American freshwater fish that require careful water management, calm lighting, and stable feeding regimes.

  • Clown loach and Kuhli loach— other popular loaches that provide locomotion along the tank bottom and around structures; ensure compatible companions.

  • Please note: in practice, successful community tanks rely on matching temperaments, similar water parameters, and compatible adult sizes to minimize stress and aggression.

Care considerations and aquarium design

  • Water parameters: Most tropical freshwater fish thrive in a stable range of temperatures typically between 72-82°F (22-28°C) and a pH around 6.5-7.5, with adjustments based on species. Goldfish, for example, prefer cooler water than many tropical species, and Discus require softer, warmer conditions.

  • Filtration and aeration: Adequate filtration and oxygenation support stable water quality, which is essential for health and coloration across species. Substrate choice and plants can influence bioload management and hideouts for shy fish.

  • Tank mates and compatibility: Aquarium communities function best when species with similar temperament and space requirements are grouped together. Aggressive or territorial species should be kept with care, and fin-nippers should be avoided in mixed-species tanks.

  • Breeding and genetics: Many community fish breed readily in home aquaria under stable conditions. Selective breeding has produced a wide range of color morphs and body shapes, but hobbyists should consider the health and welfare implications of breeding practices.

  • Health and disease: Routine water testing, proper quarantine of new stock, and appropriate feeding help reduce disease risk. Early observation for signs of stress, disease, or unusual behavior allows timely intervention.

Taxonomy and nomenclature notes

The freshwater aquarium trade includes species spanning multiple families and genera. Commonly kept groups include livebearers like Guppy and Platy; tetras such as Neon tetra and Cardinal tetra; loaches and catfish like Corydoras and Otocinclus; and centerpiece fish like Angelfish and Discus. Each species carries its own natural history, geographic range, and husbandry profile, and successful hobbyists cross-reference field guides and zoological databases when planning new setups.

See also