List of freshwater aquarium fish species

A vast number of aquatic species have successfully adapted to live in the freshwater aquarium. This list gives some examples of the most common species found in home aquariums.

Catfish

Armored catfish including Aspidoras, Brochis, Callichthys, and Corydoras

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Brown-Point Shield Skin	Aspidoras fuscoguttatus		3.8cm (1.5in)		30 Gallons	22–25 °C (72–77 °F)	5.5–6.8
Aspidoras Cory-Cat	Aspidoras lakoi		4 cm (1.6 in)		28 Gallons	22–25 °C (72–77 °F)
Loach catfish	Aspidoras rochai		4 cm (1.6 in) maximum length		20 Gallons	21 - 25 degrees Celsius	6.0-7.5
Sixray corydoras, false corydoras	Aspidoras pauciradiatus	File:False cory 1.jpg	2.9 cm (1.1 in)		20 Gallons	73–82 °F (23–28 °C)	6.0-7.2
Britski's catfish	Brochis britskii		8.9 cm (3.5 in)			20–24 °C (68–75 °F)	6.5-7.2
Emerald catfish	Brochis splendens		10 cm (3.9 in)	The Emerald Cory Catfish is a very hardy and resilient fish.  Disease should not be a concern provided that you maintain the aquarium to standards.	20 Gallons	72 - 82 F (22 - 27.7 C)	5.8-8.0
Hognosed brochis	Brochis multiradiatus		6.6 cm (2.6 in)			70-75 °F (21-24 °C)	6.0-7.2
Adolfo's catfish/corydoras	Corydoras adolfoi		5.7 cm (2.2 in)			72–79 °F (22–26 °C)	6.0-7.0
Banded corydoras	Scleromystax barbatus		10 cm (3.9 in)			68 °F (20 °C) to 82 °F (28 °C)	6.0–8.0
Masked corydoras, bandit corydoras	Corydoras metae		4.8 cm (1.9 in)			72–79 °F (22–26 °C)	6.0-7.0
Barred-tail corydoras	Corydoras cochui		2.5 cm (0.98 in)			70-75º F	6.0 - 7.0
Blackstripe corydoras	Corydoras bondi		4.7 cm (1.9 in)
Blacktop corydoras	Corydoras acutus		4.4 cm (1.7 in)
Blue corydoras	Corydoras nattereri		5.4 cm (2.1 in)
Bluespotted corydoras	Corydoras melanistius		5.1 cm (2.0 in)
Bronze corydoras, Emerald green cory	Corydoras aeneus		6.35 cm (2.50 in)			77 °F to 82 ° (25 °C to 28 °C)
Caracha	Corydoras atropersonatus		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Ehrhardt's corydoras	Corydoras ehrhardti		4.1 cm (1.6 in)
Evelyn's cory	Corydoras evelynae		4 cm (1.6 in)
	Corydoras geoffroy		7 cm (2.8 in)
	Corydoras latus		5.2 cm (2.0 in)
Loxozonus cory	Corydoras loxozonus		4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Corydoras nain	Corydoras nanus		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Long nosed arched cory	Corydoras narcissus		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
	Corydoras ornatus		4.9 cm (1.9 in)
	Corydoras osteocarus		4 cm (1.6 in)
	Corydoras polystictus		3.2 cm (1.3 in)
	Scleromystax prionotos		5.3 cm (2.1 in)
	Corydoras semiaquilus		6.0 cm (2.4 in)
	Corydoras septentrionalis		4.9 cm (1.9 in)
	Corydoras simulatus		4.9 cm (1.9 in)
	Corydoras undulatus		4.4 cm (1.7 in)
Dwarf corydoras	Corydoras hastatus		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Elegant corydoras	Corydoras elegans		5.1 cm (2.0 in)
False network catfish	Corydoras sodalis		4.9 cm (1.9 in)
False spotted catfish	Corydoras leucomelas		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Gold laser cory	Corydoras melanotaenia		5.8 cm (2.3 in)
Guapore corydoras	Corydoras guapore		4.1 cm (1.6 in)
Mosaic corydoras, reticulated corydoras	Corydoras haraldschultzi		5.9 cm (2.3 in)
Mosaic corydoras, reticulated corydoras	Corydoras reticulatus		5.1–6.1 cm (2.0–2.4 in)
Panda corydoras	Corydoras panda		3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in)				6.0-8.0
Pastaza corydoras	Corydoras pastazensis		6.4–7.1 cm (2.5–2.8 in)
Peppered corydoras, salt and pepper catfish	Corydoras paleatus		5.1–7.6 cm (2.0–3.0 in)
Pink corydoras	Corydoras axelrodi		4–5 cm (1.5–2 in)
Pygmy corydoras	Corydoras pygmaeus		2.5–3.3 cm (0.98–1.30 in)
Sailfin corydoras	Scleromystax macropterus
Salt and pepper catfish/corydoras	Corydoras habrosus		2.5–3.6 cm (0.98–1.42 in)
Schwartz's catfish	Corydoras schwartzi		3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in)
Spotted corydoras, longnose corydoras	Corydoras ambiacus		5.1–6.1 cm (2.0–2.4 in)
Sterba's corydoras	Corydoras sterbai		6.8 cm (2.7 in)
Sychr's catfish	Corydoras sychri
Tailspot corydoras	Corydoras caudimaculatus		4–5 cm (1.5–2 in)
Threestripe corydoras, leopard catfish, false julii cory	Corydoras trilineatus		6.1 cm (2.4 in)
Xingu corydoras	Corydoras xinguensis		3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in)
Julii corydoras	Corydoras julii		5.1–6.4 cm (2.0–2.5 in)
Flagtail catfish	Dianema urostriatum		12.5 cm (4.9 in)			77° – 82 °F (25° – 28 °C)	6.0-8.0
Cascarudo	Callichthys callichthys		20 cm (7.9 in)			64–83 °F (18–28 °C).	5.8-8.3
Spotted hoplo	Megalechis thoracata		15 cm (5.9 in)			64–83 °F (18–28 °C).	6-8

Armored suckermouth catfish (plecos, oto, and whiptail)

Common name	Scientific name	Tank size	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Bristlenose pleco, bushynose pleco	Ancistrus sp.			13 cm (5 in)	The bristlenose genus has at least 59 identified species and many others yet to be named. Males and female both have long "bristles" on their nose, the males having distinctly longer ones.	72-84 F (20-27 C)
Gold nugget pleco	Baryancistrus sp.					77-86 F (25-30 C)
Whiptail catfish	Rineloricaria sp.			12cm (4.7 in)	It is a peaceful fish that is best kept in good sized groups (6+) in a mature tank with plenty of shady hiding spots amongst plants, driftwood, slate caves, and PVC pipes.	75-82 F (24-28 C)	6.0-7.2
Twig catfish	Farlowella sp.
Panaque	Panaque sp.
Pineapple pleco, orange cheek pleco	Pseudorinelepis sp.
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish, Amazon sailfin catfish	Pterygoplichthys pardalis			16 cm (6.3 in)
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish	Hypostomus punctatus
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish	Hypostomus plecostomus			50 cm (20 in)
Leopard sailfin pleco, clown sailfin pleco	Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
Zebra pleco, L-046	Hypancistrus zebra			3-5 in	One of the most popular Hypancistrus species. Endangered.
Sailfin catfish	Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus
Golden dwarf sucker, golden oto	Otocinclus macrospilus			3.5 cm
Zebra dwarf sucker, zebra oto	Otocinclus cocama

Long-whiskered catfish

Common name	Scientific name	Tank size	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Bolt catfish	Aguarunichthys torosus			35 cm (14 in)
Gold Zebra catfish	Brachyplatystoma juruense			60 cm (24 in)
Zebra shovelnose	Brachyplatystoma tigrinum			60 cm (24 in)
Vulture Catfish, zamurito	Calophysus macropterus			40 cm (16 in)
	Leiarius marmoratus			100 cm (39 in)
	Leiarius pictus			60 cm (24 in)
Redtail catfish	Phractocephalus hemioliopterus	Needs at least a 2,600 US gallons (9,800 L) tank when mature, even though this does not provide them with the space to show their natural behaviour.		120 cm (3.9 ft)		70–79 °F (21–26 °C)	6.0–7.5
Spotted pimelodus, pictus, pictus catfish	Pimelodus pictus			30 cm (12 in)
Ornate Pimelodus	Pimelodus ornatus			38.5 cm (1.26 ft)	Similar to catfish but not in the same genus
Sturgeon catfish	Platystomatichthys sturio			40 cm (1.3 ft)
Barred sorubim	Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum			104 cm (3.41 ft)
Tiger sorubim	Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum			130 cm (4.3 ft)
Firewood catfish, (planiceps) shovelnose catfish	Sorubimichthys planiceps			178 cm (70 in)
Lima shovelnose catfish	Sorubium lima			40 cm (1.3 ft)

Squeakers and upside-down catfish

Common name	Scientific name	Tank size	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Cuckoo squeaker	Synodontis multipunctatus			27.5 cm (10.8 in)
Decorated squeaker	Synodontis decorus
Even-Spotted squeaker	Synodontis petricola			10 cm (3.9 in)
Featherfin squeaker	Synodontis eupterus
Lake Malawi syno	Synodontis njassae
Polka dot syno	Synodontis angelicus
Common syno, false upside-down catfish	Synodontis nigrita
Upside-down catfish	Synodontis nigriventris			9.6 cm (3.8 in)	S. nigriventris prefers bottom feeding on Tubifex (or similar worms), but its main diet consists of algae.The blotched upside-down catfish is well suited to aquariums because of its small size (typically 9 or 10 cm or less) and peaceful demeanor.	72-82 F (22-28 C)	6.0 - 7.5

Other catfish

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Tank size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Three-striped African catfish	Pareutropius buffei		11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Giraffe catfish	Auchenoglanis occidentalis		70 cm (28 in)
Electric catfish	Malapterurus electricus		122 cm (48 in)
Black lancer catfish	Bagrichthys macracanthus		25 cm (9.8 in)
Harlequin lancer catfish	Bagroides melapterus		30 cm (12 in)
Crystal-eyed catfish	Hemibagrus wyckii		71 cm (28 in)
Asian redtail catfish	Hemibagrus wyckioides		130 cm (51 in)
Shadow catfish	Hyalobagrus flavus		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
	Mystus bimaculatus		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Dwarf bumblebee catfish	Pseudomystus leiacanthus		6 cm (2.4 in)
Asian bumblebee catfish	Pseudomystus siamensis		15 cm (5.9 in)
Dinema catfish	Belodontichthys dinema		100 cm (39 in).
Glass catfish	Kryptopterus vitreolus		8 cm (3.1 in).
Striped glass catfish	Kryptopterus macrocephalus		10 cm (3.9 in).
Borneo glass catfish	Ompok eugeneiatus		16.5 cm (6.5 in).
Striped wallago catfish	Wallago leerii		150 cm (59 in).
Chocolate frogmouth catfish	Chaca bankanensis		20 cm (7.9 in)
Asian banjo catfish	Acrochordonichthys rugosus		11 cm (4.3 in)
Walking catfish	Clarias batrachus		50 cm (19.5 in)		The albino form is common in the aquarium trade. This fish can survive out of the water and "walk" as long as kept wet, for a very long time.
Stinging catfish	Heteropneustes fossilis		30 cm (12 in)
Sun catfish	Horabagrus brachysoma		45 cm (18 in)
Iridescent shark	Pangasianodon hypophthalmus		130 cm (51 in)
Chao Phraya giant shark, giant pangasius	Pangasius sanitwongsei		300 cm (120 in)
Colombian shark catfish	Ariopsis seemanni		35 cm (14 in)
Blue whale catfish	Cetopsis coecutiens		27 cm (11 in)
Banjo catfish	Bunocephalus coracoideus		14 cm (5.5 in)
Striped raphael catfish	Platydoras armatulus		43 cm (17 in)
Spotted raphael catfish	Agamyxis pectinifrons		15 cm (5.9 in)
Bottlenose catfish	Ageneiosus marmoratus		18.5 cm (7.3 in)
Gulper catfish	Asterophysus batrachus		25 cm (9.8 in)
Midnight catfish	Auchenipterichthys coracoideus		10 cm (3.9 in)
Oil catfish	Centromochlus perugiae		5 cm (2.0 in)
Jaguar catfish	Liosomadoras oncinus		17 cm (6.7 in)
Pygmy driftwood catfish	Trachelyichthys exilis		8 cm (3.1 in)
	Trachelyopterus fisheri		28 cm (11 in)

Characins and other characiformes

Tetras

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Black phantom tetra	Hyphessobrycon megalopterus		3.6 cm (1.4 in)	The black phantom tetra enjoy being in groups of 6 or more and a slightly shaded tank. Males may claim small territories and occasionally minor battles may occur. The Phantom tetra goes well with other tetras of similar size. They also prefer floating plants.
Black neon tetra	Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi		3.2 cm (1.3 in)
Black tetra, skirt tetra	Gymnocorymbus ternetzi		5 cm (2.0 in)	A highly spirited fish that may occasionally chase its own species as well as harass slow moving fish with long fins. This fish is very hardy and can stand a variety of water qualities. Disease is not a big problem with the black tetra. The black tetra is also known as the black skirt tetra. The female black tetra is more robust and larger than the male.
Bleeding heart tetra	Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma		6.5 cm (2.6 in)	The bleeding heart tetra is distinguished by the small red spot on both sides of the fish. This fish is very prone to diseases, and can grow larger than most tetra species.
Bloodfin tetra	Aphyocharax anisitsi		5 cm (2.0 in)
Blue tetra	Knodus borki		5 cm (2.0 in)
Bucktooth tetra	Exodon paradoxus		5 cm (2.0 in)
Buenos Aires tetra	Hyphessobrycon anisitsi		7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Cardinal tetra	Paracheirodon axelrodi		5 cm (2.0 in)	Similar to the Neon Tetra, but slightly larger and doesn't prefer to school as much. They need much larger tanks, although their temperament is similar.
Cave tetra, blind tetra	Astyanax mexicanus		12 cm (4.7 in)	The cave tetra is the blind cave form of the Mexican tetra. This tetra prefers low to moderate lighting.
Diamond tetra	Moenkhausia pittieri		6 cm (2.4 in)
Ember tetra	Hyphessobrycon amandae		2 cm (0.79 in)	Ember tetras have been known to live ten years or more. May become stressed by the presence of larger fish.
Emperor tetra	Nematobrycon palmeri		5 cm (2.0 in)
Flame tetra	Hyphessobrycon flammeus		2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Garnet tetra, pretty tetra	Hemigrammus pulcher		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Glass bloodfin tetra	Prionobrama filigera		6 cm (2.4 in)
Glowlight tetra	Hemigrammus erythrozonus		3.75 cm (1.48 in)
Golden pristella tetra	Pristella maxillaris		5 cm (2.0 in)
Green neon tetra	Paracheirodon simulans		2.5 cm (0.98 in)	Similar to Neon Tetras and Cardinal Tetras, they are the same to Neon Tetras beside having a green tiny near their top dorsal fin
Head and tail light tetra	Hemigrammus ocellifer		4 cm (1.6 in)
January tetra	Hemigrammus hyanuary		4 cm (1.6 in)
Lemon tetra	Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis		5 cm (2.0 in)
Neon tetra	Paracheirodon innesi		3.75 cm (1.48 in)	Neon tetras must be kept in groups of at least a half-dozen, as they are a shoaling species. With peaceful dispositions, they are also able to be kept with other species of non-aggressive fish.	68 to 79 F (20 to 26 C)	6.0–7.0
Ornate tetra	Hyphessobrycon bentosi		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Penguin tetra, blackline penguinfish	Thayeria boehlkei		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Red Eye tetra	Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae		4 cm (1.6 in)
Red phantom tetra	Hyphessobrycon sweglesi		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Rosy tetra	Hyphessobrycon rosaceus		4 cm (1.6 in)
Royal tetra	Inpaichthys kerri		3.5 cm (1.4 in)	Possesses an adipose fin allowing it to be differentiated from the Emperor tetra
Rummy-nose tetra	Hemigrammus rhodostomus		5 cm (2.0 in)	This common name is used for three different species of schooling fish with similar patterns: Hemigrammus rhodostomus, Hemigrammus bleheri, and Petitella georgiae.
Splash tetra	Copella arnoldi		5.5 cm (2.2 in)
Serpae tetra	Hyphessobrycon serpae		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Silvertip tetra	Hasemania nana		3 cm (1.2 in)
X-ray tetra	Pristella maxillaris		4.5 cm (1.8 in)	Also just called the X-ray fish.
Congo tetra	Phenacogrammus interruptus		7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Jellybean tetra	Ladigesia roloffi		3 cm (1.2 in)
Long-fin tetra	Brycinus longipinnis		12.5 cm (4.9 in)
Niger tetra	Arnoldichthys spilopterus		10 cm (3.9 in)
Yellow-tailed Congo tetra	Alestopetersius caudalis		6 cm (2.4 in)

Hatchetfish

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Common hatchetfish	Gasteropelecus sternicla		4 cm (1.6 in)	Requires a varied diet including fruit flies
Marbled hatchetfish	Carnegiella strigata		5 cm (2.0 in)	Requires a varied diet including fruit flies
Black-winged hatchetfish	Carnegiella marthae		4 cm (1.6 in)
Pygmy hatchetfish	Carnegiella myersi		2.2 cm (0.87 in)

Pencil fishes

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Golden pencilfish	Nannostomus beckfordi		6 cm (2.4 in)
Hockeystick pencilfish	Nannostomus eques		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Barred pencilfish	Nannostomus espei		3 cm (1.2 in)
Dwarf pencilfish	Nannostomus marginatus		2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Coral-red pencilfish	Nannostomus mortenthaleri		3 cm (1.2 in)
	Nannostomus nigrotaeniatus		3 cm (1.2 in)
Three-lined pencilfish	Nannostomus trifasciatus		3 cm (1.2 in)
One-lined Pencilfish	Nannostomus unifasciatus		4 cm (1.6 in)

Serrasalminae (pacus, piranhas, and silver dollars)

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Silver dollar	Metynnis argenteus		15 cm (5.9 in)	The name "silver dollar" may also refer to Metynnis hypsauchen, Metynnis maculatus, or other related fishes.
Schreitmuller’s metynnis	Metynnis hypsauchen		14 cm (5.5 in)
Red-bellied pacu	Colossoma bidens		120 cm (3.9 ft)		78–82 °F (26–28 °C)
Red piranha	Pygocentrus nattereri		33 cm (13 in)
Disk tetra	Myleus schomburgkii		40 cm (16 in)		23 °C to 27 °C	5.0–7.0

Other Characins

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
African pike characin	Hepsetus odoe
Goliath tigerfish	Hydrocynus goliath		133 cm (52 in)
Hujeta gar	Ctenolucius hujeta		25 cm (9.8 in)
Kissing prochilodus, flagtail Prochilodus	Semaprochilodus insignis		27.5 cm (10.8 in)
Marbled headstander	Abramites hypselonotus		14 cm (5.5 in)
Banded leporinus	Leporinus fasciatus		27 cm (11 in)
Striped headstander	Anostomus anostomus		16 cm (6.3 in)
Six-banded distichodus	Distichodus sexfasciatus		75 cm (30 in)
Payara	Hydrolycus scomberoides		117 cm (46 in)
Pink-tail chalceus	Chalceus macrolepidotus		25 cm (9.8 in)
Red wolf fish	Erythrinus erythrinus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Red tail barracuda	Acestrorhynchus falcatus		30 cm (12 in)
Spotted headstander	Chilodus punctatus		8 cm (3.1 in)

Cichlids

Lake Malawi cichlids

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Sunshine peacock cichlid	Aulonocara baenschi		15 cm (5.9 in)
Pale usisya aulonocara	Aulonocara steveni
Red fin hap	Copadichromis borleyi
Eureka red peacock	Aulonocara jacobfreibergi		15 cm (5.9 in)
Spilo	Champsochromis spilorhynchus		40 cm (16 in)
Blue dolphin cichlid, lumphead cichlid	Cyrtocara moorii		25 cm (9.8 in)
Afra cichlid, dogtooth cichild	Cynotilapia afra		10 cm (3.9 in)
Rusty cichlid, lavender cichild	Iodotropheus sprengerae		10 cm (3.9 in)
Fuelleborn's cichlid, Blue mbuna	Labeotropheus fuelleborni		18 cm (7.1 in)
Electric yellow cichlid	Labidochromis caeruleus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Electric blue cichlid	Sciaenochromis fryeri
Malawi eyebiter	Dimidiochromis compressiceps
Hongi, Red-top kimpumpa	Labidochromis sp. "Hongi"		13 cm (5.1 in)
Yellow Top Mbamba	Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba Bay"		13 cm (5.1 in)
Auratus cichlid, Malawi golden cichlid	Melanochromis auratus		10 cm (3.9 in)
Chipokee cichlid	Melanochromis chipokae		12 cm (4.7 in)
Blue johanni cichlid, Maingano	Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos		10 cm (3.9 in)
Pearl of Likoma	Melanochromis joanjohnsonae		10 cm (3.9 in)
Aurora	Melanochromis aurora		10 cm (3.9 in)
Red zebra cichlid	Metriaclima estherae		10 cm (3.9 in)
Cobalt blue cichlid, cobalt zebra cichlid	Maylandia callainos		10 cm (3.9 in)
Kenyi cichlid	Maylandia lombardoi		13 cm (5.1 in)
Fusco	Nimbochromis fuscotaeniatus		25 cm (9.8 in)
Livingston's cichlid	Nimbochromis livingstonii		25 cm (9.8 in)
Kaligono	Nimbochromis polystigma		30 cm (12 in)
Venustus cichlid, giraffe cichild	Nimbochromis venustus		25 cm (9.8 in)
Red empress cichlid	Protomelas taeniolatus		15 cm (5.9 in)
Bumblebee cichlid, hornet cichlid	Pseudotropheus crabro		15 cm (5.9 in)
Yellow-tail acei	Pseudotropheus acei		10 cm (3.9 in)
Johanni cichlid	Pseudotropheus johannii		10 cm (3.9 in)
Dwarf Mbuna	Pseudotropheus demasoni		10 cm (3.9 in)
Saulosi	Pseudotropheus saulosi		7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Malawi barracuda	Rhampsochromis cf. macrophthalmus		23 cm (9.1 in)
	Tyrannochromis macrostoma		38 cm (15 in)

Lake Tanganyika cichlids

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
	Benthochromis tricoti
	Boulengerochromis microlepis		90 cm (35 in)
Frontosa cichild	Cyphotilapia frontosa		40 cm (16 in)
	Cyathopharynx furcifer
	Variabilichromis moorii
Frontosa cichild	Cyphotilapia gibberosa		40 cm (16 in)
Julie cichlid	Julidochromis dickfeldi
Masked Julie	Julidochromis marlieri		15 cm (5.9 in) fem / 10 cm (3.9 in) male
Golden Julie	Julidochromis ornatus	[[File:Julidochromis ornatus in Ouwehands Dierenpark.jpg	175px]]
Julie cichlid	Julidochromis regani		15 cm (5.9 in) fem / 10 cm (3.9 in) male
Julie cichlid	Julidochromis transcriptus		10 cm (3.9 in)
Herring cichlid, sardine cichlid	Cyprichromis leptosoma
	Ectodus descampsii
	Chalinochromis spp.
	Neolamprologus multifasciatus		3.8 cm (1.5 in)
	Lamprologus ocellatus		5 cm (2.0 in)
	Neolamprologus similis		3.8 cm (1.5 in)	A small shell-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Very similar to N. multifsciatus but similis has striping from the body continue to the head
	Lobochilotes labiatus		40 cm (16 in)
Lyretail cichlid, fairy cichlid	Neolamprologus brichardi		10 cm (3.9 in)
Lemon cichlid	Neolamprologus leleupi		11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Featherfin	Ophthalmotilapia ventralis		15 cm (5.9 in)
	Petrochromis trewavasae		20 cm (7.9 in)
	Simochromis pleurospilus		10 cm (3.9 in)
	Tropheus duboisi		13 cm (5.1 in)
	Tropheus moorii		14 cm (5.5 in)
	Tropheus polli		14 cm (5.5 in)

Lake Victoria cichlids

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
	Astatotilapia aenocolor		13 cm (5.1 in)
	Astatotilapia elegans		10 cm (3.9 in)
Zebra obliquidens	Astatotilapia latifasciata		11.5 cm (4.5 in)
	Astatotilapia nubila		11.5 cm (4.5 in)
	Astatotilapia piceatus		10 cm (3.9 in)
	Astatotilapia schubotziellus		10 cm (3.9 in)
	Astatotilapia sp. "Red Tail"		11.5 cm (4.5 in)
	Astatotilapia sp. "Spot Bar"		13 cm (5.1 in)
Allauad's haplo	Astatoreochromis alluaudi
Hippo Point Salmon	Ptyochromis sp. "Hippo Point Salmon"		14 cm (5.5 in)
Flameback	Pundamilia nyererei		10 cm (3.9 in)
	Xystichromis phytophagus		10 cm (3.9 in)

Miscellaneous African cichlids (non-Rift Lake)

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
African butterfly cichlid	Anomalochromis thomasi
Jewel cichlid, two-spotted jewel cichlid	Hemichromis bimaculatus		4-5 inch
Lionhead cichlid	Steatocranus casuarius
Lifalili jewel cichlid, blood-red jewel cichlid	Hemichromis lifalili
Kribensis, krib	Pelvicachromis pulcher
Kribensis, krib, many common names because of many subspecies	Pelvicachromis taeniatus |
Guenther's Mouthbrooder	Chromidotilapia guentheri

Dwarf cichlids (apistogrammas, rams and others)

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid	Apistogramma agassizii
Zebra acara	Nannacara adoketa
Yellow dwarf cichlid	Apistogramma borellii
Cockatoo dwarf cichlid	Apistogramma cacatuoides
Panda dwarf cichlid	Apistogramma nijsseni
Three-Stripe Dwarf Cichlid	Apistogramma trifasciata
	Apistogramma eremnopyge
Two-Stripe Dwarf Cichlid	Apistogramma bitaeniata		7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Checkerboard Cichlid	Dicrossus filamentosus
Blue ram, German ram	Mikrogeophagus ramirezi		5.0 cm (2.0 in)	These small and colorful fish require precise water parameters, and if you don’t meet those parameters, your fish could be severely impacted.	78 - 85 F (25.5 - 29.4 C)	6.0 – 7.5
Bolivian ram	Mikrogeophagus altispinosa
Dwarf flag cichlid	Laetacara curviceps

Central American cichlids

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Midas cichild, red devil cichlid	Amphilophus citrinellus		35 cm (14.in)	Also called red devil cichlid
Poor man's tropheus	Hypsophrys nematopus
Red devil cichlid	Amphilophus labiatus			Also called red devil cichlid
Firemouth cichlid	Cichlasoma meeki
Jack Dempsey cichlid	Rocio octofasciata
Jaguar cichlid, managuense cichlid	Parachromis managuensis
Mayan cichlid	Mayaheros urophthalmus
Convict cichlid	Archocentrus nigrofasciatus
T-bar cichlid	Amatitlania sajica
Wolf cichlid	Parachromis dovii
Texas cichlid, Rio Grande cichlid	Herichthys cyanoguttatus

South American cichlids

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Green terror	Andinoacara rivulatus
Blue acara	Andinoacara pulcher
Thread-finned acara	Acarichthys heckelii
Eartheater cichlid	Geophagus altifrons
Greenstreaked Eartheater, cupid cichlid	Biotodoma cupido
Keyhole cichlid	Cleithracara maronii
Flag cichlid	Mesonauta festivus
Angelfish	Pterophyllum scalare		15 cm (5.9 in)	In an enclosed tank habitat, the fish’s territorial, aggressive nature is heightened, so don’t house angelfish with shy species that are intimidated by pushy, boisterous fish.	75–82°F (25–28°C)	6.8 – 7
Altum angelfish	Pterophyllum altum
Spotted angelfish	Pterophyllum leopoldi
Common discus, red discus	Symphysodon discus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Blue discus, green discus	Symphysodon aequifasciatus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Oscar	Astronotus ocellatus		45 cm (18 in)	Many people that purchase these fish do not realize that the fish could grow to a foot long (30 cm) within a year. Due to their fast growth rate and large size as an adult, they are often kept in aquariums that are too small for them.	72-80 °F (22-27 °C)	6.0-7.5
Chocolate cichlid	Hypselecara temporalis
Severum	Heros efasciatus
Uaru, waroo	Uaru amphiacanthoides			Also known as the Triangle Ciclid.
Peacock bass, butterfly peacock bass	Cichla orinocensis

Other cichlids

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Canara pearlspot	Etroplus canarensis
Green chromide	Etroplus suratensis
Orange chromide	Etroplus maculatus
Pinstripe damba	Paretroplus menarambo
Blood parrot cichlid	(Amphilophus citrinellus × Vieja melanurus)		20 cm( 8 in)	Not considered a separate species of cichlid but a hybrid.
Flowerhorn cichlid	Cichlasoma sp.		25 cm (9.8 in)	Not considered a separate species of cichlid but a hybrid.

Cyprinids

Barbs

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Arulius barb	Dawkinsia arulius		12 cm (4.7 in)	tropical cyprinid fish native to the Kaveri River basin of south east India. Other common names include Tamiraparani barb, Silas barb and longfin barb.	66 °F to 77 °F (19°-25 °C)	6 – 8
Bigspot barb, Duncker's barb	Barbodes dunckeri		13 cm (5.1 in)		72 - 85 °F (22 - 29 °C)	6 - 7
Black ruby barb	Pethia nigrofasciatus		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Cherry barb	Puntius titteya		4.8 cm (1.9 in)
Clipper barb	Enteromius callipterus		7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Clown barb	Barbodes everetti		15 cm (5.9 in)
Denison's barb, red line torpedo barb	Sahyadria denisonii		15 cm (5.9 in)
Gold barb	Barbodes semifasciolatus		8 cm (3.1 in)
Golden barb	Pethia gelius		5 cm (2.0 in)
Greenstripe barb	Puntius vittatus		5 cm (2.0 in)
Indian Glass Barb	Laubuka laubuca		6.7 cm (2.6 in)
Melon barb	Puntius fasciatus		15 cm (5.9 in)
Odessa barb	Puntius padamya		8 cm (3.1 in)
Onespot barb	Puntius terio		15 cm (5.9 in)
Panda barb	Puntius fasciatus		5 inches
Pool barb	Puntius sophore		18 cm (7.1 in)
Partipentazona barb	Puntigrus partipentazona		3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Rosy barb	Pethia conchonius	File:Male Rosy Barb.gif	13 cm (5.1 in)
Shortfin barb	Barbus brevipinnis		4.6 cm (1.8 in)
Snakeskin barb	Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus		3.5 inches
Spottedsail barb, dwarf barb	Pethia phutunio		7.8 cm (3.1 in)
Swamp barb	Puntius chola		15 cm (5.9 in)
Ticto barb	Barbus ticto		10 cm (3.9 in)
Tic-tac-toe barb	Puntius stoliczkanus		5 cm (2.0 in)
Tiger barb, sumatra barb	Puntius tetrazona		7.5 cm (3.0 in)	Keep in shoals of 8 or 10 to prevent aggression
Spanner barb, t-barb	Barbodes lateristriga		20 cm (7.9 in)
Fiveband barb, pentazona barb	Desmopuntius hexazona		5 cm (2.0 in)
Checker barb	Oliotius oligolepis		5 cm (2.0 in)
Tinfoil barb	Barbonymus schwanenfeldii		36 cm (14 in)

Other cyprinids

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Bala shark	Balantiocheilus melanopterus		40 cm (16 in)	Grows large, needs lots of swimming room and is a schooling fish so a 125 gallon would be good for 3-4
Black shark	Labeo chrysophekadion		90 cm (35 in)
Siamese algae eater, fringe barb	Crossocheilus oblongus		16 cm (6.3 in)	Many other fish in the order Cypriniformes are also sold under this name. Very likely to jump out of the aquarium especially after reaching adult size. Very useful for getting rid of algae when it is young but prefer fish food upon reaching adulthood.
Flying fox (fish)	Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus		16 cm (6.3 in)
Red-tailed black shark	Epalzeorhynchos bicolor		6 in
Rainbow shark	Epalzeorhynchos frenatum		6 in
Cambodian log sucker, false Siamese algae eater	Garra cambodgiensis
algae eater	Gyrinocheilus aymonieri			This species may be sold under a variety of common names, including Siamese algae eater, Chinese algae eater, golden algae eater, or sucking loach. A gold colored form also exists.

Rasboras

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Espei rasbora	Trigonostigma espei		5 cm (2.0 in)
Harlequin rasbora	Trigonostigma heteromorpha		5 cm (2.0 in)	Also known as Harlequin tetra or Harlequin barb.
Glowlight rasbora	Trigonostigma hengeli		5 cm (2.0 in)
Red-striped rasbora	Trigonopoma pauciperforata		7.5 cm (3.0 in)	Range: Sumatra	22–29 °C (72–84 °F)
Dwarf rasbora	Boraras maculatus		2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Eyespot rasbora	Brevibora dorsiocellata		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Brilliant rasbora	Rasbora einthovenii		9 cm (3.5 in)
Clown rasbora	Rasbora kalochroma		10 cm (3.9 in)
Scissortail rasbora	Rasbora trilineata		15 cm (5.9 in)
Volcano rasbora	Rasbora vulcanus		5 cm (2.0 in)
Blackline rasbora, red-tailed rasbora	Rasbora borapetensis

Danios and other danionins

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
	Sundadanio axelrodi		2 cm (0.79 in)
Pearl danio	Danio albolineatus		6.5 cm (2.6 in)	subspecies:blue-redstripe danio, Kedah danio
Celestial Pearl danio	Danio margaritatus		2 cm (0.79 in)
Bengal danio, Sind danio	Devario devario
Giant danio	Devario aequipinnatus
Malabar danio	Devario malabaricus		11.5–14 cm (4.5–5.5 in)
Queen danio	Devario regina
Spotted danio	Danio nigrofasciatus
Turquoise danio	Danio kerri
Zebra danio	Danio rerio		5 cm (2.0 in)	there are many variations of this fish: leopard danio, the spotted colour morph, and GloFish, the genetically modified fluorescent fish.

Cold-water cyprinids

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Goldfish	Carassius auratus		15+ cm (6+ in)	variations: Black Moor, Bubble Eye, Butterfly Tail, Calico, Celestial Eye, Comet, Common, Fantail, Lionchu, Lionhead, Oranda, Panda Moor, Pearlscale, Pompom, Ranchu, Ryukin, Shubunkin, Telescope eye, Veiltail.
Koi, common carp	Cyprinus carpio		30+ cm (12+ in)
Bitterling	Rhodeus amarus		10 cm (4 in)
White Cloud Mountain minnow	Tanichthys albonubes		3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Red shiner	Cyprinella lutrensis		5–9 cm (2.0–3.5 in)
Common dace	Leuciscus leuciscus		40 cm (16 in)		39 to 72 °F (4 to 22 °C)	6.0 to 8.0
Rosy red minnow, fathead minnow	Pimephales promelas		5–7.5 cm (2.0–3.0 in)		10–21 °C (50–70 °F)	7.0 - 7.5
Rainbow shiner	Notropis chrosomus
European minnow	Phoxinus phoxinus
Southern redbelly dace	Phoxinus erythrogaster		7.5–10 cm (3.0–3.9 in)
Tench	Tinca tinca
Golden orfe	Leuciscus idus
Chinese high fin banded shark	Myxocyprinus asiaticus		60 cm (24 in)

Loaches and related cypriniformes

Loaches

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Saddle-back Loach	Homaloptera orthogoniata		13 cm (5.1 in)	The Saddleback Loach will thrive in an aquarium with a good amount of water flow and aeration, considerable amounts of hiding places formed by rocks or driftwood and smooth pebbles and stones to graze on.	68 - 78 F (20 - 25.6 C)	6 - 7.5
Fork-tailed loach	Vaillantella maassi		12.5 cm (4.9 in)
Horseface loach	Acantopsis dialuzona		20 cm (7.9 in)
Weather Loach	Misgurnus anguillicaudatus		30 cm	Sensitive to changes in barometric pressure
	Pangio anguillaris		12 cm (4.7 in)
Kuhli loach, coolie loach	Pangio kuhlii		10 cm (3.9 in)	The natural habitat of the kuhli loach is the sandy beds of slow-moving rivers and clean mountain streams. They are a social fish and are typically found in small clusters (they are not schooling fish but enjoy the company of their species), but are cautious and nocturnal by nature and swim near the bottom where they feed around obstacles. Kuhli loaches are scavengers, so they will eat anything that reaches the bottom.	75 – 86 °F (24 – 30 °C)	5.5 – 6.5
Java loach	Pangio oblonga		8 cm (3.1 in)			6.2 to 7.0
Clown loach	Chromobotia macracanthus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Green tiger loach	Syncrossus hymenophysa		21 cm (8.3 in)
Banded tiger loach	Syncrossus helodes		30 cm (12 in)
Redfin tiger loach	Syncrossus berdmorei		15 cm (5.9 in)
Dwarf botia	Ambastaia sidthimunki		5.5 cm (2.2 in)	Formerly named Botia sidthimunki.
Yoyo loach	Botia almorhae		15 cm (5.9 in)
Bengal loach	Botia dario		15 cm (5.9 in)	Also known as the Queen loach.
	Botia histrionica		12 cm (4.7 in)
Polka-Dot Loach	Botia kubotai		12 cm (4.7 in)
Gangetic loach	Botia rostrata		25 cm (9.8 in)
Zebra loach	Botia striata		9 cm (3.5 in)
Redtail loach	Yasuhikotakia modesta		25 cm (9.8 in)
Skunk loach	Yasuhikotakia morleti		10 cm (3.9 in)	Formerly named Botia morleti
	Yasuhikotakia splendida		10 cm (3.9 in)
Borneo hillstream loach	Gastromyzon sp.		6–8 cm (2.4–3.1 in)	Eats mainly algae. High oxygen level and water quality are greatly appreciated in addition to a strong current (but not needed as many sources claim)
Tiger hillstream loach	Sewellia lineolata		6 cm (2.4 in)	Eats mainly algae. High oxygen level and water quality are greatly appreciated in addition to a strong current (but not needed as many sources claim)
Butterfly hillstream loach	Beaufortia kweichowensis		8 cm (3.1 in)	Eats mainly algae. High oxygen level and water quality are greatly appreciated in addition to a strong current (but not needed as many sources claim)

Live-bearers and killifish

Guppies and mollies

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Guppy	Poecilia reticulata		5 cm (2.0 in)	Many color and tail pattern varieties exist. They generally need a ratio of 1 male to 2 females or more. All guppies and mollies are hardy fish that tolerate lower oxygen levels and temperatures than most aquarium fish, give birth to live young, and readily breed in home tanks. can live in full sea water	66°F - 84°F (19°C - 29°C)	7 - 8
Endler's livebearer	Poecilia wingei		3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Black molly	Poecilia sphenops		10 cm (3.9 in)	Can live in full sea water
Sailfin molly	Poecilia latipinna		10 cm (3.9 in)	Gold and silver varieties commonly found; also thrive in brackish water/ full sea water
Dalmatian molly	hybrid		5 cm (2.0 in)	The dalmatian molly is a hybrid color variation that can be generated by crossing some species of Poecilia, like P. sphenops and P. latipinna. The variety "Dalmatian" is spotted alike to a Dalmatian dog. Can live in full sea water
Lyretail Molly	hybrid		5 cm (2.0 in)	Lyretail Mollies are available in all of these species, can be cross bred with any species of Molly. Can live in full sea water

Platies and swordtails

Common name	Taxonomy	Picture	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Southern platy	Xiphophorus maculatus		6 cm (2.4 in)
Variable platy	Xiphophorus variatus		6 cm (2.4 in)
Green swordtail	Xiphophorus hellerii		15 cm (5.9 in)

Other Livebearers, like Gambusia

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Largescale four-eyed fish	Anableps anableps
Pike topminnow	Belonesox belizanus
Cuban lima	Limia vittata
Knife livebearer	Alfaro cultratus
Least killifish	Heterandria formosa
Tanganyika killifish	Lamprichthys tanganicanus
Norman's lampeye	Poropanchax normani
Celebes halfbeak	Nomorhamphus liemi		8 cm (3.1 in)
Wrestling halfbeak	Dermogenys pusilla		7.5 cm (3.0 in)	Wrestling Halfbeaks are best kept in groups, composed of either a single male with several females, or, in more spacious quarters with ample visual barriers, larger mixed groups containing at least six males.	75-82 F (24-28 C)	7 - 8
Forest halfbeak	Hemirhamphodon pogonognathus		10 cm (3.9 in)

Killifish

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Blue Lyretail	Fundulopanchax gardneri		5 cm (2.0 in)
Clown Killifish, rocket killifish	Epiplatys annulatus		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Bluefin Notho, Rachow's Notho, Rainbow Notho	Nothobranchius rachovii		6 cm (2.4 in)
Striped panchax, Golden Wonder	Aplocheilus lineatus
American Flagfish	Jordanella floridae			Native to SE United States
Argentine Pearl	Austrolebias nigripinnis
Golden Toppminnow	Fundulus chrysotus
Northern Studfish	Fundulus catenatus
Red-seam Killifish	Aphyosemion calliurum
Arabian Killifish	Aphanius dispar

Labyrinth fish

Gourami

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Dwarf gourami	Trichogaster lalius		5 cm (2.0 in)	Suitable for small to mid-sized aquariums but cannot compete with more aggressive fish and males kept together may fight. Several color varieties available. Massive inbreeding has led to high rates of Dwarf gourami iridovirus (DGIV) in pet store fish.	72 – 82°F (22 – 27°C)	6 - 7.5
Paradise fish	Macropodus opercularis		7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Pygmy gourami, Sparkling gourami	Trichopsis pumila		3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Moonlight gourami	Trichopodus microlepis		15 cm (5.9 in)
Snakeskin gourami	Trichopodus pectoralis		20 cm (7.9 in)
Siamese fighting fish (sometimes Betta, esp. US)	Betta splendens		7.5 cm (3.0 in)	Betta is the name of the genus that includes more than 60 species other than the Siamese fighting fish.
Malay combtail	Belontia hasselti		20 cm (7.9 in)
Slender betta	Betta bellica		9 cm (3.5 in)
	Betta burdigala		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Scarlet betta	Betta coccina		4 cm (1.6 in)
Crescent betta	Betta imbellis		6 cm (2.4 in)
	Betta miniopinna		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Toba betta	Betta rubra		4 cm (1.6 in)
	Betta simorum		9 cm (3.5 in)
Giant Pikehead	Luciocephalus pulcher		20 cm (7.9 in)
	Parosphromenus phoenicurus		3 cm (1.2 in)
Chocolate gourami	Sphaerichthys osphromenoides		7 cm (2.8 in)
Pearl gourami	Trichopodus leerii		11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Three spot gourami	Trichopodus trichopterus		10 cm (3.9 in)
Croaking gourami	Trichopsis vittata		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Giant gourami	Osphronemus goramy		60 cm (24 in)

Other labyrinth fishes

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Kissing gourami	Helostoma temminckii		15 cm (5.9 in)
Climbing perch	Anabas testudineus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Leopard bush fish	Ctenopoma acutirostre		15 cm (5.9 in)
African leaffish	Polycentropsis abbreviata		8 cm (3.1 in)
Bornean leaffish	Nandus nebulosus		12 cm (4.7 in)
Malayan leaffish	Pristolepis fasciata		20 cm (7.9 in)
Forest snakehead	Channa lucius		40 cm (16 in)	Illegal to possess live in the USA without a permit
Dwarf snakehead	Channa gachua		20 cm (7.9 in)	Illegal to possess live in the USA without a permit
Emperor snakehead	Channa marulioides		65 cm (26 in)	Illegal to possess live in the USA without a permit
Giant snakehead	Channa micropeltes		130 cm (51 in)	Illegal to possess live in the USA without a permit
Ocellated snakehead	Channa pleurophthalma		35 cm (14 in)	Illegal to possess live in the USA without a permit
African snakehead	Parachanna obscura		50 cm (20 in)	Illegal to possess live in the USA without a permit

Rainbowfish

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Red rainbowfish	Glossolepis incisus		9–13 cm (3.5–5.1 in)	Almost all rainbowfish species are bred in captivity and wild populations may be protected.
Lake Wanam rainbowfish	Glossolepis wanamensis		9 cm (3.5 in)
Threadfin rainbowfish	Iriatherina werneri		3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in)
New Guinea rainbowfish	Melanotaenia affinis		13 cm (5.1 in)
Western rainbowfish	Melanotaenia australis		11 cm (4.3 in)
Boeseman's rainbowfish	Melanotaenia boesemani		10–13 cm (3.9–5.1 in)
Duboulayi's rainbowfish	Melanotaenia duboulayi		13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in)	a.k.a. Crimson-Spotted rainbowfish
Australian rainbowfish	Melanotaenia fluviatilis		13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in)
Lake Tebera rainbowfish	Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi		9 cm (3.5 in)
Lake Kutubu rainbowfish	Melanotaenia lacustris		12 cm (4.7 in)
Lake Kurumoi rainbowfish	Melanotaenia parva		7.5–8 cm (3.0–3.1 in)
Neon rainbowfish	Melanotaenia praecox		6–7.5 cm (2.4–3.0 in)
Eastern rainbowfish	Melanotaenia splendida splendida		13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in)
Banded rainbowfish	Melanotaenia trifasciata		13 cm (5.1 in)
Celebes rainbow	Marosatherina ladigesi		8 cm (3.1 in)
Forktail blue-eye	Pseudomugil furcatus		4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in)	These fish need a larger aquarium than their size suggests. Though they only grow to a length of about 2 inches, they are happiest in groups of 8 – 10 or more, and they appreciate lots of swimming space.	75 - 79°F (24 - 26°C)	6.5 - 8.0
Spotted blue-eye	Pseudomugil gertrudae		3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in)
Pacific blue-eye	Pseudomugil signifer		3.5–7 cm (1.4–2.8 in)
Delicate blue-eye	Pseudomugil tenellus		4–5.5 cm (1.6–2.2 in)
Madagascar rainbowfish	Bedotia madagascariensis		7.5–8 cm (3.0–3.1 in)

Gobies and sleepers

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Empire gudgeon	Hypseleotris compressa		12 cm (4.7 in)
Purple sleeper gudgeon	Mogurnda mogurnda		20 cm (7.9 in)
Peacock gudgeon	Tateurndina ocellicauda		7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Black toraja goby	Mugilogobius sarasinorum
Bumblebee goby	Brachygobius doriae		4 cm (1.6 in)
Knight goby	Stigmatogobius sadanundio		9 cm (3.5 in)
Rainbow stiphodon	Stiphodon ornatus		5 cm (2.0 in)
Cobalt blue goby	Stiphodon semoni		4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in)
	Sicyopus zosterophorus		4–4.5 cm (1.6–1.8 in)
Bearded worm goby	Taenioides cirratus		30 cm (12 in)
Marbled goby	Oxyeleotris marmorata		30–65 cm (12–26 in)
Crazy fish	Butis butis		15 cm (5.9 in)
	Rhinogobius duospilus
Dragon goby, Violet goby	Gobioides broussonnetii
Striped sleeper goby	Dormitator maculatus

Sunfish and relatives

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Pygmy sunfish	Elassomatidae		4 cm (1.6 in)
Blackbanded sunfish	Enneacanthus chaetodon		10 cm (3.9 in)
Blue-spotted sunfish	Enneacanthus gloriosus		10 cm (3.9 in)
Redbreast sunfish	Lepomis auritus		30 cm (12 in)
Green sunfish	Lepomis cyanellus		25 cm (9.8 in)
Orangespotted sunfish	Lepomis humilis		15 cm (5.9 in)
Pumpkinseed	Lepomis gibbosus		28 cm (11 in)
Warmouth	Lepomis gulosus		30 cm (12 in)
Bluegill	Lepomis macrochirus		41 cm (16 in)
Dollar sunfish	Lepomis marginatus		12 cm (4.7 in)
Longear sunfish	Lepomis megalotis		24 cm (9.4 in)
Redear sunfish	Lepomis microlophus		40 cm (16 in)
Redspotted sunfish	Lepomis miniatus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Northern sunfish	Lepomis peltastes		13 cm (5.1 in)
Spotted sunfish	Lepomis punctatus		10 cm (3.9 in)

Other fish

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Temperature range	pH range
Gray bichir, Senegal bichir, or dinosaur bichir	Polypterus senegalus		70.0 cm (27.6 in) maximum length40.0 cm (16 in) in captivity	Peaceful but preys on anything smaller than its mouth	25–28 °C (77–82 °F)	6.0-8.0
Ornate bichir	Polypterus ornatipinnis		60 cm (24 in) maximum length	Peaceful but preys on anything smaller than its mouth	26–28 °C (79–82 °F)	6.0–8.0
Retropinnis bichir	Polypterus retropinnis		34.0 cm (13.4 in)	Peaceful but preys on anything smaller than its mouth	26–28 °C (79–82 °F)	6.5–7.5
Barred bichir	Polypterus delhezi		35 cm (14 in)	Peaceful but preys on anything smaller than its mouth	24–30 °C (75–86 °F)	6-8
Saddled bichir	Polypterus endlicheri		63 cm (25 in)	Peaceful but preys on anything smaller than its mouth	22–27 °C (72–81 °F)	6-8
Reedfish	Erpetoichthys calabaricus		31.4 cm (12.4 in) at maturity, 37 centimetres (15 in) maximum length		22–28 °C (72–82 °F)	6.0–8.0
Hingemouth	Phractolaemus ansorgii		25 cm (9.8 in)
Blunt-jawed elephantnose	Campylomormyrus tamandua		40 cm (16 in)
Peters' elephant nose	Gnathonemus petersii		22.5 cm (8.9 in)
African butterflyfish	Pantodon buchholzi		12 cm (4.7 in)
Aba aba	Gymnarchus niloticus		120 cm (47 in)
Reticulated knifefish	Papyrocranus afer		80 cm (31 in)
African brown knifefish	Xenomystus nigri		30 cm (12 in)
Clown knifefish	Chitala ornata
Asian arowana	Scleropages formosus		90 cm (35 in)	Preys on anything smaller than its mouth.
Silver arowana	Osteoglossum bicirrhosum		90 cm (35 in)	Preys on anything smaller than its mouth.
Freshwater pipefish	Doryichthys martensii		15 cm (5.9 in)
African freshwater pipefish	Enneacampus ansorgii		14 cm (5.5 in)
Fire eel	Mastacembelus erythrotaenia		100 cm (39 in)
Tire track eel	Mastacembelus armatus		90 cm (35 in)
Spotfinned spiny eel	Macrognathus siamensis		30 cm (12 in)	They require clean water and are vulnerable to parasites, fungal diseases, and the copper-based drugs used to treat these conditions.	73-82°F (23-28°C)	6.0-8.0
Half-banded spiny eel	Macrognathus circumcinctus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Lesser spiny eel	Macrognathus aculeatus		38 cm (15 in)
Freshwater sole	Brachirus panoides		20 cm (8 in)
Freshwater needlefish	Xenentodon cancila		35 cm (14 in)
Javanese ricefish	Oryzias javanicus		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Daisy's Ricefish	Oryzias woworae		3 cm (1.2 in)
Indian glassy fish	Parambassis ranga		8 cm (3.1 in)
Amazon leaffish	Monocirrhus polyacanthus		8 cm (3.1 in)
	Gymnochanda filamentosa		3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Indonesian tigerfish	Datnioides microlepis		45 cm (18 in)
Silver tigerfish	Datnioides polota		30 cm (12 in)
Banded archerfish	Toxotes jaculatrix		30 cm (12 in)
Spotted scat	Scatophagus argus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Green spotted puffer	Dichotomyctere nigroviridis		15 cm (5.9 in)	Pufferfish inflating out of water can cause death.
Humpback Puffer	Pao palembangensis		20 cm (7.9 in)	See above
Red-tail dwarf puffer	Carinotetraodon irrubesco		4.5 cm (1.8 in)	See above
Golden puffer	Auriglobus modestus		10 cm (3.9 in)	See above
Figure 8 pufferfish	Tetraodon biocellatus	File:Tbiocellatus.jpg	6 cm (2.4 in)
Dwarf pufferfish	Carinotetraodon travancoricus		2.9 cm (1.1 in)
Fahaka puffer	Tetraodon lineatus		1-foot 5 inches
Mbu puffer	Tetraodon mbu	File:MooBoo.jpg	75 cm (30 in)	This fish also occurs in estuaries. largest freshwater pufferfish, they are very peaceful with most fish except, other Mbu pufferfish, other fish that will harass them. see above
Congo pufferfish	Tetraodon miurus		15 cm (5.9 in)	as it is a ambush pufferfish it is best to house it alone as it will attack tank mates. see above
Amazon puffer	Colomesus asellus
West African lungfish	Protopterus annectens		100 cm (39 in)
Spotted lungfish	Protopterus dolloi		130 cm (51 in)
South American lungfish	Lepidosiren paradoxa		125 cm (49 in)
Ocellate river stingray	Potamotrygon motoro			has venomous barbs that contain a protein based poison, if you happen to accidentally get stung you should submerge the wound in as hot as water as you can as this breaks down the protein
Black devil stingray	Potamotrygon leopoldi			see above
Black ghost knifefish	Apteronotus albifrons		20 in	Not to be confused with the featherback "knifefish" of the Bonytongue group (see above)	23-28C (73-82F)	6.0-8.0
Brown ghost knifefish	Apteronotus leptorhynchus
Electric eel	Electrophorus electricus
Glass knifefish	Eigenmannia virescens
Sterlet	Acipenser ruthenus
Shovelnose Sturgeon	Scaphirhynchus platorynchus
Spotted Gar	Lepisosteus oculatus		70 cm (27.5 in)
Longnose Gar	Lepisosteus osseus
Florida Gar	Lepisosteus platyrhincus		70 cm (27.5 in)
Alligator Gar	Atractosteus spatula		300 cm (118 in)
Cuban Gar	Atractosteus tristoechus		200 cm (78.5 in)
Tropical Gar	Atractosteus tropicus		150 cm (59 in)
Freshwater blenny	Salaria fluviatilis
Pickerel	Esox americanus
Brook stickleback	Culaea inconstans
European Perch	Perca fluviatilis
Banded darter	Etheostoma zonale
Gilt darter	Percina evides
Orangethroat darter	Etheostoma spectabile
Rainbow darter	Etheostoma caeruleum
Splendid darter	Etheostoma barrenense

See also

• List of aquarium fish by scientific name
• List of brackish aquarium fish species
• List of fish common names
• List of freshwater aquarium amphibian species
• List of freshwater aquarium invertebrate species
• List of freshwater aquarium plant species
• List of marine aquarium fish species
• List of marine aquarium invertebrate species
• The Aquarium Wiki Encyclopaedia List of Freshwater aquarium fish

Sources

• Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish (2005) (David Alderton)
• 500 Aquarium Fish: A Visual Reference to the Most Popular Species