# List of freshwater aquarium fish species

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

## Catfish

| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks | Tank size | Temperature range | pH range | Water Hardness |
| Brown-Point Shield Skin | Aspidoras fuscoguttatus | 3.8 cm (1.5 in) | | 30 Gallons | 22–25 °C (72–77 °F) | 5.5–6.8 | |
| Aspidoras Cory-Cat Pygmy Aspidoras | Aspidoras lakoi | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | 28 Gallons | 22–25 °C (72–77 °F) | 6.5-7.5 | |
| Sixray corydoras, false corydoras | Aspidoras pauciradiatus | 2.9 cm (1.1 in) | | 20 Gallons | 73–82 °F (23–28 °C) | 6.0-7.2 | |
| Loach catfish | Aspidoras rochai | 4 cm (1.6 in) maximum length | | 20 Gallons | 21 – 25 degrees Celsius | 6.0-7.5 | |
| Britski's catfish | Corydoras britskii | 8.9 cm (3.5 in) | | | 20–24 °C (68–75 °F) | 6.5-7.2 | |
| Hognosed brochis | Corydoras multiradiatus | 6.6 cm (2.6 in) | | | 70–75 °F (21–24 °C) | 6.0–7.2 | |
| Emerald catfish | Corydoras 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 | |
| Cascarudo | Callichthys callichthys | 20 cm (7.9 in) | | | 64–83 °F (18–28 °C). | 5.8–8.3 | |
| Blacktop corydoras | Corydoras acutus | 4.4 cm (1.7 in) | | | 22–28 °C | 6.0–7.5 | |
| Adolfo's catfish/corydoras | Corydoras adolfoi | 5.7 cm (2.2 in) | | | 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) | 6.0–7.0 | |
| Bronze corydoras, Emerald green cory | Corydoras aeneus | 6.35 cm (2.50 in) | | | 77 to 82 °F (25 to 28 °C) | 6.0–8.0 | |
| Agassiz's corydoras | Corydoras agassizii | 5 cm (2 in) | | | 22–26 °C | 6.0-8.0 | |
| Spotted corydoras, longnose corydoras | Corydoras ambiacus | 5.1–6.1 cm (2.0–2.4 in) | | 27 gal | 22–25 °C | 6.5–7.2 | 71.43 - 392.86ppm |
| Caracha Fairy Cory | Corydoras atropersonatus | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | | 20 gal | 21–27 °C | 5.0–7.0 | 36 – 179 ppm |
| Pink corydoras Axelrod's Cory | Corydoras axelrodi | 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in) | | 21 gal | 22–26 °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 | |
| Blackstripe corydoras | Corydoras bondi | 4.7 cm (1.9 in) | | | 20–26 °C | 6.0–7.5 | |
| Tailspot corydoras | Corydoras caudimaculatus | 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in) | | | 20–26 °C | 6.0–7.0 | 36 – 179 ppm |
| Barred-tail corydoras | Corydoras cochui | 2.5 cm (0.98 in) | | | 70–75 °F | 6.0 – 7.0 | |
| False blochi catfish | Corydoras delphax | 5 cm (2 in) | | | 22–27 °C | 5.5–7.5 | 36 – 215 ppm |
| Ehrhardt's corydoras | Corydoras ehrhardti | 4.1 cm (1.6 in) | | | 18-23 °C | 6.5–7.5 | |
| Elegant corydoras | Corydoras elegans | 5.1 cm (2.0 in) | | | | | |
| Horseman's cory | Corydoras eques | 5 cm (2 in) | | | | | |
| Evelyn's cory | Corydoras evelynae | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | 22–26 °C | 6.0-8.0 | |
| Geoffrey's Corydora | Corydoras geoffroy | 7 cm (2.8 in) | | | 22–26 °C | 6.0-8.0 | |
| Skunk corydoras | Corydoras granti | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) | | | | | |
| Guapore corydoras | Corydoras guapore | 4.1 cm (1.6 in) | | | | | |
| Salt and pepper catfish/corydoras | Corydoras habrosus | 2.5–3.6 cm (0.98–1.42 in) | | | | | |
| Mosaic corydoras, reticulated corydoras | Corydoras haraldschultzi | 5.9 cm (2.3 in) | | | | | |
| Dwarf corydoras | Corydoras hastatus | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | | | | | |
| Julii corydoras | Corydoras julii | 5.1–6.4 cm (2.0–2.5 in) | | | | | |
| | Corydoras latus | 5.2 cm (2.0 in) | | | 22–26 °C | 6.0-8.0 | |
| False spotted catfish | Corydoras leucomelas | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | | | | | |
| Loxozonus cory | Corydoras loxozonus | 4.9 cm (1.9 in) | | | 21-24 °C | 6.0-7.2 | |
| Bluespotted corydoras spotted cory | Corydoras melanistius | 5.1 cm (2.0 in) | | | 22–26 °C | 6.0-7.0 | |
| Gold laser cory | Corydoras melanotaenia | 5.8 cm (2.3 in) | | | | | |
| Long nosed arched cory Long-nosed Skunk Cory | Corydoras narcissus | 6.5 cm (2.6 in) | | | 23-45 °C | 6.0-7.0 | |
| Blue corydoras Natterer's Cory | Corydoras nattereri | 5.4 cm (2.1 in) | | | 20-23 °C | 6.0-7.6 | |
| | Corydoras ornatus | 4.9 cm (1.9 in) | | | 22–26 °C | 6.0-7.2 | |
| | Corydoras osteocarus | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | | |
| Peppered corydoras, salt and pepper catfish | Corydoras paleatus | 5.1–7.6 cm (2.0–3.0 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) | | | | | |
| | Corydoras polystictus | 3.2 cm (1.3 in) | | | | | |
| Pygmy corydoras | Corydoras pygmaeus | 2.5–3.3 cm (0.98–1.30 in) | A very peaceful species, that does not make an ideal community fish due to its small adult size. It is easily intimidated by larger tank mates and will not compete well with them for food. | 42.4 L (11 gal) | 72 to 79 °F (22 to 26 °C) | 6.4 to 7.4 | |
| Rust corydoras | Corydoras rabauti | 5 cm (2 in) | | | | | |
| Mosaic corydoras, reticulated corydoras | Corydoras reticulatus | 5.1–6.1 cm (2.0–2.4 in) | | | | | |
| Banner-tail corydoras, flagtail corydoras | Corydoras robineae | 4.4 cm (1.7 in) | | | | | |
| Schwartz's catfish | Corydoras schwartzi | 3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 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) | | | | | |
| False network catfish | Corydoras sodalis | 4.9 cm (1.9 in) | | | | | |
| Sterba's corydoras | Corydoras sterbai | 6.8 cm (2.7 in) | | | | | |
| Sychr's catfish | Corydoras sychri | 4.3 cm (1.7 in) | | | | | |
| Threestripe corydoras, leopard catfish, false julii cory | Corydoras trilineatus | 6.1 cm (2.4 in) | | | | | |
| | Corydoras undulatus | 4.4 cm (1.7 in) | | | | | |
| Xingu corydoras | Corydoras xinguensis | 3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in) | | | | | |
| Corydoras nain | Corydoras nanus | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | | | 22–26 °C | 6.0-8.0 | |
| Flagtail catfish | Dianema urostriatum | 12.5 cm (4.9 in) | | | 77–82 °F (25–28 °C) | 6.0-8.0 | |
| Spotted hoplo | Megalechis thoracata | 15 cm (5.9 in) | | | 64–83 °F (18–28 °C). | 6-8 | |
| | Scleromystax prionotos | 5.3 cm (2.1 in) | | | | | |
| Sailfin corydoras | Scleromystax macropterus | 8.7 cm (3.4 in) | | | | 6.0 – 8.0 | |
| Banded corydoras | Scleromystax barbatus | 10 cm (3.9 in) | | | 68-82 °F (20-28 °C) | 6.0-8.0 | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks | Tank size | Temperature range | pH range |
| Bristlenose pleco, bushynose pleco | Ancistrus spp. | | 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) | |
| Adonis pleco, polka dot lyre-tail pleco | Acanthicus adonis | 100 cm (39 in) | | | 77-86 F (25-30 C) | |
| | Ancistomus spp. | | | | | |
| Gold nugget pleco | Baryancistrus spp. | | | | 77-86 F (25-30 C) | |
| | Dekeyseria spp. | | | | | |
| | Hemiancistrus spp. | | | | | |
| Zebra pleco | Hypancistrus spp. | | | | | |
| | Hypostomus spp. | | | | 72-86 F (22-30 C) | 6.5-7.5 |
| | Lasiancistrus spp. | | | | | |
| | Leporacanthicus spp. | | | | | |
| Panaque | Panaque spp. | | | | | |
| Clown Pleco | Panaqolus spp. | | | 20 gal | 23.0-28.0 °C or 73.4-82.4 °F | 6.8 - 7.6 |
| | Peckoltia spp. | | | | | |
| | Pseudacanthicus spp. | | | | | |
| Pineapple pleco, orange cheek pleco | Pseudorinelepis genibarbis | 36 cm (14 in) | | | | |
| Sunshine pleco | Scobinancistrus aureatus | 25 cm (9.8 in) | | | | |
| Whiptail catfish | Rineloricaria spp. | | 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 spp. | | | | | |
| | Sturisomatichthys spp. | | | | | |
| | Hypoptopoma spp. | | | | | |
| Golden dwarf sucker, golden oto | Otocinclus macrospilus | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | | | | |
| Zebra dwarf sucker, zebra oto | Otocinclus cocama | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | | | | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Tank size | 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 | 120 cm (47 in) | 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. | 70–79 °F (21–26 °C) | 6.0–7.5 |
| Spotted pimelodus, pictus, pictus catfish | Pimelodus pictus | 30 cm (12 in) | | | |
| Sturgeon catfish | Platystomatichthys sturio | 40 cm (16 in) | | | |
| Barred sorubim | Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum | 104 cm (41 in) | | | |
| Tiger sorubim | Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum | 130 cm (51 in) | | | |
| Firewood catfish, (planiceps) shovelnose catfish | Sorubimichthys planiceps | 178 cm (70 in) | | | |
| Lima shovelnose catfish | Sorubim lima | 40 cm (16 in) | | | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks | Temperature range | pH range |
| Brichard's syno | Synodontis brichardi | 15 cm (5.9 in) | | | |
| Cuckoo squeaker | Synodontis multipunctatus | 27.5 cm (10.8 in) | | | |
| Clown squeaker | Synodontis decorus | 32 cm (13 in) | | | |
| Even-spotted squeaker, dwarf lake syno, false cuckoo syno | Synodontis petricola | 10 cm (3.9 in) | | | |
| Featherfin squeaker | Synodontis eupterus | 30 cm (12 in) | | | |
| Malawi squeaker | Synodontis njassae | 19 cm (7.5 in) | | | |
| Polka dot squeaker, angel squeaker | Synodontis angelicus | 55 cm (22 in) | | | |
| Orangestriped squeaker, pyjama syno | Synodontis flavitaeniata | 19.5 cm (7.7 in) | | | |
| 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 |
| Yellow marbled syno, vermiculated syno | Synodontis schoutedeni | 17 cm (6.7 in) | | | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks |
| 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) | |
| Eel catfish | Channallabes apus | 33 cm (13 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) | |
| 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) | |
| | Pseudeutropius moolenburghae | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Glass catfish | Kryptopterus vitreolus | 8 cm (3.1 in). | |
| Striped glass catfish | Kryptopterus macrocephalus | 10 cm (3.9 in). | |
| Goonch | Bagarius lica | 200 cm (79 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. |
| Black catfish, Narrowfront tandan | Neosilurus ater | 47 cm (19 in) | |
| Stinging catfish | Heteropneustes fossilis | 30 cm (12 in) | |
| Sun catfish | Horabagrus brachysoma | 45 cm (18 in) | |
| Asian redtail catfish | Hemibagrus wyckioides | 130 cm (51 in) | |
| Asian upside down catfish | Mystus leucophasis | 30 cm (12 in) | |
| Asian bumblebee catfish | Pseudomystus siamensis | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Indawgyi stream catfish | Akysis prashadi | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |
| Asian stone catfish | Hara jerdoni | 4 cm (1.6 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) | |
| Giant raphael catfish | Megalodoras uranoscopus | 60 cm (24 in) | |
| Ripsaw catfish | Oxydoras niger | 90 cm (35 in) | |
| Striped raphael catfish | Platydoras armatulus | 43 cm (17 in) | |
| Spotted raphael catfish | Agamyxis pectinifrons | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Bottlenose catfish | Ageneiosus inermis | 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 | Duringlanis perugiae | 5 cm (2.0 in) | |
| Jaguar catfish | Liosomadoras oncinus | 17 cm (6.7 in) | |
| | Tatia intermedia | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |
| Pygmy driftwood catfish | Trachelyichthys exilis | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| | Trachelyopterus fisheri | 28 cm (11 in) | |

## Characoids

| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks | Tank size | Temperature range | pH range |
| Arowana tetra | Gnathocharax steindachneri | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | | |
| 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. | | | |
| Black morpho tetra | Poecilocharax weitzmani | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | |
| 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) | | | | |
| Blueberry tetra | Hyphessobrycon wadai | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | | | | |
| | Brittanichthys axelrodi | 3 cm (1.2 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. | | | |
| Cochu's blue tetra | Boehlkea fredcochui | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | | |
| Colombian tetra | Hyphessobrycon columbianus | 6.5 cm (2.6 in) | | | | |
| Diamond tetra | Moenkhausia pittieri | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | | |
| Dawn tetra | Aphyocharax paraguayensis | 3.5 cm (1.4 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. | 50 liters (13 U.S. gal) | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) | 5 - 7 pH |
| Emperor tetra | Nematobrycon palmeri | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | | |
| Flame tetra | Hyphessobrycon flammeus | 2.5 cm (0.98 in) | | | | |
| Flame-back Bleeding heart tetra | Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus | 4.5 cm (1.8 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) | | | | |
| Hummingbird tetra | Trochilocharax ornatus | 2 cm (0.79 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. | 38 L (10 gal) | 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) | | | | |
| Peruvian tetra | Hyphessobrycon peruvianus | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | |
| Rainbow tetra | Nematobrycon lacortei | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | |
| Red and Blue Peru tetra | Hyphessobrycon margitae | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | |
| Red eye tetra Lamp eye tetra | Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | |
| Red-line lizard tetra | Iguanodectes geisleri | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) | | | | |
| Red phantom tetra | Hyphessobrycon sweglesi | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | | | | |
| Redflank bloodfin | Aphyocharax rathbuni | 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 | | | |
| Ruby tetra | Axelrodia riesei | 2 cm (0.79 in) | | | | |
| 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. | | | |
| False rummy-nose tetra | Petitella georgiae | 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) | | | | |
| Spotted splashing tetra | Copella meinkeni | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | | | | |
| | Pyrrhulina spilota | 7 cm (2.8 in) | | | | |
| Serpae tetra | Hyphessobrycon serpae | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | | | | |
| Silvertip tetra | Hasemania nana | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | | |
| | Tucanoichthys tucano | 2 cm (0.79 in) | | | | |
| X-ray tetra | Pristella maxillaris | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | Also just called the X-ray fish. | | | |
| Yellow phantom tetra | Hyphessobrycon roseus | 2 cm (0.79 in) | | | | |
| African moon tetra | Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus | 8 cm (3.1 in) | | | | |
| Congo tetra | Phenacogrammus interruptus | 7.5 cm (3.0 in) | Peaceful but may scare shy species with its active swimming and large adult size. Recommended for most community tanks however. Do not keep Congo tetras with fin-nipping species as the spectacular fins of the males will be destroyed. | 108 L (28.5 gal) | 73-82 °F (23-28 °C) | 6.0-7.5 |
| | Phenacogrammus aurantiacus | 10 cm (3.9 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) | | | | |
| | Alestopetersius brichardi | 8 cm (3.1 in) | | | | |
| Yellow-tailed Congo tetra | Alestopetersius caudalis | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks |
| 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) | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size |
| 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) |
| Common name | Scientific name | 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) | | | |
| Spotted silver dollar | Metynnis lippincottianus | 13 cm (5.1 in) | | | |
| Red-bellied pacu | Colossoma bidens | 120 cm (47 in) | | 78–82 °F (26–28 °C) | |
| Red piranha | Pygocentrus nattereri | 33 cm (13 in) | | | |
| Redeye piranha, black piranha | Serrasalmus rhombeus | 41.5 cm (16.3 in) | | | |
| Wimple piranha | Catoprion mento | 15 cm (5.9 in) | | | |
| | Mylossoma aureum | 30 cm (12 in) | | | |
| Disk tetra | Myleus schomburgkii | 40 cm (16 in) | | 23 °C to 27 °C | 5.0–7.0 |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size |
| African pike characin | Hepsetus odoe | 44 cm (17 in) |
| Goliath tigerfish | Hydrocynus goliath | 133 cm (52 in) |
| Spotted pike-characin | Boulengerella maculata | 32 cm (13 in) |
| Hujeta gar | Ctenolucius hujeta | 25 cm (9.8 in) |
| Slender hemiodus | Hemiodus gracilis | 16 cm (6.3 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) |
| | Synaptolaemus latofasciatus | 11 cm (4.3 in) |
| Siver distichodus | Distichodus affinis | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Six-banded distichodus | Distichodus sexfasciatus | 75 cm (30 in) |
| | Neolebias ansorgii | 3.5 cm (1.4 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

| Common name | Scientific name | Size |
| Sunshine peacock cichlid | Aulonocara baenschi | 13 cm (5.1 in) |
| Red shoulder peacock | Aulonocara hansbaenschi | 8.5 cm (3.3 in) |
| Eureka red peacock | Aulonocara jacobfreibergi | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
| Aulonocara chizumulu | Aulonocara korneliae | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Pale Usisya aulonocara | Aulonocara steveni | 9 cm (3.5 in) |
| Flavescent peacock | Aulonocara stuartgranti | 12 cm (4.7 in) |
| Spilo | Champsochromis spilorhynchus | 40 cm (16 in) |
| | Copadichromis azureus | 14.5 cm (5.7 in) |
| Red fin hap | Copadichromis borleyi | 14 cm (5.5 in) |
| Blue dolphin cichlid, lumphead cichlid | Cyrtocara moorii | 25 cm (9.8 in) |
| Afra cichlid, dogtooth cichild | Cynotilapia afra | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Malawi eyebiter | Dimidiochromis compressiceps | 23 cm (9.1 in) |
| Rusty cichlid, lavender cichild | Iodotropheus sprengerae | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Electric yellow cichlid | Labidochromis caeruleus | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Fuelleborn's cichlid, Blue mbuna | Labeotropheus fuelleborni | 18 cm (7.1 in) |
| Scrapermouth mbuna | Labeotropheus trewavasae | 12 cm (4.7 in) |
| Hongi, Red-top kimpumpa | Labidochromis sp. "Hongi" | 13 cm (5.1 in) |
| Yellow Top Mbamba | Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba Bay" | 13 cm (5.1 in) |
| Aurora | Maylandia aurora | 9 cm (3.5 in) |
| Cobalt blue cichlid, cobalt zebra cichlid | Maylandia callainos | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Red zebra cichlid | Maylandia estherae | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Kenyi cichlid | Maylandia lombardoi | 13 cm (5.1 in) |
| Zebra mbuna | Maylandia zebra | 11 cm (4.3 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) |
| 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) |
| Deep-water hap | Placidochromis electra | 12 cm (4.7 in) |
| Fenestratus | Protomelas fenestratus | 14 cm (5.5 in) |
| Red empress cichlid | Protomelas taeniolatus | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
| Yellow-tail acei | Pseudotropheus sp. "acei" | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Bumblebee cichlid, hornet cichlid | Pseudotropheus crabro | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
| Dwarf Mbuna | Pseudotropheus demasoni | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Johanni cichlid | Pseudotropheus johannii | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Saulosi | Pseudotropheus saulosi | 7.5 cm (3.0 in) |
| Pindani | Chindongo socolofi | 7 cm (2.8 in) |
| Malawi barracuda | Rhamphochromis macrophthalmus | 30 cm (12 in) |
| Electric blue cichlid | Sciaenochromis fryeri | 11.5 cm (4.5 in) |
| Big-mouth hap | Tyrannochromis macrostoma | 38 cm (15 in) |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks |
| Calvus | Altolamprologus calvus | 14 cm (5.5 in) | |
| Compressiceps | Altolamprologus compressiceps | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |
| | Benthochromis tricoti | 16.5 cm (6.5 in) | |
| | Boulengerochromis microlepis | 90 cm (35 in) | |
| | Callochromis pleurospilus | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| | Chalinochromis brichardi | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |
| | Cyathopharynx furcifer | 21 cm (8.3 in) | |
| Frontosa cichild | Cyphotilapia frontosa | 40 cm (16 in) | |
| Frontosa cichild | Cyphotilapia gibberosa | 40 cm (16 in) | |
| Herring cichlid, sardine cichlid | Cyprichromis leptosoma | 11 cm (4.3 in) | |
| Descamp's strange-tooth cichlid | Ectodus descampsii | 10.5 cm (4.1 in) | |
| Brown julie | Julidochromis dickfeldi | 11 cm (4.3 in) | |
| Marlier's julie | Julidochromis marlieri | 15 cm (5.9 in) fem / 10 cm (3.9 in) male | |
| Golden julie | Julidochromis ornatus | 8.5 cm (3.3 in) | |
| Convict julie | Julidochromis regani | 15 cm (5.9 in) fem / 10 cm (3.9 in) male | |
| Masked julie | Julidochromis transcriptus | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| | Lamprologus ocellatus | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |
| | Lamprologus signatus | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) | |
| | Neolamprologus brevis | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |
| Lyretail cichlid, fairy cichlid | Neolamprologus brichardi | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Lemon cichlid | Neolamprologus leleupi | 11.5 cm (4.5 in) | |
| | Neolamprologus multifasciatus | 3.8 cm (1.5 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 |
| Five-barred lamprologus | Neolamprologus tretocephalus | 15 cm (5.9 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) | |
| | Variabilichromis moorii | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Yellow sand cichlid | Xenotilapia flavipinnis | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size |
| Allauad's haplo | Astatoreochromis alluaudi | 19 cm (7.5 in) |
| | Haplochromis aeneocolor | 7.5 cm (3.0 in) |
| Zebra obliquidens | Haplochromis latifasciatus | 11 cm (4.3 in) |
| Flameback | Haplochromis nyererei | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| | Haplochromis thereuterion | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Hippo Point Salmon | Ptyochromis sp. "Hippo Point Salmon" | 14 cm (5.5 in) |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size |
| African butterfly cichlid | Anomalochromis thomasi | 5 cm (2.0 in) |
| Dwarf Egyptian mouthbrooder | Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Guenther's mouthbrooder | Chromidotilapia guentheri | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Jewel cichlid, two-spotted jewel cichlid | Rubricatochromis bimaculatus | 14 cm (5.5 in) |
| Lifalili jewel cichlid, blood-red jewel cichlid | Rubricatochromis lifalili | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Ocellated kribensis | Pelvicachromis subocellatus | 5 cm (2.0 in) |
| Rainbow krib | Pelvicachromis pulcher | 11 cm (4.3 in) |
| Striped kribensis | Pelvicachromis taeniatus | 7 cm (2.8 in) |
| Yellow kribensis | Wallaceochromis humilis | 12.5 cm (4.9 in) |
| Lionhead cichlid | Steatocranus casuarius | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| | Nanochromis parilus | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks |
| Bay snook | Petenia splendida | 50 cm (20 in) | |
| Blackbelt cichlid | Vieja maculicauda | 25 cm (9.8 in) | |
| Convict cichlid | Amatitlania nigrofasciata | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| | Amatitlania myrnae | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Firemouth cichlid | Thorichthys meeki | 17 cm (6.7 in) | |
| Jack Dempsey cichlid | Rocio octofasciata | 25 cm (9.8 in) | |
| Jaguar cichlid, managuense cichlid | Parachromis managuensis | 55 cm (22 in) | |
| Mayan cichlid | Mayaheros urophthalmus | 39.5 cm (15.6 in) | |
| Midas cichlid | Amphilophus citrinellus | 24.5 cm (9.6 in) | commonly confused with red devil cichlids, but it is an entirely different species |
| Nicaraguan cichlid, moga | Hypsophrys nicaraguensis | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| Poor man's tropheus | Neetroplus nematopus | 14 cm (5.5 in) | |
| Rainbow cichlid | Herotilapia multispinosa | 17 cm (6.7 in) | |
| Red terror, guayas cichlid | Mesoheros festae | 25 cm (9.8 in) | |
| Salvin's cichlid | Trichromis salvini | 22 cm (8.7 in) | |
| Texas cichlid, Rio Grande cichlid | Herichthys cyanoguttatus | 30 cm (12 in) | |
| T-bar cichlid | Amatitlania sajica | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Wolf cichlid | Parachromis dovii | 72 cm (28 in) | |
| Yellowjacket cichlid | Parachromis friedrichsthalii | 28 cm (11 in) | |
| False yellowjacket cichlid | Parachromis motaguensis | 30 cm (12 in) | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks | Temperature range | pH range |
| Blue acara | Andinoacara pulcher | 16 cm (6.3 in) | | | |
| Thread-finned acara | Acarichthys heckelii | 19.5 cm (7.7 in) | | | |
| 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 | 18 cm (7.1 in) | | | |
| Spotted angelfish | Pterophyllum leopoldi | 10 cm (3.9 in) | | | |
| Chocolate cichlid | Hypselecara temporalis | 15 cm (5.9 in) | | | |
| Common discus, red discus | Symphysodon discus | 12 cm (4.7 in) | | | |
| Blue discus, green discus | Symphysodon aequifasciatus | 14 cm (5.5 in) | | | |
| Eartheater cichlid | Geophagus altifrons | 26.5 cm (10.4 in) | | | |
| Demon eartheater | Satanoperca jurupari | 17 cm (6.7 in) | | | |
| Threespot eartheater | Satanoperca daemon | 20 cm (7.9 in) | | | |
| Flag cichlid | Mesonauta festivus | 12 cm (4.7 in) | | | |
| Greenstreaked eartheater, cupid cichlid | Biotodoma cupido | 12 cm (4.7 in) | | | |
| Green terror | Andinoacara rivulatus | 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 |
| Butterfly peacock bass | Cichla ocellaris | 74 cm (29 in) | | | |
| Orinoco peacock bass | Cichla orinocensis | 62 cm (24 in) | | | |
| Speckled peacock bass, speckled pavon | Cichla temensis | 100 cm (39 in) | | | |
| Pearl cichlid | Geophagus brasiliensis | 28 cm (11 in) | | | |
| Severum | Heros efasciatus | 17 cm (6.7 in) | | | |
| Uaru, waroo | Uaru amphiacanthoides | 25 cm (9.8 in) | Also known as the Triangle Cichlid. | | |
| Zebra Pike Cichlid | Crenicichla zebrina | 26.5 cm (10.4 in) | | | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks | Tank size | Temperature range | pH range | Water Hardness |
| Agassiz's dwarf cichlid | Apistogramma agassizii | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | | |
| Umbrella cichlid | Apistogramma borellii | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | | |
| Cockatoo cichlid | Apistogramma cacatuoides | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | | | |
| | Apistogramma nijsseni | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | 24-28 °C | 5.0-6.5 | 0-72 ppm |
| Three-striped dwarf ichlid | Apistogramma trifasciata | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | | |
| Two-striped dwarf cichlid, banded dwarf cichlid | Apistogramma bitaeniata | 7.5 cm (3.0 in) | | | | | |
| Keyhole cichlid | Cleithracara maronii | 7 cm (2.8 in) | | | | | |
| Lyretail checkerboard cichlid, chessboard cichlid | Dicrossus filamentosus | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | | |
| Zebra acara | Ivanacara adoketa | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | | | |
| Dwarf flag cichlid | Laetacara curviceps | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | | | | | |
| Blue ram, German ram, ram cichlid German blue ram | Mikrogeophagus ramirezi | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | These small and colorful fish require precise water parameters, and if you don't meet those parameters, your fish could be severely impacted. | 10 U.S. gal (38 L) | 78 - 85 F (25.5 - 29.4 C) | 6.0 – 7.5 | |
| Bolivian ram | Mikrogeophagus altispinosus | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) | | | | | |
| Goldeneye cichlid | Nannacara anomala | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | | | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks |
| Canara pearlspot | Etroplus canarensis | 11.5 cm (4.5 in) | |
| Green chromide | Etroplus suratensis | 40 cm (16 in) | |
| Orange chromide | Pseudetroplus maculatus | 9.5 cm (3.7 in) | |
| Pinstripe damba | Paretroplus menarambo | 17 cm (6.7 in) | |
| Blood parrot cichlid | (Amphilophus citrinellus × Vieja melanurus) | | 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

| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks | Temperature range | pH range |
| African banded barb | Enteromius fasciolatus | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | |
| African butterfly barb | Enteromius hulstaerti | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | | | |
| Jae barb | Enteromius jae | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | |
| Arulius barb | Dawkinsia arulius | 12 cm (4.7 in) | | 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 nigrofasciata | 6.5 cm (2.6 in) | | | |
| Cherry barb | Puntius titteya | 4.8 cm (1.9 in) | | | |
| Denison's barb, red line torpedo barb | Sahyadria denisonii | 15 cm (5.9 in) | | | |
| Drape fin barb | Oreichthys crenuchoides | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | | | |
| Gold barb | Barbodes semifasciolatus | 8 cm (3.1 in) | | | |
| Golden barb | Pethia gelius | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | |
| Odessa barb | Pethia padamya | 8 cm (3.1 in) | | | |
| Melon barb | Haludaria fasciata | 15 cm (5.9 in) | | | |
| Mascara Barb | Dawkinsia assimilis | 12 cm (4.7 in) | | 66 °F to 77 °F (19°-25 °C) | 6 – 8 |
| | Dawkinsia rohani | 12 cm (4.7 in) | | 66 °F to 77 °F (19°-25 °C) | 6 – 8 |
| | Dawkinsia tambraparniei | 12 cm (4.7 in) | | 66 °F to 77 °F (19°-25 °C) | 6 – 8 |
| Narayan barb | Pethia setnai | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | |
| Rosy barb | Pethia conchonius | 13 cm (5.1 in) | | | |
| Sawbwa barb | Sawbwa resplendens | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | |
| Tic-tac-toe barb | Pethia stoliczkana | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | |
| Spanner barb, t-barb | Barbodes lateristriga | 20 cm (7.9 in) | | | |
| Fiveband barb, pentazona barb | Desmopuntius hexazona | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | |
| Snakeskin barb | Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | |
| | Eirmotus octozona | 3.6 cm (1.4 in) | | | |
| Checker barb | Oliotius oligolepis | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | |
| Tiger barb, sumatra barb | Puntigrus tetrazona | 7.5 cm (3.0 in) | Keep in shoals of 8 or 10 to prevent aggression | | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks |
| Tinfoil barb | Barbonymus schwanenfeldii | 36 cm (14 in) | |
| Giant sword minnow | Macrochirichthys macrochirus | 100 cm (39 in) | |
| Hampala barb | Hampala macrolepidota | 70 cm (28 in) | |
| Mad barb | Leptobarbus hoevenii | 100 cm (39 in) | |
| 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) | |
| Apollo Shark | Luciosoma setigerum | 22 cm (8.7 in) | |
| Siamese algae eater, fringe barb | Crossocheilus langei | 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. |
| | Cyclocheilichthys janthochir | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| Flying fox (fish) | Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus | 16 cm (6.3 in) | |
| Red-tailed black shark | Epalzeorhynchos bicolor | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Rainbow shark | Epalzeorhynchos frenatum | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Cambodian log sucker, false Siamese algae eater | Ceratogarra cambodgiensis | 24 cm (9.4 in) | |
| Jullien's golden carp | Probarbus jullieni | 150 cm (59 in) | |
| Panda garra | Garra flavatra | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |
| Chinese algae eater | Gyrinocheilus aymonieri | 28 cm (11 in) | 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. |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Tank size | Tank size | Temperature range | pH range |
| 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 pauciperforatum | 7.5 cm (3.0 in) | | | 22–29 °C (72–84 °F) | |
| Graceful Rasbora | Trigonopoma gracile | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) | | | 22–29 °C (72–84 °F) | |
| Chili rasbora | Boraras brigittae | 2 cm (0.79 in) | Should be kept in acidic water which can be difficult to maintain for most beginners in the aquarium hobby. | 5 U.S. gallons (19 L) | 20–28 °C (68–82 °F) | 5-6 |
| Dwarf rasbora | Boraras maculatus | 2.5 cm (0.98 in) | | | | |
| Phoenix rasbora | Boraras merah | 2 cm (0.79 in) | | | | |
| Eyespot rasbora | Brevibora dorsiocellata | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | | | | |
| Brittans Rasbora | Kottelatia brittani | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | | |
| Porthole Rasbora | Rasbora cephalotaenia | 13 cm (5.1 in) | | | | |
| Brilliant rasbora | Rasbora einthovenii | 9 cm (3.5 in) | | | | |
| Clown rasbora | Rasbora kalochroma | 10 cm (3.9 in) | | | | |
| Patrick's Rasbora | Rasbora patrickyapi | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | | |
| Scissortail rasbora | Rasbora trilineata | 15 cm (5.9 in) | | | | |
| Volcano rasbora | Rasbora vulcanus | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | | |
| Kubotai Rasbora, Green Kubotai Rasbora, Green Neon Rasbora, Yellow Neon Rasbora | Microdevario kubotai | 2 cm (0.79 in) | | | | |
| Blackline rasbora, red-tailed rasbora | Rasbora borapetensis | 10 cm (3.9 in) | | | | |
| Espei rasbora | Trigonostigma espei | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | | |
| Fire rasbora | Rasboroides vaterifloris | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | |
| Least rasbora | Boraras urophthalmoides | 1.6 cm (0.63 in) | | | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks |
| | Sundadanio axelrodi | 2 cm (0.79 in) | |
| Pearl danio | Danio albolineatus | 6.5 cm (2.6 in) | subspecies:blue-redstripe danio, Kedah danio |
| Barred danio | Devario pathirana | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |
| Celestial Pearl danio | Danio margaritatus | 2 cm (0.79 in) | |
| Emerald dwarf danio | Danio erythromicron | 2 cm (0.79 in) | |
| Fireline devario | Devario sondhii | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | |
| Giant danio | Devario aequipinnatus | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Lake Inle Danio | Devario auropurpureus | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Glowlight danio | Danio choprae | 4 cm (1.6 in) | |
| Gold-ring danio | Danio tinwini | 2 cm (0.79 in) | |
| Malabar danio | Devario malabaricus | 11.5–14 cm (4.5–5.5 in) | |
| Ocelot danio | Danio kyathit | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |
| Spotted danio | Danio nigrofasciatus | 4 cm (1.6 in) | |
| Turquoise danio | Danio kerri | 5 cm (2.0 in) | |
| Zebra danio | Danio rerio | 5 cm (2.0 in) | |
| | Opsarius ardens | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| | Opsarius pulchellus | 11 cm (4.3 in) | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks |
| 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) | |
| White Cloud Mountain minnow | Tanichthys albonubes | 3.8 cm (1.5 in) | |
| Red shiner | Cyprinella lutrensis | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Rainbow shiner | Notropis chrosomus | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Chinese high fin banded shark | Myxocyprinus asiaticus | 60 cm (24 in) | |
| Tench | Tinca tinca | 35 cm (14 in) | |
| Amur bitterling | Rhodeus sericeus | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |

## Loaches

| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks | Tank size | Temperature range | pH range |
| Borneo hillstream loach | Gastromyzon ctenocephalus | 4.5 cm (1.8 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) | 10 U.S. gal (38 L) | 18–25 °C (64–77 °F) | 6.5 – 8.0 pH |
| Borneo hillstream loach | Gastromyzon zebrinus | 6 cm (2.4 in) | See above | 10 U.S. gal (38 L) | 18–25 °C (64–77 °F) | 6.5 – 8.0 pH |
| Clown loach | Chromobotia macracanthus | 30.5 cm (12.0 in) | | | | |
| Green tiger loach | Syncrossus hymenophysa | 21 cm (8.3 in) | | | | |
| Fire-eyed loach | Barbucca diabolica | 2.5 cm (0.98 in) | | | | |
| Fork-tailed loach | Vaillantella maassi | 12.5 cm (4.9 in) | | | | |
| Horseface loach | Acantopsis dialuzona | 20 cm (7.9 in) | | | | |
| | Pangio anguillaris | 12 cm (4.7 in) | | | | |
| | Pangio cuneovirgata | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | | |
| Java loach | Pangio oblonga | 8 cm (3.1 in) | | | | 6.2 to 7.0 |
| | Pangio shelfordii | 8 cm (3.1 in) | | | | |
| Kuhli loach, coolie loach | Pangio semicincta | 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 |
| 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 |
| Dwarf botia | Ambastaia sidthimunki | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) | Formerly named Botia sidthimunki. | | | |
| Bengal loach | Botia dario | 15 cm (5.9 in) | Also known as the Queen loach. | | | |
| | Botia histrionica | 12 cm (4.7 in) | | | | |
| Gangetic loach | Botia rostrata | 25 cm (9.8 in) | | | | |
| Polka-Dot Loach | Botia kubotai | 12 cm (4.7 in) | | | | |
| Yoyo loach | Botia almorhae | 15 cm (5.9 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) | | | | |
| Banded tiger loach | Syncrossus helodes | 30 cm (12 in) | | | | |
| Redfin tiger loach | Syncrossus berdmorei | 15 cm (5.9 in) | | | | |
| Golden zebra loach | Sinibotia pulchra | 10 cm (3.9 in) | | | | |
| Imperial flower loach | Leptobotia elongata | 50 cm (20 in) | | | | |
| 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) | | | |
| Panda loach | Yaoshania pachychilus | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | | |
| 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) | | | |
| Rosy loach | Physoschistura mango | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | | |
| Sumo loach | Schistura balteata | 8 cm (3.1 in) | | | | |
| Zodiac loach | Mesonoemacheilus triangularis | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | | |
| | Serpenticobitis octozona | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) | | | | |
| Weather Loach | Misgurnus anguillicaudatus | 30 centimetres (12 in) | Sensitive to changes in barometric pressure | | | |

## Live-bearers

| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks | Temperature range | pH range |
| Guppy Fancy 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 | | |
| Yucatán molly, giant sailfin molly | Poecilia velifera | 15 cm (5.9 in) | | | |
| 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 | | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size |
| Southern platy | Xiphophorus maculatus | 6 cm (2.4 in) |
| Variable platy | Xiphophorus variatus | 6 cm (2.4 in) |
| Green swordtail | Xiphophorus hellerii | 14 cm (5.5 in) |
| Montezuma swordtail | Xiphophorus montezumae | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks | Temperature range | pH range |
| Largescale four-eyed fish | Anableps anableps | 30 cm (12 in) | | | |
| Pike topminnow | Belonesox belizanus | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | |
| Redtail splitfin | Xenotoca eiseni | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | |
| Cuban lima | Limia vittata | 8 cm (3.1 in) | | | |
| Knife livebearer | Alfaro cultratus | 7.5 cm (3.0 in) | | | |
| Least killifish | Heterandria formosa | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | | | |
| Eastern mosquitofish | Gambusia holbrooki | 6.4 cm (2.5 in) | | | |
| Western mosquitofish | Gambusia affinis | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | |
| Metallic livebearer | Girardinus metallicus | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | |
| Dwarf merry widow | Phallichthys tico | 2.5 cm (0.98 in) | | | |
| Tanganyika killifish | Lamprichthys tanganicanus | 15 cm (5.9 in) | | | |
| Norman's lampeye | Poropanchax normani | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | | | |
| Large finned lampeye | Procatopus nototaenia | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | 20-25 °C | |
| Variable lampeye | Procatopus similis | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | |
| 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) | | | |
| | Hemirhamphodon tengah | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | | | |

## Killifish

| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Tank size | Temperature range | pH range |
| Broken-line killifish | Aphyosemion ogoense | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | |
| Gabon killifish | Aphyosemion gabunense | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | |
| Gabon jewelfish | Aphyosemion cyanostictum | 6.5 cm (2.6 in) | | | |
| Lyretail panchax | Aphyosemion australe | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | |
| Red-striped killifish | Aphyosemion striatum | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | |
| Two-striped killifish | Aphyosemion bitaeniatum | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | |
| Twostripe lyretail | Aphyosemion bivittatum | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | |
| Blue lyretail | Fundulopanchax gardneri | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | |
| Blue gularis | Fundulopanchax sjostedti | 13 cm (5.1 in) | | | |
| | Fundulopanchax scheeli | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | |
| Clown Killifish, rocket killifish | Epiplatys annulatus | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | 50 L (13 U.S. gal) | 25–27 °C (77–81 °F) | 6 - 7 pH |
| Redchin panchax | Epiplatys dageti | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | |
| Bluefin Notho, Rachow's Notho, Rainbow Notho | Nothobranchius rachovii | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | |
| Redtail notho | Nothobranchius guentheri | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | | | |
| | Nothobranchius eggersi | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | |
| | Nothobranchius korthausae | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | |
| | Nothobranchius palmqvisti | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks |
| Blue panchax | Aplocheilus panchax | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Ceylon killifish | Aplocheilus dayi | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Striped panchax, Golden Wonder | Aplocheilus lineatus | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Madagascar panchax | Pachypanchax sakaramyi | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Playfair's panchax | Pachypanchax playfairii | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Powder-blue Panchax | Pachypanchax omalonotus | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| American flagfish | Jordanella floridae | 6 cm (2.4 in) | Native to SE United States |
| Golden topminnow | Fundulus chrysotus | 8.5 cm (3.3 in) | |
| Arabian toothcarp | Aphaniops dispar | 7 cm (2.8 in) | |
| Argentine pearl | Austrolebias nigripinnis | 7 cm (2.8 in) | |
| | Laimosemion xiphidius | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) | |
| Lyrefin pearlfish | Simpsonichthys boitonei | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | |
| Saberfin killie | Terranatos dolichopterus | 4 cm (1.6 in) | |
| Medaka | Oryzias latipes | 4 cm (1.6 in) | |
| Javanese ricefish | Oryzias javanicus | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | |
| Daisy's Ricefish | Oryzias woworae | 2.5–3 cm (0.98–1.18 in) | |

## Labyrinth fish

| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks | Tank size | Temperature range | pH range |
| Ceylonese combtail | Belontia signata | 18 cm (7.1 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. | 5 gal | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) | 6.5-7.5 |
| Emerald betta | Betta smaragdina | 7 cm (2.8 in) | | | | |
| Spotfin betta | Betta macrostoma | 10 cm (3.9 in) | | | | |
| Frail gourami | Ctenops nobilis | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | |
| Black paradisefish | Macropodus spechti | 8 cm (3.1 in) | | | | |
| Paradise fish | Macropodus opercularis | 7.5 cm (3.0 in) | | | | |
| Round tail paradisefish | Macropodus ocellatus | 8.5 cm (3.3 in) | | | | |
| Ornate paradisefish | Malpulutta kretseri | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | |
| Eyespot gourami | Parasphaerichthys ocellatus | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | | |
| Brown Spike-tailed paradisefish | Pseudosphromenus dayi | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | |
| Honey gourami | Trichogaster chuna | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) | | | | |
| 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 |
| Thick-lipped gourami | Trichogaster labiosa | 9 cm (3.5 in) | | | | |
| Moonlight gourami | Trichopodus microlepis | 15 cm (5.9 in) | | | | |
| Snakeskin gourami | Trichopodus pectoralis | 20 cm (7.9 in) | | | | |
| Pygmy gourami, Sparkling gourami | Trichopsis pumila | 3.8 cm (1.5 in) | | | | |
| Malay combtail | Belontia hasselti | 20 cm (7.9 in) | | | | |
| | Betta albimarginata | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | | |
| | Betta brownorum | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | | |
| | Betta burdigala | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | | | | |
| | Betta channoides | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | | |
| Scarlet betta | Betta coccina | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | |
| | Betta foerschi | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | | |
| | Betta hendra | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | |
| Crescent betta | Betta imbellis | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | | |
| | Betta mandor | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | | |
| | Betta miniopinna | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | | | | |
| | Betta persephone | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | | | | |
| Toba betta | Betta rubra | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | |
| | Betta rutilans | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | | | | |
| | Betta uberis | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | | | | |
| Giant pikehead | Luciocephalus pulcher | 20 cm (7.9 in) | | | | |
| Peppermint pikehead | Luciocephalus aura | 10 cm (3.9 in) | | | | |
| | Parosphromenus anjunganensis | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | | |
| | Parosphromenus bintan | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | | |
| | Parosphromenus deissneri | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | | |
| | Parosphromenus filamentosus | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | | |
| | Parosphromenus linkei | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | | |
| | Parosphromenus opallios | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | | |
| | Parosphromenus ornaticauda | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | | |
| | Parosphromenus phoenicurus | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | | |
| | Parosphromenus quindecim | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | | |
| Chocolate gourami | Sphaerichthys osphromenoides | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | | |
| Crossband chocolate gourami | Sphaerichthys selatanensis | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | |
| Samurai gourami | Sphaerichthys vaillanti | 4 cm (1.6 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) | | | | |
| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks |
| 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) | |
| Mottled ctenopoma | Ctenopoma weeksii | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |
| Tailspot ctenopoma | Ctenopoma kingsleyae | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| Ornate ctenopoma | Microctenopoma ansorgii | 5 cm (2.0 in) | |
| Blue badis | Badis badis | 7 cm (2.8 in) | |
| Scarlet badis | Dario dario | 1.5 cm (0.59 in) | |
| Black tiger dario | Dario tigris | 2.5 cm (0.98 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 |
| Orange-spotted snakehead | Channa aurantimaculata | 36 cm (14 in) | |
| Barca snakehead | Channa barca | 105 cm (41 in) | |
| Rainbow snakehead | Channa bleheri | 14.5 cm (5.7 in) | |
| African snakehead | Parachanna obscura | 50 cm (20 in) | Illegal to possess live in the USA without a permit |

## Rainbowfish

| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks | Temperature range | pH range |
| Bleher's rainbowfish | Chilatherina bleheri | 12 cm (4.7 in) | | | |
| 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. | | |
| Threadfin rainbowfish | Iriatherina werneri | 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in) | | | |
| New Guinea rainbowfish | Melanotaenia affinis | 13 cm (5.1 in) | | | |
| Boeseman's rainbowfish | Melanotaenia boesemani | 10–13 cm (3.9–5.1 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) | | | |
| Lake Wanam rainbowfish | Glossolepis wanamensis | 9 cm (3.5 in) | | | |
| Western rainbowfish | Melanotaenia australis | 11 cm (4.3 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) | | | |
| Parkinson's rainbowfish | Melanotaenia parkinsoni | 11 cm (4.3 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) | | | |
| Spotted blue-eye | Pseudomugil gertrudae | 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in) | | | |
| Red neon blue-eye | Pseudomugil luminatus | 3–3.5 cm (1.2–1.4 in) | | | |
| Delicate blue-eye | Pseudomugil tenellus | 4–5.5 cm (1.6–2.2 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 |
| Neon blue-eye | Pseudomugil cyanodorsalis | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | | | |
| Pacific blue-eye | Pseudomugil signifer | 3.5–7 cm (1.4–2.8 in) | | | |
| Madagascar rainbowfish | Bedotia madagascariensis | 7.5–8 cm (3.0–3.1 in) | | | |

## Gobies and sleepers

| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks | Tank size | Temperature range | pH range |
| Bumblebee goby | Brachygobius doriae | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | |
| | Mugilogobius rexi | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | | |
| Knight goby | Stigmatogobius sadanundio | 9 cm (3.5 in) | | | | |
| Barred mudskipper | Periophthalmus argentilineatus | 19 cm (7.5 in) | | | | |
| | Stiphodon annieae | 2.5 cm (0.98 in) | | | | |
| Rainbow stiphodon | Stiphodon ornatus | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | | |
| Cobalt blue goby | Stiphodon semoni | 4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in) | | | | |
| | Sicyopus exallisquamulus | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | | |
| | Sicyopus zosterophorus | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | | | | |
| Bearded worm goby | Taenioides cirratus | 30 cm (12 in) | | | | |
| Banded mogurnda | Mogurnda cingulata | 13 cm (5.1 in) | | | | |
| Tropical carp-gudgeon | Hypseleotris cyprinoides | 8 cm (3.1 in) | | | | |
| Crazy fish | Butis butis | 15 cm (5.9 in) | | | | |
| Marbled goby | Oxyeleotris marmorata | 30–65 cm (12–26 in) | | | | |
| | Rhinogobius duospilus | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | | |
| | Stiphodon percnopterygionus | 4 cm (1.6 in) | | | | |
| Golden-red stiphodon | Stiphodon rutilaureus | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | | | | |
| Atlantic mudskipper | Periophthalmus barbarus | 16 cm (6.3 in) | | | | |
| Desert goby | Chlamydogobius eremius | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | | |
| Dragon goby, Violet goby | Gobioides broussonnetii | 55 cm (22 in) | | | |
| Empire gudgeon | Hypseleotris compressa | 12 cm (4.7 in) | | | | |
| Purple sleeper gudgeon | Mogurnda mogurnda | 20 cm (7.9 in) | | | | |
| Peacock gudgeon, Peacock goby | Tateurndina ocellicauda | 7.5 cm (3.0 in) | A little territorial with its own kind but is suitable for many communities of small, peaceful fish. Ideal tankmates are other species from Papua New Guinea, such as Popondetta sp. rainbowfishes; but tetras, rasboras, Corydoras cats and virtually any other small peaceful species are also suitable. | 40 L (11 U.S. gal) | 22–26 °C (72–79 °F) | 6.5 7.5 pH |
| Striped sleeper goby | Dormitator maculatus | 70 cm (28 in) | | | | |

## Other fish

| Common name | Scientific name | Size | Remarks | Temperature range | pH range |
| 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) | | | |
| Australian lungfish | Neoceratodus forsteri | 150 cm (59 in) | | | |
| Ocellate river stingray | Potamotrygon motoro | 50 cm (19.5 in) | 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 | 111 cm (43.5 in) | see above | | |
| Marbled whipray | Fluvitrygon oxyrhynchus | 36 cm (14 in) | see above | | |
| Gray bichir, Senegal bichir, or dinosaur bichir | Polypterus senegalus | 70.0 cm (27.6 in) maximum length40.0 centimetres (15.7 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 endlicherii | 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 |
| Sterlet | Acipenser ruthenus | 125 cm (49 in) | | | |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Scaphirhynchus platorynchus | | | | |
| American paddlefish | Polyodon spathula | 150 cm (59 in) | | | |
| Bowfin | Amia calva | 109 cm (43 in) | | | |
| Spotted Gar | Lepisosteus oculatus | 70 cm (27.5 in) | | | |
| Longnose Gar | Lepisosteus osseus | 200 cm (78.5 in) | | | |
| 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) | | | |
| 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) | | | |
| Royal knifefish | Chitala blanci | 120 cm (47 in) | | | |
| Clown knifefish | Chitala ornata | 100 cm (39 in) | | | |
| Asian arowana | Scleropages formosus | 90 cm (35 in) | Preys on anything smaller than its mouth. | | |
| Gulf saratoga | Scleropages jardinii | 90 cm (35 in) | | | |
| Southern saratoga | Scleropages leichardti | 90 cm (35 in) | | | |
| Silver arowana | Osteoglossum bicirrhosum | 90 cm (35 in) | Preys on anything smaller than its mouth. | | |
| Black arowana | Osteoglossum ferreirai | 90 cm (35 in) | Preys on anything smaller than its mouth. | | |
| Pirarucu | Arapaima gigas | 200 cm (79 in) | | | |
| African arowana | Heterotis niloticus | 100 cm (39 in) | | | |
| Freshwater moray | Gymnothorax polyuranodon | 150 cm (59 in) | | | |
| Hingemouth | Phractolaemus ansorgii | 25 cm (9.8 in) | | | |
| Black ghost knifefish | Apteronotus albifrons | 50 cm (19.5 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 | 27 cm (10.5 in) | | | |
| Glass knifefish | Eigenmannia virescens | 44 cm (17.5 in) | | | |
| Electric eel | Electrophorus electricus | 200 cm (78.5 in) | | | |
| Northern pike | Esox lucius | 150 cm (59 in) | | | |
| Humphead glassfish | Parambassis pulcinella | 8 cm (3.1 in) | | | |
| Indian glassy fish | Parambassis ranga | 8 cm (3.1 in) | | | |
| Glassfish Glass perch | Gymnochanda filamentosa | 3.8 cm (1.5 in) | | 24-28 °C | |
| Mouth almighty | Glossamia aprion | 3.8 cm (1.5 in) | | | |
| Amazon leaffish | Monocirrhus polyacanthus | 8 cm (3.1 in) | | | |
| African leaffish | Polycentropsis abbreviata | 8 cm (3.1 in) | | | |
| Nile perch | Lates niloticus | 200 cm (79 in) | | | |
| Indonesian tigerfish | Datnioides microlepis | 55 cm (22 in) | | | |
| Silver tigerfish | Datnioides polota | 30 cm (12 in) | | | |
| New Guinea tigerfish | Datnioides campbelli | 32 cm (13 in) | | | |
| Banded archerfish | Toxotes jaculatrix | 30 cm (12 in) | | | |
| Seven-spot archerfish | Toxotes chatareus | 40 cm (16 in) | | | |
| Spotted scat | Scatophagus argus | 20 cm (7.9 in) | | | |
| African scat | Scatophagus tetracanthus | 30 cm (12 in) | | | |
| Striped scat, spotbanded scat | Selenotoca multifasciata | 40 cm (15.5 in) | | | |
| Silver moony | Monodactylus argenteus | 27 cm (10.5 in) | | | |
| African moony | Monodactylus sebae | 25 cm (10 in) | | | |
| Freshwater pipefish | Doryichthys martensii | 15 cm (5.9 in) | | | |
| African freshwater pipefish | Enneacampus ansorgii | 14 cm (5.5 in) | | | |
| Zebra blenny | Omobranchus zebra | 6 cm (2.4 in) | | | |
| Freshwater blenny | Salariopsis fluviatilis | 15.4 cm (6.1 in) | | | |
| Fire eel | Mastacembelus erythrotaenia | 100 cm (39 in) | | | |
| Tire track eel | Mastacembelus armatus | 90 cm (35 in) | | | |
| Peacock 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 |
| Zebra spiny eel | Macrognathus zebrinus | 46 cm (18 in) | | | |
| Half-banded spiny eel | Macrognathus circumcinctus | 20 cm (7.9 in) | | | |
| Lesser spiny eel | Macrognathus tapirus | 38 cm (15 in) | | | |
| Freshwater needlefish | Xenentodon cancila | 35 cm (14 in) | | | |
| Grunting toadfish | Allenbatrachus grunniens | 30 cm (12 in) | | | |
| Leaf goblinfish | Neovespicula depressifrons | 10 cm (4 in) | | | |
| Freshwater sole | Achiroides melanorhynchus | 14 cm (5.5 in) | | | |
| Golden puffer | Auriglobus modestus | 10 cm (3.9 in) | Pufferfish inflating out of water can cause death. | | |
| Green spotted puffer | Dichotomyctere nigroviridis | 15 cm (5.9 in) | See above | | |
| Figure 8 pufferfish | Dichotomyctere ocellatus | 6 cm (2.4 in) | See above | | |
| 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 | | |
| Arrowhead puffer | Pao suvattii | 15 cm (5.9 in) | | |
| Hairy pufferfish | Pao baileyi | 12 cm (4.7 in) | | | |
| Dwarf Pufferfish, Pea Puffer | Carinotetraodon travancoricus | 2.9 cm (1.1 in) | | | |
| Fahaka puffer | Tetraodon lineatus | 43 cm (17 in) | | | |
| Mbu puffer | Tetraodon mbu | 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 an ambush pufferfish it is best to house it alone as it will attack tank mates. See above. | | |
| | Tetraodon schoutedeni | 9 cm (3.5 in) | | | |
| Amazon puffer | Colomesus asellus | 13 cm (5 in) | | | |
| Everglades pygmy sunfish | Elassoma evergladei | 3 cm (1.2 in) | | | |
| Blackbanded sunfish | Enneacanthus chaetodon | 10 cm (3.9 in) | | | |
| Orangespotted sunfish | Lepomis humilis | 15 cm (5.9 in) | | | |
| Brook stickleback | Culaea inconstans | 5 cm (2.0 in) | | | |
| Rainbow darter | Etheostoma caeruleum | 8 cm (3.1 in) | | | |