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Tag: Types Of Fish

  • 15 Fish With Big Lips: Species Guide With Photos

    15 Fish With Big Lips: Species Guide With Photos

    Big lips in fish aren’t just for looks. they’re usually a highly functional adaptation tied to how that species feeds. Flowerhorn cichlids develop them as a secondary sexual trait, triggerfish use thick lips to handle spiny prey, and some wrasses use them to manipulate food with surprising precision. It’s one of those morphological features that tells you a lot about a fish’s natural behavior if you know what to look for. Here are 15 species where the lips are part of what makes them so distinctive.

    Key Takeaways

    • The shape and size of fish lips and mouths can tell a lot about the predatory behaviors of the species.
    • Fish can use their lips for predation, interactions, and reproductive purposes.
    • Fish lips are generally divided into four categories: terminal, inferior, superior, or protrusible.
    • Some of the most popular fish in the aquarium hobby have modified mouths that have special dietary considerations!

    Evolution Reasons

    Lips might not seem like an important of evolution, but most fish are predators that use their mouths every day to catch prey. This means that the mechanism for catching these prey should be as specialized as possible! At the same time, lips can act as a way to fight off competition or attract mates.

    When fish first evolved, they had a simple mouth that lacked a jaw. Today, some of those ancestors can be seen in jawless fish, like lampreys (Hyperoartia class). The development of a skeletal jaw allowed fish to diversify in both prey and lifestyle. Soon, mouth structure gave way to teeth, crushing palates, and suction cup-like structures.

    Different Mouths of Fish

    When looking at fish with big lips, consider the overall purpose of the mouth structure. A fish with decent-sized lips that preys on organisms in the substrate may not find it beneficial to have an upwards-pointing mouth. Because of this, we see 4 main types of mouths among freshwater and saltwater fish.

    1. Terminal mouth. Terminal mouths are commonly seen on most fish, including some of the most popular fish species (like freshwater angelfish) available to a fish enthusiast. A terminal mouth means that the mouth is at the same level as the fish in the front of the head.
    2. Inferior mouth. Mostly seen on bottom-dwelling fish species, inferior mouths point down. These mouths are specialized for catching prey underneath the fish.
    3. Superior mouth. Opposite to the inferior mouth, the superior mouth points up. This evolution is commonly seen in fish that stay near the surface of the water, like arowana, but can be found in fish at all levels. In some cases, superior mouth fish species use their large mouths as a trap door mechanism which creates a vacuum and quickly pulls prey into their mouth.
    4. Protrusible mouth. A protrusible mouth can have any of the previous features on this list, like a fish that has both a terminal and protrusible mouth. A protrusible mouth means that the fish can extend its mouth forward, oftentimes extending their lips in the process. This can be helpful for quick ambush attacks as well as for fighting with other fish.

    Why does your fish have big lips and a big mouth?

    There are a few reasons why the size and shape of the lips and mouth might vary across species. These are mainly due to predation, interactions, and reproductive purposes.

    Predation

    Predation is the main reason why fish lips look the way they do. While the mouth is the cavity that holds and processes food, the lips help catch the prey.

    One of the most extreme lip adaptations to predation can be seen in parrotfish (Scaridae family) in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. Most species within this scientific community live on coral reefs where algae and coral are abundant. In response, parrotfish evolved hard beaks that can crush, break, and scrape hard surfaces for food.

    As mentioned before, the overall orientation of the mouth also aids in predation. In the case of the parrotfish, their mouths are terminal, meaning straightforward. However, fish that live on the bottom of coral reefs, like saltwater blennies (Blenniiformes order), have downward-pointing inferior mouths.

    Interactions

    Another reason why lips might be the most notable feature of a fish is due to how they interact with one another.

    One of the most popular cases of lip-to-lip interaction is from a popular fish, the kissing gourami (Helostoma temminckii). These fish have terminal, protrusible mouths that they use to extend to meet with other kissing gouramis. This lip-to-lip contact might seem romantic, but it’s actually a way that the fish are competing and asserting dominance.

    If you notice this happening in your aquarium, it could be a sign that your fish are stressed or that the male-to-female ratio is imbalanced.

    Reproductive Purposes

    Lastly, big lips can be a way that fish use to attract mates. Reason stands that if predation is successful due to big lips, then the big-lipped fish must have good genes. This makes the fish very desirable to breed with.

    However, some fish, like freshwater cichlids, also use their lips and mouths to hold and protect fertilized eggs and fry. Male bettas even use their tiny mouth to create bubble nests and to transfer fertilized eggs to the surface of the water.

    Top Fish With Big Lips

    Here are some amazing marine creatures with the most obvious facial features!

    1. Koi Fish

    Bekko Koi Fish
    • Scientific Name: Cyprinus rubrofuscus var. “koi”
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Size: 1-3 feet
    • Origin: Japan (domesticated)
    • Type: Protrusible mouth
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    If you’ve ever been to a koi pond, you may have been greeted by many large mouths gasping at the surface of the water for food. Koi fish have reasonably big protrusible mouths for what they eat, which consists of mostly plants, invertebrates, algae, and even fallen fruits that have made their way onto the bottom of the substrate.

    A protrusible mouth allows koi to extend their lips to quickly catch prey. These freshwater fish species do not have teeth in their mouth but have pharyngeal teeth towards the back of their mouth which help grind and break up food.

    Koi also have barbels around their mouth that can help them navigate and find prey in murky waters.

    2. Flowerhorn

    Flowerhorn Cichlid in Competition
    • Scientific Name: Hybrid
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Size: 8-16 inches
    • Origin: Southeast Asia (domesticated)
    • Type: Large mouth, prominent lips
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    Flowerhorn fish are a hybrid cichlid available in the aquarium hobby. These are very colorful fish with big lips and big personalities.

    Flowerhorns are omnivorous fish that will willingly eat plants, insects, and small fish. They have teeth directly in their mouth as well as pharyngeal teeth further back to help process larger foods.

    As cichlids, flowerhorn fish can be aggressive. They have been known to lock lips with other fish in an attempt to defend their territory or overtake other males. They often chase fish around the tank and can inflict considerable damage with their large mouth.

    3. Grouper

    Panther Grouper with Cleaner Wrasse
    • Scientific Name: Serranidae family
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: 35-90 inches
    • Origin: Worldwide tropical and temperate oceans
    • Type: Protrusible mouth
    • Available to Hobbyists: Some

    Groupers are some of the largest fish in the marine world, it only makes sense that they have the mouth to match.

    Groupers are a large scientific family of fish, with some individuals, like the giant grouper or Queensland grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus), growing upwards of 7 feet long. These saltwater fish are largely carnivores with strong jaws, preferring to eat large fish and crustaceans. Some species of grouper have teeth in their mouth to catch and devour prey, but most species swallow their prey whole.

    Most grouper fish are ambush predators. A protrusible mouth allows them to keep some distance from prey while also guaranteeing a successful hunt.

    4. Giant Gourami

    Giant Gourami Fish
    • Scientific Name: Osphronemus goramy
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Size: <2 feet
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • Type: Protrusible mouth
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes, though not recommended

    The giant gourami fish is another species with a big mouth. These gourami fish should not be confused with the smaller popular aquarium fish, the kissing gourami, which uses its protrusible lips to lock with another fish in competition and defense. This behavior is not seen in giant gourami.

    While the giant gourami can also be territorial and aggressive, their mouth is a greater threat to prey. No worries though, as giant gouramis are herbivores that use pharyngeal teeth to grind plants and algae. However, they may sometimes eat smaller fish and invertebrates.

    5. Largemouth Bass

    Large Mouth Bass
    • Scientific Name: Micropterus salmoides
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: <2.5 feet
    • Origin: North America
    • Type: Large mouth
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes, though not commercially

    The largemouth bass is a popular fish species among anglers, but less commonly seen in the aquarium hobby. These are big game fish that need a carnivorous diet and get very large, which make it difficult to keep in aquariums.

    The largemouth bass is typically the apex predator in its freshwater lake and pond ecosystems. These fish are ambush predators that capture their prey by creating a vacuum when they open their mouths. Largemouth bass use teeth in the front of their mouths as well as further back pharyngeal teeth to process their food.

    Unfortunately, the largemouth bass is an invasive species in some countries, namely Canada and Japan1.

    6. Lionfish

    Lionfish in Aquarium
    • Scientific Name: Pterois spp.
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: 4-18 inches
    • Origin: Worldwide tropical and temperate oceans
    • Type: Protrusible mouth
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    Lionfish are very invasive fish, and their availability as aquarium fish is regularly questioned. These fish have large protrusible mouths lined with sharp teeth to catch smaller fish and invertebrates. They may even eat other lionfish.

    While hunting, lionfish will confuse their prey with jets of water until they attack. They also have specialized swim bladder muscles that help provide calculated movement for a guaranteed kill.

    7. Gulper Catfish

    • Scientific Name: Asterophysus batrachus
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: <1 foot
    • Origin: South America
    • Type: Inferior mouth
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    The gulper catfish (video source), also known as the ogre catfish, is a medium-sized catfish capable of preying on fish the same size as itself. Like many other catfish species, the gulper catfish has an inferior mouth that is on the bottom of its head and pointed downwards to prey on substrate-dwelling organisms.

    While the gulper catfish will generally eat whatever it finds, it uses its large mouth to strike other fish by the head. The gulper’s mouth is lined with small sharp teeth that make it almost impossible for prey to escape its hold. Then, the catfish continues to swallow its prey whole, often stretching and distending the stomach. It is well known for eating fish larger than itself!

    8. Stonefish

    Stonefish
    • Scientific Name: Synanceia spp.
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: 14-20 inches
    • Origin: Indo-Pacific (Indian Ocean)
    • Type: Superior and protrusible mouth
    • Available to Hobbyists: Rarely

    Stonefish, a type of scorpionfish, are the most venomous fish known. These fish have deadly stings that keep them safe from predators. However, they are also adept predators with modified mouths.

    As bottom-dwellers, stonefish have superior mouths that point upwards toward prey. They also have protrusible mouths that quickly open and create suction to help complete an undetected ambush. They lack teeth but have a bony palate that can easily crush prey.

    9. Sarcastic Fringehead

    Fridgehead Fish
    • Scientific Name: Neoclinus blanchardi
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: <1 foot
    • Origin: Pacific Ocean
    • Type: Large and distended mouth
    • Available to Hobbyists: No

    Big lips are important to the sarcastic fringehead. These fish have very unique lips with a large mouth to go along with them.

    When open, a sarcastic fringehead’s mouth forms a rounded pentagon with bright colors along the edges. This large mouth is often used to fend off other males and competitors through mouth wrestling and gaping displays. This is a necessary behavior as these fish inhabit coral reefs and have very specific territories around caves and tight spaces.

    10. Arowana

    Arowana Fish
    • Scientific Name:Osteoglossidae family
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: 2-3 feet
    • Origin: South America, Southeast Asia, and Australia
    • Type: Upturned and protrusible mouth
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    A lot can be deducted from looking at an arowana’s mouth. These freshwater fish are almost always seen in surface waters. This, in addition to their large and upturned mouth, shows that their diet consists of both aquatic and land animals, like smaller fish, insects, and even birds. In fact, these fish are capable of jumping considerable heights out of the water.

    Arowana also have sensory barbels that help them detect prey along with teeth that keep prey in their mouth.

    11. Oscars

    Albino Oscar
    • Scientific Name: Astronotus ocellatus
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Size: <1.5 feet
    • Origin: South America
    • Type: Protrusible mouth
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    Oscars are the number one tropical freshwater fish for eating things they aren’t supposed to. These fish are very curious and very hungry and won’t hesitate to try eating something that isn’t food in their tank.

    In the wild, these fish are just as eager to eat other fish, plants, insects, and other food-shaped items. This means that they need a large mouth with a protrusible jaw and teeth to capture prey. Oscars have great natural camouflage, which allows them to wait for their prey to come to them and then ambush attack.

    12. Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid

    • Scientific Name: Aulonocara stuartgranti
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Size: <1.5 feet
    • Origin: Lake Malawi
    • Type: Protrusible mouth
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    These tropical freshwater fish (video source) use their mouth a lot! The red shoulder peacock cichlid is a benthophagous fish species. This means that they find their food in and around the substrate by taking mouthfuls of it and sifting through for small organisms; they actively hunt for small invertebrates on top of the substrate as well.

    In addition, red shoulder peacock cichlids are mouthbrooders, which means they raise their fry within their mouths. These African Cichlids are also naturally aggressive fish, which could lead to locking lips or gaping their mouths to warn off predators and potential competition.

    13. Napoleon Wrasse

    Humphead Wrasse
    • Scientific Name: Cheilinus undulatus
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Size: 3.0-6.5 feet
    • Origin: Indian and Pacific Oceans
    • Type: Protrusible mouth
    • Available to Hobbyists: No

    Also known as the humphead wrasse, the Napoleon wrasse is undoubtedly a fish with big lips and a big head! These marine fish can be found foraging for food in and around coral reefs. While primarily carnivores, they may graze on algae and seaweed.

    It is believed that part of the reason Napoleon fish have such big lips is for attracting mates; large lips indicate better fitness and a more desirable mate.

    Unfortunately, Humphead wrasses are endangered due to overconsumption, habitat loss and destruction, and lack of species management.

    14. Big Lip Damselfish

    • Scientific Name: Cheiloprion labiatus
    • Diet: Herbivorous
    • Size: 2.5 inches
    • Origin: Indo-Pacific
    • Type: Big lips and protrusible mouth
    • Available to Hobbyists: No

    Not all damselfish are created equal. For some reason, the big lip damselfish (video source) has evolved, especially large lips. But why?

    Unlike other damsels, the big lip damsel is primarily a herbivore. Their diet consists largely of coral, algae, and other flora growing on rocks around reefs in tropical waters. It is believed that these lips help the fish scrape fleshy coral and algae off hard surfaces. They are commonly seen during scuba diving expeditions.

    15. Sweetlips

    • Scientific Name: Plectorhinchus spp.
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: <2 feet
    • Origin: Worldwide tropical and temperate oceans
    • Type: Protrusible mouth
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    Contrary to their name, sweetlips fish (video source) are predators with a big mouth. These saltwater fish likely get their name from their large, and often colorful, pouting lips. However, this mouth is used for catching small invertebrates and fish; caution is needed when keeping them in a home aquarium fish setting.

    Some sweetlips commonly kept by aquarium enthusiasts are:

    • Harlequin sweetlips (Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides)
    • Striped sweetlips (Plectorhinchus diagrammus)
    • Oriental sweetlips (Plectorhinchus vittatus)

    FAQs

    What are the fish with big lips called?

    There are many species of fish with big lips, but there is no scientific category for fish with especially large facial features.

    What fish has big pucker lips?

    While some fish might have big lips, some have puckered lips. Some species of pucker-lipped fish include the slippery dick wrasse (Halichoeres bivittatus), yellowhead jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons), and warty frogfish (Antennarius maculatus).

    What is the name of the fish with the big face?

    The most recognizable fish with the biggest face is the Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus).

    What is a slimy fish with big lips?

    One of the slimiest fishes known is the hagfish (Myxinidae family). Though these fish don’t have the biggest lips on this list, their unique mouth structure makes them a good candidate.

    What fish has big lips and front teeth?

    While there are many fish that fit the description of big lips and front teeth, we think that harlequin tusk wrasses (Choerodon fasciatus) have one of the most impressive mouths in the aquarium hobby!

    Closing Thoughts

    From small fish to big fish, every species has unique lips and mouth. Some are pointed upwards and others down, while some are lined with sharp teeth while others are designed to crush. Most popular aquarium fish have a terminal mouth that is relative to their body size, but others need special dietary and habitat considerations.

  • 15 Most Unusual Deep Sea Fish Ever Discovered (With Photos)

    15 Most Unusual Deep Sea Fish Ever Discovered (With Photos)

    Expert Take | Mark Valderrama — AquariumStoreDepot

    None of these fish belong in a home aquarium, and none of them ever will. I’ve been keeping fish for over 25 years and this is the one category where even I am just a spectator. The pressure adaptations, the bioluminescence, the biology that falls apart the moment these animals reach the surface: the deep sea is genuinely humbling. These 15 species represent what happens when life evolves in total darkness, crushing pressure, and near-freezing temperatures for millions of years. They’re fascinating precisely because they’re so far outside anything we can replicate.

    Deep sea fish are the one category where even someone with 25 years in the hobby just gets to be a spectator. None of these species can be kept in captivity, and most have never been seen alive at depth. What draws me to them is how extreme the adaptations are: bioluminescence, hinged jaws, pressure-resistant biology that we still don’t fully understand. As someone who’s spent decades obsessing over what makes fish thrive in controlled environments, the deep sea is a reminder of how much of the ocean is still completely outside our reach. Here are 15 of the most unusual species ever documented.

    Unfortunately, none of these fish will ever be able to make their way into the home aquarium. Still, they’re some of the most interesting species ever discovered. Let’s look at 15 of the most unusual deep sea fish ever documented.

    Key Takeaways

    • There is an incredible amount of life at the bottom of the ocean.
    • The better majority of the ocean has yet to be discovered and new species are regularly found.
    • Deep sea organisms have had to make extreme adaptations to their environments.
    • New technology is allowing for deep sea observation, collection, and preservation.

    Avoid If

    • You’re looking for aquarium fish. Every species on this list is impossible to keep in captivity.
    • You assume “rare” means “available.” Deep sea collection would kill these animals before they reached a surface tank.
    • You confuse shallow-water anglerfish (which some hobbyists do keep) with their abyssal relatives. They’re from completely different environments.

    An Overview

    What is the deep sea and how deep is it actually?

    It’s believed that the deepest part of the ocean is about 35,876 feet (10,935 m) below the surface1.

    There are many layers to the ocean which can be divided into 5 different pelagic zones based on depth below sea level: the Epipelagic (0-660 ft / 0-200 m), Mesopelagic (660-3,300 ft / 200-1,000 m), Bathypelagic (3,300-13,000 ft / 1,000-4,000 m), Abyssopelagic (13,000-20,000 ft / 4,000-6,000 m), and Hadalpelagic (20,000-36,000 ft / 6,000-11,000 m) zones.

    The deep sea is largely considered the part of the ocean without light, where continental shelves start to turn into continental slopes. Light begins to fade at about 660 feet (200 m), which falls in the Mesopelagic zone, also known as the twilight zone. This means the majority of the ocean is considered the deep sea. We’ve learned a great deal from Alan Jamieson, a well-known marine biologist who has participated in over 65 deep sea expeditions and runs the Deep-Sea Podcast. Definitely check it out after reading this article if you want to learn more about these creatures.

    What fish live in the deep sea?

    Many fish live in the deep sea. It is impossible to say exactly how many species are living at the bottom of the ocean since the ocean is largely unexplored. Some of the most recognizable deep sea species are anglerfish, sleeper sharks, and lanternfish.

    What fish goes the deepest?

    As of now, the deepest fish ever recorded is a Mariana snailfish (Pseudoliparis swirei) at 26,135 feet (7,966 m).

    What is the newest species discovered?

    An estimated 5,000 new species of deep sea organisms were found in the Pacific Ocean in recent years. One of these new species is a gummy squirrel (Psychropotes longicauda), which is a type of sea cucumber2.

    Some Crazy Facts About Creatures Here

    As of now, only about 20% of the ocean has been documented and understood. Even within that 20% are numerous microcolonies and ecosystems that have yet to be fully explored. As marine science technology advances, scientists are finally able to get a glimpse into the world that exists at extreme depths.

    One of the major factors preventing further research is pressure, which makes exploration and collection extremely difficult. As depth increases, temperature decreases while pressure increases.

    Interestingly, the bottom of the ocean always remains just above freezing at about 39 degrees F (4 degrees C). While this temperature may be adaptable for some creatures, the other extreme factors experienced in the ocean’s depths have caused many animals and bacteria to become highly specialized.

    Light begins to dissipate after about 660 feet (200 m) below sea level. Even in complete darkness, life found a way. Many deep sea fish still have eyes. While it is not fully understood why the deepest fish have eyes that would otherwise be used to sense visible light, it is strongly believed that they interpret bioluminescence instead.

    Difficulty Tiers | Can These Fish Be Kept?

    • Impossible (All abyssal and hadal species): Anglerfish (deep sea varieties), Mariana Snailfish, Faceless Cusk Eel, Barreleye, Rattail Fish, Lanternfish, Viperfish, Stoplight Loosejaw, Black Seadevil, Deep-Sea Lizardfish, Chimaera. None survive depressurization during collection.
    • Theoretically possible but not in practice (mesopelagic species): Atlantic Wolffish and Sarcastic Fringehead live in reachable depths but have never been established in captivity. Specialized public aquariums occasionally attempt them, with mixed results.
    • A related species IS aquarium-kept: Shallow-water anglerfish from the genus Antennarius are available in the hobby and can be kept. They’re a completely different animal from the deep-sea varieties shown here.

    Bioluminescence

    Bio Lit Jellyfish

    Bioluminescence, a chemical reaction between luciferin and oxygen that generates internal light, is a common method of both predation and protection in deep sea organisms. It is believed that up to 75% of deep sea organisms generate their own light.

    For example, some species of anglerfish (Lophiiformes order) are able to light up their fishing lure appendage to attract prey in front of their large mouth. Other fish, like the marine hatchetfish (Sternoptychidae family), use bioluminescence for counter-illumination. This is a method of camouflage where the fish lights up the bottom of its body to better blend in with any light that a predator below might perceive.

    Absence of Light

    What happens to the organisms that depend on light? Photosynthetic organisms do not exist past the sunlight zone of the ocean. However, there are known species of coral and sponge that thrive outside of this layer.

    Deep sea corals grow extremely slowly and are incredibly old as a result. Instead of using light for energy, these organisms rely on consuming other organisms. Like so many deep-sea creatures, a lot of their nutrition comes from organic material that falls from the ocean surface above.

    Chemosynthesis

    Even at the bottom of the ocean, life depends on bacteria. The nitrogen cycle looks a little different down here, though, and organisms chemosynthesize instead3.

    Chemosynthesis is the process that organisms use to create energy from inorganic materials. For example, giant tube worms (Riftia pachyptila) contain symbiotic bacteria that use oxygen and hydrogen sulfide to provide the worm with essential nutrients.

    Extreme Pressure

    As ocean depth increases, pressure increases and conditions quickly become uninhabitable for most species. Most terrestrial and shallow marine organisms have gas-filled cavities, like lungs. Under high pressure, these cavities would collapse. Deep sea species have had to evolve to survive this.

    One way organisms do this is by being comprised mostly of water. This way, internal pressure matches external pressure. Other adaptations include flexible bodies, specialized lungs, slower movement, and reduced metabolic processes.

    One instance of extreme pressure adaptation is the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). These whales regularly exhibit vertical migration, sometimes spanning 1,000 feet (305 m). Pressure varies enormously across this distance. In response, sperm whales have collapsible ribs and lungs that can adjust as needed.

    Collecting deep sea fish is difficult for scientists precisely because of these pressure gradients. If an organism is brought to the surface, things that were compacted under pressure are left to expand. Organs are sometimes forced out of the animal’s orifices, resulting in death. This is why so many deep sea specimens can only be studied from washed-up carcasses or real-time observation on the sea floor.

    Unique Ecosystems

    While the ocean floor is a unique ecosystem in itself, there are self-sustaining environments with species found only in those locations. One of these ecosystems surrounds hydrothermal vents.

    Hydrothermal vents are fissures in the deep ocean where seawater cycles through the sediment and gets geothermally heated. The water is then released back into the ocean, filled with important minerals and gases. These vents are often located near areas with high volcanic activity.

    Hydrothermal vents are rich in minerals and gases. The intense heat can sometimes reach 700 degrees F (371 degrees C). Despite this, some deep sea organisms are found only in these ecosystems, including the yeti crab (Kiwa spp.) and the scaly-foot gastropod (Chrysomallon squamiferum).

    Another mini ecosystem that emerges in the deep ocean is known as whale fall. When a deceased whale sinks to the ocean floor, it becomes a temporary ecosystem that can last a few decades. Whale falls are very important for local ecosystems as well as those above. Some common deep sea fish seen around whale falls are hagfish (Myxinidae family) and sleeper sharks (Somniosus spp.). Many other invertebrates and small crustaceans also make their homes in whale falls, including mussels, clams, and octopuses.

    Top 15 Deep Sea Fish

    These are some of the most recognizable and remarkable deep sea species documented. None can be kept in home aquariums, but each one shows what millions of years of deep-sea evolution actually looks like. We have a video from our YouTube Channel below. Check it out alongside the article for more context, and subscribe if you enjoy our content.

    1. Anglerfish

    Deep Sea Female Angler Fish
    • Scientific Name: Lophiiformes order
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: Up to 3 feet (91 cm); most individuals stay under 7 inches (18 cm)
    • Origin: Worldwide
    • Depths: Epipelagic to mesopelagic (under 3,300 ft / 1,000 m)
    • Unique Features: Bioluminescent fishing rod lure

    There are over 200 species of anglerfish. A select few shallow-water species are available in the aquarium hobby, specifically species from the Antennarius genus. The deep-sea varieties on this list are a completely different story.

    Deep sea anglerfish are easily identified by the modified fin ray that dangles in front of their mouths and acts as bait. Most times, the lure is bioluminescent. Another fascinating fact: most anglerfish species display extreme sexual dimorphism. In some species, the male becomes a parasite that permanently fuses to the female’s body purely for reproduction.

    2. Black Seadevil

    • Scientific Name: Melanocetus spp.
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: 1-7 inches (2.5-18 cm)
    • Origin: Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans
    • Depths: Mesopelagic to bathypelagic (660-13,000 ft / 200-4,000 m)
    • Unique Features: Pitch-black body coloration

    One notable genus of anglerfish is the group of black seadevils (video source). These fish have pitch-black skin that allows them to blend in across the twilight zone and deeper. Within this genus is one of the most recognizable species, the humpback anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsonii).

    3. Viperfish

    Viperfish
    • Scientific Name: Chauliodus spp.
    • Diet: Primarily carnivorous
    • Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
    • Origin: Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans
    • Depths: Mesopelagic to bathypelagic (660-13,000 ft / 200-4,000 m)
    • Unique Features: Vertical migration; bioluminescent lure; transparent body

    At first glance, the viperfish is genuinely intimidating. These fish lack scales and appear almost transparent. They have large bottom teeth and an extendable jaw that opens wide for larger prey.

    Like many other fish in the meso- and bathypelagic zones, viperfish use bioluminescence. To attract prey, they have a modified bioluminescent fin ray they dangle in front of their mouths, similar to anglerfish. They also use counter-illumination to hide from predators. Viperfish display diel vertical migration, living in deep water during the day and moving to shallower conditions at night to hunt.

    4. Sleeper Shark

    • Scientific Name: Somniosidae family
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: 20+ feet (6+ m); most individuals average 12 feet (3.6 m)
    • Origin: Arctic Ocean
    • Depths: Mesopelagic to bathypelagic (660-13,000 ft / 200-4,000 m)
    • Unique Features: Anti-freeze proteins; extreme longevity

    The sleeper shark (video source) is one of the more well-known species, namely the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) which is known to live up to 500 years. These sharks live in deeper polar and subpolar waters and have adapted to extreme cold using anti-freeze proteins that prevent their blood from crystallizing. Their slow movement and low metabolism are believed to be key factors in their remarkable longevity.

    5. The Sarcastic Fringehead

    Fridgehead Fish
    • Scientific Name: Neoclinus blanchardi
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: Up to 8 inches (20 cm)
    • Origin: Pacific Ocean
    • Depths: Epipelagic (0-660 ft / 0-200 m)
    • Unique Features: Enormous hinged jaw

    The sarcastic fringehead doesn’t come from the deepest parts of the ocean but still lives towards the edge of the epipelagic zone at an average depth of about 300 feet (91 m). These fish make this list because of their remarkable giant mouths that open up triangularly from the sides. They live in tight crevices in shallow waters and regularly defend their homes against other males using jaw displays that are genuinely hard to believe the first time you see them.

    6. Stoplight Loosejaw

    • Scientific Name: Malacosteus spp.
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: Under 1 foot (30 cm)
    • Origin: Worldwide
    • Depths: Mesopelagic to bathypelagic (660-13,000 ft / 200-4,000 m)
    • Unique Features: Open hanging jaw; red photophores; fang-like teeth

    The stoplight loosejaw (video source) is aptly named for its hanging, bottomless lower jaw and fang-like teeth. To help catch prey, these fish use red suborbital photophores that emit from their head. Most fish living in low-light conditions cannot perceive red light, which makes this essentially an invisible flashlight for hunting. Despite all this predatory equipment, stoplight loosejaws prefer relatively small foods like copepods and crustaceans.

    7. Chimaera

    • Scientific Name: Chimaeriformes order
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 m)
    • Origin: All oceans besides the Antarctic
    • Depths: Epipelagic to bathypelagic (under 13,000 ft / 4,000 m)
    • Unique Features: Cartilaginous skeleton; pectoral-fin “flight”

    Not to be confused with the mythological chimera, chimaeras (video source) are cartilaginous fish related to sharks and rays. They have a unique way of swimming that makes them appear to be flying through the water, propelled by large pectoral fins with surprisingly little effort. Like many cartilaginous fish, chimaeras use electroreception to sense prey in the dark. They mainly eat crustaceans.

    8. Mariana Snailfish

    • Scientific Name: Pseudoliparis swirei
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: Under 1 foot (30 cm)
    • Origin: Pacific Ocean
    • Depths: Hadalpelagic (20,000-36,000 ft / 6,000-11,000 m)
    • Unique Features: Transparent skin; deepest fish ever recorded

    The Mariana snailfish holds the record as one of the deepest fish ever documented, named after its home in the dark caverns of the Mariana Trench. This transparent fish is actually a top predator in its stretch of the trench, feeding on small crustaceans and other fish. An interesting discovery about the Mariana snailfish is its adaptation to laying unusually large eggs, though the exact evolutionary reason for this is not yet understood.

    9. Lanternfish

    • Scientific Name: Myctophidae family
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: Under 6 inches (15 cm)
    • Origin: Worldwide
    • Depths: Epipelagic to bathypelagic (under 13,000 ft / 4,000 m)
    • Unique Features: Bioluminescence; vertical migration; enormous biomass

    Arguably the most prevalent deep-sea fish in all the world’s oceans, lanternfish are believed to make up about 65% of the total biomass of all deep sea fish. That makes them an extremely important food source for their immediate ecosystem and those above and below. They were recorded on video for the first time in 2007, reported by National Geographic.

    Lanternfish are named after their prominent use of bioluminescence. These fish emit blue, green, or yellow light depending on species and sex. They also display diel vertical migration, staying in and around the bathypelagic zone during the day and moving to the epipelagic zone at night to feed on zooplankton.

    10. Red Handfish

    • Scientific Name: Thymichthys politus
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: About 3 inches (7.5 cm)
    • Origin: Tasmania
    • Depths: Epipelagic (under 660 ft / 200 m)
    • Unique Features: Red coloration; hand-like pectoral fins

    The red handfish (video source) isn’t a true deep sea species, but their appearance and biology put them in the same conversation. Found only in very specific reef ecosystems around Tasmania, red handfish have a distinctive light red body speckled with darker spots. They use their hand-like fins to scoot across the sea floor searching for worms and small crustaceans. The red handfish is currently recognized as critically endangered.

    11. Rattail Fish

    • Scientific Name: Macrouridae family
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: 4-60 inches (10-152 cm)
    • Origin: Worldwide
    • Depths: Epipelagic to bathypelagic (under 13,000 ft / 4,000 m)
    • Unique Features: Large head; tapering rat-like tail

    Also known as grenadiers, members of the family Macrouridae are very abundant in the deep ocean (video source) and are believed to make up about 15% of the deep sea fish population. There are many different species, with some reaching impressive sizes and some forming schools. They get their common name from their large head, big eyes, and sharply tapering tail.

    12. Faceless Cusk Eel

    • Scientific Name: Typhlonus nasus
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: About 11 inches (28 cm)
    • Origin: Pacific and Indian Oceans
    • Depths: Bathypelagic to abyssopelagic (3,300-20,000 ft / 1,000-6,000 m)
    • Unique Features: Reduced face; enormous nostrils; bottomless mouth

    The faceless cusk eel (video source) is rare and unmistakable. Despite the name, it is not related to true eels (Anguilliformes). These fish have a large face that often lacks visible eyes, with enormous nostrils that are frequently mistaken for eyes, and a mouth positioned at the very bottom of the face. Once seen, impossible to forget.

    13. Deep-Sea Lizardfish

    • Scientific Name: Bathysaurus ferox
    • Diet: Carnivorous; sometimes cannibalistic
    • Size: Under 28 inches (71 cm)
    • Origin: Atlantic Ocean and Indo-Pacific
    • Depths: Mesopelagic (660-3,300 ft / 200-1,000 m)
    • Unique Features: Upward-pointing mouth; teeth on tongue and jaws

    The deep-sea lizardfish is a fearsome ambush predator (video source). It lies flat on the sea floor, completely still, waiting for other fish to swim above. Then it strikes upward with a large mouth lined with teeth on both the jaws and the tongue. It will eat other lizardfish when the opportunity arises.

    14. Atlantic Wolffish

    Atlantic Wolf Fish
    • Scientific Name: Anarhichas lupus
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 m)
    • Origin: West and east coasts of the Atlantic Ocean
    • Depths: Epipelagic to mesopelagic (under 3,300 ft / 1,000 m)
    • Unique Features: Anti-freeze proteins; protruding canine teeth

    The Atlantic wolffish is a large, recognizable species often caught in bycatch. These fish prefer rocky habitats and caves toward the deeper end of their range. They have powerful jaws and very large protruding teeth that help them crush sea urchins and green crabs, making them an important population regulator in their ecosystem. Like the Greenland shark, wolffish carry special anti-freeze proteins to keep their blood from crystallizing in cold Atlantic waters.

    15. Barreleye

    • Scientific Name: Opisthoproctus soleatus
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Size: 4-5 inches (10-13 cm)
    • Origin: Eastern Atlantic Ocean, South China Sea
    • Depths: Mesopelagic (1,600-2,300 ft / 490-700 m)
    • Unique Features: Transparent head; tubular eyes that rotate upward

    The barreleye (also known as the spook fish) is one of the strangest fish in any ocean. Its head is completely transparent, which allows it to soak in more ambient light. The tubular eyes inside that transparent dome can rotate upward to detect the silhouettes of prey above them. No teeth, no spines, fairly small at 4-5 inches (10-13 cm). The transparent head is not just a novelty: it’s a precision hunting adaptation built over millions of years.

    Mark’s Pick | Most Fascinating Species on This List

    After 25 years in the hobby, my answer is the barreleye. The transparent head and rotating eyes are hard to accept as real even when you’re watching footage of one. A close second is the Mariana snailfish: a small, translucent fish holding the record as the deepest vertebrate ever documented, thriving in conditions that would crush most life forms. Both of these species remind me why the ocean is still so much bigger than anything we fully understand. If any of these ever became somehow keepable (they won’t), those two would be the ones I’d want to observe up close.

    Deep Sea Species at a Glance

    Species Max Depth Size Bioluminescent? Keepable?
    Anglerfish 3,300 ft (1,000 m) Up to 3 ft (91 cm) Yes No (shallow species only)
    Viperfish 13,000 ft (4,000 m) 12 in (30 cm) Yes No
    Lanternfish 13,000 ft (4,000 m) Under 6 in (15 cm) Yes No
    Mariana Snailfish 26,135 ft (7,966 m) Under 1 ft (30 cm) No No
    Barreleye 2,300 ft (700 m) 4-5 in (10-13 cm) No No
    Sleeper Shark 13,000 ft (4,000 m) Up to 20 ft (6 m) No No
    Sarcastic Fringehead 660 ft (200 m) Up to 8 in (20 cm) No No (not established)
    Atlantic Wolffish 3,300 ft (1,000 m) Up to 5 ft (1.5 m) No No (not established)

    Closing Thoughts

    Marine life doesn’t stop past the reach of light. The depths of the ocean are full of life, though a very different kind of life than what we’re used to. Animals have had to make extraordinary adaptations to these extreme environments: bioluminescence, anti-freeze proteins, transparent bodies, eyes that rotate inside fluid-filled domes. Some migrate hundreds of feet every night just to feed. None of them will ever be in a home aquarium, and that’s fine. Some things are worth appreciating from a distance.

    If reading about extreme fish sparked something for you, the aquarium hobby has plenty of its own fascinating species that actually can be kept. Shallow-water anglerfish from the Antennarius genus are genuinely weird and are available through specialist suppliers. If you’re looking for something more accessible but still visually striking, both Flip Aquatics and Dan’s Fish carry a solid selection of unusual freshwater and marine species worth exploring.

  • 21+ Best Centerpiece Fish: The Right Choice for Every Tank Size

    21+ Best Centerpiece Fish: The Right Choice for Every Tank Size

    A good centerpiece fish makes the whole tank. It’s the species everything else gets chosen around, the one that catches your eye from across the room. I’ve built a lot of community tanks over 25 years and the centerpiece decision is always the one I spend the most time on, because it determines your water parameters, your tank size, and what can actually coexist.

    The biggest mistake in centerpiece fish selection: choosing for looks without checking compatibility. A stunning fish in the wrong tank becomes the problem fish.

    EXPERT TAKE | MARK VALDERRAMA

    After 25 years and hundreds of community tanks, the centerpiece mistake I see most is overcrowding around the showpiece fish. People buy the angelfish or the German blue ram, then add just as many tank mates as they would in any other tank. The centerpiece needs space around it. Visual space. Swimming space. Territory. A pearl gourami in a 29-gallon (110 L) tank with 40 other fish is not a centerpiece, it’s just another fish in a crowded tank. The whole point of a centerpiece species is that it has room to command the tank. Build around it, not over it.

    Key Takeaways

    • Centerpiece fish need visual and physical space around them. Overcrowding eliminates the centerpiece effect entirely.
    • The German blue ram and discus are popular centerpiece picks but require advanced-level setup. Don’t add them to a new tank.
    • Match the centerpiece to your actual tank size. A German blue ram is a centerpiece for a 20-gallon (75 L). A discus is a centerpiece for a 75-gallon (284 L). They’re not interchangeable.
    • Compatibility determines everything. The most beautiful centerpiece fish is useless if it kills or is killed by its tank mates.
    • Angelfish eat neon tetras. Pearl gouramis do not. Know which category your choice falls into before stocking.

    Quick Comparison Table

    Species Difficulty Max Size Min Tank Best Fit
    Betta Beginner 2.5 in (6 cm) 10 gal (38 L) Nano, solo or peaceful community
    Honey Gourami Beginner 2 in (5 cm) 15 gal (57 L) Nano, most peaceful centerpiece
    Dwarf Gourami Beginner 3 in (7.5 cm) 15-20 gal (57-75 L) Small tank, color and visibility
    Bolivian Ram Beginner-Intermediate 3 in (7.5 cm) 20 gal (75 L) Small community, hardier than GBR
    German Blue Ram Advanced 2.5 in (6 cm) 20 gal (75 L) mature Planted community, precision setup
    Apistogramma Intermediate 3.5 in (9 cm) 15-20 gal (57-75 L) Territorial dwarf cichlid centerpiece
    Pearl Gourami Beginner 4.5 in (11 cm) 30 gal (113 L) Medium community, most versatile
    Freshwater Angelfish Intermediate 6 in L / 8 in H (15/20 cm) 55 gal (208 L) for group Medium-large, tall tanks only
    Electric Blue Acara Intermediate 6 in (15 cm) 40 gal (150 L) Medium tank, stunning blue display
    Discus Expert 8-9 in (20-23 cm) 75 gal (284 L) for group Large dedicated display, expert only

    TIER BREAKDOWN

    Beginner (small tanks, 10-30 gal): Betta, Honey Gourami, Dwarf Gourami, Bolivian Ram, Kribensis, Scarlet Badis
    Intermediate (medium tanks, 29-75 gal): Pearl Gourami, Apistogramma, Freshwater Angelfish, Electric Blue Acara, Severum, Sajica Cichlid, Rainbow Shark, Red Irian Rainbowfish
    Advanced/Expert (large tanks, 75+ gal): German Blue Ram (in dedicated mature setup), Discus, Geophagus species, Black Ghost Knifefish

    How to Choose the Right Centerpiece Fish

    Three questions determine the right centerpiece fish for your tank:

    What size is your tank? Match the fish to the space. A betta is a perfect centerpiece in a 15-gallon (57 L). It’s just another fish in a 75-gallon (284 L). A discus needs 75 gallons (284 L) minimum for a group. Don’t put them in a 30-gallon (113 L) and call it a centerpiece setup.

    What are your water parameters? Your tap water chemistry should drive the choice, not the other way around. If you have hard, alkaline water, a discus or German blue ram won’t thrive long-term. If you have soft, slightly acidic water, African cichlids are the wrong category. Match the fish to what you can realistically maintain.

    What are your other fish? Angelfish eat neon tetras. German blue rams need high temperature that excludes most common community fish. Rainbow sharks are territorial toward bottom dwellers. Check compatibility before you buy, not after you get home.

    The 21+ Best Centerpiece Fish

    Small Tanks: 10-30 Gallons (38-113 L)

    1. Betta Fish

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    • Scientific Name: Betta splendens
    • Size: 2.5 inches (6 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 L) recommended; 5 gallons (19 L) absolute minimum
    • Water Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C)
    • pH: 6.5-8.0
    • Diet: Carnivorous

    The betta is the quintessential nano centerpiece fish. No other species comes in such an extraordinary range of color and fin variation in a package that fits a small tank. A single male betta in a well-planted 10-gallon (38 L) or 15-gallon (57 L) tank with compatible tank mates is a complete, self-contained display.

    The key word is compatible. Bettas are aggressive toward their own kind and toward similar-shaped fish. They’ll chase long-finned fish and attack anything that resembles a rival. But in a larger tank with short-finned, fast-moving tank mates, a male betta works as a standout centerpiece. The tank has to be built around the betta’s requirements, not modified to accommodate him after the fact.

    2. Honey Gourami

    Honey Gourami in Fish Tank
    • Scientific Name: Trichogaster chuna
    • Size: 2 inches (5 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10-15 gallons (38-57 L)
    • Water Temperature: 72-80°F (22-27°C)
    • pH: 6.0-7.5
    • Diet: Carnivorous, accepts prepared foods

    The honey gourami is the most peaceful centerpiece fish on this list. Full stop. It doesn’t fin-nip, doesn’t bully, and gets along with nearly anything of appropriate size. Males develop a deep orange-yellow color during breeding condition that’s genuinely striking. They’re also the most forgiving of the gouramis in terms of water parameters.

    If you want a centerpiece fish for a planted nano tank with delicate companions like celestial pearl danios or small tetras, the honey gourami is the answer. It’s also the most underrated fish in its category. Most people walk past it to buy a dwarf gourami with worse temperament.

    3. Dwarf Gourami

    Dwarf Gourami in Aquarium
    • Scientific Name: Trichogaster lalius
    • Size: 2.5-3 inches (6-7.5 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 15-20 gallons (57-75 L)
    • Water Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
    • pH: 6.0-7.5
    • Diet: Omnivorous

    The dwarf gourami is the most colorful of the small gourami species, available in flame red, powder blue, and neon variants. More colorful than the honey gourami, but also more temperamental. Males are competitive with each other and can be boisterous around food. Keep one male per tank.

    One health note that’s worth knowing: dwarf gouramis are susceptible to dwarf gourami iridovirus (DGIV), a disease common in mass-produced specimens from Asia. Buy from reputable sources, quarantine new fish, and avoid specimens that appear bloated, lethargic, or have color that fades too quickly after purchase.

    4. Bolivian Ram

    Bolivian Ram Cichlid
    • Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
    • Size: 3 inches (7.5 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 L)
    • Water Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
    • pH: 6.0-7.5
    • Diet: Omnivorous

    The Bolivian ram is the sensible alternative to the German blue ram. It’s in the same family, similar behavior, and nearly as attractive. But it tolerates a wider temperature range, adapts to more water types, and doesn’t require the precision parameters that make GBRs so difficult. For beginners who want a dwarf cichlid centerpiece, the Bolivian ram is the right choice. For experienced keepers who want the most impressive color, the GBR is the right choice.

    5. Apistogramma Dwarf Cichlids


    Apistogramma
    Apistogramma

    These dwarf cichlids make excellent centerpiece fish in smaller tanks. Gets along with many types of community fish

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    • Scientific Name: Apistogramma spp.
    • Size: 2.5-3.5 inches (6-9 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 15-20 gallons (57-75 L)
    • Water Temperature: 72-84°F (22-29°C)
    • pH: 5.5-7.0
    • Diet: Carnivorous

    Apistogrammas are territorial dwarf cichlids from South America. They don’t just live in the tank, they claim a section of it. A male apisto will establish a territory around a cave or dense plant cluster and defend it actively. That behavioral intensity is exactly what makes them compelling centerpiece fish. They have personality in a way that purely schooling fish don’t.

    They do best in a pair or harem (one male, two or three females) with the lower level of the tank largely to themselves. Add mid-water schooling fish above them and the setup works well. Good choices for companions: rummy nose tetras, blue tetras, or small rasboras that stay above the apisto’s territory.

    6. Kribensis Dwarf Cichlid

    Kribensis Cichlid Male and Female
    • Scientific Name: Pelvicachromis pulcher
    • Size: 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 L), 20-gallon long preferred
    • Water Temperature: 75-81°F (24-27°C)
    • pH: 5.0-7.5
    • Diet: Omnivorous

    The kribensis is a West African dwarf cichlid with vivid color, particularly in breeding condition. Females develop an intense red/purple belly when ready to spawn. They’re more adaptable in terms of water chemistry than most cichlids, which makes them compatible with a wider range of tank mates than most cichlid choices.

    The breeding aggression is the main consideration. A kribensis pair that’s raising fry will aggressively defend the cave area. This is manageable in a 20-gallon long (75 L) with proper layout but becomes a real problem in smaller tanks. Give them a dedicated cave, keep the layout open around it, and the aggression stays predictable.

    7. German Blue Ram

    German Blue Ram in Planted Tank
    • Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
    • Size: 2.5 inches (6 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 L), mature tank required
    • Water Temperature: 80-86°F (27-30°C)
    • pH: 4.0-7.0
    • Diet: Omnivorous

    The German blue ram is one of the most visually impressive small centerpiece fish in the hobby. When the setup is right, a male GBR displaying full color in a planted tank is genuinely stunning. The challenge is getting the setup right. This fish needs high temperature, 80-86°F (27-30°C), which limits what can live with it, and pristine water chemistry in a mature tank. It’s sensitive to parameter swings and doesn’t tolerate new tank conditions.

    If you want the GBR as a centerpiece, build the tank for it first. Establish the cycle, stabilize the temperature, and verify your parameters before adding the fish. Don’t add it as the first fish in a new tank.

    8. Scarlet Badis

    Scarlet Badis
    • Scientific Name: Dario dario
    • Size: 0.5-0.75 inches (1.5-2 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 L)
    • Water Temperature: 65-78°F (18-26°C)
    • pH: 6.5-8.5
    • Diet: Carnivorous, prefers live foods

    The scarlet badis is a true micro-centerpiece. Males are brilliantly colored in red and blue stripes at under 1 inch (2.5 cm). They display intensely toward each other and toward females. In a densely planted nano tank with other micro fish like chili rasboras or celestial pearl danios, a single male scarlet badis becomes the focal point without dominating the tank.

    They’re picky feeders. Most scarlet badis won’t take dried food initially and prefer live daphnia, micro worms, or frozen bloodworms. If you can’t or won’t source live food regularly, choose a different nano centerpiece.

    Medium Tanks: 29-55 Gallons (110-208 L)

    9. Pearl Gourami

    Pearl Gourami Fish
    • Scientific Name: Trichopodus leerii
    • Size: 4-4.5 inches (10-11 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (113 L)
    • Water Temperature: 75-86°F (24-30°C)
    • pH: 5.5-8.0
    • Diet: Omnivorous

    The pearl gourami is the most versatile medium-tank centerpiece fish in the hobby. It tolerates a genuinely wide pH and temperature range, gets along with nearly all peaceful community fish, and has genuinely beautiful pearl-spotted coloration. Males develop a vivid orange-red throat when breeding. They’re active during the day, visible, and command the mid-level of the tank without aggression.

    This is the centerpiece fish I recommend to hobbyists who want something impressive without a precision water chemistry requirement. It’s more forgiving than the GBR, more visually dynamic than the dwarf gourami, and works in almost any peaceful community setup.

    10. Freshwater Angelfish

    Leopard Angelfish
    • Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Size: 6 inches long, 8-10 inches tall (15 cm / 20-25 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 L) for a small group; 29 gallons (110 L) for a single
    • Water Temperature: 76-86°F (24-30°C)
    • pH: 6.0-7.4
    • Diet: Omnivorous

    Freshwater angelfish are the classic medium-tank centerpiece. Their vertical height and flowing fins create visual drama that no other fish in this size range matches. They command the mid-level. When a group of four angles is moving in synchronized formation, it’s genuinely stunning.

    The critical compatibility note: angelfish eat small fish. Neon tetras, small rasboras, and anything under an inch (2.5 cm) will be viewed as food once the angels reach adult size. Plan your tank mates around this. Black skirt tetras, larger corydoras, and larger rasboras work. Nano fish don’t. Tank height matters, too: angels need at minimum 18 inches (46 cm) of vertical space, ideally 24 inches (61 cm).

    11. Electric Blue Acara

    Electric Blue Acara in Planted Tank
    • Scientific Name: Andinoacara pulcher
    • Size: 5-6 inches (13-15 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 40+ gallons (150 L)
    • Water Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
    • pH: 6.5-8.0
    • Diet: Carnivorous

    The electric blue acara is the standout blue cichlid centerpiece for medium to large tanks. Metallic blue that holds under all lighting conditions, relatively peaceful for its size, and adaptable to a decent range of water parameters. They’re diggers, so anchor plants to hardscape rather than planting them in substrate. Anubias and java fern on driftwood work well in an acara tank.

    12. Sajica Cichlid (T-Bar Cichlid)

    • Scientific Name: Cryptoheros sajica
    • Size: 5 inches (13 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 29 gallons (110 L)
    • Water Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
    • pH: 7.0-8.0
    • Diet: Omnivorous

    The sajica is a Central American cichlid with a chunky body shape and impressive fin development in males. Less commonly kept than the other cichlids on this list, which makes it a more distinctive choice. Peaceful enough to keep with larger community fish in a 30-gallon (113 L) or larger setup, though breeding aggression elevates when a pair forms. A solid intermediate-level centerpiece for keepers who want something beyond the standard dwarf cichlid options.

    13. Red Irian Rainbowfish

    Red Irian Rainbowfish
    • Scientific Name: Glossolepis incisus
    • Size: 6 inches (15 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 L) for a school
    • Water Temperature: 72-77°F (22-25°C)
    • pH: 7.0-8.0
    • Diet: Omnivorous

    The red Irian rainbowfish is a schooling centerpiece species, meaning the visual impact comes from the group rather than a single fish. Males develop deep scarlet-red coloration with a humped back profile that’s distinctive. A school of 6-8 in a 55-gallon (208 L) tank with hard, alkaline water is impressive. They’re peaceful and fast-moving, which makes them compatible with a wide range of mid-water and bottom-dwelling companions.

    14. Rainbow Shark

    Rainbow Shark
    • Scientific Name: Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
    • Size: 5-6 inches (13-15 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 L)
    • Water Temperature: 68-78°F (20-26°C)
    • pH: 6.5-8.0
    • Diet: Omnivorous

    The rainbow shark is a territorial bottom-level centerpiece. Black body, bright red fins, streamlined shape. One per tank is the rule. They’re aggressive toward similar-shaped fish and will chase and stress bottom dwellers that enter their territory. Keep them with mid-water and surface species that stay out of the bottom zone. In a well-structured 55-gallon (208 L) with appropriate tank mates, they’re striking and active.

    Large Tanks: 60 Gallons (227 L) and Up

    15. Discus

    Discus Fish in Aquarium
    • Scientific Name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus
    • Size: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (284 L) for a group
    • Water Temperature: 82-86°F (28-30°C)
    • pH: 6.0-7.0
    • Diet: Carnivorous, prefers meaty prepared foods

    Discus is the showstopper. No freshwater fish has a more dramatic disc-shaped body profile or a wider range of color patterns in the hobby. They’re the premium centerpiece fish for experienced keepers who have the infrastructure for it. Very warm water, stable chemistry, large groups for psychological stability, and frequent water changes. They don’t tolerate new tank conditions or parameter fluctuations. But in a properly set up dedicated discus tank, there’s nothing else like them.

    16. Severum Cichlid

    Yellow Severum Cichlid
    • Scientific Name: Heros efasciatus
    • Size: 6-10 inches (15-25 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 L)
    • Water Temperature: 72-84°F (22-29°C)
    • pH: 5.5-7.0
    • Diet: Omnivorous

    The severum is one of the most accessible large cichlid centerpiece options. It’s relatively peaceful for its size, adaptable in terms of water parameters, and available in impressive color variants including golden and red tiger. Compatible with gouramis, larger tetras, and other peaceful South American cichlids of similar size. The personality is engaging, and they learn to recognize their keeper over time.

    17. Black Ghost Knifefish

    Black Ghost Knifefish in Aquarium
    • Scientific Name: Apteronotus albifrons
    • Size: Up to 20 inches (51 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 100+ gallons (378 L) for adults
    • Water Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
    • pH: 6.0-8.0
    • Diet: Carnivorous

    The black ghost knifefish is the oddball centerpiece. It moves via a single elongated fin rather than its body. It uses electroreception to navigate and detect prey in the dark. It learns to feed from your hand. Nothing about it is ordinary, and that’s exactly why it works as a centerpiece. Large, capable, and genuinely unique. But not beginner territory: nocturnal, scaleless (medication-sensitive), grows large, and eats small fish. Build the setup before you buy one.

    18. Geophagus Sveni

    • Scientific Name: Geophagus sveni
    • Size: 9 inches (23 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (284 L)
    • Water Temperature: 76-84°F (24-29°C)
    • pH: 6.0-7.0
    • Diet: Omnivorous, substrate sifter

    Earth-eating cichlids like geophagus species are among the most interesting large centerpiece fish available. They sift through substrate continuously, running mouthfuls of sand through their gill rakers to extract food. In a tank with deep fine sand, watching a geophagus work the substrate is genuinely entertaining. They’re relatively peaceful compared to most large cichlids and can be kept in groups. Deep fine sand is a requirement, not a preference.

    19. Fancy Goldfish

    Ryukin Goldfish
    • Scientific Name: Carassius auratus
    • Size: 6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
    • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (113 L) per fish
    • Water Temperature: 65-72°F (18-22°C)
    • pH: 7.0-8.0
    • Diet: Omnivorous

    Fancy goldfish work as centerpiece fish in dedicated cold-water setups. They have dramatic body shapes and color, but they need cold water and produce enormous waste for their size. They don’t go in tropical tanks. In a properly filtered, cold-water goldfish setup, a well-maintained fancy variety like a ryukin or oranda is a genuine showstopper. The commitment is filtration, space, and cold water chemistry.

    What People Get Wrong About Centerpiece Fish

    The most common mistake: buying a centerpiece fish and then filling the tank around it the same way you’d fill any other tank. The centerpiece concept requires restraint. Space is the point. Visual openness in the tank lets the fish be seen. Overcrowding removes the effect entirely and usually stresses the centerpiece species as well.

    Second mistake: adding a German blue ram or discus to a new tank because they’re beautiful. Both require established, mature tank chemistry. Both crash in new tanks. Set up the tank first, verify the parameters, then add the fish.

    Third: ignoring the size-at-maturity issue. A 3-inch (7.5 cm) juvenile angelfish doesn’t look like a centerpiece fish. A 6-inch (15 cm) adult in a 55-gallon (208 L) planted tank with the right companions absolutely does. Many centerpiece fish don’t show their visual potential until they’re at or near adult size.

    AVOID IF

    You want a GBR or discus and your tank is new. You’re adding a centerpiece fish to an overcrowded tank and expecting it to stand out. You want angelfish and are keeping them with neon tetras or other small nano fish. You want a rainbow shark and plan to keep it with corydoras or other bottom dwellers that will share its territory. You’re adding a black ghost knifefish to anything under 100 gallons (378 L) thinking it stays small.

    MARK’S PICK

    For small tanks: the honey gourami, every time. Most peaceful, easiest to keep, genuinely striking in breeding color. For medium tanks: the pearl gourami. Most versatile centerpiece in the hobby. Works in almost any community tank, impressive color, long-lived. For large tanks: the electric blue acara or a pair of severums. Both are visually commanding, reasonably peaceful, and don’t require the precision water chemistry of discus or GBR. If you have the experience and the infrastructure, the German blue ram in a dedicated mature planted tank is one of the best centerpiece fish in freshwater.

    Should You Get a Centerpiece Fish?

    Good fit if:

    • You want to build a tank with a clear focal species that commands attention
    • You have appropriate tank size and are willing to stock around the centerpiece rather than overstocking it
    • You have stable water parameters appropriate for your chosen species
    • You’re willing to research compatibility before buying tank mates

    Avoid if:

    • Your tank is already heavily stocked and you want to add “one more interesting fish”
    • You’re choosing based on appearance alone without checking compatibility or water requirements
    • Your tank is new and you want a German blue ram or discus
    • You have nano fish (neon tetras, small rasboras) and want angelfish in the same tank

    Where to Buy

    For bettas, gouramis, angelfish, and common dwarf cichlids, local fish stores carry regular stock. For specialty species like apistogrammas, electric blue acara, scarlet badis, and geophagus, online specialty retailers are more reliable for quality and selection.

    Flip Aquatics is an excellent source for quality centerpiece species with strong stock health and regular specialty availability. Dan’s Fish carries a solid selection of freshwater species including dwarf cichlids and gourami varieties.

    FAQ

    What is the most peaceful centerpiece fish?

    The honey gourami. It’s the least aggressive of the gourami species, gets along with nearly all peaceful community fish, and develops striking orange color in breeding condition. For nano tanks, it’s the most universally compatible centerpiece option available.

    What is the best centerpiece fish for a 55-gallon tank?

    Freshwater angelfish work well in a 55-gallon (208 L) tank. Keep a small group of 3-4 with larger peaceful companions like black skirt tetras, corydoras, and otos. Avoid neon tetras and other small nano fish, as angelfish will eat them at adult size.

    Can I keep a German blue ram as a centerpiece fish?

    Yes, but the setup has to be right first. The GBR needs 80-86°F (27-30°C) water, pristine parameters, and a fully cycled, mature tank. In a properly set up planted tank, it’s one of the most impressive small centerpiece fish available. In a new or substandard tank, it won’t survive long.

    What centerpiece fish can I keep with neon tetras?

    Honey gouramis, dwarf gouramis, Bolivian rams, and apistogrammas all work with neon tetras in a properly sized tank. Avoid angelfish, which will eat neon tetras at adult size, and German blue rams, which need higher temperature than neons tolerate comfortably.

    How many centerpiece fish can I have in one tank?

    Generally one centerpiece species per tank. The concept of a centerpiece fish is that it commands attention. Multiple competing centerpiece species usually means territorial conflict and the loss of visual impact for both. Exceptions include schooling species like angelfish or rainbowfish that look best in groups, and compatible pairs of dwarf cichlids that display together.

    What is the best centerpiece fish for a planted aquarium?

    The German blue ram or apistogramma in a mature planted setup. Both are colorful, low-profile cichlids that enhance a planted tank without uprooting plants. Pearl gouramis also work well in planted communities. Avoid large cichlids that dig heavily, like geophagus, in planted setups.

    Closing Thoughts

    The centerpiece fish is the one decision in community tank building that everything else revolves around. Get it right and the whole tank comes together. Ignore it and you end up with a collection of fish that don’t relate to each other visually or behaviorally.

    Match the fish to your actual tank size, your actual water parameters, and the actual companions you plan to keep. Give it space. Build around it. A pearl gourami in a properly spaced 30-gallon (113 L) planted tank with the right companions is more impressive than an overcrowded 75-gallon (284 L) with five competing centerpiece species.

    Ready to find your centerpiece fish? Check out Flip Aquatics for healthy dwarf cichlids, gouramis, and specialty species, or browse Dan’s Fish for quality freshwater stock delivered to your door.

  • Best Fish for a 20 Gallon Tank: 21 Great Choices That Actually Work

    Best Fish for a 20 Gallon Tank: 21 Great Choices That Actually Work

    Twenty gallons is where the hobby gets interesting. It’s big enough to run a real community, stable enough that one missed water change won’t crash everything, and small enough that most people can actually fit it in their home. After 25 years in this hobby and time managing fish stores, I’ve set up more 20-gallon community tanks than I can count. A well-stocked 20-gallon is more impressive than a 75-gallon done wrong.

    Most people treat the 20-gallon as a starter tank. The ones who stock it right never want to move up.

    Expert Take — Mark Valderrama, AquariumStoreDepot

    The 20-gallon is my go-to recommendation when someone upgrades from a 10-gallon. That extra space genuinely changes what you can do. But here’s what I tell everyone: get the 20-long, not the 20-high. The longer footprint gives your fish more horizontal swimming room, more bottom real estate for corydoras, and more plant coverage for your centerpiece fish. The 20-high looks taller in the store but frustrates you at home. I’ve seen people cram angelfish into 20-gallon highs thinking the height compensates for footprint. It doesn’t. Go long, build the community right, and this size will be the best tank you own.

    Key Takeaways

    • A 20-gallon tank is a great size for a beginner tropical fish tank
    • Many of the most popular aquarium fish species are ideal for 20-gallon fish tanks
    • You can get the most out of your tank by stocking a peaceful combination of schooling, bottom-dwelling, and centerpiece fish
    • The number of freshwater fish you can keep will depend on their size, the shape of your tank, and the quality of your filtration system. Understocking your fish tank will reduce the amount of maintenance you need to do.

    What People Get Wrong About 20-Gallon Tanks

    The most common mistake I see: treating the 20-long and 20-high as the same tank. They hold the same water, but they are not the same tank.

    The 20-long (30 inches x 12 inches) gives you a 360 square inch footprint. The 20-high (24 inches x 12 inches) gives you 288 square inches. That’s a 25% reduction in floor space. For bottom-dwelling fish like corydoras, for territorial dwarf cichlids that need their own zones, and for active schooling fish that need horizontal run room, that difference matters a lot.

    The second mistake: stocking based on what looks good at the store, not what works together long-term. A 20-gallon has limits. Push those limits with incompatible fish or oversized species, and the problems stack fast: aggression, parameter crashes, sick fish. The list below is built around species that actually work in this size, not just fish that technically survive in it.

    The third mistake, and this one costs people fish: not knowing minimum school sizes. Three neon tetras in a 20-gallon is not a school. It’s three stressed fish. A proper school of small tetras needs at least six individuals, and ten to twelve is where they really start behaving naturally and looking the way you imagined when you bought them.

    Setup For 20-gallon Aquarium

    Before I introduce some excellent freshwater fish for your 20-gallon aquarium, let’s take a few moments to cover some important concepts when setting up a successful community tank.

    Why Choose This Aquarium Size

    The 20-gallon tank is probably the best all-around choice for a beginner’s community aquarium tank. This tank size offers a number of benefits, including:

    • Affordable tank and equipment
    • Most homes have enough spare space for a 2 – 2.5 foot tank
    • Lightweight enough to be kept on sturdy, level furniture
    • Large enough tank to offer some water quality stability but small enough to make water changes easy
    • Wide range of stocking options

    Long vs High – Which Shape to Choose?

    20-gallon aquariums come in two standard shapes, and each one has its own pros and cons.

    The 20-gallon long is generally the best choice because it has a larger floor area or ‘footprint’. This means it can house more bottom-dwelling fish and plants.

    However, the 20-gallon high takes up less floor space in your home, so this option is better if you have limited free space.


    Aqueon 20 Gallon Tank


    Aqueon 20 Gallon Tank

    A classic 20 gallon aquarium in its 30 inch long variant. A very popular aquarium.


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    Stocking Your Aquarium – How Many is Too Many??

    This is the age-old question in the aquarium hobby because many fishkeepers want to keep as many fish as possible. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer, and the safest piece of advice is to understock your aquarium rather than cram your tank.

    As a very rough guideline, you could easily keep 10 – 15 small (1-2 inch) fish in a tank of this size with good filtration and regular maintenance. However, maintaining good water conditions becomes more difficult as you add more fish or increase the size of the fish species you keep.

    How To Create A Community

    Different fish species have different habits and behavior. Some fish need the company of their own species and must be kept in schools. Others are perfectly happy alone, and some are so territorial that keeping them together with their own kind is a recipe for disaster!

    Different species use their swimming space in different ways too. Some are very active and swim around in the middle of the tank all day. Others spend most of their time hanging out at the bottom or hiding away in caves.

    So how do you safely create a peaceful community tank that just works? There are loads of options out there, but the following example is tried and tested:

    • A small group of schooling bottom dwellers like corydoras catfish
    • A school of mid-water fish like tetras
    • A pair or single centerpiece fish. The ideal centerpiece fish species is peaceful, slightly larger than its tank mates, but not large enough to snack on them.

    Of course, each fish species needs to be compatible in terms of their temperature and water parameter needs. Choosing fish species that come from the same natural habitats and areas of the world is a great way to make sure each fish will be comfortable.

    How We Selected These Fish

    1. Adult size: stays manageable for a 20-gallon footprint
    2. Community compatibility: peaceful enough for a mixed community
    3. Bioload: sustainable for a 20-gallon filtration setup
    4. Availability: findable at most LFS or online
    5. Visual interest: contributes meaningfully to the tank’s aesthetic

    Is a 20-Gallon Right for These Fish?

    Works Well

    • Community of small schooling fish (tetras, rasboras, danios)
    • Centerpiece fish with smaller companions
    • Planted tank with nano species
    • Beginner to intermediate fish

    Avoid

    • Large cichlids that need territory
    • Fish over 4 inches as adults
    • Highly territorial species that need more space to buffer aggression
    • Goldfish (need more space, different water temp)

    Best Fish For 20 Gallon Tanks

    Now that you know a little more about setting up an awesome 20-gallon aquarium, let’s move on to the real stars of the show – the fish!

    There are so many amazing fish that can be housed in a 20-gallon tank that choosing a few for a single tank is pretty daunting. Well, look no further – the 21 species in this list are all perfect choices! We got a video from our YouTube Channel below and further details in our blog!

    Everything you need to know about each species is included, too, so you can pick out your schooling species, bottom-dwellers, and centerpiece fish with ease.

    Let’s meet some fish!

    1. Betta

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    Betta Fish are one of the most beautiful varieties of freshwater fish available in the hobby. Easy to care for with plenty of varieties!


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    • Scientific name: Betta splendens
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Adult fish size: 2.5 inches
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • Temperature: 75 – 80 °F
    • pH: 6.8 – 7.5
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Swim Level: Top & Mid-water
    • Type: Centerpiece fish

    The betta fish or Siamese fighting fish makes an ideal centerpiece fish for a 20-gallon tank. You’ve probably heard how aggressive these fish can be, and while that’s true when keeping more than one, they are usually very safe with other peaceful fish species.

    Mark’s Top Pick for a 20-Gallon Community

    My go-to build for a 20-long: a school of 10 rummy nose tetras in the midwater, 6 panda or emerald corydoras working the bottom, and a single pair of apistogrammas as the centerpiece. The apistos claim the bottom third, the corys clean up without triggering territorial behavior, and the rummy noses fill the upper column with synchronized movement. This combination works because the fish use different zones and the rummy noses’ tight schooling behavior actually keeps the apistos calmer. It’s the most visually complete 20-gallon setup I’ve built.

    2. Rummy Nose Tetra


    Rummy Nose Tetra


    Rummy Nose Tetra

    An easy to care for Tetra fish that loves to school. Very peaceful fish that are great for beginners


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    • Scientific name: Hemigrammus rhodostomus
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 2 inches
    • Origin: South America
    • Temperature: 76 – 80 °F
    • pH: 5.5 – 7
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Swim Level: Mid-water
    • Type: Schooling fish

    The rummy nose tetra is an excellent choice for the midwater of a 20-gallon community tank. These silvery fish really stand out with their black and white striped tails and bright red faces. They are true schooling fish so pick up a group of at least six for an awesome display.

    3. Dwarf Gourami

    Dwarf Gourami in Aquarium
    • Scientific name: Trichogaster lalius
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 2.5 – 3.5 inches
    • Origin: Pakistan, Bangladesh, India
    • Temperature: 72 – 82 °F
    • pH: 6 – 8
    • Diet: Omnivore
    • Swim Level: Top & Mid-water
    • Type: Centerpiece fish

    The Dwarf Gourami is a beautiful tropical fish with a deep body shape and interesting hair-like pelvic fins. These fish are available in a few color morphs like the stunning powder blue gourami and others with varying shades of neon blue and red.

    Dwarf Gouramis are great centerpiece fish, but they will be happiest if kept in a pair. You could keep two females together but avoid two males as they will fight with each other.

    4. Cory Catfish

    What Does A Cory Catfish Look Like
    • Scientific name: Corydoras spp.
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons for most species
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 1 – 3 inches
    • Origin: South America
    • Temperature: Species-dependent. Most thrive in 74 – 80 °F
    • pH: 7 – 8
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Swim Level: Bottom
    • Type: Schooling fish

    Cory catfish don’t have the intense colors of the other species on this list, but they are super interesting and peaceful fish. There are many different species available in the aquarium hobby, but most will do great if kept in a small school in a tropical community aquarium.

    Corydoras are bottom-dwellers, but don’t be surprised to see them shoot up to the surface for a breath of air every now and then. These fish will feed on leftover food from the midwater fish above, but they also need a good quality sinking food for a balanced diet.

    5. Apistogrammas

    Apistogramma cacatuoides
    • Scientific name: Apistogramma spp.
    • Care level: Intermediate to advanced
    • Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful – semi-aggressive
    • Adult size: 2 – 3 inches
    • Origin: South America
    • Temperature: 74 – 80 °F
    • pH: 6 – 7
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Swim Level: Bottom
    • Type: Centerpiece fish

    Apistogrammas are South American dwarf cichlids that have amazing colors and great personalities. There are many species available in the hobby, but the cockatoo dwarf apistogramma (A. cacatuoides) is one of the most popular and easy to find.

    These tiny cichlids are available in many bright color morphs and they make great centerpiece fish in a 20-gallon long or high. These little guys can be territorial, so stick to just one male and female to keep the peace.

    6. Zebra Danios

    What Does A Zebra Danio Look Like
    • Scientific name: Brachydanio rerio
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 1.5 – 2 inches
    • Origin: India
    • Temperature: 64 – 77 °F
    • pH: 7 – 7.8
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Swim Level: Top & Mid-water
    • Type: Schooling fish or Centerpiece fish

    Zebra Danios are excellent community fish if you enjoy loads of movement in your tank. This active and peaceful species is very affordable, so you won’t break the bank by buying a nice school of 6 to 8. Zebra danios are super-tough too, so they are the perfect choice for novice fish keepers.

    7. Bolivian Ram

    Bolivan Ram Cichlid
    • Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 2.5 – 3 inches
    • Origin: Brazil and Bolivia
    • Temperature: 75 – 82 °F
    • pH: 6 – 7.5
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Swim Level: Mid-water & Bottom
    • Type: Centerpiece fish

    The Bolivian ram is a stunning centerpiece species that is right at home in a 20-gallon tank. However, this is the smallest tank size for these fish, so a pair is the most you’re going to get away with.

    Unlike African cichlids, these beautiful fish are very peaceful fish and they will do best in a well-planted tank with some cozy hiding spots.

    8. Ember Tetras


    Ember Tetra


    Ember Tetra

    A small red tetra that grows up to 1.25 inches. A very peaceful schooling fish


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    • Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon amandae
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 0.75 inches
    • Origin: Brazil
    • Temperature: 72 – 82 °F
    • pH: 5 – 7
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Swim Level: Mid-water
    • Type: Schooling fish

    Ember Tetras are a great choice if you’re planning a busy 20-gallon tank with many small fish. With good filtration, you could easily house 12 or more of these tiny fish in the mid-level of the tank and still have room for some bottom dwellers below.

    9. Kribensis

    Kribensis Cichlid Male and Female
    • Scientific name: Pelvicachromis pulcher
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful – semi-aggressive
    • Adult size: 3 – 4 inches
    • Origin: West Africa
    • Temperature: 75 – 81 °F
    • pH: 5 – 7.5
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Swim Level: Mid-water & Bottom
    • Type: Centerpiece fish

    Kribensis are beautiful African cichlids that can be kept in a 20-gallon tank and their bright colors and bold stripes make them awesome centrepiece fish. A pair will even breed in a tank this size, although they can become pretty aggressive when spawning.

    Choose hardy, fast-swimming tank mates like the zebra danio that will make your kribs more confident and easily escape them when breeding.

    10. Harlequin Rasbora


    Harlequin Rasbora


    Harlequin Rasbora

    A peaceful schooling fish. An ideal community fish. A great beginner fish


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    • Scientific name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 2.5 inches
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • Temperature: 70 – 82 °F
    • pH: 5 – 7.5
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Swim Level: Top & Mid-water
    • Type: Schooling fish

    Harlequin rasboras are always a great choice when setting up community tanks because they combine great colors and a placid nature. These pale orange fish get along perfectly with other peaceful fish and aquarium life, especially in a planted tank.

    11. Checkerboard Cichlid

    • Scientific name: Dicrossus filamentosus
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 3 – 4 inches
    • Origin: South America
    • Temperature: 79 – 86 °F
    • pH: 4.5 – 6.5
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Swim Level: Bottom
    • Type: Centerpiece fish

    The checkerboard cichlid (video source) is an interesting species that not many fishkeepers know about. However, these streamlined South American cichlids are great for experienced fishkeepers with a 20-gallon tank because they stay small and live peacefully with other tank mates.

    These fish are ideal for a blackwater biotope with other species that need soft, acidic water.

    12. Cardinal Tetra


    Cardinal Tetra


    Cardinal Tetra

    A very popular schooling fish. Looks like the Neon Tetra, but with longer blue and red stripes. Grows larger than a neon tetra as well


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    • Scientific name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 1.25 inches
    • Origin: South America
    • Temperature: 74 – 84 °F
    • pH: 4.5 – 6.5
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Swim Level: Top & Mid-water
    • Type: Schooling fish

    Freshwater fish don’t get much more colorful than the cardinal tetra. These stunning fish are the slightly larger and rarer cousin of the popular neon tetras of the Amazon River Basin.

    A school of 6 to 12 cardinal tetras would look amazing in a well-planted fish tank with one or two other peaceful species at the bottom of the tank.

    13. Honey Gourami


    Honey Gourami


    Honey Gourami

    One of the more peaceful Gourami fish available in the hobby. Has a unique yellow coloration and only grows up to 2 inches in length


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    • Scientific name: Trichogaster chuna
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 2 inches
    • Origin: India
    • Temperature: 72 – 81 °F
    • pH: 6 – 7.5
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Swim Level: Top & Mid-water
    • Type: Centerpiece fish

    Honey Gouramis are smaller and more peaceful than dwarf gouramis, making them ideal as a centerpiece fish or even a small group. These colorful fish are a great choice for community tanks where they will get along great with schooling species like neon tetras or zebra danios and bottom dwellers like cory catfish.

    14. Cherry Barb


    Cherry Barb


    Cherry Barb

    A popular freshwater fish from the barb family. One of the most peaceful barb fish


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    • Scientific name: Puntius titteya
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 2 inches
    • Origin: Sri Lanka
    • Temperature: 72 – 80 °F
    • pH: 6 – 8
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Swim Level: Mid-water
    • Type: Schooling fish

    Cherry Barbs are another excellent community fish for 20-gallon tanks. Their peach-orange color, bold scale pattern, and dark lateral stripe make them mesmerizing schooling fish if kept in a group of at least 6.

    This popular species is ideal for an Asian biotope aquarium with bottom dwellers like kuhli loaches and peaceful gouramis.

    15. Peacock Gudgeon

    Peacock Gudgeon Fish
    • Scientific name: Tateurndina ocellicauda
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 15 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 3 inches
    • Origin: Papua New Guinea
    • Temperature: 72 – 79 °F
    • pH: 6.5 – 7.5
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Swim Level: Bottom
    • Type: Centerpiece fish

    Are you looking for a unique and colorful addition for your twenty-gallon tank? Look no further than the peacock gudgeon! This species is a great choice for the bottom of your tank, especially if you keep them in small group.

    These fish are very easy to care for, although they can be fussy eaters at first. They will adapt quickly if you provide plenty of hiding places at the bottom of the tank and feed them live and frozen foods like bloodworms.

    16. Guppy


    Guppy Fish


    Guppy Fish

    An undemanding fish that is a livebearer. Many varieties available


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    • Scientific name: Poecilia reticulata
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 1.5 – 2.5 inches
    • Origin: South America
    • Temperature: 63 – 82 °F
    • pH: 7 – 8.5
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Swim Level: All levels
    • Type: Schooling fish

    Fancy guppies are often overlooked because they are so common, but they are an excellent choice for a community tank, especially if you have naturally hard water.

    Male guppies are particularly colorful, and their flowing fins really make them stand out in community tanks. Guppies are a favorite fish all over the world thanks to their hardy nature, high activity levels, and ease of care.

    17. Splendid Killifish

    Killifish in Aquarium
    • Scientific name: Aphyosemion splendopleure
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful, shy
    • Adult size: 2 inches
    • Origin: West Africa
    • Temperature: 72 – 79 °F
    • pH: 6 – 7
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Swim Level: Mid-water
    • Type: Centerpiece fish

    The splendid killifish is another interesting choice for more experienced fish keepers. These shy fish hail from forested streams of West Africa where their natural habitat is always dimly lit.

    Keep your splendid killifish in a tank with plenty of live and floating plants or under low lighting to see them at their best.

    18. Red Eye Tetra

    Red Eye Tetra
    • Scientific name: Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful but active
    • Adult size: 2.5 – 3 inches
    • Origin: Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil
    • Temperature: 73 – 82 °F
    • pH: 6 – 7
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Swim Level: Mid-water
    • Type: Schooling fish

    The red eye tetra is a common and affordable freshwater community fish that is perfect for aquarists who want a slightly larger schooling fish.

    These active tetras need fish tanks with plenty of open swimming space, so a 20-gallon long is going to be the best choice. A group of 6 to 8 will bring a flash of silver and red to the middle layers of your tank.

    19. German Rams

    German Ram Cichlid in Tank
    • Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
    • Care level: Intermediate-advanced
    • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 1.5 inches
    • Origin: Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia
    • Temperature: 80 – 86 °F
    • pH: 5 – 7
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Swim Level: Bottom & Mid-water
    • Type: Centerpiece fish

    German rams are colorful and confident dwarf cichlids from South America that are available in many breeds and color morphs, including long-finned, golden, and electric blue ram.

    These tropical fish require warm conditions and high water quality to thrive, which is why they are generally recommended for more experienced fish keepers. However, with the right diet and care a pair of these stunning centerpiece fish will be the stars of your 20-gallon tank.

    20. Celestial Pearl Danio


    Celestial Pearl Danio


    Celestial Pearl Danio

    A great-looking danio fish. Males are more colorful than females. A midway dwelling fish


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    Buy From Petco Online

    • Scientific name: Celestichthys margaritatus
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 0.75 inches
    • Origin: Myanmar
    • Temperature: 68 – 78 °F
    • pH: 6.5 – 7.5
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Swim Level: Mid-water & Bottom
    • Type: Schooling fish

    The Celestial pearl danio is a tiny Asian species (also known as leopard danio) that was first discovered less than two decades ago. Since then they have become extremely popular in the aquarium trade for their beautiful colors and markings.

    These leopard danios thrive in cooler water, so they aren’t the ideal choice for warm-water tropicals like ram cichlids. Larger mid-water fish often outcompete them at mealtimes, so pick a couple of other peaceful nano species for their tank mates.

    21. Black Neon Tetra


    Black Neon Tetra


    Black Neon Tetra

    A variant neon variety. More reliant than neon and cardinal tetras


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    Buy From Petco Online

    • Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 15 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult size: 1.5 inches
    • Origin: Brazil
    • Temperature: 68 – 82°F
    • pH: 5 – 7.5
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Swim Level: Top & Mid-water
    • Type: Schooling fish

    Black neon tetras are active schooling fish from South America that spend most of their time in the middle to upper levels of the aquarium.

    These hardy fish are great tankmates for a small group of corydoras and a pair of electric blue rams in a tropical community setup. For the smallest corys, check out the pgymy or panda corydoras.

    What Most 20-Gallon Stocking Lists Get Wrong

    • Not distinguishing 20-long from 20-high: they hold the same water but fish that need swimming room suffer in the shorter footprint
    • Recommending too many species without addressing compatibility: temperature overlaps, aggression triggers, and bioload stack up fast in 20 gallons
    • Ignoring temperature overlap: checkerboard cichlids need 79-86F, celestial pearl danios top out at 78F. They can’t share a tank, yet both appear on most stocking lists without that caveat
    • Not mentioning school size minimums: 3 neon tetras is not a school. It’s 3 stressed fish. A functional school in a 20-gallon is 8-12 individuals for small species

    FAQs

    How many fish can I keep in a 20-gallon tank?

    It depends on species size and your filtration. A realistic community for a 20-gallon: a school of 8-10 small tetras or rasboras, 4-6 corydoras, and 1-2 centerpiece fish. That’s roughly 14-18 fish, heavily weighted toward small species. Avoid the “inch per gallon” rule entirely. It was never accurate for anything other than the smallest fish in the simplest tanks.

    Should I get a 20-gallon long or a 20-gallon high?

    Get the 20-long. It has a larger footprint (30 x 12 inches versus 24 x 12 inches), which means more horizontal swimming space, more bottom area for corydoras, and more planting room. The 20-high is a compromise that mainly benefits people who are tight on horizontal space and can accept fewer stocking options.

    Can I keep a betta with other fish in a 20-gallon?

    Yes, and a 20-gallon is actually a great size for a betta community. Pair a single male betta with peaceful bottom dwellers like corydoras and small mid-water schooling fish like ember tetras or harlequin rasboras. Avoid fin nippers like tiger barbs and avoid other betta males entirely. The extra water volume helps diffuse aggression and gives tank mates escape room.

    What fish can’t I keep in a 20-gallon?

    Goldfish need more space and different water temperatures. Large cichlids need territory. Oscars, flowerhorns, and similar species will outgrow a 20-gallon before they’re a year old. Angels are borderline: a single angel can work in a 20-gallon long, but a pair will become territorial and stress everything else. When in doubt, look up the adult size and minimum tank recommendation before you buy.

    Do I need live plants in a 20-gallon community tank?

    Not required, but they make a significant difference. Live plants reduce nitrates between water changes, provide hiding spots that reduce stress and aggression, and make the tank look dramatically better. For a 20-gallon, low-tech plants like java fern, anubias, and cryptocoryne species work with most standard lighting and require no CO2 injection.

    What is the best centerpiece fish for a 20-gallon?

    For a peaceful planted community, a pair of apistogrammas or a single male betta is hard to beat. For something more personable and hardy, a pair of Bolivian rams works well. For visual impact without aggression, the honey gourami is underrated and underused. Avoid keeping two male dwarf gouramis together: they will fight, and the disease risk from mass-farmed specimens is real.

    Final Thoughts

    A 20-gallon done right is one of the most satisfying tanks in the hobby. It’s big enough to create real ecosystem dynamics, small enough to stay manageable, and the right size to actually watch fish behavior rather than just see colored shapes moving in the distance.

    The 21 species on this list all work. But the tank only comes together when you match species intentionally: fish that share temperature ranges, use different tank zones, and leave each other alone most of the time. Pick your community with that framework in mind, not just by what caught your eye at the fish store.

    Choose the right fish. Get the 20-long. Stock it with intention. You’ll build a tank that looks like it was designed by someone who actually knows what they’re doing. Because it will be.

    Got a 20-gallon running? Tell us what you’re keeping in the comments below.

    📘 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide: your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

    References

  • Fish With Legs: 15 Wild Species That Can Actually Walk

    Fish With Legs: 15 Wild Species That Can Actually Walk

    One of the things I genuinely love about this hobby is how often it surprises people outside of it. Tell someone there are fish that can walk on land and they look at you like you’re making things up. I’ve seen some of these species in person at tradeshows like Aquashella, and they never fail to draw a crowd. Some use modified fins to “walk,” others can breathe air and survive for extended periods out of water. each one is a reminder that fish as a group are far weirder and more adaptable than most people give them credit for.

    Key Takeaways

    • Many species of marine and freshwater fish have evolved to walk along sea beds and coral reefs or even leave the water to move over land.
    • While certain fish do have leg-like limbs, none have true legs like four-legged land-dwelling animals (tetrapods)
    • Many walking fish use their strong pectoral fins to pull themselves along, but some species also use their pelvic fins like hind legs
    • Many fascinating fish with legs are available in the aquarium hobby, but they should only be kept in aquariums or large paludariums with good water quality and plenty of swimming space

    Do Fish Have Legs?

    There are many examples of fish with leg-like fins, but no modern fish with true legs. Having ‘legs’ helps these species move, feed and escape predators and dangerous conditions.

    However, fish have a very limited ability to survive outside of the water. No matter how leg-like a fish’s limbs may appear, they are still technically fins, and fish must keep their skin wet to survive out of water.

    Keep reading to learn more about how fish use their legs.

    Can They Walk On Land?

    There are many fish that can walk out of water but most save this ability for desperate times when their homes are drying up or they need to find a new water body to live in.

    Fish like walking catfish can cover pretty impressive distances to find a new pool, but they can’t live out of the water forever.

    However, some fish actually prefer to stay out of the water. Mudskipper fish can drag themselves around on land, dig burrows, end even climb on tree roots, and they spend most of their time in the open air.

    Then you get fish with leg-like structures that never leave the water at all. Instead, these fish use their ‘legs’ to walk along the ocean floor or crawl around on the reef.

    Why Walk In The Water?

    You’re probably wondering why a fish would choose to walk on the bottom of the sea rather than simply swim. Let’s take a look at a few benefits of walking:

    Energy Saving

    The current is a lot weaker at the bottom, so fish can save energy by staying down low. Friction from contact with the ground also keeps them from drifting even in a weak current.

    Camouflage

    Some fish with legs look just like the reef or ocean floor where they live. By walking around slowly they can fool their prey into coming close enough to catch, sort of like an invisibility cloak.

    Safety

    Looking like the ground also keeps marine walking fish safe from predators who can’t see them. Walking species like the batfish and frogfish are not the greatest swimmers, so they’d have no chance of escape if a predator found them up in the open water.

    The First Tetrapods (Land Animals)

    Scientists believe the first vertebrate animals left the water to walk on land nearly 400 million years ago. It was a gradual process, but those extinct fish species paved the way for humans and land animals to walk the earth.

    This happened when fish evolved lungs to breathe air and modified fins that allowed them to leave the water. They dragged themselves around with their pectoral fins then, just a little at first, but more and more over time.

    15 Fish With Legs

    Are you ready to walk through our list of 15 amazing fish with legs? The great thing about this list is that many of the species make great aquarium pets. Just don’t try to fit number 15 into that fish tank in your living room!

    Let’s dive in.

    1. Axolotl

    Wild Type Axolotl
    • Scientific Name: Ambystoma mexicanum
    • Diet: Carnivore, eats small fish, insects, and even other salamanders
    • Size: 9 – 12 inches (sometimes up to 18 inches)
    • Origin: Mexico (Mexico City)
    • Type: Freshwater
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    Ok, so Axolotls aren’t technically fish, but they are great fish tank pets, so we just had to include them here! The axolotl, or Mexican walking fish, is an adorable salamander species from a couple of lakes in Mexico.

    Unlike regular salamanders, these unusual aquatic creatures never outgrow their gills and webbed feet, so they live under the water all their lives – making them in essence a four leg fish.

    Sadly, this fish-like creature is now critically endangered in its natural habitat due to pollution, drainage, and other environmental problems, but they live on in the aquarium hobby all over the world.

    Mexican walking fish make great pets, and their albino form is a truly eye-catching creature in a freshwater aquarium. These guys need cool water and a tank of at least 20 gallons to thrive.

    2. Hillstream Loaches

    Hillstream Loach in Tank
    • Scientific Name: Sewellia sp. etc.
    • Diet: Omnivore, eats small invertebrates, algae, and biofilm
    • Size: 2.5 inches
    • Origin: Asia
    • Type: Freshwater
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    Hillstream loaches are a strange group of fish. Scientists have discovered that several species have the ability to walk on land due to their enlarged pelvic girdle.

    You’re not likely to see your regular reticulated hillstream loach walking on dry land, but they are clearly adapted to move over the rocky bottom of fast-flowing streams.

    However, the cave angelfish, a tiny blind species from Southeast Asia is well known for its ability to climb waterfalls. Its special skeletal structure might give us living insights into the way legs first developed in aquatic animal life.

    3. Dinosaur Bichir

    Bichir Fish in Aquarium
    • Scientific Name: Polypterus senegalus
    • Diet: Carnivore, eats aquatic invertebrates and other fish
    • Size: 14 inches
    • Origin: Africa
    • Type: Freshwater
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    The dinosaur bichir is an awesome freshwater species with the amazing ability to move on land. These fish can breathe below and above the water. Dinosaur bichirs use a wriggling serpentine motion and their specially adapted fins to propel them across the ground.

    This is a fish with legs that you can keep in a larger home aquarium, but I don’t recommend taking this pet out for walks!

    4. Mudskipper

    Mudskipper Fish
    • Scientific Name: Periopthalmus sp., etc.
    • Diet: Omnivore, most species eat small crustaceans and other tiny creatures
    • Size: up to 12 inches
    • Origin: Africa, Asia, Australia, Oceania
    • Type: Brackish
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    Mudskippers are amazing animals. They are the only fish with legs that spend more time out of the water than in it! They walk using their modified pectoral and pelvic fins and can leap into the air with their tails.

    Mudskippers live in mangrove environments and dig burrows where they hide when the tide goes out. They love hanging out on tree roots above the water, and they can even bounce over the surface of the water like a skimming stone!

    5. Warty Frogfish

    Warty Frogfish
    • Scientific Name: Antennarius maculatus
    • Diet: Carnivore, eats other fish
    • Size: Up to 6 inches
    • Origin: Tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean
    • Type: Saltwater
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    Our next fish walks under the water, rather than on land. The colorful warty frogfish is a member of the anglerfish family that crawls around on the reef looking for a great spot to hunt.

    These highly camouflaged creatures look just like the corals where they live, so small fish that swim too close don’t stand a chance when the frogfish opens its huge mouth!

    6. Sea Robin

    Small Sea Robin
    • Scientific Name: Prionotinae subfamily
    • Diet: Carnivore, eats mollusks and other invertebrates
    • Size: 4 to 17 inches
    • Origin: Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
    • Type: Saltwater
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    Sea robins, or red gurnard as they are also known walk comfortably along the seabed using their pelvic fins, which are modified into 6 leg-like rays just behind and below their head.

    Although they can swim like regular fish, these amazing creatures look almost like insects as they crawl around looking for their next meal. Those strange legs also come in handy for digging up food under the sand- bonus!

    7. Snakeheads

    Snakehead fish
    • Scientific Name: Channa spp.
    • Diet: Carnivore, eats various species, including small fish, frogs, and even birds
    • Size: 6 – 36 inches
    • Origin: Asia and Africa
    • Type: Freshwater
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes but with specific regulations in the USA

    There are over fifty snakehead fish species out there, ranging from the colorful rainbow snakehead at about 6 inches to large fish like the giant snakehead that can reach nearly 5 feet!

    These freshwater fish have the ability to breathe and walk on land, which helps them move between different pools and swamps.

    Unfortunately, they have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. These aggressive Asian fish have escaped captivity and are now invasive in the United States.

    8. Red Lipped Batfish

    Red Lipped Batfish
    • Scientific Name: Ogcocephalus darwini
    • Diet: Carnivore, eats marine invertebrates and small fish
    • Size: Up to 16 inches
    • Origin: Pacific Ocean near Galapagos islands
    • Type: Saltwater
    • Available to Hobbyists: Rare

    The red lipped batfish is another strange bottom dweller from the anglerfish family group that walks along the ocean floors in search of crustaceans and other aquatic creatures to snack on.

    Wondering why they’re called bat fish? These bottom-dwellers have bent pectoral fins and they look a lot like bats as they crawl along the ground.

    The red lipped batfish won’t win any beauty contests, but they sure are interesting to look at! This particular species is rarely available in the aquarium trade, but other species do turn up for sale.

    9. Walking Catfish

    • Scientific Name: Clarias batrachus
    • Diet: Omnivore, hunts and scavengers for invertebrates, vertebrates, and plant matter
    • Size: Up to 20 inches
    • Origin: Java
    • Type: Freshwater
    • Available to Hobbyists: Invasive species, Illegal in some states

    The Walking catfish (video source) is a large freshwater catfish with the amazing ability to leave the water and walk on land!

    These hardy fish must stay wet to survive, but they can breathe air and propel themselves forward by using their pectoral fins and wriggling in a swimming motion.

    Like many other ‘amphibious fish’ the walking catfish is a mostly aquatic species. However, they live in muddy, shallow water bodies, so the ability to crawl over to a new pool can really save their skin!

    10. Polypterus Lapradei

    Polypterus lapradei
    • Scientific Name: Polypterus lapradei
    • Diet: Carnivore, eats various aquatic creature species
    • Size: Can reach over 2 feet
    • Origin: Africa
    • Type: Freshwater
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    Polyperus lapradei is a species of bichir fish from Africa that can walk across land using its pectoral fins and even breathe air using its swim bladder.

    These prehistoric ray finned fish fish look almost like a cross between a dinosaur and an eel, and they are popular with fish keepers.

    11. Spotted Handfish

    • Scientific Name: Brachionichthys hirsutus
    • Diet: Carnivore, eats small marine invertebrates like mollusks and crustaceans
    • Size: 4 inches
    • Origin: Tasmania
    • Type: Saltwater
    • Available to Hobbyists: No

    The spotted handfish (video source) is beautiful fish that is seriously threatened with extinction. These tiny fish lie in wait or walk along the ocean floor in shallow waters around the Derwent River in Tasmania with their hand-like pectoral fin structures, hoping to find their next meal.

    They have pectoral fins similar to batfish, but these threatened bottom dwellers differ by having all the usual fish fins in good proportions, including a large tail and dorsal fin.

    12. West African Lungfish

    • Scientific Name: Protopterus annectens
    • Diet: Omnivore, eats plant material and small animals like snails, frogs, and fish
    • Size: 3 feet
    • Origin: Widespread in Africa
    • Type: Freshwater
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    The West African lungfish (video from SC Fish Keeping) is one of the closest living relatives to tetrapods (four-legged land animals), and this strange, eel-like fish with legs can take just about anything nature throws at it!

    They have elongated pelvic and pectoral fins that they use to walk along the bottom of swamps, and that’s not the strangest thing about them. Their natural habitat dries up each year, and these fish have a special way of surviving.

    This fascinating species can breathe air, and they will bury themselves under the mud to get out of the baking African sun. They secrete a mucus coating that keeps them safe and moist until the rains come and unlock them from their underground hideout.

    13. Tripod Spiderfish

    • Scientific Name: Bathypterois grallator
    • Diet: Carnivore, eats tiny fish and crustaceans
    • Size: 17 inches
    • Origin: Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans
    • Type: Saltwater
    • Available to Hobbyists: No

    These deep-sea fish live down at the bottom (video source). They have long projections from their pelvic fins and tail that create three leg-like structures which are good for standing but not walking. Their pectoral fins are also long, but these are held upwards to feel for passing prey.

    But why would a fish want to stand above the sea floor? Well, swimming takes energy, so tripod fish have developed to rest while waiting for food to drift by them. Pretty smart!

    14. Epaulette Shark

    • Scientific Name: Hemiscyllium ocellatum
    • Diet: Carnivore, eats crabs and polychaete worms
    • Size: Up to 3 feet
    • Origin: Australia and New Guinea
    • Type: Saltwater
    • Available to Hobbyists: Yes

    The epaulette shark is a small species from shallow tropical waters around Australia. These fish can survive in shallow pools when the tide goes out, but they can even walk over the exposed ground if they need to find deeper water.

    The epaulette shark is available in the aquarium hobby, but they are only suitable for experienced aquarists with big tanks and big budgets!

    15. Coelacanth

    • Scientific Name: Latimeria chalumnae
    • Diet: Carnivore, eats slow-moving fish and cephalopods like squid and cuttlefish
    • Size: over 6 feet
    • Origin: Indian Ocean off Southern and East Africa
    • Type: Saltwater
    • Available to Hobbyists: No

    The West Indian Ocean coelacanth (video source) is a remarkable fish that scientists believed went extinct millions of years ago until one was caught off the South African coast in 1938!

    Although they are often known as ‘old four legs’ these ancient fish do not actually walk but rather use their strange lobed fins for swimming.

    FAQs

    What are fish with legs called?

    ‘Walking’ fish belong to many different families and there isn’t one good definition for all of them. These unique fish species range from creatures that leave the water and breathe air to those that simply crawl around on reefs or walk across the ocean floor.

    Fish species that leave the water are known as amphibious fish, and those that walk can be called ambulatory fish.

    How many fishes have legs?

    There are no fish species with true legs. However, many species have modified fins that they can use for crawling, standing, and even walking. only a very small percentage of the over 30,000 species of fish in the world have this ability.

    What is the name of the fish with 4 legs?

    The West Indian Ocean coelacanth is a huge species of prehistoric lobe finned vertebrate that was discovered alive and well less than a century ago. This strange species is also known as ‘old four legs’ because its pelvic and pectoral fins resemble legs.

    What are legs on a fish called?

    Fish ‘legs’ are actually modified fins. Many species with walking capabilities have pectoral fins and pelvic fins that are sturdy and shaped like simple legs. In some species like the sea robins, individual fin rays act like legs, which is why these strange fish appear to be walking on six legs!

    Do fish have 4 legs?

    Fish do not have four legs like tetrapods or land animals. Fish have fins rather than legs, although many species have modified pectoral fins that they can use similar to the way land animals use their legs.

    Final Thoughts

    So there you have it, many fish have ‘legs’, but not exactly in the way land mammals do. The wonderful thing about the fishkeeping hobby is that there’s always new and peculiar fish to learn about, and I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief ‘walk-through’ of fifteen fascinating fish with legs.

    Who knows, maybe you’ll even keep some of these fish in your own tank someday!

    What’s your favorite fish with legs? Let us know in the comments below!

  • 35 Types of Goldfish: A Complete Visual Guide to Every Variety

    35 Types of Goldfish: A Complete Visual Guide to Every Variety

    

    Goldfish have been selectively bred for over a thousand years, which explains why the variety is staggering. We’re talking fancy double-tailed types, single-tailed pond varieties, telescope-eyed fish, bubble-eyed fish, and everything in between. I’ve covered goldfish extensively on my YouTube channel and the video I did on the 35 best goldfish types has over 175,000 views, which tells you how much interest there is in understanding the differences. Not all goldfish are the same, and not all goldfish belong in the same setup. This guide breaks down 35 types with honest context on what each one actually needs.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZzwMPUxB_A

    What People Get Wrong About Goldfish

    Goldfish are the most misunderstood fish sold in the hobby. The bowl myth is the obvious one: goldfish do not thrive in bowls. They can survive for a while, but the water quality and space constraints cause chronic stress and organ damage. A single goldfish needs at minimum a 20-gallon (76 L) tank with good filtration. Pond-suitable varieties like commons and comets need 75 gallons (284 L) or an actual pond.

    The second mistake is treating fancy goldfish as beginner fish. They’re sold next to neon tetras and bettas, which creates a false equivalency. Fancy goldfish have compressed body shapes that cause ongoing swim bladder issues. They need pristine water, controlled feeding, and more attention than most tropical fish. They are a hobby within the hobby.

    Third: mixing single-tail and double-tail varieties. Common goldfish and comets are fast, aggressive feeders. Fancy varieties with their rounded bodies and slower movement will lose every competition for food in a mixed tank. Keep them separately.

    Key Takeaways

    • Goldfish have a rich history, and they come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors
    • Slim-bodied goldfish are cheaper, hardier, and easier to care for than fancy goldfish
    • Fancy goldfish require more care than slim-bodied breeds
    • Some goldfish breeds can grow to over 12 inches, so they need plenty of space and high-quality filtration to stay healthy

    Species Background

    The goldfish (Carassius auratus) is a freshwater fish from China that is kept in aquariums and ponds all over the globe. These fish prefer cool, slow-flowing, or still water in nature, and the largest individuals can grow to over 16 inches long and weigh over 5 pounds if they have enough space.

    Aquarists have long prized the goldfish for its grace and beauty, and they first started breeding these fish over a thousand years ago! Today they are as popular as ever, and selective breeding has created an awesome variety of different breeds.

    Slim-bodied Vs Fancy Types – What’s The Difference?

    The two major goldfish breed categories are slim-bodied and fancy breeds – read on to learn more about these goldfish types.

    Slim-bodied Varieties

    Slim-bodied goldfish like common, feeder, and comet goldfish have been bred into many colors, although their streamlined, torpedo-shape is just as nature intended. These are the most common and most affordable breeds of goldfish and the type most people are familiar with.

    Slim-bodied goldfish are hardy and very easy to care for without any advanced care requirements. That means they make excellent beginner fish, as long as you can provide the following basic requirements:

    Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of the slim-bodied breeds

    Pros:

    • Slim-bodied goldfish come in a range of beautiful colors and fin types
    • Slim-bodied goldfish are very affordable. You can find feeder goldfish for less than a dollar each!
    • These fish are super easy to find at just about any pet store
    • Common goldfish are very hardy, which makes them great for an outdoor pond

    Cons:

    • Slim-bodied goldfish get surprisingly large and their active swimming habits make them unsuitable for small aquariums
    • Goldfish are natural omnivores, and these faster swimming varieties can catch and eat small tank mates

    Fancy breeds

    Fancy goldfish are the product of centuries of careful selective breeding, and the results are adorable! These fish may have strange, bulging bubble eyes, humped backs without dorsal fins, or even bulbous growths on their foreheads and gill covers.

    However, such extreme variation has come at a cost, and these eye-catching features make them much more sensitive, which means they require more specialized care. They are more expensive too, so these goldfish breeds are better suited to more experienced fish keepers.

    Let’s take a look at a few more pros and cons of keeping fancy goldfish.

    Pros:

    • Fancy goldfish have been bred into some truly adorable shapes, and their clumsy movements make them very entertaining
    • Fancy goldfish is fascinating to breed for more advanced hobbyists
    • Fancy goldfish are relatively small goldfish breeds, although most types can reach 6 to 8 inches

    Cons:

    • Fancy goldfish is pretty expensive, particularly when you start looking at rare varieties
    • Sensitive breeds like bubble eyes and celestial goldfish have fluid- filled sacs under their eyes that are easily damaged

    EXPERT TAKE | MARK VALDERRAMA

    Goldfish are the most misunderstood fish in the entire hobby. I’ve covered them extensively on my YouTube channel, and the most common misconception I see is that any goldfish can go in a small tank or a bowl. It can’t. A single common goldfish can hit 12 inches (30 cm) and produce more waste per day than most people expect from any fish. Fancy goldfish are genuinely harder to keep than most tropical fish, despite being sold at every pet store as a beginner option. The variety you choose matters as much as the tank you put it in.

    TIER BREAKDOWN

    Beginner (single-tail, hardy): Common Goldfish, Comet Goldfish, Shubunkin (best suited for ponds or large tanks, 75+ gal / 284+ L)
    Intermediate (fancy double-tail, needs stable water and good filtration): Fantail, Ryukin, Oranda, Black Moor, Telescope Eye
    Advanced (sensitive, prone to swim bladder issues, require extra care): Ranchu, Bubble Eye, Celestial Eye, Pom Pom, Lionhead

    Variety Difficulty Max Size Min Tank Best For
    Common Goldfish Beginner 12 in (30 cm) 75 gal (284 L) or pond Ponds, large outdoor setups
    Comet Goldfish Beginner 12 in (30 cm) 75 gal (284 L) or pond Ponds, large tanks
    Fantail Goldfish Intermediate 8 in (20 cm) 30 gal (114 L) Indoor tanks, beginner fancy
    Ryukin Goldfish Intermediate 8 in (20 cm) 30 gal (114 L) Display tanks, best all-around fancy
    Oranda Goldfish Intermediate 9 in (23 cm) 40 gal (152 L) Showpiece tanks
    Ranchu Goldfish Advanced 6 in (15 cm) 30 gal (114 L) Dedicated fancy setups, show breeders
    Bubble Eye Goldfish Advanced 5 in (13 cm) 20 gal (76 L) Species-only, experienced keepers
    Shubunkin Goldfish Beginner 14 in (35 cm) 75 gal (284 L) or pond Ponds, large outdoor setups

    35 Types Of Goldfish

    Now that you know a little more about the differences between fancy and slim-bodied goldfish breeds, let’s go ahead and meet 35 of the world’s most popular goldfish breeds! We have a YouTube video just for you from our channel. Our blog post goes into more detail so follow along with both!

    1. Shubunkin

    Editor’s Choice


    Shubunkin


    Shubunkin

    Editors’ Choice

    Coloration, patterns, and it’s Koi-like features make this goldfish one of the most popular for ponds


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    • Goldfish Type: Slim-bodied
    • Adult Size: 9 – 18 inches
    • Color Pattern: Multi-colored blotches and spots (calico)
    • Unique Traits: Hardy goldfish with great colors, suitable for ponds

    Shubunkin goldfish are popular slim-bodied goldfish with a mottled and multicolored (calico) pattern. Pretty much any calico goldfish with a single tail is called a shubunkin, so this breed is highly variable in shape. However, there are three common shubunkin variations that you are likely to come across.

    London Shubunkin goldfish look like a typical common goldfish with calico patterning, while American shubunkin goldfish have much longer fins like a comet goldfish. The Bristol shubunkin is an interesting variant with larger, rounder tail fins that look somewhat heart-shaped.

    2. Feeder

    Feeder-Goldfish
    • Goldfish Type: Slim-bodied
    • Adult Size: 6 – 12+ inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: None

    The feeder goldfish is not exactly a breed but rather a class of feeder fish sold as a live food source for other fish and pets like turtles. They are common or comet goldfish that have poor color or body shape, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make great pets.

    Feeder goldfish are very cheap and they can have great colors and fins too. The problem is that some breeders don’t take great care of these fish, so they is in poor condition when you pick them up.

    3. Comet

    Best Value


    Comet Goldfish


    Comet Goldfish

    Best Value

    The Comet is a fast, hardy, and well adapted goldfish for aquariums and outdoors ponds


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    • Goldfish Type: Slim-bodied
    • Adult Size: 12 inches
    • Color Pattern: Solid color
    • Unique Traits: Long, single fins and deeply forked tail

    The comet goldfish is a very popular American breed with long, flowing fins. These hardy beginner-friendly goldfish are very affordable and come in a range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, white, and red and white. They are an active breed, suitable for larger tanks and ponds.

    4. Sarasa Comet

    Best Value


    Sarasa Comet


    Sarasa Comet

    Best Value

    The Sarasa is a great Koi lookalike goldfish variety that offers a variety of colors


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    • Goldfish Type: Slim-bodied
    • Adult Size: up to 14 inches
    • Color Pattern: Red & white
    • Unique Traits: Long, single fins, deeply forked tail, and white and red coloration

    The Sarasa comet goldfish is a popular color variant of the well-known comet goldfish. These eye-catching fish are mostly white, with red markings on their body, and some individuals also have red on their fins.

    Like the regular comet, Sarasa comets do great in outdoor ponds, and they really stand out with those bright contrasting colors!

    5. Wakin


    Wakin Goldfish


    Wakin Goldfish

    With their elongated bodies and unique fins, Wakins are a flash of color and character to your pond


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    • Goldfish Type: Slim-bodied
    • Adult Size: 10 to 18 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various solid colors and calico
    • Unique Traits: Double-tail

    Wakin goldfish are a popular Japanese breed, identified by their double tail. They were developed from the common goldfish and look very similar apart from their extra tail fin.

    Wakin goldfish are a great alternative for fishkeepers who want the interesting features of a fancy breed, but the active and hardy nature of a slim-bodied goldfish.

    6. Fantail


    Fantail Goldfish


    Fantail Goldfish

    Use Coupon Code: ASDEPOT

    You can purchase what you see is what you get (WYSIWYG) Fantail Goldfish from NextDayKoi. They are one of the best fancy goldfish for aquariums and specialized ponds


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    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 6 – 8 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Egg-shaped body, Double tail and anal fins, high dorsal fin

    Fantail goldfish are popular for their heavy, egg-shaped body and wonderful fins. They have amazing flowing tail fins and anal fins and are available in a bunch of beautiful colors.

    Fantail goldfish are true fancy goldfish, although they are relatively hardy and affordable compared with rarer fancy breeds.

    7. Jikin

    • Goldfish Type: Slim-bodied
    • Adult Size: 8 – 10 inches
    • Color Pattern: red & white/ orange & white
    • Unique Traits: X-shaped double tail

    The Jikin goldfish (video source) or peacock-tail goldfish is a rare Japanese goldfish breed with a unique double tail that spreads outward.

    They are an expensive breed, similar to the Wakin apart from their unusual tail which looks like the letter X when viewed from behind.

    8. Watonai

    • Goldfish Type: Slim-bodied
    • Adult Size: 10 – 12 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Long double tail fins

    The Watonai goldfish (video source) is a double-tail and double anal fin breed with long tail fins, kind of like a double-tailed comet goldfish, or a long-tailed wakin.

    Watonai goldfish were first bred in Japan in the early 1900s, making them a relatively new breed. These beautiful fish are rare but fairly hardy and easy to care for.

    9. Ranchu

    Ranchu-Goldfish
    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 6 – 8 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: ‘Hooded’ head, steeply curved lower back and no dorsal fin

    The Ranchu goldfish is one of the most unusual and adorable goldfish breeds in the world. They are a Chinese fancy goldfish breed with a deep, egg-shaped body and bubble-like growths on their head known as a wen or hood. These fish also lack a dorsal fin and have a single tail fin.

    Ranchu breeds vary somewhat depending on their country of origin. Some breeds are still bred to look their best from above, while others are judged from the side.

    The Ranchu is a relatively delicate and sensitive breed, ideal for more experienced goldfish keepers. They are pretty slow-moving, clumsy fish that will do best with other fancy goldfish types for tankmates.

    10. Thai Ranchu

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 6 – 8 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Large Wen, V-shaped tail, and high curved back

    Thai ranchu goldfish (video source) are a local variant of the ranchu that are bred in Thailand, Southeast Asia. These unique fancy goldfish have a unique body shape and a very large wen (hood).

    This breed has a high curved back with the highest point closer to the tail, and like other ranchus, they have no dorsal fin. This breed is best viewed from the side, unlike Japanese ranchu which are assessed from above.

    11. Butterfly Tail

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 5 – 8 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Butterfly-shaped double tail and telescope eyes

    The butterfly tail goldfish (video source) is a beautiful fancy goldfish breed with a unique double tail. When viewed from above, their tail spreads out to look just like the wings of a butterfly!

    This is a deep-bodied breed that comes in a variety of color patterns, including calico. They also have a high dorsal fin and telescope eyes, which makes them a really interesting breed to observe from above or the side.

    12. Lionchu

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 5 – 8 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Ball-shaped body with a well-developed hood and no dorsal fin

    The Lionchu goldfish (video source) was recently developed in Thailand, and it is a cross between the Lionhead goldfish and the Ranchu goldfish. These two fancy breeds are already pretty similar, but the Lionchu has inherited the curved lower back of the Ranchu and the prominent hood of the lionhead.

    Lionchus come in a range of colors, including single, bi-colored, and calico patterns. They are fairly sensitive fish, ideal for more experienced fancy goldfish keepers.

    13. Ryukin

    Ryukin-Goldfish
    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 5 – 8 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Very long triple or quadruple tail

    The Ryukin goldfish is a fancy breed with a very wide body and a distinctive humped back. These fish have a high dorsal fin and a very long 3 or 4-lobed tail.

    This Chinese breed is relatively hardy and makes a great starter fancy goldfish. They can even be kept in ponds with other goldfish like commons and comets in a well-maintained pond.

    12. Telescope Eye

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 4 – 10 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Strange protruding eyes

    The telescope eye goldfish is another great Chinese fancy goldfish breed that is also known as the dragon eye goldfish. These fish come in many color patterns, including interesting varieties like calico, panda, and redcap.

    Telescope goldfish are named for their remarkable protruding eyes but they have other fancy breed features similar to the fantail goldfish. Their care is pretty straightforward, although you should keep sharp objects out of their tank to protect their sensitive eyes.

    13. Bubble Eye

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 3 – 5 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Huge bubble eyes

    The bubble eye goldfish is one of the strangest fancy goldfish varieties and looks very different from its wild slim-bodied ancestors!

    These small goldfish have been bred to have huge fluid-filled sacks below their eyes, which leaves them pretty clumsy and vulnerable to boisterous and aggressive fish.

    They are a good choice for seasoned goldfish keepers, but also for less experienced aquarists that are willing to put in the planning and effort to create the ideal goldfish tank.

    14. Froghead

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 4 – 6 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Small bubble eyes

    The froghead or toadhead goldfish is a great breed for goldfish enthusiasts that are interested in the history of the hobby.

    In fact, the froghead is believed to be the ancestor of the modern bubble eye and celestial goldfish. They appear similar to these breeds, although they have smaller sacs beneath their eyes.

    15. Pearlscale

    Pearscale-Goldfish
    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: Up to 8 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Golfball-shaped body, with prominent domed scales

    The pearlscale goldfish is a large fancy goldfish breed with a ball-shaped body. These fish are named for their domed scales which are widely separated, creating a golfball-like texture. Other features include a double tail and single or double growths on the head.

    The pearlscale is one of the more heavily bred fancy goldfish types, so they are not the ideal choice for beginners.

    16. Egg Fish

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 6 – 8 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Egg-shaped body

    The egg-fish goldfish is an ancient Chinese breed that came before many of the popular fancy goldfish varieties we see today. They have a long, egg-shaped body, without a dorsal fin or a wen. These fish are available in many colors and scale types, although they tend to be pretty rare.

    17. Oranda

    Oranda-Goldfish
    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 8 – 12 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Prominent wen/hood

    The Oranda goldfish is one of the most popular fancy goldfish breeds, combining large, well-developed fins, a short, rounded body, and a large wen on top of its head which may cover the entire face.

    Orandas are similar to the lionhead goldfish but have a dorsal fin and larger fins in general. These fish are available in many colors, and some interesting varieties have a head growth with a different color from the rest of their body and fins.

    18. Thai Oranda

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 8 – 12 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Highly developed head growth

    Thai oranda goldfish (video source) are similar to regular orandas, although have rounder bodies, fuller tails, and well-developed wens that extend onto the gill covers, sometimes covering their eyes.

    19. Black Moor

    Black-moor-goldfish in aquarium
    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 6 – 8 inches
    • Color Pattern: Black
    • Unique Traits: Black color and telescope eyes

    Black moor goldfish are a very popular breed of all-black goldfish with bulging telescope eyes. This ancient breed was developed in China over 500 years ago where they were originally known as dragon eye goldfish.

    Black moors are suitable for beginners, although they are not as hardy as slim-bodied breeds like comets and common goldfish.

    20. Red Moor

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 6 – 8 inches
    • Color Pattern: Red
    • Unique Traits: Red color and telescope eyes

    The Red Moor goldfish is a variety of telescope goldfish that changes color as it matures. These fish start out as Black Moor Goldfish but gradually change into a red color.

    21. Veiltail

    Veiltail-Goldfish
    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 8 – 12 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Extra-long tail with square edge and sail-like dorsal fin

    The veiltail goldfish is an American fancy breed, first bred in Philadelphia in 1890. They are best known for their impressively long double tails and high, sail-like dorsal fin. These fish also have a pointed face and a very deep body shape without a shoulder hump.

    They are pretty weak swimmers due to their amazing finnage, so these fish are easily outcompeted by faster tank mates.

    22. Celestial Eye

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 5 – 6 inches
    • Color Pattern: Orange, white, or orange and white
    • Unique Traits: Upward-facing eyes and no dorsal fin

    The celestial eye goldfish is probably the strangest of all the fancy goldfish types. They are very similar to the bubble eye goldfish but their eyes face directly upwards! Their eyes start out pretty normal but turn upwards after about 6 months.

    Celestial eye goldfish are a Chinese or Korean breed that is well over 200 years old. They are fairly easy to care for and they get along great with other goldfish types – just keep sharp objects and decorations out of their tank to prevent eye injuries.

    23. Lionhead

    Lionhead-Goldfish
    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: Up to 6 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Large head growth, and curved back without dorsal fin

    The Lionhead goldfish is an ancient Chinese breed, characterized by an extensive wen (hood) that covers the head, including the gill plates and cheeks. Their wen can take several years to develop fully.

    Lionhead goldfish have a gently curved back, without a dorsal fin, and a relatively short tail. They are available in a variety of colors, including bi-colored patterns.

    24. Siamese Doll

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 6 – 8 inches
    • Color Pattern: Pale yellow
    • Unique Traits: Red eyes

    The Siamese doll goldfish is a pale yellow form of the telescope goldfish with red or orange eyes. They have a deep, rounded body shape and full, well-developed fins including a high dorsal fin. Unfortunately, these eye-catching fish are pretty rare.

    25. Sabao

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: up to 10 inches
    • Color Pattern: Red & white
    • Unique Traits: Long single tail and deep egg-shaped body

    The Sabao, also known as the Tamasaba goldfish (video source), is a rare Japanese fancy goldfish breed with a very long, V-shaped single tail and the deep body of a Ryukin goldfish. They are seen in a red and white pattern.

    These beautiful fish are pretty large and cold hardy, making them suitable for outdoor ponds.

    26. Pompom

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 4 – 6 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Ball-shaped nasal growth

    Pompom goldfish are an interesting fancy breed with strange ball-like growths on top of their nose. These growths are actually overgrown nasal septa, and their size varies between individuals.

    This type of goldfish is available in many colors and fin types, and they may share features with other fancy breeds like orandas, celestials, fantails, and bubble eye goldfish.

    27. Demekin

    https://youtu.be/5_Ra1qqYXlY
    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 4 – 8 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Ryukin goldfish shape with telescope goldfish eyes

    Demekin (video source) was the original Japanese term for telescope eye goldfish, although today the name is often used more specifically. Many goldfish keepers now classify telescope eye fish with the deep belly and shoulder hump of the Ryukin goldfish as Demekins.

    There are some truly spectacular demekins in the hobby today, and they come in a variety of color forms, including solid, bi-colored, and calico forms.

    28. Thai Peacock Tail

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 8 – 10 inches
    • Color Pattern: Red & white, black
    • Unique Traits: Deep body and full fins

    Thai peacock tail goldfish (source from King Koi and Goldfish) are a local Thailand variety of the Oranda goldfish, very similar to the Thai orchid tail orandas. These fish have very deep, rounded bodies, with full finnage and bright colors.

    29. Hama Nishiki

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: up to 8 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Pearlscale with large head-growth

    The Hama Nishiki is a rare variant of the pearlscale goldfish with a large bubble-shaped growth on top of its head. These strange and beautiful fish are also known as crown pearlscales in English.

    30. Thai Rose Tail

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 8 – 12 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Spread, ruffled tail with well-developed wen and deep egg-shaped body

    Thai rosetail goldfish (video source) are a breeder-specific variety of Oranda goldfish from Thailand in Southeast Asia. This breed has a highly developed wen and a very deep body. The tail is open and ruffled when mature.

    31. Izumo Nankin

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: up to 8 inches
    • Color Pattern: red & white
    • Unique Traits: Large, deep body with double tail and no dorsal fin

    The Izumo Nankin goldfish is a rare fancy breed first developed in Japan in the mid-1700s. These fish have a deep body like a Ryukin, although they do not have a dorsal fin. Their lower tail lobes flair out similar to the Ranchu, and they appear triangular from above.

    32. Tosakin

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: up to 8 inches
    • Color Pattern: Red, black, or red & white
    • Unique Traits: A divided double tail that spreads horizontally

    The Tosakin goldfish (video source) is a rare fancy fantail type goldfish with a short, deep body and a horizontally spreading tail. These fish are traditionally viewed from above so their beautiful tails is appreciated.

    Tosakins were originally kept in wide, shallow bowls to encourage their tails to spread, and some breeders continue this practice today. Such a large and unusual tail makes these fish pretty weak swimmers, so they should be kept in a goldfish tank with low flow.

    33. Thai Orchid Tail

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 8 – 12 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Deep-bodied Oranda with Tosakin tail

    The Thai Orchid Tai (video source) l is an Oranda breed developed by an accomplished Thai goldfish breeder. These beautiful orandas have been bred to show a spreading, tosakin-style tail, making them attractive when viewed from above and from the side.

    34. Shukin

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: 6 – 10 inches
    • Color Pattern: Red, calico, red & white, silver, blue, or white
    • Unique Traits: Long tail, with ranchu body and no dorsal fin

    The Shukin goldfish (video source) is a Japanese breed that was developed in the late 1800s. This rare breed actually went extinct during World War Two, but thankfully it has been recreated and is still available today.

    These fancy goldfish are the product of crossing ranchu and oranda goldfish. The breed combines the body shape of the ranchu with the long tail of the oranda.

    35. Nymph

    • Goldfish Type: Fancy
    • Adult Size: up to 12 inches
    • Color Pattern: Various
    • Unique Traits: Long, straight tail on a fantail body

    The nymph goldfish (video source) is a hardy fancy breed that probably arose from crossing comet and fantail goldfish. They have a deep, short body with a very long single tail and a long dorsal fin situated far back.

    MARK’S PICK

    Ryukin Goldfish. For someone who wants a fancy goldfish but doesn’t want the fragility of a Ranchu or Bubble Eye, the Ryukin hits the right balance. The pronounced hump behind the head and the long double tail make it one of the most visually striking goldfish you can keep. They’re hardier than most fancy varieties and available in good quality from specialty suppliers. My pick for the best entry point into fancy goldfish keeping.

    AVOID IF

    You are planning to put any goldfish in a bowl or tank under 20 gallons (76 L): this is not a care preference, it’s a welfare issue. You want a true beginner fish: fancy goldfish are not beginner fish, despite being sold that way. They produce enormous amounts of waste, need strong filtration, and are prone to swim bladder disorders. You plan to mix fancy and slim-bodied goldfish: slim-bodied varieties are faster and outcompete fancies for food. You are setting up a tropical community tank: goldfish are cold water fish that prefer 60-72°F (16-22°C) and cannot live with most tropical species. Bubble Eye and Celestial Eye goldfish need a species-only tank with no sharp decorations: any rough surface or aggressive tank mate can rupture the fluid sacs and cause permanent damage.

    FAQs

    What is a large goldfish called?

    Shubunkins are one of the largest types of goldfish in the world, sometimes reaching an impressive 18 inches in length! All goldfish varieties grow pretty large, however, with most reaching at least 6 to 8 inches in a large enough aquarium.

    What types of goldfish live the longest?

    The slim-bodied goldfish breeds like common and comet goldfish live the longest, especially if provided with good care and high water quality. The oldest known goldfish lived for 43 years, although a maximum lifespan of 15 to 20 years is more usual.

    What are the different types of goldfish?

    There are about two hundred different breeds of goldfish, with popular groups including Ryukin, Ranchu, and Oranda types. However, the different types of goldfish is split into two major groups based on their body shape.

    Slim-bodied goldfish have naturally streamlined bodies with double or single tails while fancy goldfish types have deep, rounded bodies and other unusual features like bubble eyes and head growths.

    What are Japanese goldfish called?

    Japan has a long and rich history of fancy goldfish breeding, and there are a huge variety of breeds first developed there. Popular goldfish bred in Japan include the Jikin, Tosakin, and Wakin goldfish.

    What is the difference between fancy goldfish and oranda goldfish?

    Oranda goldfish are a specific breed of fancy goldfish. In other words, all orandas are fancy goldfish but not all fancy goldfish are orandas!

    Closing Thoughts

    Goldfish have been selectively bred for over a thousand years. The variety is genuinely remarkable. But variety without context is just a shopping list. The most important thing you can take from this guide is that the variety you choose must match the setup you can actually provide.

    Start with a Fantail or Ryukin if you want a fancy goldfish in an indoor tank. They’re the most forgiving of the double-tailed varieties. If you have space for a pond or a very large tank, a Shubunkin or Comet will reward you with color and longevity that indoor keepers rarely see. Avoid Bubble Eye and Celestial Eye varieties unless you’re specifically set up for them.

    For sourcing quality fancy goldfish, I recommend Flip Aquatics (use promo code ASDFLIPPROMO) or Dan’s Fish. The difference between a quality-bred fancy goldfish and a mass-produced one is not subtle.

  • 20 Fish With Ugly Teeth: Nature’s Most Terrifying Bites

    20 Fish With Ugly Teeth: Nature’s Most Terrifying Bites

    One of the things keeping saltwater fish teaches you is that teeth in the ocean are not subtle. Pufferfish have fused beak-like teeth strong enough to crush hard-shelled invertebrates. Triggerfish can bite through coral and will absolutely bite a hand in the tank if you’re not careful. Moray eels have a second set of jaws. called pharyngeal jaws. that shoot forward to grab prey, which is genuinely unsettling the first time you learn about it. These are fish I’ve kept and respected. This list of 20 fish with ugly teeth is a reminder that the ocean is full of animals that evolved to eat things that don’t want to be eaten.

    Key Takeaways

    • All fish have teeth, but their shape, size and functions vary from species to species
    • Fish rely on their teeth for feeding, fighting, and defending themselves
    • The amazing variety of fish teeth exist to allow different species to live and feed in a variety of environments
    • Fish regrow their teeth throughout their lives, and some will lose thousands of teeth in their lifetime

    Why Do Some Fish Have Ugly Teeth?

    Fish use their teeth to eat their food, just like we do. However, these creatures don’t have little fingers and thumbs to pick up a knife and fork like us, so they rely on their dentition for pretty much everything.

    Feeding

    Many fish simply swallow their food whole, but others need to chew through tough shells or bite large meals into smaller chunks before they can swallow.

    Hunting

    Some fish don’t need their teeth for eating but rely on them for catching their prey. Bluefish use their razor-sharp teeth to bite the tails of their prey so they can’t escape.

    Other species like the payara fish have longer, needle-shaped teeth that can impale their prey, causing serious injuries but also trapping them between their jaws.

    Top 20 Fish With Ugly Teeth

    There are between 32,000 and 35,000 fish species1 in the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes and all of them are extraordinary creatures. However, we’ve narrowed them down to just 20 remarkable examples for this list.

    Ready to meet some of the world’s ugliest toothy fish? Prepare to be amazed!

    1. Payara

    Vampire Fish
    • Scientific name: Hydrolycus scomberoides
    • Origin: Amazon basin, South America
    • Size: 12 to 36 inches and up to 40 pounds

    Also known as the vampire fish or the dogtooth tetra, the Payara is actually a species of tetra fish, although it’s a whole lot meaner than your average neon!

    Payara fish have terrifying teeth on both the upper and lower jaws, but the fangs on the lower jaw are so long that they need special holes in the upper jaw just to close their mouth.

    These fearsome South American fish eat piranhas for breakfast in their natural habitat, but they can actually make pretty peaceful tropical aquarium fish in the right setup.

    2. Frilled Shark

    • Scientific name: Chlamydoselachus anguineus
    • Origin: Oceans from 160 to 5,150 feet
    • Size: 5 – 6.6 feet

    The frilled shark is an elongated, eel-shaped shark that hunts in deep ocean waters. These ugly fish species have large green eyes and a huge mouth filled with about 50 rows of formidable backward facing teeth.

    These strange and ugly teeth are used to grasp their prey. Any unfortunate squid, fish, or small shark gripped between those teeth has little chance of escape against the Frilled Shark! (video source)

    3. Atlantic Wolffish

    Atlantic Wolf Fish
    • Scientific name: Anarhichas lupus
    • Origin: North Atlantic Ocean
    • Size: up to 5 feet and nearly 40 pounds

    The Atlantic Wolf fish is large fish that lives at the bottom on rocky seabeds. These ugly fish live in caves and use their powerful teeth to crush crabs, clams, sea urchins, and other hard-shelled prey.

    In case you were wondering, people have little to fear from these ferocious-looking ugly fish species, and they are actually popular in seafood restaurants.

    4. Sea Lamprey

    Sea Lamprey
    • Scientific name: Petromyzon marinus
    • Origin: Northern & Western Atlantic Ocean, US Great Lakes, and Connecticut Basin
    • Size: Up to 4 feet and 5 pounds

    The sea lamprey is a primitive, eel-like fish with a creepy way of feeding. These jawless ‘dracula fish’ latch onto other fish with their toothy disc-shaped mouths and eat their prey alive!

    These boneless creatures found their way into the American Great Lakes in the 1800s and really took their toll on native fish like the lake trout. Fortunately, the situation is now under control as scientists have developed a poison called lampricide to kill the lamprey larvae before they can go to become full-grown killers.

    5. Blobfish

    • Scientific name: Psychrolutes microporos
    • Origin: Pacific Ocean off the Australian Coast
    • Size: 12 inches

    So the blobfish doesn’t have any ferocious fangs, but these hideous bottom-dwelling fish just had to make this list!

    To be fair, the gelatinous appearance of the blobfish is actually the result of the low air pressure in our atmosphere. You see, these deep sea fish live at crushing depths of over 3000 feet and bringing them up to the surface really changes their features.

    6. Goblin Shark

    • Scientific name: Mitsukurina owstoni
    • Origin: Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans at 330-4,720 feet
    • Size: 10 to 13 feet

    The goblin shark is one of the coolest (and ugliest) fish species in the world. These strange creatures have a long nose and extendable jaws lined with nail-like teeth (video source).

    The goblin shark is a slow-moving species that feeds on other deepwater fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are not considered dangerous to humans, although I know I wouldn’t want to come face to face with one of these scary sea creatures!

    7. Northern Stargazer

    • Scientific name: Astroscopus guttatus
    • Origin: East Coast of the USA
    • Size: 22 inches

    The northern stargazer is an alien-looking fish with ugly teeth that lives off the northeast coast of the United States. Check out the video above from Animalogic to see how scary these fish are! These fish live down at the bottom of the ocean where they bury themselves into the substrate with their upward facing eyes and mouth ready to spot and then capture their prey.

    As if their hideous appearance wasn’t strange enough, these ugly fish species also have an electric organ in their head that can shock potential predators!

    8. Sheeps Head

    Sheeps Head Teeth
    • Scientific name: Archosargus probatocephalus
    • Origin: East Coast of North America
    • Size: Up to 30 inches

    The Sheepshead is an attractive saltwater fish that lives along the East Coast of the United States. These striped fish are popular with fishermen, although many are surprised to see their human-like teeth!

    Sheepshead fish have a row of incisors on their top jaw that look just like ours. They also have many rows of powerful molar teeth on their top and bottom jaws for crushing crustaceans, mussels, and other hard-shelled sea creatures.

    9. Anglerfish

    Deep Sea Female Angler Fish
    • Scientific name: Lophiiformes
    • Origin: Mostly Atlantic and Antarctic Oceans
    • Size: 2 to 40 inches

    Angler fish are one of the world’s weirdest fish, more like a sci-fi monster than something you’d expect to see in a fish tank! These deep-sea fish species live on the ocean floor in complete darkness and have a very clever way of catching a meal.

    Anglerfish have a long modified fin that extends from their nose to above their mouth. The end consists of a small glowing lure that attracts small fish into striking range of its fang-like teeth.

    10. Sarcastic Fringehead

    • Scientific name: Neoclinus blanchardi
    • Origin: West Coast of the USA
    • Size: 12 inches

    The sarcastic fringehead is an interesting little ugly fish species that lives from 10 to 240 feet deep in the waters from California to Mexico. These territorial fish make their homes in small caves and even discarded trash like glass bottles.

    The male fringehead is not something you want to mess with. This little bad boy lunges at any trespasser that approaches his lair with a truly huge mouth, complete with loads of needle-like teeth! Just check out the thumbnail in the video above by MaverickDiving. It’s a creepy site!

    11. Alligator Gar

    Alligator Gar
    • Scientific name: Atractosteus spatula
    • Origin: Southeast of the USA
    • Size: 6 to 8.5 feet

    The alligator gar is America’s second-largest fish, and probably its toothiest. These prehistoric monsters use their large, alligator-like mouths and sharp teeth to catch other fish and even waterfowl!

    They have other strange adaptations such as large, super tough scales, and a lung-like swim bladder that allows them to survive in oxygen-poor waters by breathing air from the surface.

    12. Great White Shark

    Great White Shark in Ocean
    • Scientific name: Carcharodon carcharias
    • Origin: Widespread in Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans
    • Size: 11 to 19 feet

    The Great white shark must be the world’s most terrifying fish. Found in all major oceans, these misunderstood and dangerous fish are occasional maneaters, although they much prefer to snack on seals, turtles, and other sharks.

    Great white sharks have about 50 razor-sharp serrated teeth exposed in their mouths at any time, but they constantly shed old teeth and replace them with new ones. In fact, these apex predators can go through over 20,000 chompers in a single lifetime!

    13. Black Piranha

    Black Piranha Swimming
    • Scientific name: Serrasalmus rhombeus
    • Origin: Northeast of South America
    • Size: 13 to 16 inches

    The black piranha is one of the largest piranha species and can reach over 6 pounds. Adults from some waters are jet black, but young fish tend to be silvery with mottled skin.

    These toothy critters are omnivores and use their terrifying teeth to eat everything from fallen fruits to smaller fish.

    The black piranha has an incredibly strong bite for its size too. Research has shown that these fish can bite down with a force of over 70 pounds – three times more than their body weight!

    14. Goliath Tigerfish

    Goliath Tigerfish
    • Scientific name: Hydrocynus goliath
    • Origin: Congo river basin, Africa
    • Size: 5 feet and 150 pounds

    The goliath tigerfish is an apex predator that embodies speed and strength, although its massive teeth and powerful jaws are just plain ugly!

    In fact, their scientific name literally means goliath water dog, and it’s easy to see why. These ferocious fish hail from Central Africa and make their living out of terrorizing other freshwater fish.

    15. Great Barracuda

    Barracuda Fish in Ocean
    • Scientific name: Sphyraena barracuda
    • Origin: Warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans
    • Size: 2 to 5 feet and up to 100 pounds

    The Great Barracuda is another notorious fish with big teeth and a mean attitude. Barracudas are one of the most ferocious ugly fish on the reef and they can reach an impressive speed of 36 miles per hour when pouncing on their unsuspecting prey.

    Fortunately, attacks on humans are very rare, and probably only happen in poor visibility or when the fish attempt to steal from spearfishermen. Nevertheless, this is definitely one fish you don’t want to mess with!

    16. Sloane’s Viperfish

    Viperfish
    • Scientific name: Chauliodus sloani
    • Origin: Deep waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans
    • Size: 12 inches

    Imagine a fish crossed with an alien and a venomous snake. Now take a look at the scary sea creature that is the Sloane’s Viperfish. Not far off right?

    This must be one of the ugliest fish in the world, but it’s also a remarkable predator, with the ability to unhinge its jaw and open its mouth a full 90 degrees!

    They have massive teeth too, and they can take prey more than half their own body size. Fortunately, these living fossils grow to just a foot long, so we have little to fear.

    17. Northern Pike

    Pike Fish Teeth
    • Scientific name: Esox lucius
    • Origin: Widespread in Northern Hemisphere including North America, Europe, and Asia
    • Size: 5 feet and 60 pounds

    A powerful predator lurks in lakes and rivers across the Northern Hemisphere. The Northern Pike is popular with fishermen because of the way it aggressively strikes into their baits, and to be fair, these fish do have beautiful markings and camouflage.

    Pike are top predators, with huge mouths full of razor-sharp teeth. They hunt everything from frogs to fish, and even water birds! There’s little chance of escape once those ugly teeth sink in, and these fish swallow prey whole.

    18. Deep-sea Fangtooth

    • Scientific name: Anoplogaster cornuta
    • Origin: Worldwide in deep temperate and tropical waters
    • Size: 7 inches

    Looking back over this list you might agree that the deep sea is home to some of the ugliest fish in the world. If the blobfish, angler fish, and Sloane’s Viperfish aren’t proof enough, there’s one more spooky deep sea creature with big teeth you need to meet.

    The fangtooth fish has the largest teeth relative to its own body, and these natural predators know how to use them too. These miniature killers stay down deep during the day but migrate into shallower water at night to prey on any fish or squid small enough to swallow.

    19. Titan Triggerfish

    Titan Triggerfish Closeup
    • Scientific name: Balistoides viridescens
    • Origin: Indo-Pacific reefs down to about 160 feet
    • Size: up to 30 inches

    Titan triggerfish are strange and interesting tropical reef fish from the Indian and Pacific Oceans. These fish have big, mean-looking teeth that they use to bite through tough food like sea urchins and coral.

    They can be aggressive too, and some territorial females have even bitten unwary divers that approach too close to their nest.

    20. Wolffish (Giant Trahira)

    • Scientific name: Hoplias aimara
    • Origin: Northern South America
    • Size: Up to 47 inches and 88 pounds

    The giant trahira is a large ambush predator with some serious jaws. These dark brown freshwater fish hang out among tangled tree roots and rock piles, just waiting for a small animal to fall into the water or an unwary fish to pass by close to its huge head.

    FAQs

    What is an ugly fish with sharp teeth?

    There are loads of ugly fish with sharp teeth out there, with diverse species living everywhere from tropical rivers in the Amazon rainforest to the dark depths of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans!

    There are loads of ugly fish with sharp teeth out there, with diverse species living everywhere from tropical rivers in the Amazon rainforest to the dark depths of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans!

    What fish has weird front teeth?

    The sheepshead fish has front teeth that look just like our own. Sure, human teeth look very normal in our mouths, but a stripey fish with a mouth full of pearly whites is a really strange sight!

    Are the ugly fish good to eat?

    Ugly fish can be surprisingly tasty! Some good-eating fish like the monkfish have a face only a mother could love.

    What kind of fish have teeth?

    All fish species have teeth, but their size and shape vary tremendously. Some fish have toothless jaws with teeth only in their throat, while others have huge crushing molars or even razor-sharp fangs.

    Final Thoughts

    So there you have it, twenty of the world’s ugliest toothy fish. To be fair, each of these incredible creatures is awesome and beautiful in its own way. Still, you might want to check out a few of our other fascinating articles first if you’re getting ready for bed – we don’t want anyone having nightmares!

    Which species do you think is the ugliest fish? Share your choice in the comments below!

  • Freshwater Stingray Care Guide: The Most Demanding Fish in the Hobby

    Freshwater Stingray Care Guide: The Most Demanding Fish in the Hobby

    Freshwater stingrays need a tank footprint measured in feet, not inches. A 6-foot long, 2-foot wide tank is the starting point, not the goal. They have venomous barbs, eat expensive food, and produce massive waste.

    If your tank does not have a 6-foot footprint, do not consider a freshwater stingray.

    What It Is Actually Like Living With Freshwater Stingray

    Oddball fish are the fish that visitors notice first. Nobody glances at this tank and keeps walking. They stop, stare, and ask questions. Be prepared to explain what you are keeping multiple times a week.

    Feeding is an event. Many oddballs are predators that hunt live or frozen food with visible intensity. Watching this fish track and strike at prey is one of the most dramatic moments in fishkeeping.

    These fish grow fast and steadily. One month it fits comfortably. Three months later, you are researching larger tanks. The growth rate catches new owners off guard every single time.

    Oddball fish often recognize their owners. They approach the glass when you enter the room, accept food from your hand, and display behaviors that feel remarkably personal. That connection is why oddball keepers rarely go back to community tanks.

    Table of Contents

    The Freshwater Stingray is the kind of fish that makes experienced keepers stop and stare. This is not a beginner species. It requires specific conditions, a specific tank, and a keeper who understands what they are signing up for. After 25 years in the hobby, I still consider this one of the most fascinating fish you can own.

    This fish will outgrow your plans. Accept that before you buy it.

    Freshwater stingrays are not display fish you set and forget. They need massive tanks, pristine water, and a keeper who understands that the sting is real and medical attention is not optional.

    This fish lives a long time, grows large, and demands a dedicated setup. The commitment is real and the costs add up over years, not months.

    Oddball fish are not conversation starters. They are conversation dominators. Guests will stare at this tank for twenty minutes.

    What Most Care Guides Get Wrong About Freshwater Stingray

    Want a conversation piece? Get this fish. Want easy maintenance? Get community fish instead. There is no middle ground with oddball species.

    Most care sheets list the minimum tank size for Freshwater Stingray and call it a day. But a minimum is just that. In my experience, giving them more room changes their behavior completely. You see more natural movement, less stress, and fewer aggression issues. Another thing guides gloss over is temperament. Freshwater Stingray are often described with a single label, but their behavior shifts depending on tank size, tank mates, and territory. You need to plan for the worst-case scenario, not the best. Group size is another area where most guides fall short. Saying ‘keep them in groups’ is not enough. The difference between keeping 3 and keeping 8 or more is night and day when it comes to coloration, confidence, and natural behavior.

    The Reality of Keeping Freshwater Stingray

    Tank size requirements are extreme. Most oddball fish grow large, fast, and need significantly more space than beginners expect. A 2-inch juvenile will eventually need hundreds of gallons. Research adult size before purchasing, not juvenile size.

    Diet is specialized. Many oddball fish are predators that need live or frozen foods. Some refuse pellets entirely. Feeding costs for large predatory fish add up quickly over the life of the fish.

    Tankmate compatibility is extremely limited. Most oddball fish are either predators that eat smaller fish or territorial species that attack anything in their space. Community setups require careful size matching.

    Biggest Mistake New Owners Make

    Buying a juvenile oddball fish without understanding its adult size. That cute 3-inch fish at the store will be 18 inches long within two years and need a tank most people cannot afford or fit in their home.

    Expert Take

    Before you buy any oddball fish, look up its adult size and multiply your expected tank cost by three. That is the realistic budget for keeping this fish properly.

    ASD Difficulty Rating: Expert — Requires 180+ gallon (680+ liter) tank with sand-only substrate; extremely sensitive to water quality; cannot be kept with spiny fish that could puncture them; venomous spine poses real risk to handlers; one of the most demanding freshwater species available

    Key Takeaways

    • Freshwater stingrays are very personable fish that is an aquarium option for experienced keepers.
    • These fish require large aquarium setups with ample filtration. They also need a wide variety of live and frozen food options.
    • Freshwater stingrays is kept with other stingrays, but don’t do well when mixed with upper water level swimmers.
    • Surprisingly, freshwater rays are able and willing to mate in captivity. However, raising the pups takes a lot of space and dedication.

    An Overview

    Common Names Freshwater stingray, River stingray
    Colors Black, brown, yellow
    Family Potamotrygonidae family, Dasyatidae family
    Origin South America, Africa, Australia, Asia
    Diet Omnivore
    Care Level Difficult
    Activity Medium
    Lifespan 10+ years 
    Temperament Aggressive
    Tank Level Bottom
    Minimum Tank Size 300 gallons
    Temperature Range 75. 82° F
    Water Hardness 6. 14 dGH
    pH Range 6.5. 7.5
    Filtration/Water Flow Moderate
    Water Type Freshwater
    Breeding Ovoviviparous
    Difficulty to Breed Moderate
    Compatibility Limited
    OK, for Planted Tanks? No

    Classification

    Order Myliobatiformes
    Family Potamotrygonidae
    Genus Potamotrygon
    Species Multiple species (Garman, 1877)

    Introduction

    Stingrays aren’t just for your local aquarium. Given the right tank setup, these massive fish–yes, they’re fish–is kept in your home. That isn’t to say they’re easy to keep, though.

    There are about 35 known species of freshwater stingray. This is only a fraction of the number of discovered saltwater stingrays, which surpasses 200 individual species. Freshwater stingrays are largely categorized into two separate scientific families: the Potamotrygonidae family and the Dasyatidae family.

    Members of the Potamotrygonidae family are found only in South America. This group contains the majority of known freshwater stingrays and subsequently some of the most popular Amazonian species available. The Dasyatidae family, commonly known as the whiptail stingrays, includes species from across Africa, Asia, and Australia. These fish get their name from their very long tails, which are longer than the width of their bodies.

    You may know this already, but stingrays are actually elasmobranchs, meaning that they’re very closely related to sharks and skates. This means that they have a cartilaginous skeleton. Stingrays should not be confused with skates. Skates do not occur in freshwater or brackish water, have shorter stubbier tails, and often broader pectoral fins. Skates aren’t available for sale in the aquarium trade.

    But can you have a pet freshwater stingray?

    Yes! You can have freshwater stingrays in your aquarium only if you have the means to keep them. These are large, messy fish that are demanding in filtration and space. They need a high-protein diet with tons of variety and frequency. Both freshwater and saltwater stingrays have been kept in the aquarium, but freshwater rays are more popular and readily available.

    Saltwater vs. Freshwater

    Before you buy a stingray, you should know everything there is to know about them. These are expensive, demanding fish, that oftentimes require a permit to own. Always make sure to check with your local laws about owning a freshwater or saltwater stingray1.

    There are a few major differences between freshwater and saltwater stingrays which largely arise from the conditions they live in.

    Freshwater stingrays have neutral colors, consisting of blacks, browns, and yellows. These colors are great representations of the natural murky river water conditions these rays originate from. In contrast, saltwater stingrays are lighter in color and often feature blue accents that help them blend into the bottom of the sea bed.

    Both freshwater and saltwater stingrays can grow to massive sizes. However, the largest freshwater stingray size ever recorded was a 661-lb giant freshwater stingray (Urogymnus polylepis).

    Are freshwater stingrays venomous?

    Yes, both freshwater and saltwater stingrays are venomous. These fish have a very hard cartilaginous venomous barb on their tails that they use for protection. As stingrays live on the bottom of the substrate, they need a way to protect themselves from predators above them, like their main threat of sharks.

    Most times, stingrays won’t resort to using their barbs if they don’t have to. This is a defense mechanism that is used if they are about to be stepped on or eaten. The barb is sealed with venom which breaks open when hit into another object. Along with the stingray venom, pieces of the barb may also get stuck in the opposing threat.

    Though freshwater stingray venom secreted by the barb is not immediately deadly to humans, the trauma caused by the puncture is. Saltwater and freshwater stingray barbs is removed from the tail by professionals but will need to be clipped or removed again in a few months. In general, practicing stingray safety is a better option than intentionally hurting the fish in an aquarium setting.

    Origins And Habitat

    Want a conversation piece? Get this fish. Want easy maintenance? Get community fish instead. There is no middle ground with oddball species.

    Different freshwater stingray species will be grouped under the larger umbrella term of river stingray. This is because these monster bottom-dwellers lurk on the bottom of freshwater rivers and canals all across the world!

    Freshwater stingrays is found on every continent besides Antarctica; members of the Dasyatidae family originate from Africa, Asia, and Australia while Potamotrygonidae are confined to South America.

    These stingrays have perfectly adapted to a wide variety of environmental conditions, especially those found in flooded forest areas. They is found in slow-moving or fast waters, clear or murky conditions, shallow or deep water levels, and smooth or rocky bottoms. A few species live close to coastal regions that allow them to wander into brackish and saltwater conditions for short periods.

    As we’ll see, the colors and patterns on each species of stingray can tell a lot about their natural habitat.

    Appearance

    Freshwater stingrays are very easy to distinguish from other rays in saltwater. This is especially true as most species have been bred to show the best color combinations possible.

    Many freshwater stingray species available in the aquarium trade are Potamotrygon species. Here are some of the most common species of river stingray you’re likely to come across for sale from specialized breeders:

    Black diamond stingray (Potamotrygon leopoldi). Also known as the Xingu River ray or polka-dot stingray, the black diamond stingray originates from the Xingu River basin in Brazil. These fish can grow to be 16 inches in width and feature a dark black body with many small yellowish-white dispersed spots across the back and onto the tail. They originate from clear waterways with rocky substrates.

    Freshwater Stingray

    Ocellate river stingray (Potamotrygon motoro). The ocellate river stingray is commonly known as the motoro stingray, black river stingray, or peacock-eye stingray. This freshwater stingray has a wide distribution across most of northern South America. Depending on where your Potamotrygon motoro originates from, its appearance can vary greatly in terms of color and pattern. In general, these stingrays have a light or dark base color with light yellow spots encircled in darker brown. The ocellate stingray can grow to be nearly 2 feet in width.

    Pearl stingray (Potamotrygon jabuti). Not to be confused with its saltwater counterpart, the pearl stingray (Dasyatis margaritella), freshwater pearl stingrays originate from a particular river system in Brazil called the Tapajós River. They are similar in appearance to the ocellate river stingray but have many more bordered circles across their bodies. When looking at these spots, you will notice that the center is yellowish-white. This is surrounded by a darker ring that is then enclosed by another lighter ring. Pearl stingrays are very likely to exhibit albinism.

    How Big Do They Get?

    Freshwater stingrays are huge fish. So much so that they’re regarded as monster fish.

    As mentioned before, the largest freshwater stingray was a giant stingray that weighed over 600 lbs and measured 13 feet long. While most captive-bred stingrays stay well under this extreme, keeping freshwater stingrays is no easy task.

    Most freshwater stingray species grow to be at least a foot in width and even bigger in length. Males don’t grow as large as females, which is desirable for hobbyists more limited in space. Males can easily be distinguished by the two claspers that fall under their tails.

    While juvenile stingrays might look manageable to keep in a smaller aquarium, these fish should never be kept in anything that’s not fit for their adult size!

    Tank Requirements

    Want a conversation piece? Get this fish. Want easy maintenance? Get community fish instead. There is no middle ground with oddball species.

    Are freshwater stingrays hard to take care of?

    Yes, freshwater stingrays is challenging to take care of. Though these fish have been successfully captive-bred, they are still extremely sensitive to incorrect and fluctuating water parameters. Adult fish also grow to extreme sizes, which is difficult to house and feed.

    In general, any species of freshwater stingray should only be kept by expert hobbyists.

    Tank Size

    Freshwater rays are bottom-dwellers that will rarely leave the comfort of the bottom of the tank. Because of this, they need more horizontal space than vertical space.

    Adult freshwater stingrays require a tank that is at least 8 x 4 feet. These dimensions will comfortably fit a pair of moderately-sized species. A 6 x 3 foot aquarium can temporarily house young freshwater stingray pups, but this should never become more than temporary housing.

    Aquarium Setup

    Keeping freshwater stingrays is an oxymoron: they are very difficult fish to keep but don’t actually require an intricate aquarium setup. A stingray tank needs to be big with plenty of space and water volume.

    In terms of decoration, the less the better. If there’s anything that your stingray could possibly injure itself on in the tank, it will find a way. Rocks, driftwood, and other typical aquarium decorations should not be added. The tank should be fully bare to allow for the most swimming space and the least risk of injury.

    Water Parameters

    Freshwater stingrays require pristine water quality at all times. That isn’t to say freshwater stingrays aren’t hardy, but water parameters can change quickly in a stingray tank.

    Stingrays are very messy fish that eat a lot and create a lot of waste in return. Not only does a ton of ammonia enter the water column from uneaten food and waste, but stingrays have also evolved to release ammonia from their body for osmoregulation.

    Stingrays originated from saltwater conditions and adapted to freshwater over time. They managed to do this by evolving rectal glands that excrete excess urea and ammonia produced in the body to create a balance between internal and external pressures. As a result, ammonia spikes in the water.

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    Freshwater stingrays cannot tolerate ammonia and can quickly succumb to incorrect water parameters. Ammonia and nitrite should always remain at 0 ppm. Nitrate should always stay under 40 ppm.

    To keep up with this influx, frequent water changes are required. Some stingray owners perform daily 60-70% water changes. How often you need to clean your stingray tank will be determined by the overall water volume available, the number of stingrays in the aquarium, and how often and how much they are fed.

    One water parameter freshwater stingrays are more tolerable of is pH. This is because some species of freshwater stingray regularly move between freshwater, brackish, and saltwater conditions where pH is constantly fluctuating. In general, the preferred pH for freshwater stingrays is between 6.5 and 7.5. As long as the level stays stable though, they are likely able to adapt to values outside this range.

    As freshwater stingrays originate from tropical regions, water temperature should always remain between 75 and 82° F.

    Filtration and Aeration

    The most important part of a freshwater stingray tank is the filtration. These fish need huge filtration, meaning that a sump filtration system is often the best pick.

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    A sump allows for the most water volume possible, which is essential due to freshwater stingrays excreting ammonia directly into the water column. External filtration systems also allows for space to keep aquarium equipment out of the display, which could become dangerous for curious rays; a tank heater can easily burn fins and tails!

    Lighting

    In addition to being nocturnal, freshwater stingrays are sensitive to high lighting. As these fish can’t be kept with live plants due to them rummaging through the substrate, there is no reason to keep them under intense lighting.

    Substrate

    Next to filtration, the substrate is a very important consideration for a freshwater stingray tank. There is some debate as to what is the right substrate for these fish.

    Many stingray owners choose to keep a bare-bottom stingray display. This helps keep the tank clean, prevents the rays from kicking up the substrate, and exposes any shed stingray barbs that could become dangerous to handlers. On the other hand, a fine sand, like pool filter sand, can help stingrays show their true personalities.

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    No matter if you choose to keep a substrate or not in your freshwater stingray aquarium, there should never be any sharp edges that could injure your ray. This eliminates gravel and other larger rocks.

    Temperament

    We label our stingrays as aggressive, but these are actually gentle giants. As we’ll see, they’re labeled as aggressive because they can’t be safely kept with many other species.

    Instead, stingrays are relaxed yet inquisitive. Most, if not all, species of freshwater stingrays are nocturnal, which means that they’ll be most active at night. Otherwise, they are likely to be found gliding along the tank floor and over each other in an attempt to find food.

    Tank Mates

    The best tank mates for freshwater stingrays are none. Stingrays are predators which means they’re always looking for their next meal, even if not intentionally. This means that any slow or small fish in the aquarium can quickly become a snack. At the same time, larger fish species can pick on rays and cause them injury.

    Tiger <a href=Oscar Fish” class=”wp-image-1059319″/>

    If planning to keep tank mates with freshwater stingrays, be prepared for a lot of trial and error. Experienced keepers have had luck keeping smaller rays with oscar fish, but this will be entirely dependent on the individual fish.

    In general, the best tank mates for freshwater stingrays are other freshwater stingrays. These fish enjoy each other’s company, especially if they’re captive-bred. It’s best to mix the same species or similar species that come from the same regions of a river system to match preferred water parameters. Each stingray tank mate carries a ton of bioload along with them!

    Diet

    Want a conversation piece? Get this fish. Want easy maintenance? Get community fish instead. There is no middle ground with oddball species.

    Freshwater stingrays will eat anything–that is, once you get them acclimated to your tank. A new freshwater stingray may be picky when introduced into your aquarium, especially if it is wild-caught.

    If your wild-caught stingray refuses to eat prepared foods, then offer live and frozen foods once a day followed by prepared foods. Your freshwater stingray should eventually begin to accept prepared foods more willingly.


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    Otherwise, these fish eat anything you give them. They need a wide variety of foods, mainly consisting of live and frozen options. Experienced keepers find that a high-protein sinking carnivore pellet, like those from Hikari, is readily accepted by young rays. Once they get bigger, you will need to start preparing your own food options.

    Some of the best stingray food options include blackworms, earthworms, insects, mysis shrimp, raw shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops, and other pieces of white fish. These options is frozen together to make protein-packed cubes that make for easy feeding. Leftover food should be immediately removed to keep water quality pristine.

    Always make sure to watch your freshwater stingray eat before taking it home from the fish store!

    Breeding

    Breeding freshwater stingrays is possible in the home aquarium and rays are eager to begin if given the right conditions. Male and female stingrays can easily be told apart. Male stingrays are smaller and have specialized pelvic fins called claspers that are used for reproduction. Interestingly, female stingrays have two uteruses which allow them to have multiple litters from different males.

    Once a pair has been established in an adequately-sized and well-fed aquarium, the pair will mate. Freshwater stingrays are ovoviviparous, which means that eggs are fertilized and hatched all while inside the female. Young freshwater stingray pups are then birthed live.

    Once they have been birthed, the pups should be removed to their own tank and raised on high-quality foods.

    Hard Rule: Freshwater stingrays cannot share a tank with cichlids, catfish with spines, or any fish aggressive enough to bite them. A punctured stingray disc becomes infected. The tank mate list is short and non-negotiable.

    Is the Freshwater Stingray Right for You?

    Good Fit If:

    • You already have a 180+ gallon (680+ liter) tank with a sand substrate and strong filtration
    • You are an experienced keeper comfortable with water quality demands of large, sensitive fish
    • You want a species-only or near-species-only showpiece tank with a genuinely unique animal

    Avoid If:

    • You keep cichlids, armored catfish, or any fin-nipping species – the combination is dangerous for the ray
    • Your tank is under 180 gallons (680 liters) – these need floor space, not just volume
    • You are new to fishkeeping – stingrays are for experienced keepers with a track record on water quality

    Closing Thoughts

    Freshwater stingrays may not be the first fish species on your list to keep in your home aquarium setup. But if you have the space and filtration, then these are some of the most interesting fish to keep! They require a large aquarium and can’t be kept with other tank mates, but they have very fun and very unexpected personalities.

  • 30 Popular Tropical Fish Species: A Guide to the Best Options for Your Tank

    30 Popular Tropical Fish Species: A Guide to the Best Options for Your Tank

    Tropical fish were how I got into this hobby, and after 25+ years and a lot of tanks, I still think a freshwater tropical setup is one of the most rewarding things you can do in this hobby. The variety alone is wild. schooling tetras, large cichlids, oddballs, planted tanks, biotopes. There’s genuinely something for every skill level and every taste.

    This guide covers 30 of the most popular tropical species you’ll come across, with honest notes on which ones are truly beginner-friendly and which ones get sold as “easy” but have requirements that can trip you up if you’re not prepared.

    Expert Take | Mark Valderrama, AquariumStoreDepot

    After 25+ years in this hobby, I want to be direct: the most common mistake I see is beginners buying fish based on looks alone, without checking whether their tank is actually set up for that species. This guide is a decision-making tool, not just a list. Use the difficulty tiers and comparison table below to figure out which group fits your tank, your experience level, and your goals before you go to the fish store.

    Key Takeaways

    • Tropical fish need an electric heater in their tank to stay warm.
    • There’s a tropical fish species for you, no matter how big your tank and your budget are.
    • Many freshwater tropical fish can live together, but it’s important to research each fish’s temperament and diet to avoid any accidents.
    • Fish aren’t the only amazing creatures that live in fish tanks. Amphibians and invertebrates make great pets too!

    What Are Tropical Freshwater Fish?

    Fish are the most diverse group of vertebrate organisms on the planet (by a long way!), and the tropics have the most variety of all. Freshwater tropical fish are simply the species that come from freshwater bodies like rivers and lakes near the Earth’s equator.

    These areas stay warm throughout the year, and abundant rain creates plenty of habitats for these fish to thrive. Freshwater tropical fish often have bright colors and exotic features, and many of these fish do great in home aquariums, provided we can keep the water in their tank warm like their wild home.

    There are just so many different tropical fish species that we need a way to split them up into different aquarium fish categories. Let’s take a quick look at some of these groups before we get into the different species.

    Schoolers and Shoalers

    Many tropical fish species are highly social, and they live in groups in the wild. These fish either hang out in schools where each individual swims in the same direction and move together, or in shoals, where they stay near each other but do their own thing until it’s time to move on.

    School of Rasboras

    Schooling and shoaling fish make great aquarium fish, but it’s important to keep enough of them to form their own little school and feel safe together.

    Centerpiece Specimens

    Some fish are perfectly happy to live on their own, and these species can make great freshwater aquarium fish too. These fish might be the biggest, coolest fish in a tropical community tank, or have the aquarium all to themself as a ‘wet pet’.

    Centerpiece fish are often more time-consuming fish, but they are also the most rewarding fish you can keep!

    Bottom Dwellers

    Bottom dwellers might sound like an insult to some, but there’s a whole world of amazing freshwater aquarium fish species that spend their lives on the bottom of the tank!

    Pictus Catfish Swimming

    These fish often benefit aquariums by cleaning up scraps and wasted food that the other species miss, and they tend to have really weird and interesting body shapes. However, bottom-dwellers usually favor camouflage over bright colors so that they can blend in with their environments.

    Peaceful vs. Aggressive Types

    Different tropical fish species have different ways of interacting with the other fish. Some fish are highly territorial and do not allow other fish to approach their turf, while others are peaceful and get along great with friends and neighbors.

    Jack Dempsey Fish

    Sometimes aggressive fish can live with other aggressive fish because they are tough enough to defend themselves, but peaceful community fish do not mix well with aggressive or territorial fish. Placing them together will put your prized pets at risk of getting bullied, eaten, or killed!

    Tropical Freshwater Fish Species – 30 Amazing Types!

    Are you ready to learn about some awesome freshwater tropical fish? There are way too many species to cover in this article alone, but let’s start out by getting to know the 30 best types that you can keep. I also included a video from our YouTube Channel to help visualize. Our blog post goes into more details so please look at both. If you like our content, be sure to subscribe!

    I’ve included the following important facts about each group to help you decide which fish are best for you:

    • Fish Family
    • Fish Type
    • Temperament
    • Care Level
    • Size Range
    • Special Features

    Here we go!

    1. Arowanas

    Arowana Fish
    • Fish Family: Osteoglossidae
    • Fish Type: Centerpiece fish
    • Temperament: Aggressive
    • Care Level: Expert
    • Size Range: 2 – 3 feet
    • Special Features: Huge size and dragon-like scales

    We’re kicking off this list with a true monster fish, just to show you what is possible in the tropical fish-keeping hobby. Arowanas are time-consuming and expensive aquarium fish that need huge aquariums, but boy are they beautiful!

    These aggressive fish have huge mouths, and that means any fish that is small enough to eat will probably end up as lunch. Nevertheless, these unique tropical fish can make wonderful pets for experienced fishkeepers.

    2. African Cichlids

    Mbuna Cichlids
    • Fish Family: Cichlidae
    • Fish Type: Centerpiece fish
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive or aggressive
    • Care Level: Intermediate
    • Size Range: 1.5 – 16 inches
    • Special Features: Amazing colors and fascinating breeding behaviors

    African Cichlids fall into an in-between category. They make an awesome community species, but they certainly are not peaceful community fish!

    These fish have some of the most vibrant colors in the hobby, and their high activity levels make them the first choice for aquarists who want a busy tropical fish tank.

    African cichlids tend to be highly territorial, and they will fight and even kill each other if you keep the wrong species, in the wrong numbers, or in the wrong tank setup. They also need hard, high-pH water to thrive, so they aren’t the best choice for beginners.

    3. Bettas

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    Betta Fish are one of the most beautiful varieties of freshwater fish available in the hobby. Easy to care for with plenty of varieties!


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    • Fish Family: Osphronemidae
    • Fish Type: Centerpiece fish, Labyrinth fish
    • Temperament: Aggressive to their own kind and fish that look like them
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Size Range: 2 – 2.5 inches
    • Special Features: Great beginner fish for small aquariums

    There are many wild species of betta fish, but the Betta splendens, or the Siamese fighting fish is the most popular. These awesome little tropical fish are perfect for small aquariums, and you can find them in pretty much any pet store.

    The male betta fish is usually more colorful, but females make great pets too. The most important rule is to keep just one betta fish in a tank, these fish love to fight!

    4. Barbs

    Gold Barbs Profile
    • Fish Family: Cyprinidae
    • Fish Type: Schooling fish
    • Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
    • Care Level: Easy to intermediate
    • Size Range: 2 – 14 inches
    • Special Features: Beautiful fish with glossy scales and a range of colors and patterns

    Aquarium barbs are a popular group of tropical aquarium fish for many reasons. Most are peaceful schooling or shoaling fish that are ideal beginner fish and very affordable. Some, like the tiger barb, can be pretty mean though, and these aren’t always a good choice for community tanks.

    Some of the best species are the cherry barbs, the golden barbs, and the Odessa barbs, but if you have enough room, the tinfoil barb is great too!

    5. Bichirs

    Bichir Fish
    • Fish Family: Polypteridae
    • Fish Type: Bottom dweller/ centerpiece fish
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Care Level: Intermediate
    • Size Range: up to 20 inches
    • Special Features: Dinosaur-like appearance and large size

    Bichirs are strange, prehistoric-looking tropical fish from Africa. There are several species, although the Senegal bichir is the most popular in the aquarium trade. They will eat any small fish that they can swallow, so keep them with other larger tank mates.

    Bichirs can grow huge, and live for over 40 years with good care. Keeping them healthy in the long term is going to require a huge aquarium and serious commitment. Still, these fish are definitely worth considering if you want a truly unique tropical fish pet!

    6. Cory Catfish

    Corydoras trilineatus
    • Fish Family: Callichthyidae
    • Fish Type: Bottom dwellers
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Size Range: 1 – 4 inches
    • Special Features: Peaceful community fish with fun schooling behavior

    Originally from the tropical waters of South America, the corydoras catfish is now a popular freshwater aquarium fish all over the world. These fish are incredibly peaceful, so they get along great with pretty much every other tropical fish that is not big enough to eat them!

    There are loads of different species, including the tiny pygmy cory and the elegant emerald cory catfish, and all are social schooling fish. That means you’ll need a group of at least 6 of these calm fish to see them at their best.

    7. Danios

    What Does A Zebra Danio Look Like
    • Fish Family: Cyprinidae
    • Fish Type: Schooling fish
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Size Range: 0.8 – 6 inches
    • Special Features: Peaceful, hardy, and energetic fish for community tanks

    Danios are energetic shoaling fish from the same family as barbs and goldfish. There are many species, ranging from the delicate celestial pearl danio to the high-speed zebrafish.

    Most danios are tiny fish, but they can be very active and often need plenty of swimming space.

    8. Discus

    • Fish Family: Cichlidae
    • Fish Type: Centerpiece fish
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Moderate
    • Size Range: 4 – 8 inches
    • Special Features: Unique disk shape, various breeds with amazing colors

    Few fish have the amazing variety of colors and patterns of the discus fish. These peaceful cichlids are also known as the kings of all freshwater fish in the freshwater hobby. These shy fish need special care, are delicate, and are not recommended for beginners.

    9. Dwarf Cichlids

    Apistogramma cacatuoides
    • Fish Family: Cichlidae
    • Fish Type: Bottom dwellers, centerpiece fish
    • Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
    • Care Level: Easy to intermediate
    • Size Range: 2 – 4 inches
    • Special Features: Smaller and more peaceful than larger African and New World cichlids

    The dwarf cichlids have a number of benefits over their larger cousins. These small fish can be kept in just 30 gallons, and they tend to be more peaceful, while still having great looks and interesting behaviors.

    There are many great species of dwarf cichlids in the hobby, but cockatoo cichlids (Apistogramma), rams (Mikrogeophagus), and kribs (Pelvicachromis) are the big names in this group.

    10. Freshwater Angelfish

    Altum Angelfish in Planted Tank
    • Fish Family: Cichlidae
    • Fish Type: Centerpiece fish
    • Temperament: Generally peaceful
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Size Range: 6 inches long & 8 inches tall
    • Special Features: Round, flattened body with huge triangular fins.

    The freshwater angelfish is another peaceful South American cichlid that comes in a variety of breeds. The great thing about these large fish is that they thrive in community aquariums and can even live safely with smaller schooling fish like tetras and rainbow fish.

    11. Freshwater Catfish

    Synodontis Catfish
    • Fish Family: Siluriformes
    • Fish Type: Bottom dwellers
    • Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
    • Care Level: Easy to advanced
    • Size Range: 3 inches to 3 feet
    • Special Features: Long cat-like whiskers

    Freshwater catfish are another diverse group of fascinating, and often very large tropical fish. These interesting bottom dwellers rarely have bright colors, but many species have awesome markings and patterns.

    Popular aquarium species include the shoaling transparent glass catfish of Asia, the Synodontis catfish of Africa, which includes the strange upside-down catfish, and the spotted pictus catfish of South America.

    Catfish are generally peaceful fish, although species with large mouths will eat other fish. Some catfish grow really huge, so always do your research before you leave the shop with a baby catfish!

    12. Freshwater Gobies

    Freshwater Goby
    Image Source – Florida Museum
    • Fish Family: Gobiidae
    • Fish Type: Bottom dwellers
    • Temperament: Peaceful – aggressive
    • Care Level: Easy-moderate
    • Size Range: 2 – 24 inches
    • Special Features: Interesting oddball fish

    Gobies are one of the most diverse groups of fish on the planet, and yet there are few species available in the freshwater aquarium trade.

    Fortunately, these interesting fish are becoming more popular, and today you can find everything from small, brightly colored algae eaters to large, dangerous-looking creatures like the dragon goby.

    Many of the popular freshwater aquarium gobies will do best in brackish conditions, so make sure the species you choose will be happy in your tank.

    13. Freshwater Eels

    Indian Mud Moray Eel
    • Fish Family: Mastacembelidae etc.
    • Fish Type: Bottom dwellers
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Intermediate
    • Size Range: 8 – 40 inches
    • Special Features: Snake-like body and interesting markings

    There are a few groups of freshwater eels in the aquarium, and many of them are not true eels at all! The most popular types are from a fascinating group of snake-like fish that include the tire-track, fire, and spiny eels.

    These odd-ball fish come from Africa and Asia, and they make a fascinating centerpiece or bottom dweller fish in many tropical aquarium types.

    14. Freshwater Sharks

    What does a rainbow shark look like
    • Fish Family: Cyprinidae
    • Fish Type: Bottom dwellers
    • Temperament: Peaceful/semi-aggressive
    • Care Level: Moderate to advanced
    • Size Range: 5 – 14 inches
    • Special Features: Dramatic shark-like fins and body shape

    Freshwater sharks are a group of popular tropical fish that don’t exactly live up to their more iconic saltwater fish namesake. While they may have a shark-like body shape, these fish do not have the sharp teeth or leathery skin of true sharks.

    The most popular freshwater sharks are rainbow sharks, bala sharks, and red-tail sharks. Some of these fish have naturally bold colors, but check out the Glofish Sharks if you want a fish that really shines!

    15. Freshwater Stingrays

    Freshwater Stingray
    • Fish Family: Potamotrygonidae
    • Fish Type: Bottom dweller
    • Temperament: Peaceful but potentially dangerous
    • Care Level: Advanced
    • Size Range: 30 – 36 inches
    • Special Features: Strange body shape and interactive personality

    You might be shocked to learn that freshwater stingrays exist, and even more shocked to discover they make great pets!

    However, these unusual fish are not going to fit in your standard aquarium. They are some of the most expensive aquarium fish, and their care requires high experience levels.

    Stingrays require a huge floor space, but they don’t need much depth. These flat fish can be kept in indoor ponds where they become very tame and often take food from the hand. Of course, stingrays can sting, so keeping these creatures does come with some risks.

    16. Freshwater Puffers

    Green Spotted Pufferfish in Aquarium
    • Fish Family: Tetraodontidae
    • Fish Type: Centerpiece fish
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive
    • Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced
    • Size Range: 1 – 30 inches
    • Special Features: Unusual looks and swimming style

    Freshwater pufferfish are another unusual group of fish that you would expect to find on a saltwater fish list. In fact, there are many freshwater species, and these adorable creatures can make wonderful pets once you understand their needs and behavior.

    Freshwater puffers need hard-shelled foods to keep their sharp teeth worn down, and most species are not safe for community tanks.

    17. Gouramis

    Sunset Gourami Fish
    • Fish Family: Osphronemidae
    • Fish Type: Centerpiece fish
    • Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
    • Care Level: Easy to intermediate
    • Size Range: 1.5 – 28 inches
    • Special Features: Beautiful colors and long feeler-like pelvic fins

    Gourami fish range from the tiny sparkling gourami, perfect for nano aquariums, to the mighty giant gourami, a gentle monster that makes a wonderful pet if given the room it needs. Gouramis are part of the same family as betta fish, and they have the same interesting air-breathing abilities.

    Gouramis are a great centerpiece fish for a tropical fish tank. The range of different colors, shapes, and sizes means there’s a gourami species for anyone!

    18. Guppies


    Guppy Fish


    Guppy Fish

    An undemanding fish that is a livebearer. Many varieties available


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    • Fish Family: Poeciliidae
    • Fish Type: Shoaling fish, livebearer
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Size Range: 1.5 – 2.5 inches
    • Special Features: Hardy beginner fish that’s easy to breed

    Guppies are colorful fish, and they have been bred into many different types with various patterns and fin shapes. These peaceful fish add color and movement to virtually every level of a freshwater tank, and their affordability and hardiness make the an ideal choice for first-time fish keepers.

    Guppies are the most common of the livebearers, a group of fish that give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. This means they are super easy to breed, which can be a really fun hobby.

    19. Hatchetfish

    Marble Hachet Fish
    • Fish Family: Gasteropelecidae
    • Fish Type: Schooling fish
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Intermediate to advanced
    • Size Range: 1.75 – 3.5 inches
    • Special Features: Strange flattened body shape and surface-dwelling habits

    The hatchetfish is an interesting tropical fish that spends its life up at the surface of the tank. These fish escape predators by jumping out of the water, which means they need a really secure lid to prevent them from escaping onto the floor of your fish room!

    20. Killifish

    Gardneri Killifish in Planted Tank
    • Fish Family: Aplocheilidae, Valenciidae, Cyprinodontidae, Fundulidae, Profundulidae
    • Fish Type: Shoaling fish
    • Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
    • Care Level: Easy to moderate
    • Size Range: 1.5 – 5.5 inches
    • Special Features: surface-dwelling fish with amazing colors

    Killifish are colorful nano fish that make fascinating pets and can thrive in tanks as small as 5 or 10 gallons. Like the hatchet fish, killis are generally surface-dwelling fish, and they can easily escape an open-top aquarium.

    21. Loaches

    How Does a Kuhli Loach Look Like
    • Fish Family: Cobitoidea superfamily
    • Fish Type: Bottom dweller
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Easy to moderate
    • Size Range: 1 – 12 inches
    • Special Features: whisker-like barbels and a variety of colors and patterns.

    Loaches range from tiny eel-like fish to large colorful schooling species. They all have adorable and fascinating behaviors, and they can make great pets with heaps of personality. Most loaches are tropical fish, but some species like the dojo loach prefer their water a little cooler.

    Loaches are generally peaceful creatures that search for food on the bottom of the tank. They are social fish too, so pick up a small group to keep them feeling comfortable in your aquarium.

    22. Mollies

    How Do Molly Fish Look Like
    • Fish Family: Poeciliidae
    • Fish Type: Shoaling fish, livebearer
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Size Range: 3 – 7 inches
    • Special Features: Hardy fish with many color morphs and fin shapes

    Mollies are excellent tropical fish for everyone from beginners to experienced fish keepers. These North and Central American livebearers are hardy fish that can live in fresh, brackish, and even saltwater aquariums!

    Mollies get along well with other fish, making them ideal for community aquariums. There are three popular species in the aquarium trade, with a variety of popular breeds such as the stunning Sailfin, the elegant lyretail, and the strange balloon molly.

    23. New World Cichlids

    Tiger Oscar Fish
    • Fish Family: Cichlidae
    • Fish Type: Centerpiece fish
    • Temperament: Peaceful to aggressive
    • Care Level: Easy to advanced
    • Size Range: 2 – 12 inches
    • Special Features: Great colors and personality

    The New World Cichlids are a diverse group of tropical fish from Texas through Central and South America. These fish include the shy and colorful dwarf cichlids, the fascinating earth-eaters (Geophagus), and popular large wet pets like Oscar fish, Midas Cichlids, and Jack Dempseys.

    There are so many species with different shapes, colors, and personalities that it’s impossible to describe them all here. However, one thing we can say is that there’s a great New World Cichlid for any freshwater aquarium!

    24. Platies

    Golden Wagtail Platy
    • Fish Family: Poeciliidae
    • Fish Type: Shoaling fish, livebearers
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Size Range: 2 – 3 inches
    • Special Features: Peaceful community species that is easy to breed

    Platies are another wonderful live-bearing species from Mexico and Central America. At two to three inches, these fish are in between the size of the guppy and the molly, and they can be kept with both species in awesome livebearer community tanks.

    There are two platy species available in the hobby, but these fish have been selectively bred to produce a huge variety of colorful and interesting breeds like the sunset, Mickey Mouse, and wagtail platies.

    25. Plecostomus


    Bristlenose Pleco


    Bristlenose Pleco

    The Bristlenose Pleco is a smaller Pleco that does a great job of eating algae. Peaceful and gets along with most fish


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    • Fish Family: Loricariidae
    • Fish Type: Bottom dweller
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Easy to intermediate
    • Size Range: 2 to 20 inches
    • Special Features: Armored body and various intricate patterns

    Plecostomus catfish, or just plecos for short, are a large group of South American Catfish that hang out on the bottom of lakes and rivers and graze on rocks and driftwood. Plecos are great algae eaters for large aquariums, and they will help to clean the glass and other surfaces of Your tank.

    There are hundreds of different pleco species out there, ranging from small pleco species like the strange-looking bristlenose at just 4 inches to the impressive common pleco that can reach 20 inches!

    26. Rainbowfish

    Rainbow Fish in Planted Tank
    • Fish Family: Melanotaeniidae, Pseudomugilidae, etc.
    • Fish Type: Schooling fish
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Size Range: 1.5 – 6 inches
    • Special Features: Bright colors and peaceful personality

    Rainbowfish are a colorful group of tropical fish from Australia and Southeast Asia. They range in size from nano species like the spotted blue-eye rainbow at just 1.5 inches, to medium-sized fish like the popular boesemani rainbowfish.

    These active fish thrive in community aquariums with great water quality and suitable tank mates. The larger species will need a tank in the 55-gallon class, but nano types can be kept in a well-planted tank of just 10 gallons or more.

    27. Rasboras

    How Do Harlequin Rasboras Look Like
    • Fish Family: Cyprinidae
    • Fish Type: Schooling fish
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Size Range: 0.7 – 3 inches
    • Special Features: Beautiful fish for nano and community aquariums

    Rasboras are a group of tropical fish that includes some of the smallest and most popular species in the hobby.

    Many of these Asian species are ideal beginner fish, and the tiny Boraras species like the chili rasbora are one of the few schooling fish that can thrive in a 5-gallon aquarium.

    28. Swordtails

    Swordtail Fish in Planted Tank
    • Fish Family: Poeciliidae
    • Fish Type: Shoaling fish, livebearer
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Size Range: 5 – 6 inches
    • Special Features: Bright colors and long, sword-like tail

    Swordtails are one of the larger tropical livebearer species and a great community tankmate for a variety of other fish. They are active freshwater fish that add a flash of color and movement to any aquarium.

    Swordtail fish come in various shades of orange, yellow, and pink, and they can have various tail shapes. These fish breed regularly in the home aquarium, so get ready to see loads of little ones if you keep males and females together.

    29. Suckermouth Catfish and other Algae Eaters


    Otocinclus Catfish


    Otocinclus Catfish

    A small algae-eating fish. Also great with freshwater shrimp.


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    • Fish Family: Various
    • Fish Type: Bottom dwellers
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Easy to intermediate
    • Size Range: 2- 8 inches
    • Special Features: Excellent algae control for planted tanks

    The plecostomus catfish aren’t the only algae-eating fish in the aquarium world. Many other tropical fish will happily graze on your aquarium glass, hardscape, and plants, and the best part is that they make fascinating pets in their own right!

    Look out for Otocinclus catfish (the best choice for nano aquariums), farlowella catfish (strange, twig-like bottom-dwellers), Siamese algae eaters, and flying foxes if you’re looking for great clean-up crew species for your tank.

    30. Tetras

    Cardinal Tetra Fish
    • Fish Family: Characidae
    • Fish Type: Schooling fish
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Size Range: 0.75 – 3 inches
    • Special Features: Dazzling colors and amazing schooling behavior

    Tetras are the perfect fish for peaceful communities and planted aquascapes. There are many wonderful species available in the hobby, ranging from the world-famous neon tetra to slightly larger fish like the Congo Tetra of tropical Africa.

    Tetras are schooling or shoaling fish, and they need the company of their own species to swim confidently and show their best colors. Add a school of at least 8 of these fish to your tank and enjoy these rewarding fish!

    How to Choose: Difficulty Tiers for Tropical Fish

    ASD Difficulty Tiers | Tropical Freshwater Fish

    Tier 1 (Beginner): Guppies, mollies, platies, swordtails, danios, corydoras, bristlenose plecos, most tetras. Hardy, adaptable, forgiving of beginner mistakes. Start here.

    Tier 2 (Intermediate): Gouramis, barbs, loaches, most cichlids (including angelfish and most New World cichlids), rasboras, rainbowfish, freshwater puffers. Require stable water, appropriate tank mates, and specific diet attention.

    Tier 3 (Advanced): Discus, killifish (species-dependent), axolotls, arowanas, freshwater stingrays, bichirs, freshwater eels. Require large tanks, specialized diet, precise parameters, or species-only setups. Do your research before purchasing.

    Tier 4 (Expert Only): Large New World cichlids (Oscar, flowerhorn, jaguar) kept as wet pets, freshwater sharks in full-size adult tanks. Years of commitment and dedicated large systems required.

    Mark’s Pick | Best First Tropical Fish Setup

    For a first freshwater tropical tank, I always recommend corydoras catfish paired with a small tetra school. Corydoras are bulletproof, entertaining to watch, useful for cleanup, and almost never bother other fish. A school of 6+ neon or ember tetras adds movement and color at the midwater level. Together, they teach you how a community tank actually works without punishing every beginner mistake. That combination has launched more successful fishkeepers than any other I’ve seen.

    Which Group Fits Your Setup?

    Use this decision table to match your goals and tank size to the right fish group before you buy.

    If you want… Best Group Min. Tank Size Difficulty
    Easy colorful schooling fish Tetras, Rasboras, Danios 10 gal (38 L) Beginner
    A single showpiece fish Betta, Angelfish, Gourami 10–55 gal (38–208 L) Beginner–Intermediate
    A community bottom cleaner Corydoras, Bristlenose Pleco 20 gal (76 L) Beginner
    Easy breeders you can enjoy Guppies, Mollies, Platies 10 gal (38 L) Beginner
    An aggressive species-only tank African Cichlids, Large NW Cichlids 55–125 gal (208–473 L) Expert
    The most rewarding challenge Discus 55+ gal (208+ L) Advanced
    Something genuinely unique Bichir, Arowana, Freshwater Eel 75–250 gal (284–946 L) Advanced

    Other Creatures

    Fish are the first animals that come to mind when we think about aquariums, but did you know that all sorts of other strange and beautiful creatures can live in a fish tank? Let’s check them out!

    1. Freshwater Shrimp


    Freshwater Shrimp


    Freshwater Shrimp

    Freshwater aquarium shrimp are a great addition to small tanks and aquascapes. Peaceful, full of personality, and colorful. Many varieties are available.


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    • Family: Atyidae
    • Type: Bottom dwellers
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Easy to moderate
    • Size Range: 1 – 2 inches
    • Special Features: Wide range of breeds in various colors

    Freshwater shrimp have become super popular in the aquarium hobby, and it’s easy to see why! There are many different breeds and species available, and they come in just about any color you can think of.

    Freshwater shrimp are very peaceful creatures, and they are fascinating to watch as they feed and explore. Unfortunately, most fish will pick on freshwater shrimp or even swallow them whole, so it’s best to keep them in their own tank or with vegetarian species like the otocinclus catfish.

    2. Aquarium Snails

    Golden Apple Snail
    • Family: Ampullariidae, Neritidae, etc.
    • Type: Bottom-dwellers
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Size Range: 1 – 4 inches
    • Special Features: Excellent clean-up crew and algae control animals

    Aquarium Snails are another excellent aquarium invertebrate for tropical aquariums. These slow-moving creatures do great work in our tanks by eating algae, cleaning up waste, and eating leftover fish food. However, some species tend to multiply really fast!

    There are many aquarium snails that do not breed in our fish tanks, and these are usually the best choices. Choose the neatly patterned and colored nerite snails if you want a small, algae-busting machine, or the much larger mystery snail for a cool display animal.

    3. Aquarium Crabs

    Red Claw Crab
    • Family: Ocypodidae etc.
    • Type: Bottom dwellers
    • Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
    • Care Level: Moderate
    • Size Range: 0.4 – 1 inches
    • Special Features: Fascinating and unusual aquarium inhabitants

    Crabs are not very common in the freshwater aquarium world, although there are some great species available if you know where to look.

    Many aquarium crabs require a paludarium setup, which is a tank that incorporates both water and dry land. However, there are some fully aquatic options too like the pom-pom crab and the tiny Thai micro crabs.

    4. Dwarf African Frogs

    How Does an African Dwarf Frog Look Like
    • Family: Pipidae
    • Type: Bottom-dwellers/centerpiece pets
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Care Level: Moderate
    • Size Range: 2 inches
    • Special Features: Fully aquatic frog that can live in a small aquarium

    African dwarf frogs are adorable little creatures that spend their whole lives in the water. However, they must swim to the surface to breathe air because they do not have gills like fish.

    These social creatures should be kept in groups of two or more, preferably in a shallow aquarium. They are tropical creatures, so they need an aquarium heater and an aquarium filter to keep their water warm and clean.

    5. Crayfish

    Blue Crayfish
    • Family: Cambaridae etc.
    • Type: Bottom dweller
    • Temperament: Aggressive
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Size Range: 1 – 6 inches
    • Special Features: Bright colors and unique body shape

    Freshwater crayfish are probably the most colorful freshwater aquarium invertebrates in the hobby. These cool crustaceans have powerful claws, and they will use them on unsuspecting fish, so their tank mates need to be chosen with care!

    6. Axolotls

    Leucistic Axolotl
    • Family: Ambystomatidae
    • Type: Centerpiece pet
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Size Range: 9 – 12 inches
    • Special Features: Strange spiky gills and a smiling face

    We’ve saved the strangest tropical fish tank inhabitant for last. The Axolotl is also known as the Mexican walking fish, but this creature is not a fish at all!

    Axolotls are fully aquatic salamanders that do great in fish tanks. These interesting animals are not truly tropical though, so give them their own tank with stable water temperatures of 60-64°F to keep them cool and comfortable.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    • Buying a fish based on looks alone without checking adult size, tank requirements, or temperament
    • Stocking a 10-gallon (38 L) tank with fish labeled “small” at the store that grow to 6 inches (15 cm)
    • Mixing aggressive cichlids or fin-nipping barbs with slow-moving or long-finned species
    • Buying schooling fish as singles: they stress, hide, and die faster alone than in a proper group
    • Adding discus, stingrays, or arowanas as a first fish because they looked stunning at the store
    • Adding fish to a brand-new uncycled tank without completing the nitrogen cycle first

    FAQs

    What fish are considered tropical fish?

    Tropical fish are any species that come from a warm part of the world. There is no hard rule about the exact temperatures, but most species are comfortable in 74 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

    These fish usually require an electric aquarium heater to keep their water temperature in the right range, unless you live in a tropical part of the world.

    Are tropical fish hard to keep?

    Tropical freshwater fish species are among the easiest type of fish to keep and the best option for beginners to the aquarium hobby. Of course, each fish species has its own care requirements, and some are much easier than others.

    All species need a big enough tank, good aquarium filtration, and a balanced diet. Most of the popular small fish species will thrive on a simple flake food diet supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp.

    What fish should I put in my tropical tank?

    The great thing about tropical fish is the huge variety of species available. There are a couple of questions to ask yourself before choosing fish for your aquarium.

    Is my aquarium big enough for this fish?
    Will this fish get along with my other fish?
    Can I provide the right care and food for this fish?
    Do I like the look and behavior of this species?

    If you can answer yes to all of those questions, you might just have the perfect species for your tank!

    What is the most popular tropical fish?

    Guppies, bettas, and tetras are probably the most popular tropical fish species in the world. Of course, with so many amazing fish species available, most aquarists have their own lists of favorite fish!

    What is the most hardy tropical fish?

    Zebra danios and Livebearers like mollies and guppies are considered especially hardy tropical fish that are great for beginners. However, all fish species deserve the best water quality, care, and diet that you can provide.

    Closing Thoughts

    The freshwater tropical hobby has something for everyone. Whether you want a low-maintenance nano setup with a betta or a 125-gallon (473 L) African cichlid display, there’s a path that fits your budget, your space, and your skill level. The key is matching the fish to the setup, not the other way around.

    Use the difficulty tiers and decision table in this guide before you buy. Start with something forgiving, get it dialed in, and build from there. That’s the approach that leads to tanks you’re proud of years down the road.

    Where to Find Quality Tropical Fish

    For healthy, quality-guaranteed fish from reputable sources:

    • Flip Aquatics — quality freshwater fish, shipped live with guarantee
    • Dan’s Fish — wide selection of tropical community fish

    📘 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide. your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

  • 21 Types of African Cichlids: An Honest Guide to the Best Species

    21 Types of African Cichlids: An Honest Guide to the Best Species

    African cichlids are some of the most visually stunning fish in freshwater. I’ve always said they’re the closest thing to a saltwater display you can get without the saltwater complexity. I’ve set up Malawi and Tanganyika tanks over the years and both have their own distinct character. This guide covers the species I find most interesting and most manageable.

    African cichlids are some of the most colorful freshwater fish on the planet. and I’ve been keeping them for decades across everything from Lake Malawi mbuna setups to Lake Tanganyika shellies. The diversity is staggering: over 1,600 species, wildly different temperaments, and care requirements that vary significantly by species. This guide covers 21 of the best choices I’d actually recommend, with honest notes on what makes each one work (or not) in a home aquarium.

    Key Takeaways

    • African cichlids are some of the most colorful, active, and exotic freshwater fish. They look a lot like tropical reef fish at first glance.
    • Most species come from the hard alkaline waters of Lake Victoria, Tanganyika, and Malawi.
    • Many African cichlids are highly territorial and aggressive, so choose tank mates carefully.
    • Other African cichlids make the best tank mates, but not all species are compatible.
    • Pay close attention to your cichlid’s diet. Many species need a mostly vegetarian diet, and high-protein fish food can cause health problems.

    Major Groups

    African cichlids are a diverse group of freshwater fish found all over the African continent. They range in size from the diminutive 2-inch shell-dwellers to the emperor cichlid that reaches 3 feet!

    Most of the popular African cichlids in the aquarium hobby come from Lake Malawi, although there are many famous species from Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria too.

    African cichlids are usually grouped into a few main categories. Let’s take a look at the most popular groups:

    Mbunas

    The mbuna cichlids are some of the most popular African Cichlids in the hobby. These small to medium-sized fish are hardy, colorful, and active. However, mbuna cichlids have a dark side too.

    Mbuna Cichlids

    These fish are highly territorial and can be very aggressive toward other fish. The males are the most aggressive, and they tend to attack other males of their own species or other similar-looking fish.

    Ideally, you should keep them in a species-only setup with one male and a few females, or in a heavily stocked mixed mbuna tank that does not allow enough space for individual territories.

    Mbuna’s come from Lake Malawi and are mostly herbivorous. They will eat some meaty fish food, but too much is very bad for their health.

    Peacocks

    Peacock Cichlids are awesome African cichlids from the Aulonocara genus. The males are some of the most colorful freshwater fish on the planet, although females tend to be drab and mostly brown or gray.

    Blue Peacock Cichlid

    These fish come from Lake Malawi, just like the Mbunas, but that doesn’t mean the two groups make ideal tank mates.

    Peacock cichlids are mostly carnivorous, and they are less aggressive than Mbunas. The differences in diet and the likelihood of fighting make it better to ‘pick a side’ in most cases.

    Peacock cichlids are pretty easy to breed, but you should take care to avoid cross-breeding them with similar species. The females look very similar, so keep just one species in your tank to avoid confusion.

    Haps

    Haps are a diverse group of generally larger carnivorous African cichlids. They are fairly peaceful fish, but many of them of piscivorous which means they will eat any tank mates small enough to swallow.

    Hap Cichlid

    Haps need a large tank with plenty of swimming space to really thrive. Many species will require over a hundred gallons, but there are options for a 75-gallon tank.

    Tropheus

    These popular Lake Tanganyika cichlids are similar in behavior to the mbunas of Lake Malawi. There are about 8 species and they prefer to live in rocky areas, especially with plenty of caves and other hiding spots.

    Tropheus Cichlid

    These African cichlids make fascinating pets in the home aquarium but are highly aggressive and territorial. Tropheus are mostly vegetarian and require a daily supply of spirulina flakes and the occasional supplement of meaty foods like mysis and brine shrimp.

    Shell Dwellers

    African cichlids tend to be medium to large freshwater fish, and most species need a medium to large fish tank. Fortunately, there is a group of dwarf cichlid species that can live in tanks as small as 10 gallons!

    Shell Dwelling Cichlid by Cave

    The shell-dwellers are a fascinating group of African cichlids from Lake Tanganyika that live and breed in the empty shells of aquatic snails. These tiny fish vary from just 1.5 to 2.5 inches and can be kept in small colonies in nano aquariums.

    Western Species

    Most of the popular African cichlids hail from the great African Lakes in the east, although there are a few options from West and Central Africa. Popular West African cichlids include the African butterfly cichlid, the jewel cichlid, and the popular kribensis cichlid.

    Top 21 Types of African Cichlids

    Are you ready to meet 21 amazing African Cichlid species? Check out the following important facts for each species before choosing your next fish:

    • Scientific Name
    • Size
    • Minimum Tank Size
    • Lake Type
    • Cichlid Type
    • Color Form
    • Water Temperature
    • pH
    • Hardness requirements
    • Diet

    We have a video below from our YouTube Channel. Subscribe to us if you like our content. We post new videos every week!

    Let’s get started!

    1. Yellow Lab

    Yellow Lab Cichlid in Aquarium
    • Scientific Name: Labidochromis caeruleus
    • Size: 4 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Malawi
    • Cichlid Type: Mbuna
    • Color Form: Yellow
    • Water Temperature: 75 – 82°F
    • pH: 7.7 – 8.6
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 15 dKH
    • Diet: Mostly vegetarian

    The yellow lab cichlid is one of the most popular and recognizable African cichlids in the hobby. These small mbunas from Lake Malawi are bright yellow with a black eye and a black stripe along their dorsal fin.

    Yellow lab cichlids can be kept in a colorful mixed mbuna community with other Lake Malawi cichlids or you can give them their own tank and start a breeding project.

    2. Malawi Trout

    • Scientific Name: Champsochromis caeruleus
    • Size: 13 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Malawi
    • Cichlid Type: Large predator hap
    • Color Form: Mostly blue
    • Water Temperature: 75 – 80°F
    • pH: 7.5 – 8.5
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 15 dKH
    • Diet: Meaty foods like prawns and mussels, supplemented with dried foods

    The Malawi trout (video source) is a lean, mean predatory cichlid species and a real showstopper in a large African cichlid tank. These fish stand out with long, flowing dorsal and anal fins and a strong triangular tail for speed.

    This is an active swimming cichlid that needs plenty of space. These fish are not particularly aggressive toward similar-sized species, but they will eat anything small enough to fit in that large mouth.

    3. Fossorochomis rostratus

    • Scientific Name: Fossorochomis rostratus
    • Size: 10 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Malawi
    • Cichlid Type: Large hap
    • Color Form: Mostly blue
    • Water Temperature: 77 – 84°F
    • pH: 7.5 – 8.8
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 15 dKH
    • Diet: Omnivore, prefers live and frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworm

    Fossorochomis rostratus (video source) is a large African cichlid with some interesting behaviors. The males are more colorful and have beautiful metallic blue coloration mixed with various shades of purple, green, and yellow. Younger fish have prominent dark blotches along their sides, and mature males develop black bellies.

    This peaceful cichlid has the fascinating habit of diving into the sand to look for food or escape predators. They should not be kept with aggressive and territorial species, and a small group of one male and a few females is ideal.

    4. Lemon Jack Peacock

    • Scientific Name: Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
    • Size: 6 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Malawi
    • Cichlid Type: Rock-dwelling peacock
    • Color Form: Blue and yellow
    • Water Temperature: 77 – 84°F
    • pH: 7.5 – 9
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 15dKH
    • Diet: Omnivorous, provide spirulina, fine dried foods, and live/frozen foods.

    The Lemon Jake peacock (video source) is a stunning blue and yellow variety of the popular Aulonocara jacobfreibergi cichlid from Lake Malawi. This form occurs naturally around the Undu Reef on the Tanzanian coast.

    These fish are often aggressive toward other species with similar colors, and males will fight with each other. Keep a group of one male and a few females to see them on their best behavior.

    5. Johanni

    Electric Blue Johanni Fish
    • Scientific Name: Melanochromis johanni
    • Size: 4 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
    • Lake Type: Malawi
    • Cichlid Type: Mbuna
    • Color Form: Yellow/orange (female) electric blue and black (adult)
    • Water Temperature: 73 – 81°F
    • pH: 7.6 – 8.8
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 15 dKH
    • Diet: Spirulina and greens with some live/frozen foods

    The Johanni cichlid is a beautiful but aggressive species that does great in busy mbuna cichlid tanks. These fish can be kept in a relatively small tank, although a larger aquarium is recommended for a great mixed mbuna community tank.

    The sexes are easy to distinguish by colors, with bright blue males and yellow females. Like most other Mbunas, it’s best to keep one male with a small group of females to prevent aggression.

    6. Frontosa

    Frontosa Cichlid in Aquarium
    • Scientific Name: Cyphotilapia frontosa
    • Size: 10 – 14 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Tanganyika
    • Cichlid Type: Large rock-dwelling cichlid
    • Color Form: Black, blue, and white
    • Water Temperature: 73 – 80°F
    • pH: 8 – 9
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 20 dKH
    • Diet: Omnivore. Provide spirulina, greens, frozen foods, and quality pellets

    Frontosa cichlids are large and distinctive aquarium fish with bold black bars on a blue/white body. Males develop a large nuchal bump on their foreheads, which is why these fish are also known as humphead cichlids.

    Frontosa cichlids inhabit rocky areas in the deep waters of Lake Tanganyika, sometimes over 200 feet below the surface. They are generally peaceful but require a very large aquarium to mimic their natural environment.

    7. Buccochromis rhoadesii

    • Scientific Name: Buccochromis rhoadesii
    • Size: 16 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Malawi
    • Cichlid Type: Large Hap
    • Color Form: Blue and yellow
    • Water Temperature: 74 – 82°F
    • pH: 7.5 – 8.4
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 20 dKH
    • Diet: Carnivorous, feed meaty foods

    Buccochromis rhoadesii (video source) is a large predatory cichlid that hunts by chasing down smaller fish. These colorful fish are also known as the yellow lepturus cichlid. This is an active species that requires a large aquarium to thrive, although they can be kept with a number of other large haps.

    8. Ngara Flametail

    • Scientific Name: Aulonocara stuartgranti
    • Size: 5 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Malawi
    • Cichlid Type: Peacock cichlids
    • Color Form: Blue and orange
    • Water Temperature: 73 – 84 °F
    • pH: 7.5 – 9
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 15 dKH
    • Diet: Omnivorous but requires a meaty diet

    The Ngara flametail is one of the most beautiful African cichlids in the hobby. They are a smaller form of the well-known Grant’s Peacock cichlid from Lake Malawi.

    Ngara flametails are a good choice for beginners because they are fairly peaceful, hardy, and they can even be kept with some live plants. However, males may attack similar-colored fish, so keep this in mind when selecting tank mates.

    9. Malawi Hawk

    • Scientific Name: Aristochromis christyi
    • Size: 10 – 12 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons
    • Lake Type: Malawi
    • Cichlid Type: Large predatory hap
    • Color Form: Blue and orange
    • Water Temperature: 74 – 82°F
    • pH: 7.5 – 9
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 15 dKH
    • Diet: Meaty foods like prawns and mussels, supplemented with quality pellets.

    The Malawi hawk (video source) is a large and colorful hap species that hunts and eats smaller cichlids in the wild. It gets its name from its beak-like mouth which allows it to swallow fish up to four inches long!

    The Malawi Hawk might be dangerous to smaller fish, but they are surprisingly peaceful with large tank mates. They can be kept with other large Lake Malawi species like the Malawi trout and Fossorochomis rostratus.

    10. Maulana Bicolor Peacock

    • Scientific Name: Aulonocara stuartgranti
    • Size: 6 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Malawi
    • Cichlid Type: Peacock cichlid
    • Color Form: Blue and yellow
    • Water Temperature: 74 – 82°F
    • pH: 7.5 – 8.4
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 15 dKH
    • Diet: Omnivorous but requires a meaty diet

    The Maulana bicolor peacock cichlid is another great variety of Grant’s peacock, a widespread cichlid in Lake Malawi. This form comes from the Chitimba Bay area on the northwest coast.

    Male Maulana bicolor peacocks are electric blue with a characteristic yellow/orange stripe just behind the head. The smaller females have dull brown colors and are difficult to distinguish from other female peacocks.

    11. OB Peacock

    • Scientific Name: Hybrid
    • Size: 6 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
    • Lake Type: Captive bred
    • Cichlid Type: Peacock
    • Color Form: ‘Orange blotch’
    • Water Temperature: 74 – 82°F
    • pH: 7.5 – 8.4
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 15 dKH
    • Diet: Omnivorous but requires a meaty diet

    OB peacock cichlids (video source) are gorgeous hybrid fish developed by crossing different species. The original species combination is unknown, but many aquarists believe it involved a male peacock and a female mbuna.

    OB stands for orange blotch, which is a pretty good description of their colors! However, these fish are available in many other color patterns, including shades of blue, pink, and yellow. You won’t find them in nature, and each specimen is truly unique when it comes to its colors and patterns.

    12. Eureka Red Peacock

    Eureka Red Cichlid
    • Scientific Name: Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
    • Size: 6 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Malawi
    • Cichlid Type: Rock-dwelling peacock
    • Color Form: Blue and Orange
    • Water Temperature: 77 – 84°F
    • pH: 7.5 – 9
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 15 dKH
    • Diet: Omnivorous, provide spirulina, fine dried foods, and live/frozen foods.

    The Eureka red cichlid is another great variety of the popular Aulonocara jacobfreibergi peacock from Lake Malawi. The males are predominantly orange with varying amounts of dark blue, creating a very eye-catching centerpiece fish.

    13. Sulphurhead Peacock

    • Scientific Name: Aulonocara maylandi
    • Size: 4 – 6 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Malawi
    • Cichlid Type: Peacock
    • Color Form: Black, blue, and yellow
    • Water Temperature: 74 – 82 °F
    • pH: 7.5 – 9
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 20 dKH
    • Diet: Flakes, pellets, and frozen foods

    The sulphurhead peacock cichlid is a striking species with a yellow blaze that runs from its nose to the start of the dorsal fin. This bright yellow streak continues along the top of the dorsal fin, and they often have a yellow lower edge of the anal fin too.

    These beautiful African cichlids are very peaceful so they are not suited to cichlid communities with more boisterous species. However, they really shine in species-only cichlid aquariums.

    14. Lwanda Peacock

    • Scientific Name: Aulonocara sp. ‘Lwanda’
    • Size: 6 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Malawi
    • Cichlid Type: Peacock
    • Color Form: Blue and orange
    • Water Temperature: 78 – 82°F
    • pH: 7.5 – 8.5
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 15 dKH
    • Diet: Carnivorous, feed them quality flakes or pellets and live/frozen foods

    The Lwanda peacock cichlid is a deep-bodied species with shapely fins. Males have an interesting mix of colors, combining blue and orange on the body and fins.

    These territorial fish should be kept in a small group consisting of one male and a few females. They are fairly easy to breed but may hybridize with other Aulonocara species.

    15. Dragon Blood Peacock

    • Scientific Name: Aulonocara sp. hybrid
    • Size: 6 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
    • Lake Type: Captive bred
    • Cichlid Type: Peacock
    • Color Form: Red/pink
    • Water Temperature: 78 – 82°F
    • pH: 7.8 – 8.6
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 15 dKH
    • Diet: Carnivorous, provide quality flakes or pellets and live/frozen foods

    The dragon blood peacock is another Aulonocara hybrid with unique colors and markings. These fish are also known as fire cichlids, and they are usually available in shades from pink to bright red. The head and fins are often a lighter color varying from white to light blue.

    They are fairly aggressive peacocks but can be kept in a well-planned African cichlid community. Like other peacocks, the dragon blood will sift through the sand in search of food.

    16. Cobalt Blue Zebra

    Cobalt Zebra Cichlid
    • Scientific Name: Maylandia callainos
    • Size: 5 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Malawi
    • Cichlid Type: Rock-dwelling mbuna
    • Color Form: Blue and black
    • Water Temperature: 75 – 82°F
    • pH: 7.6 – 8.8
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 15 dKH
    • Diet: Omnivorous. Feed spirulina flakes and greens supplemented with live/frozen foods

    Cobalt blue zebra cichlids have a striking blue color, often with a series of vertical black bars on their sides. They are good mbunas for beginner cichlid keepers, although they are aggressively territorial like most other fish in their family.

    Fortunately, aggressive behavior can be limited by choosing the right tank mates and keeping just one male in the same tank. They will do best in a heavily stocked mbuna tank, and a group of one male and a few females is recommended.

    17. Red Zebra

    <a href=Red Zebra Cichlid” class=”wp-image-1068151″/>
    • Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus estherae
    • Size: 5 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Malawi
    • Cichlid Type: Mbuna
    • Color Form: Orange
    • Water Temperature: 75 – 82°F
    • pH: 7.8 – 8.8
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 15 dKH
    • Diet: Omnivorous. Provide greens, spirulina flakes, and live/frozen foods.

    The red zebra cichlid is another great mbuna from Lake Malawi. These fish are one of the most popular African cichlids because both males and females have a great orange color. Like other Mbunas, these fish are naturally territorial and aggressive.

    18. Saulosi

    The Saulosi cichlid (video source) is known as a dwarf mbuna because they usually grow to just 3.5 inches or so. These fish really draw attention, and males and females add variety with completely different colors! Males are electric blue with dark vertical stripes and females are plain yellow/orange.

    They are true Mbunas, although they are less aggressive than other species from this group. Keep these fish in a rocky aquascape that mimics their natural habitat.

    19. Calvus

    Calvus Fish
    • Scientific Name: Altolamprologus calvus
    • Size: 3-6 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Tanganyika
    • Cichlid Type: Predatory rock-dweller
    • Color Form: Black and white
    • Water Temperature: 75 – 80°F
    • pH: 7.5 – 9
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 20 dKH
    • Diet: Carnivorous. Provide meaty frozen foods

    The calvus cichlid is a unique predatory fish with a strange body shape and dramatic markings. They may not have any bright colors, but their spectacular spots and stripes make them stand out in any aquarium!

    Calvus are predators, with big mouths for swallowing live prey like insects and small fish. They are not aggressive towards similar-sized fish and should not be kept with other boisterous fish like mbunas or tropheus.

    20. Demasoni

    Demasoni Fish
    • Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus demasoni
    • Size: 3 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Malawi
    • Cichlid Type: Mbuna
    • Color Form: Blue and black
    • Water Temperature: 75 – 82°F
    • pH: 7.8 – 8.8
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 15 dKH
    • Diet: Omnivorous. Feed mostly spirulina flake and greens but supplement with live/frozen foods.

    Demasoni cichlids are small but highly aggressive Lake Malawi Cichlids that are not afraid to tackle larger species. They can be kept with other mbunas but it’s best to avoid similar-looking tank mates.

    Both males and females are great-looking fish, and they can be tricky to sex. However, males grow larger than females and are more aggressively territorial.

    21. Duboisi

    Tropheus Cichlid
    • Scientific Name: Tropheus duboisi
    • Size: 4.8 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 29 gallons
    • Lake Type: Lake Tanganyika
    • Cichlid Type: Rock dwellers
    • Color Form: Black and white
    • Water Temperature: 73 – 81°F
    • pH: 8 – 9.5
    • Hardness requirements: 10 – 20 dKH
    • Diet: Omnivorous. Feed mostly spirulina flake and greens but supplement with live/frozen foods.

    The duboisi cichlid is also known as the white spotted cichlid because it has white spots on a black body when young. Mature fish fade to a blue-black shade and develop a single white bar on either side of their body.

    These fish are highly aggressive toward their own species but relatively peaceful with other fish. They can be kept as a single specimen or in a large school (15+) in a limited space.

    Tank Setup and Care Tips

    African cichlids are hardy and easy to keep if you choose their tank mates correctly and provide them with a healthy natural environment. Let’s run through a few important African cichlid care tips.

    Tank Size

    Most African cichlids need a medium to large aquarium, although some of the dwarf cichlid species like Neolamprologus can be housed in a 10 to 20-gallon tank.

    55 Gallon Aquarium
    55 Gallon Aquarium

    The 55-gallon aquarium is a great budget-friendly larger tank. It often goes on sale at chain pet stores.

    Buy On Petco Buy On Amazon

    30 gallons is the minimum for some of the dwarf Mbunas and peacocks, but a 55-gallon tank is the recommended starting point for an African cichlid community.

    Diet

    African cichlids are a diverse group of fish, so a one-size-fits-all approach is not recommended. These fish can be very sensitive to poor nutrition, and easily develop problems like obesity and even dangerous health conditions like Malawi bloat.

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    Most African cichlids can be fed prepared foods like cichlid pellets and spirulina flakes, although a more balanced diet is necessary for long-term health. The mbunas in particular require a low-protein diet consisting of algae and vegetable matter, with the occasional meaty supplement.

    Choosing Tank Mates

    Choosing tank mates for African cichlids can be a daunting task. Often the best results come from intentionally overstocking their tank so there is no room for them to claim any territories.

    Make sure to research compatibility carefully before adding new fish to your tank, and remember that sex ratios can be just as important as a species selection.

    It’s also possible to attempt an all male cichlid tank. For further details on how to attempt this I suggest checking out the this cichlid forum.

    Maintenance

    African Cichlids are pretty messy fish, and a heavily stocked community tank is going to need high filtration and regular maintenance. Over-filtering is the norm with these tanks, and weekly water changes are recommended to manage nitrate levels.

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    Fluval FX Series
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    FAQs

    What Is The Most Common African Cichlid Species?

    Mbuna cichlids are the most popular African cichlid species in the hobby. Red zebra cichlids and yellow labs are some of the most common species in the aquarium trade for their amazing colors and high activity levels.

    What Are The 2 Main Groups Of Cichlids?

    The two main groups of cichlids are the African cichlids and the New World cichlids. Most of the African cichlids come from the great lakes of East Africa, whereas the New World cichlids come from North, Central, and South America.

    How Many Types Of Malawi Species Are There?

    There are a staggering 850 species of Cichlids in Lake Malawi. Of course, not all of these fish are available or even suitable for aquariums, but there is still a multitude of Malawi cichlids available in the aquarium trade.

    What Is The Rarest Species?

    There are a staggering 850 species of Cichlids in Lake Malawi. Of course, not all of these fish are available or even suitable for aquariums, but there is still a multitude of Malawi cichlids available in the aquarium trade.

    What Is The Rarest Species?

    At least 52 cichlid species are classified as endangered and a further 106 as critically endangered. Many species are threatened by overfishing, pollution, and the introduction of non-native fish. The Lake Victoria Cichlids, for example, are under serious threat after the Nile Perch was introduced in the 1950s.

    What Are Some Of The Most Peaceful Species?

    African Cichlids have a reputation for being aggressive fish, so they are hardly ever a safe option for a peaceful community tank. However, there are some species that stand out as more peaceful than the rest.

    Frontosa Cichlids may have an intimidating look, but they are actually gentle giants in an African cichlid aquarium. The kribensis cichlids are one of the few African species that can be kept in a small community tank with other popular freshwater fish species, although they can be aggressive when breeding.

    Final Thoughts

    African cichlids are real eye candy for fish lovers. Their bright colors, interesting behaviors, and high activity levels make an African cichlid tank one of the most captivating to keep. Hopefully, you have enjoyed this article and learned more about some of Africa’s most exciting freshwater fish!

    Do you keep African cichlids? Tell us about your favorite species in the comments below!

  • 13 Types of Freshwater Puffer Fish: Requirements, Tank Mates, and the FW/Brackish Confusion

    13 Types of Freshwater Puffer Fish: Requirements, Tank Mates, and the FW/Brackish Confusion

    Expert Take | Mark Valderrama — AquariumStoreDepot

    Pufferfish are some of the most intelligent, personable fish in the hobby. I have worked with them at the retail level for years, and the number one mistake I see is people buying them for a community tank. The puffer always wins that situation, and the community fish always pay for it. Know what you are signing up for before you bring one home.

    Freshwater puffers range from inch-long pea puffers to 2-foot fahaka puffers. All of them bite. All of them need specialized feeding. None of them belong in a standard community tank without serious planning.

    The cute factor wears off fast when your puffer eats your tetra collection on day two.

    That said, there are legitimately great true freshwater options. The pea puffer is the standout for planted and nano setups. The South American puffer is one of the few that tolerates community life. And the fahaka is as close to a wet dog as the hobby gets. Here is my breakdown of 13 species worth knowing, with honest notes on the freshwater versus brackish issue for each one.

    Key Takeaways

    • Freshwater puffer fish range from tiny nano species to real tank busters that need hundreds of gallons
    • Most pufferfish do best in a species-only setup; community attempts usually end with missing fins and dead tank mates
    • All puffers need meaty, hard-shelled food like snails and shellfish to keep their continuously-growing beaks worn down
    • Several “freshwater” puffers sold at retail are actually brackish species and will decline long-term in pure freshwater

    What Are They?

    Puffer fish belong to the Tetraodontidae family, found in fresh, brackish, and saltwater environments worldwide.

    These fish puff up by sucking in water or air, making them look two to three times larger to deter predators. If that does not work, tetrodotoxin in their skin is the backup plan. In captivity that toxin is not a practical concern, but you should never feed a puffer to another animal.

    The teeth are the part that matters most for care. A puffer’s beak is made of fused teeth that grow continuously throughout its life. Without hard foods to grind against, the beak overrows and the fish cannot eat. This is not theoretical. It happens regularly in tanks where owners feed only soft foods. Overgrown beaks require trimming under sedation, and most hobbyists are not equipped for that.

    Puffers are genuinely interactive fish. They recognize their owners, beg at the glass, and have distinct personalities. That is why they are addictive. But they are not fish you add to an existing setup. They are fish you build a tank around.

    Puffer Difficulty Tiers

    Beginner-Accessible

    Pea puffer, South American puffer. Small, true freshwater, manageable tanks. Still need live snails and proper filtration.

    Intermediate

    Fahaka, spotted Congo, hairy puffer, imitator, red-tailed dwarf. Require more space, stricter water quality, careful feeding schedules.

    Experienced Only

    Mbu puffer (500-gallon minimum), golden puffer (highly aggressive, rarely available). These are long-term lifestyle commitments, not tank additions.

    The Freshwater vs. Brackish Confusion

    This is the most important section in this article. Several species sold as “freshwater puffers” are actually brackish water fish that tolerate fresh water as juveniles but require salt as adults. Keeping them in pure freshwater long-term leads to chronic stress, immune suppression, and early death.

    The green spotted puffer is the most common offender. Juveniles are routinely sold in freshwater tanks at retail. Adults need specific gravity around 1.005 to 1.010 to truly thrive. The figure 8 puffer is another one, native to estuarine environments in Southeast Asia. It handles fresh water reasonably well compared to the green spotted, but it still benefits from low-level brackish conditions.

    True freshwater species: pea puffer, imitator, mbu, hairy puffer, spotted Congo, South American, fahaka, red-tailed dwarf, golden, ocellated, arrowhead, crested. These are the ones this article focuses on.

    Avoid Freshwater Puffers If…

    • You run a community tank and are not willing to rebuild it around the puffer
    • You cannot maintain a steady supply of live or frozen meaty foods (snails, bloodworms, clams)
    • You are buying for a 10-gallon or smaller setup and want anything beyond one pea puffer
    • You want a low-maintenance fish you can feed flakes and leave alone
    • Your household cannot handle a 100-gallon-plus commitment for a fahaka or mbu

    13 Freshwater Puffer Fish Species

    Species Max Size Min Tank Temperament Community Safe? True FW?
    Pea Puffer 1 in (2.5 cm) 5 gal (19 L) Aggressive With caution Yes
    Imitator 1 in (2.5 cm) 5 gal (19 L) Aggressive With caution Yes
    South American 3-4 in (7-10 cm) 30 gal (114 L) Semi-aggressive With caution Yes
    Spotted Congo 4 in (10 cm) 40 gal (151 L) Semi-aggressive With caution Yes
    Red-Tailed Dwarf 1.5-2 in (4-5 cm) 15 gal (57 L) Aggressive No Yes
    Hairy Puffer 5 in (13 cm) 30 gal (114 L) Aggressive No Yes
    Fahaka 17 in (43 cm) 100 gal (378 L) Highly aggressive No Yes
    Mbu 20-30 in (51-76 cm) 500 gal (1893 L) Aggressive With caution Yes
    Green Spotted 6 in (15 cm) 30 gal (114 L) Semi-aggressive With caution No (brackish)
    Golden 4 in (10 cm) 20-30 gal (76-114 L) Highly aggressive No Yes
    Ocellated 6 in (15 cm) 20 gal (76 L) Aggressive No Yes
    Arrowhead 6 in (15 cm) 20 gal (76 L) Aggressive No Yes
    Crested 2 in (5 cm) 15 gal (57 L) Semi-aggressive No Yes

    1. Pea Puffer

    Pea Puffer Eating Snail
    • Scientific name: Carinotetraodon travancoricus
    • Common names: Dwarf puffer, pygmy pufferfish
    • Origin: India
    • Adult size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
    • Minimum tank size: 5 gallons (19 L)
    • Temperament: Aggressive
    • Community safe?: With caution
    • pH: 6.8-8.0
    • Water temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)

    The pea puffer is the entry point for most people getting into puffers, and that is appropriate. It is the most accessible of the group: small, true freshwater, widely available, and manageable in a planted tank. One fish works in a well-planted 5-gallon (19 L). A trio of one male and two females can work in a 15-gallon (57 L) if you have enough plant density to break line of sight.

    Do not let the size fool you. These are aggressive fish. Pea puffers have ended snail colonies, taken fin chunks from betta fish, and killed smaller tankmates. In a species-only or very carefully chosen community with fast-moving fish, they do fine. In a general community tank, they cause problems.

    Live snails are the preferred food. Keep a ramshorn or bladder snail colony running in a separate container and you will never run short. Frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp round out the diet. They will not touch dry food reliably.

    2. Imitator Puffer

    • Scientific name: Carinotetraodon imitator
    • Common names: Dwarf Malabar puffer
    • Origin: India
    • Adult size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
    • Minimum tank size: 5 gallons (19 L)
    • Temperament: Aggressive
    • Community safe?: With caution
    • pH: 6.8-7.5
    • Water temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)

    The imitator is essentially the pea puffer’s rarer cousin, distinguished by brighter yellow coloration and fewer spots. Care requirements are nearly identical. This species shows up occasionally at specialty retailers but is not as consistently available as the pea puffer. If you find one, the care is the same: species-only or very careful community, live snails as the primary food.

    3. Mbu Puffer

    Tetraodon Mbu
    • Scientific name: Tetraodon mbu
    • Common names: Giant freshwater puffer
    • Origin: Central Africa (Congo River basin)
    • Adult size: 20-30 inches (51-76 cm)
    • Minimum tank size: 500 gallons (1,893 L)
    • Temperament: Aggressive
    • Community safe?: With caution in massive tanks only
    • pH: 7.0-8.0
    • Water temperature: 75-79°F (24-26°C)

    The mbu is the world’s largest true freshwater puffer. This is not a fish for a home aquarium in any conventional sense. A 500-gallon (1,893 L) is the stated minimum, and that assumes a single fish with no tankmates. Adults eat whole shellfish, crabs, and clams. Feeding one mbu can cost more per month than feeding a small dog.

    These fish are extraordinarily personable and intelligent. They are also a 15-20 year commitment with an animal that will outgrow most purpose-built fish rooms. People who keep them love them deeply. But this is a decision that should not be made impulsively.

    4. Hairy Puffer

    • Scientific name: Tetraodon baileyi
    • Origin: Laos and Thailand
    • Adult size: 5 inches (13 cm)
    • Minimum tank size: 30 gallons (114 L)
    • Temperament: Aggressive
    • Community safe?: No
    • pH: 6.5-7.5
    • Water temperature: 74-81°F (23-27°C)

    The hairy puffer is an ambush predator. It stays near the bottom or buried in substrate, waiting for food to come to it. The hair-like skin filaments break up its outline, helping it blend in. In a tank, this means you need sand or fine substrate that it can partially bury into and décor arranged to create ambush zones. Species-only. Not negotiable.

    5. Green Spotted Puffer

    Green Spotted Pufferfish in Aquarium
    • Scientific name: Tetraodon nigroviridis
    • Origin: South and Southeast Asia
    • Adult size: 6 inches (15 cm)
    • Minimum tank size: 30 gallons (114 L)
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Community safe?: Brackish community with caution
    • pH: 7.5-8.5
    • Water temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)

    This is the brackish confusion species. Juveniles are sold in freshwater retail tanks constantly, and they survive for a while. But adults need specific gravity around 1.005-1.010 to truly thrive. If you want to keep green spotted puffers long-term, plan for a brackish setup before you buy.

    6. Spotted Congo Puffer

    • Scientific name: Tetraodon schoutedeni
    • Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
    • Adult size: 4 inches (10 cm)
    • Minimum tank size: 40 gallons (151 L)
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Community safe?: With caution
    • pH: 6.5-7.5
    • Water temperature: 78-81°F (26-27°C)

    The spotted Congo is the most community-tolerant of the African puffers. It can be kept in small groups and will sometimes coexist with other fish if there are no slow-swimming, long-finned targets. Standard puffer caveats apply: excellent water quality, hard-shelled food, no fin-nippers for tankmates.

    7. South American Puffer

    • Scientific name: Colomesus asellus
    • Common names: Amazon puffer
    • Origin: Amazon River Basin, South America
    • Adult size: 3-4 inches (7-10 cm)
    • Minimum tank size: 30 gallons (114 L)
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Community safe?: With caution, in groups of 6+
    • pH: 5.5-8.0
    • Water temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)

    The South American puffer is genuinely the most community-compatible species on this list. It is schooling in the wild, which changes the dynamic compared to solitary puffers. A group of six or more in a large tank with fast-moving, similarly-sized fish has a real shot at working. This is the puffer for someone who wants puffers but still has a community setup they are not willing to tear down.

    8. Red-Tailed Dwarf Puffer

    • Scientific name: Carinotetraodon irrubesco
    • Common names: Red-tailed redeye puffer
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • Adult size: 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm)
    • Minimum tank size: 15 gallons (57 L)
    • Temperament: Aggressive
    • Community safe?: No
    • pH: 6.0-7.5
    • Water temperature: 68-82°F (20-28°C)

    True freshwater, attractive markings, bright red eyes. Species-only tank. A small group of one male and several females can work in a heavily planted tank with significant hardscape. Males fight, so do not keep two males together without a large tank and dense cover.

    9. Fahaka Puffer

    • Scientific name: Tetraodon lineatus
    • Common names: Globe fish, Nile puffer
    • Origin: Central and North Africa
    • Adult size: up to 17 inches (43 cm)
    • Minimum tank size: 100-150 gallons (378-568 L)
    • Temperament: Highly aggressive
    • Community safe?: No
    • pH: 6.5-7.5
    • Water temperature: 75-79°F (24-26°C)

    The fahaka is a solitary, highly aggressive fish that will live alone for its entire life. No tankmates. Not even large ones. Fahaka puffers bite through aquarium heater cables, silicone seams, and anything else that interests them. Their beaks are powerful enough to draw blood from a careless hand during feeding. Diet is whole shellfish, crab legs, clams, and large snails. This fish is a commitment, but the relationship you build with one is unlike anything else in the hobby.

    10. Golden Puffer

    • Scientific name: Auriglobus silus
    • Common names: Gold green puffer, avocado puffer, bronze puffer
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • Adult size: 4 inches (10 cm)
    • Minimum tank size: 20-30 gallons (76-114 L)
    • Temperament: Highly aggressive
    • Community safe?: No
    • pH: 6.0-7.8
    • Water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)

    Still rare in the hobby. Highly aggressive toward its own species and other fish. Each specimen typically needs its own tank. Beautiful fish, but this is an advanced keeper’s project, not a beginner purchase.

    11. Ocellated Puffer

    • Scientific name: Tetraodon cutcutia / Leiodon cutcutia
    • Origin: South and Southeast Asia
    • Adult size: 6 inches (15 cm)
    • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons (76 L)
    • Temperament: Aggressive
    • Community safe?: No
    • pH: 6.5-7.5
    • Water temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)

    A well-planted, cave-rich setup with moderate water flow suits the ocellated puffer best. Sandy substrate mimics its natural habitat. Species-only. Occasionally available through specialty importers.

    12. Arrowhead Puffer

    • Scientific name: Tetraodon suvattii
    • Common names: Pignose puffer
    • Origin: Laos and Thailand
    • Adult size: 6 inches (15 cm)
    • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons (76 L)
    • Temperament: Aggressive
    • Community safe?: No
    • pH: 6.5-7.5
    • Water temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)

    Bottom ambush predator. Inactive most of the time, active at feeding. Needs 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) of fine substrate to bury into. Will eat any fish that fits in its mouth and bite chunks from fish that do not. Species-only tank, no exceptions.

    13. Crested Puffer

    • Scientific name: Carinotetraodon lorteti
    • Common names: Red-eyed puffer
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • Adult size: 2 inches (5 cm)
    • Minimum tank size: 15 gallons (57 L)
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Community safe?: No
    • pH: 5.0-7.5
    • Water temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)

    Similar in appearance to the red-tailed dwarf but grows slightly larger. Dense planting and hardscape are required if keeping more than one. A small group in a large, well-structured tank can work, but monitor carefully for aggression.

    Tank Setup

    Puffers are messy feeders. Protein-rich meaty food breaks down fast and drives ammonia up quickly. Strong filtration is not optional. An oversized filter rated for double the tank volume is the right starting point, not the maximum.

    Freshwater puffers are sensitive to nitrates despite their reputation for hardiness. Keep nitrates under 20 ppm (mg/L). That means regular water changes, quality filtration, and not overfeeding. Test your water at first to establish a baseline, then build a maintenance schedule around what you find.

    All freshwater puffer species are tropical fish and need a heater. Some species from fast-flowing rivers appreciate powerheads for added water movement, but always include sheltered areas where the fish can rest without fighting current.

    Live plants help water quality and add visual breaks in the tank. Large puffers are hard on plants, so stick with tough, fast-growing species: Java fern, Java fern, anacharis, hornwort. Do not plant a prize aquascape and then add a fahaka to it.

    Feeding

    Pufferfish will not eat flake food. Do not try to make them. Their diet is meaty, hard-shelled, and live or frozen. This is the part that ends puffer ownership for people who did not research before buying.

    The beak grows continuously throughout the fish’s life. Hard foods grind it down naturally. Without them, the beak overrows and the fish starves even when food is available. A puffer with an overgrown beak needs veterinary attention. It happens. It is preventable with the right diet.

    Primary food options: live snails (ramshorn, bladder, pond snails), frozen bloodworms, frozen brine shrimp, ghost shrimp, mosquito larvae, freeze-dried krill. Larger species need whole clams, mussels, and crab legs from the grocery store seafood section. Freeze the shellfish before feeding to kill pathogens.

    Feed two to three times daily and remove uneaten food within a few hours. Puffers produce significant waste and spoiling food compounds the problem fast.


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    Tank Mates

    The honest answer is that most puffers do not have tank mates. They are species-only fish. The question is not “what can I add?” but “will I accept a species-only setup?”

    If you insist on a community attempt, the South American puffer is your best option. Keep it in a group of six or more with fast-moving, similarly-sized fish. Danios, larger tetras, and similarly active species. No slow fish, no long-finned fish, no invertebrates.

    For all other puffers, the answer is almost always no. A larger fish that can defend itself might survive short-term, but puffers are persistent biters. Even large cichlids end up stressed and fin-damaged in close quarters with an aggressive puffer.

    Health and Disease

    Most puffer health problems trace back to three causes: poor water quality, wrong diet, and stress from inappropriate tank mates or stocking density.

    Many freshwater puffers available at retail are wild-caught. Wild-caught fish frequently arrive with internal parasites. Quarantine is not optional with these fish. Run a standard quarantine period of at least two weeks, and seriously consider a prophylactic deworming treatment before introducing them to a display tank.

    Never add puffers to an uncycled tank. Ammonia and nitrite spikes hit them hard. Stress from water quality issues opens the door to bacterial infections, ich, and other opportunistic diseases quickly.

    FAQs

    Are freshwater puffers easy to keep?

    Not for beginners. They have specialized diets (live and frozen meaty food, hard-shelled items), they do not belong in community tanks, and they require excellent water quality. Aquarists with a few years of experience who are willing to set up species-only tanks and maintain snail cultures will find them very manageable. First-time fish keepers should not start here.

    Which freshwater puffer is best for beginners?

    The pea puffer is the most accessible entry point. It is true freshwater, small enough for a 5-gallon (19 L) tank, widely available, and inexpensive. The South American puffer is the best choice if you want something that might work in a community setting.

    Can freshwater puffers live with other fish?

    Most cannot, or should not. The South American puffer is the exception when kept in a group with fast-moving community fish. All other species on this list are better off in species-only setups. Their fin-nipping instinct is strong enough that community attempts usually end badly.

    What is the difference between a freshwater and brackish puffer?

    True freshwater species complete their entire life cycle in fresh water and do not need salt. Brackish species like the green spotted puffer tolerate fresh water as juveniles but require specific gravity of 1.005-1.010 as adults. Keeping a brackish species in permanent fresh water shortens its lifespan significantly.

    Why do puffer fish need hard-shelled food?

    Puffer fish have fused teeth that form a beak-like structure that grows continuously. Hard foods like snails and shellfish grind down the beak through normal use. Without hard food, the beak overrows and the fish loses the ability to eat, even if food is present. This is the most common preventable cause of puffer death in captivity.

    Closing Thoughts

    Freshwater puffers are some of the most personality-rich fish you can keep. They recognize you, they react to you, and there is nothing generic about a tank built around them. But they are also demanding in ways that catch people off guard. The diet commitment is real. The species-only requirement eliminates most of the easy community tank setups. And the larger species represent multi-decade commitments to fish that will outgrow most rooms.

    Go in with your eyes open and you will love them. Go in expecting a community tank centerpiece with no behavior changes required and you will be disappointed, and your other fish will pay for it.

    Mark’s Pick

    For most hobbyists making their first move into puffers, the pea puffer is where I would start. Set up a 10-gallon (38 L) planted tank, get a snail culture running before you buy the fish, and spend a few months learning how puffers behave and what they actually eat. Then decide if you want to scale up to a South American puffer community or go all-in on a species tank with a fahaka. The pea puffer gives you the full puffer experience at a scale that is actually manageable.

    Where to Buy Freshwater Puffer Fish

    Pea puffers and South American puffers are increasingly available online, which is often a better option than local fish stores for niche species. Online sellers ship directly from their own systems, and the fish arrive in better condition than most retail store stock. For larger or rarer species, specialty importers are the most reliable source.

    • Flip Aquatics – Quality freshwater fish, reliable shipping, good stock of dwarf species
    • Dan’s Fish – Healthy fish, good availability on puffers and specialty freshwater species

    📚 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide. Your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

  • 25 of the Most Beautiful Fish You Can Keep (Freshwater and Saltwater)

    25 of the Most Beautiful Fish You Can Keep (Freshwater and Saltwater)

    After 25+ years keeping fish across freshwater and saltwater setups, I’ve developed a strong opinion on which species are genuinely beautiful versus just hyped. This list covers 25 fish that have actually made me stop and stare. a mix of freshwater and saltwater species, from beginner-friendly to advanced-only. If you’re building a display tank or just looking for inspiration, here’s what I’d put on it.

    In this article, we’ll meet 25 of the most beautiful fish species in the world. And the best part is, all of these fish can be kept in a home aquarium! Read along to learn what makes them beautiful and also whether they are a good choice for your fish tank.

    Let’s get started!

    Key Takeaways

    • Choose your fish based on their looks, but also their needs. Each species needs different water conditions and tank sizes to stay healthy
    • There are beautiful fish for saltwater and freshwater aquariums of every size. Koi fish and goldfish can even thrive in outdoor ponds
    • The most colorful fish come from tropical zones, but there are some cold water species with great colors too

    What Makes A Fish Beautiful?

    They say beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, which means it’s up to each of us to decide what is most attractive. Fortunately, fish come in such an incredible array of shapes, sizes, and colors that there is a species to suit any taste.

    Let’s take a look at some of the features that make some fish so eye-catching.

    Shape

    Fish come in an incredible array of shapes, from the long, cylindrical eel to the square-shaped box fish. There are flat, circular fish like the Discus, diamond-shaped fish like the mono and even triangular species like the angelfish!

    Color

    There is a fish to match any color you can think of, from pitch black to pure white and everything in between. Some fish have every color of the rainbow, while others are highly reflective and iridescent.

    Patterns

    Solid-colored fish are beautiful, but these fascinating creatures also come in various patterns, including spots, stripes, and almost anything you can imagine.

    Fins

    Fish use their fins to propel them through the water and to direct their path. Selective breeding in the aquarium hobby has created beautiful fish with amazing fins that are much longer and larger, but many species have naturally strange and impressive fins. Betta fish and fancy guppies will tend to have the most unique tail varieties of the bunch.

    25 Beautiful Fish – My Top Choices

    Now it’s time to meet 25 of the world’s most beautiful fish species. Each of these fish can thrive in aquariums with the right care, but I’ve included a list of important facts to help you choose a species that will suit your aquarium and skill level.

    The video above is from our YouTube Channel. Our blog post goes into more detail. If you enjoy our content, be sure to subscribe as we post new videos every week!

    Let’s get started!

    1. Japanese Koi

    My Pick!
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    • Scientific name: Cyprinus rubrofuscus
    • Origin: Japan
    • Size: 12 to 36 inches
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: Pond
    • Special features: Diverse colors and patterns, rich history
    • Water type: Freshwater, cold water

    Japanese Koi are large pond fish that are usually kept in outdoor ponds. These colorful fish first domesticated about 2500 years ago, and they have been specifically bred for their colors and patterns for more than two centuries.

    Koi Fins

    Koi are usually marked in white, orange, and black, although red and yellow are also common colors. There are hundreds of koi varieties, and the most sought-after varieties can cost up to $1.8 million! Fortunately, you can find beautiful koi for very affordable prices.

    2. Fancy Goldfish

    Fancy Goldfish
    Fancy Goldfish

    Fancy goldfish come in a variety of types and make great aquatic pets. Check out these What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) goldfish in the link below!

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    • Scientific name: Carassius auratus
    • Origin: China
    • Size: 6 to 12 inches
    • Care level: Easy-Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
    • Special features: various, colors, fin types, patterns, and body shapes
    • Water type: Freshwater, cold water

    The fancy goldfish is another beautiful fish with a long history in the fishkeeping hobby. These beautiful fish were already bred and displayed a thousand years ago in China.

    Today, you can find goldfish in homes and pet stores worldwide. The most common color is bright orange, but many goldfish have black, white, red, yellow, brown, and gray markings too.

    3. Bettas

    WYSIWYG Available!
    Betta Fish
    Betta Fish

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    Betta Fish are one of the most beautiful varieties of freshwater fish available in the hobby. Easy to care for with plenty of varieties!

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    • Scientific name: Betta splendens
    • Origin: Thailand
    • Size: 2.5 inches
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
    • Special features: Amazing colors, patterns, and fins
    • Water type: Freshwater, tropical

    Like Japanese koi and goldfish, betta fish have been bred into various amazing colors and patterns. However, these gorgeous fish come in a much wider range of colors.

    Betta fish are highly aggressive, which is why they are also called Siamese fighting fish. They were first kept for fighting, a cruel sport that is illegal in most parts of the world today. However, betta fish are still as popular as ever because they make amazing pets for both beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

    4. Discus

    Discus In An Aquarium
    • Scientific name: Symphysodon spp.
    • Origin: Amazon River Basin, South America
    • Size: 6 – 8 inches
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 55 gallons
    • Special features: Electric colors and flat, disc shape
    • Water type: Freshwater, tropical

    Discus fish are stunning species from South America that have been bred to show a range of amazingly vibrant colors, including neon blue, red, green, and pearl shades.

    Discus fish are not only one of the most colorful fish in the world, but they have a really eye-catching shape too. As their name suggests, these popular freshwater aquarium fish have circular, flattened bodies.

    5. Fancy Guppies

    Guppy Fish
    Guppy Fish

    An undemanding fish that is a livebearer. Many varieties available

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    • Scientific name: Poecilia reticulata
    • Origin: South America
    • Size: 1.2 to 2.4 inches
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
    • Special features: Bright colors, interesting patterns, long and colorful fins
    • Water type: Freshwater, tropical

    Guppies are one of the most popular aquarium fish, so it’s easy to forget just how beautiful these peaceful fish really are. These hardy fish are super easy to breed, and they are a wonderful first species for anyone new to the fishkeeping hobby.

    Male guppies are smaller but much more colorful than their female counterparts. These cute little fish can be pretty much any color, and they usually combine different shades and patterns, especially on their tail and dorsal fin.

    Check out my guide to 21 amazing types of guppies to learn more about this beautiful species!

    6. Freshwater Angelfish

    <a href=Altum Angelfish in Planted Tank” class=”wp-image-551860″/>
    • Scientific name: Pterophyllum spp.
    • Origin: South America
    • Size: 6 inches
    • Care level: Easy to intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 29 gallons
    • Special features: Triangular shape and long fins
    • Water type: Freshwater, tropical

    The freshwater angelfish is one of the most elegant fish in the world. These stunning South American Cichlids don’t have the greatest range of colors, but their incredible body shape and long dorsal and anal fins have made them incredibly popular in the aquarium trade.

    There are many types of angelfish, ranging from pure white to striped and even koi-patterned varieties. These fish are great for a peaceful community tank, although they need a deep aquarium to accommodate their long fins.

    7. Cardinal Tetra

    Cardinal Tetra
    Cardinal Tetra

    A very popular schooling fish. Looks like the Neon Tetra, but with longer blue and red stripes. Grows larger than a neon tetra as well

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    • Scientific name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
    • Origin: South America
    • Size: 2 inches
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 15 gallons
    • Special features: Neon blue and red horizontal stripes
    • Water type: Freshwater, tropical

    The cardinal tetra is a colorful schooling fish that looks amazing in aquarium community tanks and planted aquascapes. These fish have a prominent red stripe from their head to their tail and a neon blue stripe that glows in the water.

    Cardinal tetras are a great choice for moderately experienced aquarists looking to add some color to a community tank because they get along great with other smaller fish.

    8. Chili Rasbora

    Chili Rasboras
    Chili Rasboras

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    A great nano schooling fish. Males display brighter colors. Best in groups of 6 or more

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    • Scientific name: Boraras brigittae
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • Size: 0.7 inches
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
    • Special features: Miniature size and bright red color with a bold horizontal stripe
    • Water type: Freshwater, tropical

    Small fish can be beautiful too, and the tiny chili rasbora is a perfect example. These tiny schooling fish are amazing to watch, especially in a heavily planted aquarium.

    The chili rasbora is also known as the mosquito rasbora, and they are one of many similar micro fish species. These little guys are great for fishkeepers with only space for a 5 to 10-gallon aquarium.

    9. Celestial Pearl Danio

    Celestial Pearl Danio
    Celestial Pearl Danio

    A great-looking danio fish. Males are more colorful than females. A midway dwelling fish

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    • Scientific name: Celestichthys margaritatus
    • Origin: Myanmar, Southeast Asia
    • Size: 0.8 inches
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
    • Special features: Bright orange fins and ‘galaxy’ spotted body
    • Water type: Freshwater, tropical

    The Pearl Danio” data-lasso-lid=”1063218″>Pearl Danio” data-lasso-lid=”1063218″>celestial pearl danio is another beautiful nano fish that has become incredibly popular in the aquarium community. Affectionately known as the CPD, these tiny freshwater shoaling fish are peaceful creatures that thrive in well-maintained, planted tanks.

    10. Gold Barbs

    Gold Barbs Profile
    • Scientific name: Barbodes semifasciolatus
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • Size: 2.5 to 3 inches
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
    • Special features: Golden body with black-spotted scales
    • Water type: Freshwater, cool/tropical

    The golden barb is a beautiful fish that has been bred to show the amazing bright colors that make them so popular today. The wild form of this species has a greener appearance but is nevertheless a gorgeous fish.

    11. Rainbowfish

    Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
    • Scientific name: Melanotaenia spp., Iriatherina spp. etc.
    • Origin: Australia, New Guinea, Madagascar
    • Size: 2 to 8 inches
    • Care level: Easy to intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 20 to 30 gallons
    • Special features: Various bright colors and long fins
    • Water type: Freshwater, tropical

    Rainbow fish are colorful members of the Melanotaeniidae family. These popular freshwater community fish come in many shapes and sizes, from the elegant threadfin rainbowfish with its long dorsal and anal fins, to the Boeseman rainbowfish with its bright blue and yellow shades.

    12. Dwarf Gouramis

    Dwarf Gourami in Aquarium
    • Scientific name: Trichogaster lalius
    • Origin: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan
    • Size: 2.4 to 3.5 inches
    • Care level: Easy to intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
    • Special features: Red and neon blue colors, long, thread-like pelvic fins
    • Water type: Freshwater, tropical

    The dwarf gourami is beautiful little fish that comes in various breeds. Flame gouramis, for example, have bright orange bodies and a neon blue dorsal fin, while the powder blue breed has an electric blue body with vertical red stripes.

    Dwarf gouramis make wonderful pets and will thrive in a planted tank of ten gallons or larger. They are peaceful creatures that can be kept with various other fish like corydoras, rasboras, barbs, and many others in a community tank.

    13. Ram Cichlids

    Blue Ram Cichlid in Planted Tank
    • Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
    • Origin: Amazon River Basin, South America
    • Size: 2 to 3 inches
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
    • Special features: Neon colors and bold, upright fins
    • Water type: Freshwater, tropical

    German blue rams are dwarf cichlids with some of the most vibrant colors in the hobby. There are several breeds, with colors that vary from solid bright blue to specimens with a yellow body and blue spots.

    Ram cichlids are popular fish that you can find at many fish stores, but they are not ideal for beginners. These stunning fish require warmer water than many other species, and very high water quality is essential.

    14. Sailfin Molly

    Sailfin Molly in Aquarium
    • Scientific name: Poecilia latipina
    • Origin: United States and Mexico
    • Size: 4 to 5 inches
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
    • Special features: Huge sail-like dorsal fin
    • Water type: Freshwater, brackish water

    The sailfin molly is a pretty fish with a really unusual feature. Males have huge dorsal fins, almost like the sail on a yacht! Sailfin mollies come in many colors and patterns, from pure white to black, and even bright orange.

    Sailfin mollies are a great choice if you have naturally hard water. These omnivorous fish are livebearers, so they are really easy to breed in the home aquarium.

    15. African Cichlids

    African Cichlids in a Rock Aquarium
    • Scientific name: Various
    • Origin: East Africa
    • Size: 1.5 inches to 3 feet
    • Care level: Easy to advanced
    • Minimum tank size: 55 gallons for most species
    • Special features: Amazing variety of colors, patterns, and shapes
    • Water type: Freshwater, tropical

    African Cichlids are among the most colorful freshwater fish in the world, and also some of the most beautiful. These fish range in size from tiny species that live in empty snail shells to large predators that hunt and eat other fish.

    Most African cichlid species come from the great lakes region of East Africa where they live in huge lakes like Victoria, Tanganyika, and Malawi. These stunning fish come in practically any color you can imagine, from the shocking electric yellow lab to the multi-colored peacock cichlid.

    Of course, it’s very important to research the needs of any fish before adding it to your aquarium. Most African cichlids need high-pH water to thrive, and their tank mates must be chosen carefully because these guys get very territorial.

    16. Killifish

    Gardneri Killifish in Planted Tank
    • Scientific name: Various
    • Origin: Every continent except Australia and Antarctica
    • Size: 1 to 6 inches
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 10 to 20 gallons
    • Special features: Multicolored fish with interesting body shapes
    • Water type: Freshwater, tropical

    There are over a thousand killifish species on the planet, and many have spectacular colors and patterns. These small freshwater fish are adapted to live in shallow waterbodies, and some even live in puddles that dry up each year!

    Sadly, these species have a pretty short lifespan, but their eggs live on, even surviving, becoming partially dry before the next rains come.

    Many species are available in the aquarium trade, and they make fascinating pets that don’t need a large tank. The gardneri panchax, golden wonder, and clown killifish are all amazing fish that you can keep in your own tank.

    17. Flowerhorn Cichlid

    Flowerhorn Cichlid At Local Fish Store
    • Scientific name: Hybrid
    • Origin: First bred in Southeast Asia
    • Size: 12 to 16 inches
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 75 gallons
    • Special features: Bright colors and a huge nuchal hump on the male’s forehead
    • Water type: Freshwater, tropical

    The flowerhorn cichlid is one of the strangest-looking freshwater fish in the world, but also one of the most interesting to keep. These fish are hybrids bred for the pet trade by crossing two or more Central American cichlid species.

    Flowerhorn cichlids are available in various colors and patterns, including combinations of bright red, neon blue, yellow, pink, and black. Their most distinctive feature is the huge hump on the forehead of adult males, which can grow bigger than their heads!

    Flowerhorn cichlids have big personalities, and they are very aggressive toward other fish species. These colorful freshwater fish can also be aggressive toward their owners, but they usually make very personable pets.

    18. Severum Cichlid

    Severums Fish
    • Scientific name: Heros spp.
    • Origin: Amazon River, South America
    • Size: 8 to 12 inches
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 55 gallons
    • Special features: Variety of beautiful colors and patterns
    • Water type: Freshwater, tropical

    Severums are large but relatively peaceful South American cichlids. They have rounded bodies with big eyes and small mouths. There are a handful of severum cichlid species, and several breeds to choose from, including gold, red-spotted, red-shouldered, and turquoise color morphs.

    Choose these fish if you want a large, beautiful cichlid for a peaceful South American community tank. They can also hold their own with oscar fish and others with a more aggressive nature.

    19. Arowana

    Arowana Fish
    • Scientific name: Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
    • Origin: South America
    • Size: up to 3 feet
    • Care level: Advanced
    • Minimum tank size: 300 gallons
    • Special features: Huge, silvery scales
    • Water type: Freshwater, tropical

    The silver Arowana is an incredible tropical fish from South America that most fishkeepers can only dream about. Sure, it’s easy enough to purchase a young fish, but providing enough space for it as an adult is a challenge!

    However, let’s not take anything away from the stunning beauty of these animals. Silver Arowanas are strange and stunning to look at. Their massive scales gleam silver in good light, and their huge eyes and mouth give them a distinctive look.

    20. Clownfish

    Editor’s Choice
    Tank Raised Clownfish
    Tank Raised Clownfish

    Best Choice For Reef Tanks!

    Clownfish are hardy, full of personality, and are safe for all corals. They are an icon for any saltwater tank

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    • Scientific name: Amphiprion spp., Premnas spp. etc.
    • Origin: Coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region
    • Size: 3 to 6 inches
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
    • Special features: bright orange color with bold black and white stripes
    • Water type: Saltwater, reef safe

    The clownfish is one of the most recognizable fish in the world, thanks to its leading role in the 2003 movie ‘Finding Nemo’. These cute fish live with sea anemones in the wild, protecting them from larger predators.

    There are many clownfish species, with colors ranging from bright yellow to maroon and even black and white. However, the ocellaris clownfish (Nemo) remains the most popular and is a great species for newcomers to the saltwater fish keeping hobby.

    These peaceful fish can be kept in nano-reef tanks as small as 20 gallons. They are easy to feed, and you can even breed them yourself.

    21. Marine Betta

    Marine Betta in Fish Tank
    • Scientific name: Calloplesiops altivelis
    • Origin: Indo-pacific Ocean
    • Size: 8 inches
    • Care level: Easy
    • Minimum tank size: 50 gallons
    • Special features: Black ground color with beautiful starry spots.
    • Water type: Saltwater, reef compatible with caution

    The marine betta, or comet as they are also known, is a fascinating and beautiful fish with extensive flowing fins. Their dark brown or black bodies are covered in small white or blue spots and they have one large spot at the base of their dorsal fins.

    This large spot has a very interesting function. Marine bettas jam their heads into holes in the reef when a predator swims by. The shape of their fins makes these clever fish look like the head of a large moray eel, and few predators will tangle with those dangerous creatures!

    Marine bettas are nocturnal fish, but they can make great a great addition to a tropical saltwater aquarium. They are peaceful fish, but they will snack on smaller fish and crustaceans.

    22. Large Marine Angelfish

    Emperor Angelfish
    • Scientific name: Pomacanthus spp.
    • Origin: Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans.
    • Size: 8 to 15 inches
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 55 – 100 gallons
    • Special features: Bold colors and interesting body shapes
    • Water type: Saltwater, not reef safe

    Marine angelfish are some of the most popular saltwater aquarium fish in the world. These dazzling fish come from tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Angelfish change color as they mature, and the juveniles can be especially beautiful.

    Large marine angelfish come in various colors, often with bright yellow and blue stripes like the Emperor Angelfish. One species, the regal angelfish, takes this color scheme to an extreme level with the inclusion of a yellow tail and dark blue dorsal fin.

    23. Dwarf Angelfish

    Coral Beauty Angelfish
    • Scientific name: Centropyge spp.
    • Origin: Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans
    • Size: 3 to 4 inches
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
    • Special features: Amazing colors and compact size
    • Water type: Saltwater, reef compatible with caution

    Dwarf angelfish come in a staggering variety of colors, from the pitch-black midnight angelfish to the vibrant flame angelfish with its bright orange color and black vertical bars.

    These beautiful aquarium fish can be kept in tanks as small as 30 gallons, although some will do better in 55 gallons.

    24. Reef Triggerfish (Blue Throat, Niger, Crosshatch)

    Crosshatch Triggerfish in Aquarium
    • Scientific name: Odonus spp., Xanthichthys spp. etc
    • Origin: Caribbean and Indo-Pacific
    • Size: 9 to 14 inches
    • Care level: Easy to moderate
    • Minimum tank size: 125 gallons
    • Special features: Strange body shape and amazing colors
    • Water type: Saltwater

    Reef triggerfish species like the bluethroat, niger and crosshatch triggerfish make a stunning addition to larger saltwater aquariums. These beautiful fish have very odd proportions with large heads and tiny mouths.

    Their small mouths are what make these species safer for a reef tank, but bear in mind that no triggerfish is completely reef safe. These fish have sharp teeth, and they love to feed on smaller invertebrates.

    There are many amazing species, but the crosshatch triggerfish is particularly attractive with diagonal black perpendicular lines separating its scales. Each scale is further accented by a spot of blue pigment for a dazzling display.

    25. Clown Triggerfish

    Clown Triggerfish in Reef
    • Scientific name: Balistoides conspicillum
    • Origin: Tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Ocean
    • Size: 1′ 8″
    • Care level: Intermediate
    • Minimum tank size: 300 gallons
    • Special features: Striking black fish with round white spots and a yellow mouth
    • Water type: Saltwater

    The clown triggerfish is one of the most vibrantly marked fish in the sea. Their bold black and white coloration is accented with a yellow honeycomb pattern around the dorsal fin and a small yellow mouth filled with sharp teeth.

    The clown triggerfish is a spectacular saltwater species with an aggressive nature. These beautiful fish can be kept with some other aggressive fish species, but unlike the other triggerfish in this list, clowns are not suggested for a reef tank.

    FAQs

    Which species have pretty tails?

    There are many fresh and saltwater fish with beautiful tails, but guppy fish and betta fish probably share the first-place prize in this category. These fish have the most amazing flowing tails that really move in the water!

    Which is the most popular species on this list?

    The goldfish is the most popular pet fish in the world. These beautiful fish have been kept for centuries, and they are still just as popular as ever!

    Goldfish are not the only ultra-popular aquarium fish on this list, though. The fancy guppy and the siamese fighting fish are just as recognizable.

    What is the most unique-looking species on the list?

    The flowerhorn cichlid is probably the most unique-looking fish in our top 25. These strange hybrid fish really stand out with their huge bulging foreheads!

    Final Thoughts

    Fish are some of the most beautiful creatures on the planet, period. The variety of species available to the modern hobbyist means there’s a species out there to suit everyone’s tastes.

    Of course, there are many more than just 25 beautiful fish types worldwide, but these are certainly my favorites!

    Which fish do you think is most beautiful? Share your favorites in the comments below! Give us a sub on your YouTube Channel if you want to see some of our video content.