Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Semi-aggressiveIntermediateFreshwater
Size: 6"
Min Tank: 30g
Temp: 76-84°F
pH: 6-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 10y
Elegant tall-bodied cichlid
Cichlidae
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Semi-aggressiveIntermediateFreshwater
Size: 3"
Min Tank: 20g
Temp: 73-84°F
pH: 6-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Colorful dwarf cichlid with elaborate fins
Cichlidae
Banggai Cardinalfish
Pterapogon kauderni
PeacefulIntermediateSaltwaterSchools 3+
Size: 3"
Min Tank: 20g
Temp: 74-80°F
pH: 8.1-8.4
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Stunning black and white cardinalfish
Apogonidae
Semi-aggressiveBeginnerFreshwater
Size: 2.5"
Min Tank: 5g
Temp: 76-82°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: 3y
Colorful labyrinth fish, keep males solitary
Osphronemidae
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 1.5"
Min Tank: 10g
Temp: 73-81°F
pH: 5.5-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Elegant black and white tetra
Characidae
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 2.5"
Min Tank: 15g
Temp: 68-79°F
pH: 6-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Hardy tetra with flowing fins
Characidae
Blue Tang
Paracanthurus hepatus
Semi-aggressiveIntermediateSaltwater
Size: 12"
Min Tank: 100g
Temp: 75-82°F
pH: 8-8.4
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 20y
Famous blue tang from Finding Nemo
Acanthuridae
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwater
Size: 5"
Min Tank: 25g
Temp: 73-81°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Diet: Herbivore
Lifespan: 10y
Compact pleco that stays relatively small
Loricariidae
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
PeacefulIntermediateFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 2"
Min Tank: 15g
Temp: 73-81°F
pH: 5-7
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Similar to neon tetra but with full red body stripe
Characidae
Celestial Pearl Danio
Danio margaritatus
PeacefulIntermediateFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 1"
Min Tank: 10g
Temp: 72-78°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Stunning nano fish with spotted pattern
Cyprinidae
Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 2"
Min Tank: 15g
Temp: 73-81°F
pH: 6-8
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 6y
Red-colored peaceful barb
Cyprinidae
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
PeacefulIntermediateFreshwaterSchools 8+
Size: 0.7"
Min Tank: 5g
Temp: 75-82°F
pH: 4-7
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 4y
Tiny red nano fish
Cyprinidae
Clown Loach
Chromobotia macracanthus
PeacefulIntermediateFreshwaterSchools 5+
Size: 12"
Min Tank: 75g
Temp: 77-86°F
pH: 6-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 25y
Colorful social loach that grows large
Botiidae
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
PeacefulIntermediateFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 3.5"
Min Tank: 30g
Temp: 73-82°F
pH: 6-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Rainbow-colored African tetra
Alestiidae
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Centropyge bispinosa
Semi-aggressiveIntermediateSaltwater
Size: 4"
Min Tank: 55g
Temp: 72-80°F
pH: 8-8.4
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 15y
Purple and orange dwarf angel
Pomacanthidae
Corydoras (Bronze)
Corydoras aeneus
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 2.5"
Min Tank: 15g
Temp: 72-79°F
pH: 6-8
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 15y
Hardy bottom-dwelling catfish
Callichthyidae
Corydoras (Panda)
Corydoras panda
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 2"
Min Tank: 15g
Temp: 68-77°F
pH: 6-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 10y
Adorable bottom-dwelling catfish
Callichthyidae
Dwarf Chain Loach
Ambastaia sidthimunki
PeacefulIntermediateFreshwaterSchools 5+
Size: 2.5"
Min Tank: 20g
Temp: 77-82°F
pH: 6-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 10y
Small active loach
Botiidae
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwater
Size: 3.5"
Min Tank: 10g
Temp: 72-82°F
pH: 6-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Colorful labyrinth fish
Osphronemidae
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwaterSchools 8+
Size: 0.8"
Min Tank: 5g
Temp: 73-84°F
pH: 5.5-7
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 4y
Tiny orange schooling fish, perfect for nano tanks
Characidae
Endlers Livebearer
Poecilia wingei
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwater
Size: 1.5"
Min Tank: 5g
Temp: 72-82°F
pH: 7-8
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 3y
Colorful tiny livebearer
Poeciliidae
Firefish Goby
Nemateleotris magnifica
PeacefulBeginnerSaltwater
Size: 3"
Min Tank: 20g
Temp: 72-80°F
pH: 8-8.4
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Elegant hovering goby
Microdesmidae
Flame Angelfish
Centropyge loricula
Semi-aggressiveIntermediateSaltwater
Size: 4"
Min Tank: 55g
Temp: 72-80°F
pH: 8-8.4
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 10y
Vibrant red and orange dwarf angel
Pomacanthidae
German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
PeacefulIntermediateFreshwater
Size: 2.5"
Min Tank: 20g
Temp: 78-85°F
pH: 6-7
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 3y
Beautiful dwarf cichlid
Cichlidae
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwater
Size: 2"
Min Tank: 10g
Temp: 72-82°F
pH: 7-8
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 3y
Colorful livebearing fish, breeds readily
Poeciliidae
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 2"
Min Tank: 10g
Temp: 72-82°F
pH: 6-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 6y
Popular orange and black schooling fish
Cyprinidae
Hillstream Loach
Sewellia lineolata
PeacefulIntermediateFreshwater
Size: 2.5"
Min Tank: 20g
Temp: 68-75°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Diet: Herbivore
Lifespan: 8y
Unique flat loach for high flow tanks
Balitoridae
Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chuna
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwater
Size: 2"
Min Tank: 10g
Temp: 72-82°F
pH: 6-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Peaceful golden labyrinth fish
Osphronemidae
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 4"
Min Tank: 15g
Temp: 75-86°F
pH: 5.5-7
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 10y
Eel-like nocturnal loach
Cobitidae
Lawnmower Blenny
Salarias fasciatus
PeacefulIntermediateSaltwater
Size: 5"
Min Tank: 55g
Temp: 72-80°F
pH: 8-8.4
Diet: Herbivore
Lifespan: 6y
Algae-eating blenny
Blenniidae
Leopard Wrasse
Macropharyngodon meleagris
PeacefulExpertSaltwater
Size: 5"
Min Tank: 55g
Temp: 72-80°F
pH: 8-8.4
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Spotted wrasse, sleeps in sand
Labridae
Mandarin Dragonet
Synchiropus splendidus
PeacefulExpertSaltwater
Size: 3"
Min Tank: 30g
Temp: 75-82°F
pH: 8.1-8.4
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: 15y
Stunningly colored but difficult to feed
Callionymidae
McCoskers Flasher Wrasse
Paracheilinus mccoskeri
PeacefulIntermediateSaltwater
Size: 3"
Min Tank: 40g
Temp: 72-80°F
pH: 8-8.4
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Colorful flashing wrasse
Labridae
Midas Blenny
Ecsenius midas
PeacefulBeginnerSaltwater
Size: 5"
Min Tank: 30g
Temp: 72-80°F
pH: 8-8.4
Diet: Herbivore
Lifespan: 5y
Golden yellow blenny
Blenniidae
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwater
Size: 4"
Min Tank: 20g
Temp: 72-82°F
pH: 7.5-8.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Hardy livebearer, tolerates brackish
Poeciliidae
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 1.5"
Min Tank: 10g
Temp: 70-81°F
pH: 6-7
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Classic small schooling fish with blue and red coloring
Characidae
Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
PeacefulBeginnerSaltwater
Size: 3"
Min Tank: 20g
Temp: 75-82°F
pH: 8-8.4
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 15y
Classic orange and white clownfish
Pomacentridae
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
AggressiveIntermediateFreshwater
Size: 14"
Min Tank: 75g
Temp: 74-81°F
pH: 6-8
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: 15y
Large intelligent cichlid with personality
Cichlidae
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
PeacefulIntermediateFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 1.5"
Min Tank: 10g
Temp: 72-79°F
pH: 6-7.5
Diet: Herbivore
Lifespan: 5y
Small algae-eating catfish
Loricariidae
Pajama Cardinalfish
Sphaeramia nematoptera
PeacefulBeginnerSaltwaterSchools 3+
Size: 3"
Min Tank: 20g
Temp: 72-82°F
pH: 8-8.4
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Uniquely patterned cardinalfish
Apogonidae
Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwater
Size: 4.5"
Min Tank: 30g
Temp: 77-82°F
pH: 6-8
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 8y
Elegant spotted gourami
Osphronemidae
Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwater
Size: 2.5"
Min Tank: 10g
Temp: 68-79°F
pH: 7-8
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 3y
Hardy colorful livebearer
Poeciliidae
Pygmy Corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwaterSchools 8+
Size: 1"
Min Tank: 10g
Temp: 72-79°F
pH: 6-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Tiny schooling catfish
Callichthyidae
Royal Gramma
Gramma loreto
PeacefulBeginnerSaltwater
Size: 3"
Min Tank: 30g
Temp: 72-78°F
pH: 8-8.4
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: 6y
Purple and yellow basslet
Grammatidae
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
PeacefulIntermediateFreshwaterSchools 8+
Size: 2.5"
Min Tank: 20g
Temp: 75-84°F
pH: 5.5-7
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 6y
Tight-schooling tetra with distinctive red nose
Characidae
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Semi-aggressiveBeginnerFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 1.75"
Min Tank: 15g
Temp: 72-79°F
pH: 5.5-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Deep red tetra, may nip fins
Characidae
Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwater
Size: 6"
Min Tank: 30g
Temp: 75-79°F
pH: 6.5-8
Diet: Herbivore
Lifespan: 10y
Excellent algae eater
Cyprinidae
Six Line Wrasse
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
Semi-aggressiveIntermediateSaltwater
Size: 3"
Min Tank: 30g
Temp: 72-78°F
pH: 8.1-8.4
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: 10y
Active wrasse with six horizontal stripes
Labridae
Sparkling Gourami
Trichopsis pumila
PeacefulIntermediateFreshwater
Size: 1.5"
Min Tank: 10g
Temp: 76-82°F
pH: 6-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 4y
Tiny gourami that makes croaking sounds
Osphronemidae
Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwater
Size: 5"
Min Tank: 20g
Temp: 72-82°F
pH: 7-8
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Livebearer with sword-shaped tail
Poeciliidae
Tailspot Blenny
Ecsenius stigmatura
PeacefulBeginnerSaltwater
Size: 2.5"
Min Tank: 10g
Temp: 72-80°F
pH: 8-8.4
Diet: Herbivore
Lifespan: 4y
Small nano-friendly blenny
Blenniidae
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Semi-aggressiveBeginnerFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 3"
Min Tank: 20g
Temp: 74-79°F
pH: 6-8
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 7y
Active striped barb, may nip fins
Cyprinidae
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 1.5"
Min Tank: 10g
Temp: 64-72°F
pH: 6-8
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Hardy coldwater nano fish
Cyprinidae
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Semi-aggressiveIntermediateSaltwater
Size: 8"
Min Tank: 75g
Temp: 75-82°F
pH: 8-8.4
Diet: Herbivore
Lifespan: 20y
Bright yellow tang, needs swimming room
Acanthuridae
Yellow Watchman Goby
Cryptocentrus cinctus
PeacefulBeginnerSaltwater
Size: 4"
Min Tank: 20g
Temp: 72-80°F
pH: 8-8.4
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Pairs with pistol shrimp
Gobiidae
PeacefulBeginnerFreshwaterSchools 6+
Size: 2"
Min Tank: 10g
Temp: 64-77°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5y
Hardy striped schooling fish
Cyprinidae