Search freshwater aquarium species for tank size, water parameters, temperament, care level and compatible tank mates.
Pseudotropheus acei
Type: African Mbuna Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 5–6 in
Minimum Tank: 55–75 gal
Temperature: 76–82°F
pH: 7.6–8.6
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; comparatively social mbuna
Yellow Lab Cichlid, Compatible Mbuna
Peacock Cichlids, More Aggressive Mbuna
Peaceful Community Fish, Discus
Pantodon buchholzi
Type: Oddball Surface Fish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 4–5 in
Minimum Tank: 30 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Generally peaceful surface predator
Congo Tetra, Corydoras, Peaceful Bottom Fish
Gourami, Angelfish
Tiny Surface Fish, Guppy Fry, Aggressive Fish
Aulonocara spp.
Type: African Rift Lake Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 4–6 in
Minimum Tank: 55 gal minimum; 75+ preferred for groups
Temperature: 76–82°F
pH: 7.6–8.6
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Other Compatible Peacock Cichlids, Selected Hap Cichlids
Mbuna, Synodontis Catfish
Guppy, Betta, Discus, Goldfish
Caridina multidentata
Type: Freshwater Shrimp
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 1.5–2 in
Minimum Tank: 10+ gal
Temperature: 68–80°F
pH: 6.5–7.8
Temperament: Peaceful social invertebrate
Peaceful Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras
Betta, Gourami
Large Cichlids, Goldfish
Colomesus asellus
Type: Freshwater Puffer
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 3–5 in
Minimum Tank: 40–55 gal
Temperature: 74–82°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Active; less territorial than many puffers but can nip fins
Other Amazon Puffers in Large Setups
Fast Robust Fish
Long-finned Fish, Shrimp, Snails as Pets
Pterophyllum scalare
Type: South American Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 6 in body; much taller with fins
Minimum Tank: 29 gal for a pair; 55+ for groups/communities
Temperature: 76–84°F
pH: 6.0–7.8
Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial when breeding
Corydoras, Larger Peaceful Tetras, Bristlenose Pleco
Gourami, Rams, Adult Guppies
Neon Tetra, Tiger Barb, Freshwater Shrimp
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Type: South American Dwarf Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 2–3.5 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 5.5–7.5
Temperament: Generally peaceful; territorial around caves when breeding
Small Peaceful Tetras, Rasboras, Pencilfish
Corydoras, Other Dwarf Cichlids
Large Aggressive Cichlids, Fin Nippers
Melanochromis auratus
Type: African Mbuna Cichlid
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 4–5 in
Minimum Tank: 55+ gal
Temperature: 76–82°F
pH: 7.6–8.6
Temperament: Very aggressive Mbuna
Very Robust Mbuna
Synodontis
Peacock Cichlids, Community Fish, Discus
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Type: Coolwater Loach
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 8–12 in
Minimum Tank: 55 gal
Temperature: 59–75°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful, social, active bottom fish
Goldfish of Suitable Size, White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Fancy Goldfish
Discus, Warm Tropical Fish, Tiny Shrimp
Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Type: Large Cyprinid
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 12–14 in
Minimum Tank: 125+ gal long-term
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful, very active schooling fish
Large Rainbowfish, Silver Dollar, Other Large Peaceful Fish
Large Peaceful Cichlids
Tiny Nano Fish, Aggressive Cichlids, Small Tanks
Bunocephalus spp.
Type: Catfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 4–6 in
Minimum Tank: 20–30 gal
Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful, sedentary nocturnal fish
Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras
Other Bottom Feeders
Aggressive Cichlids
Betta splendens
Type: Labyrinth Fish
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 2.5–3 in
Minimum Tank: 5 gal minimum; 10+ preferred for communities
Temperature: 76–82°F
pH: 6.5–7.5
Temperament: Territorial; varies by individual
Corydoras, Kuhli Loach, Peaceful Snails
Small Rasboras, Ember Tetra, Shrimp
Other Male Bettas, Tiger Barb, Fin-nipping Fish
Apteronotus albifrons
Type: Oddball / Knifefish
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 16–20 in
Minimum Tank: 100–125+ gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Generally peaceful but predatory; territorial with similar electric fish
Silver Dollar, Large Peaceful Catfish, Large Peaceful Fish
Large Cichlids
Small Tetras, Shrimp, Other Knifefish
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Type: Tetra
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 2–2.5 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal
Temperature: 70–80°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Active schooling; can fin-nip
Corydoras, Danios, Similar Robust Tetras
Angelfish, Gourami
Betta, Long-finned Guppies
Hybrid cichlid
Type: Hybrid Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 7–10 in
Minimum Tank: 55 gal; larger for multiple fish
Temperature: 76–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; often less aggressive than many large cichlids
Severum, Silver Dollar, Large Pleco
Oscar, Other Medium-large Cichlids
Tiny Tetras, Shrimp, Very Aggressive Cichlids
Andinoacara pulcher
Type: South American Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 5–7 in
Minimum Tank: 40–55 gal
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Larger Tetras, Corydoras in spacious tanks, Bristlenose Pleco
Angelfish, Other Acaras
Tiny Fish, Shrimp
Melanotaenia boesemani
Type: Rainbowfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 4–5 in
Minimum Tank: 55 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 7.0–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful, very active schooling fish
Other Rainbowfish, Larger Tetras, Corydoras
Angelfish, Gourami
Betta, Tiny Nano Fish
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Type: South American Dwarf Cichlid
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 3–4 in
Minimum Tank: 20–30 gal
Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Generally peaceful; territorial when breeding
Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras
Other Dwarf Cichlids, Angelfish
Oscar, Aggressive Cichlids
Brachygobius spp.
Type: Goby
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 1–1.5 in
Minimum Tank: 10–20 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 7.0–8.2
Temperament: Peaceful to territorial nano bottom fish
Other Bumblebee Gobies
Hard-water Nano Fish
Large Fish, Aggressive Feeders
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Type: Community Tetra
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 1.5–2 in
Minimum Tank: 15–20 gal
Temperature: 75–84°F
pH: 4.5–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
Discus, Corydoras sterbai, Rasboras
Angelfish, Betta
Oscar, Goldfish
Marosatherina ladigesi
Type: Rainbowfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 3 in
Minimum Tank: 30 gal
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 7.0–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
Small Rainbowfish, Peaceful Livebearers
Gourami
Large Cichlids, Fin-nippers
Danio margaritatus
Type: Nano Cyprinid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 0.8–1 in
Minimum Tank: 10 gal
Temperature: 68–78°F
pH: 6.5–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful; shy schooling/social fish
Chili Rasbora, Pygmy Corydoras, Dwarf Shrimp
Betta, Honey Gourami
Angelfish, Oscar, Large Fish
Puntius titteya
Type: Barb
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 2 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal
Temperature: 73–81°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
Rasboras, Corydoras, Peaceful Tetras
Betta, Dwarf Gourami
Oscar, Large Cichlids
Neocaridina davidi
Type: Freshwater Shrimp
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 1–1.5 in
Minimum Tank: 5+ gal mature tank
Temperature: 65–78°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful colony invertebrate
Pygmy Corydoras, Chili Rasbora with caution, Snails
Betta, Small Tetras
Cichlids, Goldfish, Large Fish
Boraras brigittae
Type: Nano Rasbora
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 0.7–0.9 in
Minimum Tank: 10 gal
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 4.5–7.0
Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
Dwarf Shrimp, Pygmy Corydoras, Other Nano Rasboras
Betta, Honey Gourami
Angelfish, Oscar
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Type: Algae Eater
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 8–11 in
Minimum Tank: 55+ gal
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Territorial and increasingly aggressive with age
Robust Barbs, Fast Rainbowfish
Large Cichlids
Discus, Angelfish, Slow Flat-bodied Fish
Epiplatys annulatus
Type: Killifish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 1.2–1.5 in
Minimum Tank: 10 gal
Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 4.0–7.0
Temperament: Peaceful surface-oriented social fish
Chili Rasbora, Pygmy Corydoras, Shrimp
Betta, Honey Gourami
Large Fish, Fin-nippers
Chromobotia macracanthus
Type: Loach
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 8–12+ in
Minimum Tank: 125+ gal long-term
Temperature: 77–86°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Social, active
Large Barbs, Rainbowfish, Other Clown Loaches
Large Peaceful Cichlids
Tiny Nano Fish, Aggressive Cichlids
Panaqolus maccus
Type: Pleco Catfish
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 3–4 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal
Temperature: 73–82°F
pH: 6.5–7.8
Temperament: Peaceful; mildly territorial with similar fish
Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras
Other Plecos, Dwarf Cichlids
Large Aggressive Cichlids
Hypostomus/Pterygoplichthys spp.
Type: Pleco Catfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 12–20+ in depending on species
Minimum Tank: 75–125+ gal depending on species/adult size
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Generally peaceful; territorial with similar bottom fish
Large Peaceful Fish, Oscar, Severum
Other Plecos, Large Catfish
Tiny Tanks, Highly Aggressive Bottom Dwellers
Paracheirodon innesi
Type: Community Tetra
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 1–1.5 in
Minimum Tank: 10 gal minimum; 20+ preferred for larger schools
Temperature: 70–78°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
Corydoras, Harlequin Rasbora, Honey Gourami
Betta, Angelfish
Oscar, Large Cichlids, Goldfish
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Type: African Tetra
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 3–3.5 in
Minimum Tank: 30–40+ gal
Temperature: 73–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
Corydoras, Peaceful Rainbowfish, Pearl Gourami
Angelfish, Dwarf Cichlids
Tiger Barb, Large Predatory Cichlids
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
Type: Central American Cichlid
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 4–6 in
Minimum Tank: 30 gal for a pair; larger for communities
Temperature: 74–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Aggressive and highly territorial when breeding
Robust Similar-sized Cichlids in Large Tanks
Large Pleco, Other Central American Cichlids
Guppy, Tetras, Betta, Shrimp
Corydoras aeneus
Type: Corydoras Catfish
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 2.5–3 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal
Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful schooling bottom fish
Tetras, Rasboras, Livebearers
Angelfish, Dwarf Cichlids
Oscar, Aggressive Bottom Dwellers
Corydoras sterbai
Type: Corydoras Catfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 2.5–3 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.8
Temperament: Peaceful schooling bottom fish
Discus, Cardinal Tetra, Rummy-nose Tetra
Angelfish
Oscar, Aggressive Cichlids
Chindongo demasoni
Type: African Mbuna Cichlid
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 3–4 in
Minimum Tank: 55+ gal
Temperature: 76–82°F
pH: 7.6–8.6
Temperament: Highly conspecific-aggressive Mbuna
Carefully Managed Mbuna Groups, Synodontis
Other Blue-striped Mbuna
Peacocks in small tanks, Community Fish
Sahyadria denisonii
Type: Barb
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 5–6 in
Minimum Tank: 55–75+ gal
Temperature: 60–77°F
pH: 6.5–7.8
Temperament: Peaceful, fast schooling fish
Rainbowfish, Larger Peaceful Barbs, Corydoras
Angelfish, Gourami
Betta, Discus, Tiny Nano Fish
Moenkhausia pittieri
Type: Community Tetra
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 2–2.5 in
Minimum Tank: 20–30 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful to mildly nippy schooling fish
Corydoras, Rasboras, Other Medium Tetras
Angelfish, Gourami
Betta, Long-finned Guppy
Symphysodon spp.
Type: South American Cichlid
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 6–8 in
Minimum Tank: 75 gal recommended for a group
Temperature: 82–86°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Generally peaceful, social
Cardinal Tetra, Rummy-nose Tetra, Corydoras sterbai
Angelfish, German Blue Ram, Bristlenose Pleco
Goldfish, Tiger Barb, Oscar
Ambastaia sidthimunki
Type: Loach
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 2–2.5 in
Minimum Tank: 30 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Active, social, generally peaceful
Rasboras, Tetras, Corydoras
Dwarf Gourami, Betta
Ornamental Snails, Large Aggressive Cichlids
Melanotaenia praecox
Type: Rainbowfish
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 2.5–3 in
Minimum Tank: 30 gal
Temperature: 73–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful, active schooling fish
Corydoras, Larger Tetras, Peaceful Barbs
Angelfish, Gourami
Betta, Large Aggressive Cichlids
Andinoacara pulcher (color form)
Type: South American Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 5–7 in
Minimum Tank: 40–55 gal
Temperature: 74–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Generally mild for a cichlid; territorial when breeding
Larger Tetras, Corydoras, Bristlenose Pleco
Angelfish, Other Medium Cichlids
Tiny Nano Fish, Highly Aggressive Cichlids
Sciaenochromis fryeri
Type: African Hap Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 6–8 in
Minimum Tank: 75+ gal
Temperature: 76–82°F
pH: 7.6–8.6
Temperament: Semi-aggressive predator
Peacock Cichlids, Compatible Haps, Synodontis
Large Mbuna
Small Fish, Peaceful Soft-water Fish
Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos
Type: African Mbuna Cichlid
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 4–5 in
Minimum Tank: 55 gal
Temperature: 76–82°F
pH: 7.6–8.6
Temperament: Aggressive, territorial mbuna
Compatible Robust Mbuna
Other Malawi Cichlids
Peacock Cichlids in Small Tanks, Peaceful Community Fish
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Type: Nano Tetra
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 0.8–1 in
Minimum Tank: 10 gal
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 5.5–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
Pygmy Corydoras, Chili Rasbora, Shrimp
Betta, Honey Gourami
Angelfish, Oscar
Poecilia wingei
Type: Livebearer
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 1–1.5 in
Minimum Tank: 10 gal
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 7.0–8.5
Temperament: Peaceful, active social fish
Guppy, Pygmy Corydoras, Peaceful Nano Fish
Betta, Dwarf Gourami
Large Cichlids, Predatory Fish
Thorichthys meeki
Type: Central American Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 5–6 in
Minimum Tank: 40–55 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial during breeding
Larger Tetras, Swordtails, Bristlenose Pleco
Other Medium Cichlids, Severum
Tiny Fish, Betta, Shrimp
Hybrid cichlid
Type: Hybrid Cichlid
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 10–14+ in
Minimum Tank: 75 gal single adult
Temperature: 80–86°F
pH: 7.0–8.0
Temperament: Highly aggressive, territorial
Usually best kept alone
Very Large Robust Fish
Most Other Fish
Pseudomugil furcatus
Type: Blue-eye Rainbowfish
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 2 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 7.0–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful, active schooling fish
Rasboras, Corydoras, Peaceful Tetras
Betta, Dwarf Gourami
Large Predators, Aggressive Cichlids
Pterophyllum altum
Type: South American Cichlid
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 8+ in body; very tall fins
Minimum Tank: 75+ gal tall tank
Temperature: 80–86°F
pH: 4.5–6.5
Temperament: Generally peaceful but territorial cichlid
Cardinal Tetra with caution, Corydoras sterbai, Discus with expertise
Other Angelfish
Fin-nippers, Hard-water Fish
Cyphotilapia frontosa
Type: Lake Tanganyika Cichlid
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 12–15 in
Minimum Tank: 125+ gal; larger for colonies
Temperature: 75–79°F
pH: 7.8–9.0
Temperament: Generally calm but predatory and territorial
Compatible Large Tanganyikan Cichlids
Large Synodontis, Other Large African Cichlids
Small Fish, Mbuna, Peaceful Tropical Community Fish
Fundulopanchax gardneri
Type: Killifish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 2–2.5 in
Minimum Tank: 10–20 gal
Temperature: 68–77°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Generally peaceful but predatory toward fry
Corydoras, Medium Peaceful Tetras
Other Killifish
Tiny Fry, Long-finned Timid Fish
Geophagus sp. 'Tapajos'
Type: Eartheater Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate–Advanced
Adult Size: 6–8 in
Minimum Tank: 75+ gal
Temperature: 78–84°F
pH: 5.5–7.5
Temperament: Generally peaceful social cichlid
Larger Tetras, Severum, Corydoras with caution
Other Geophagus
Tiny Fish, Aggressive Central American Cichlids
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Type: Dwarf Cichlid
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 2–3 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal
Temperature: 80–86°F
pH: 5.0–7.0
Temperament: Generally peaceful; territorial when breeding
Cardinal Tetra, Rummy-nose Tetra, Corydoras sterbai
Discus, Other Rams
Goldfish, Aggressive Cichlids
Devario aequipinnatus
Type: Danio
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 4–6 in
Minimum Tank: 55 gal
Temperature: 72–81°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful but very active schooling fish
Rainbowfish, Robust Barbs, Larger Peaceful Fish
Angelfish, Gourami
Betta, Slow Long-finned Fish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
Type: Asian Catfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 3–4 in
Minimum Tank: 30 gal
Temperature: 75–80°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful, shy schooling fish
Rasboras, Peaceful Tetras, Corydoras
Gourami, Angelfish
Tiger Barb, Aggressive Cichlids
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Type: Community Tetra
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 1.5 in
Minimum Tank: 10–20 gal
Temperature: 74–82°F
pH: 5.5–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
Rasboras, Corydoras, Honey Gourami
Betta, Angelfish
Oscar, Large Predators
Carassius auratus
Type: Coldwater Fish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 6–12+ in depending on variety
Minimum Tank: 20–30+ gal for fancy types; much larger for common/comet types
Temperature: 60–74°F
pH: 7.0–8.4
Temperament: Peaceful, active
Other Similar Goldfish
Weather Loach, White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Discus, Betta, Oscar, Most Tropical Fish
Trichogaster lalius
Type: Labyrinth Fish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 3–3.5 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal recommended
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Generally peaceful but males can be territorial
Harlequin Rasbora, Corydoras, Peaceful Tetras
Other Gouramis, Betta, Guppy
Tiger Barb, Large Aggressive Cichlids
Andinoacara rivulatus
Type: South American Cichlid
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 8–12 in
Minimum Tank: 75 gal; larger with tank mates
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Aggressive, territorial
Large Pleco, Very Robust Large Fish
Oscar, Jack Dempsey, Other Large Cichlids
Small Community Fish, Shrimp, Betta
Poecilia reticulata
Type: Livebearer
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 1.5–2.5 in
Minimum Tank: 10 gal; larger for colonies
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 7.0–8.2
Temperament: Peaceful, active
Platy, Molly, Corydoras, Peaceful Tetras
Betta, Dwarf Gourami, Angelfish
Oscar, Tiger Barb, Large Cichlids
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Type: Rasbora
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 1.5–2 in
Minimum Tank: 15–20 gal
Temperature: 73–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
Neon Tetra, Corydoras, Honey Gourami
Betta, Angelfish
Oscar, Large Cichlids
Sewellia lineolata
Type: Loach
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 2–3 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal
Temperature: 68–76°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful; may spar over prime grazing spots
White Cloud Mountain Minnow, Danios, Small Peaceful Fish
Other Hillstream Loaches
Discus, Warm Low-flow Fish
Trichogaster chuna
Type: Labyrinth Fish
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 2–2.5 in
Minimum Tank: 15–20 gal
Temperature: 74–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful; males may become territorial when breeding
Harlequin Rasbora, Corydoras, Peaceful Tetras
Betta, Other Gouramis
Tiger Barb, Large Aggressive Cichlids
Rocio octofasciata
Type: Central American Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 8–10 in
Minimum Tank: 55 gal single; larger with tank mates
Temperature: 76–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Aggressive, territorial
Large Pleco, Other Robust Large Fish
Oscar, Severum, Other Large Cichlids
Guppy, Tetras, Betta, Shrimp
Hemichromis spp.
Type: African Riverine Cichlid
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 4–6 in
Minimum Tank: 40+ gal
Temperature: 74–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Aggressive, highly territorial when breeding
Robust Similar-sized Cichlids
Large Catfish
Peaceful Community Fish
Julidochromis spp.
Type: Tanganyikan Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 3–5 in
Minimum Tank: 20–30+ gal
Temperature: 75–80°F
pH: 7.8–9.0
Temperament: Territorial rock-dwelling cichlid
Compatible Tanganyikan Species
Other Julidochromis
Peaceful Community Fish
Maylandia lombardoi
Type: African Mbuna Cichlid
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 5–6 in
Minimum Tank: 55+ gal
Temperature: 76–82°F
pH: 7.6–8.6
Temperament: Very aggressive, territorial
Robust Mbuna
Synodontis
Peacocks, Peaceful Fish
Cleithracara maronii
Type: South American Cichlid
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 4–5 in
Minimum Tank: 30 gal
Temperature: 72–81°F
pH: 5.5–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful, shy cichlid; territorial when breeding
Peaceful Tetras, Corydoras, Rasboras
Other Dwarf Cichlids, Angelfish
Oscar, Aggressive Cichlids
Pelvicachromis pulcher
Type: West African Dwarf Cichlid
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 3–4 in
Minimum Tank: 20–30 gal
Temperature: 75–81°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Generally peaceful; territorial when breeding
Larger Peaceful Tetras, Rasboras, Peaceful Surface Fish
Corydoras, Other Dwarf Cichlids
Oscar, Large Aggressive Cichlids
Pangio spp.
Type: Loach
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 3–4 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 5.5–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful, shy social bottom fish
Rasboras, Tetras, Corydoras
Betta, Gourami
Oscar, Large Cichlids
Heterandria formosa
Type: Nano Livebearer
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 0.8–1.4 in
Minimum Tank: 5–10 gal
Temperature: 68–78°F
pH: 7.0–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful social nano fish
Pygmy Corydoras, Small Shrimp, Tiny Rasboras
Betta
Angelfish, Large Fish
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
Type: Community Tetra
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 1.5–2 in
Minimum Tank: 15–20 gal
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 5.5–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
Corydoras, Rasboras, Honey Gourami
Betta, Angelfish
Oscar, Large Cichlids
Poecilia sphenops
Type: Livebearer
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 3–5 in
Minimum Tank: 20–30+ gal
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 7.2–8.5
Temperament: Peaceful, active
Platy, Guppy, Corydoras
Gourami, Angelfish
Oscar, Large Aggressive Cichlids
Pomacea diffusa
Type: Freshwater Snail
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 2 in shell
Minimum Tank: 5+ gal
Temperature: 68–82°F
pH: 7.0–8.2
Temperament: Peaceful invertebrate
Peaceful Community Fish, Shrimp
Betta, Goldfish
Pufferfish, Loaches that eat snails
Pethia padamya
Type: Barb
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 2.5–3 in
Minimum Tank: 30 gal
Temperature: 68–79°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Active schooling; generally peaceful in a proper group
Danios, Corydoras, Rainbowfish
Gourami, Angelfish
Betta, Very Slow Long-finned Fish
Trichopodus trichopterus
Type: Labyrinth Fish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 5–6 in
Minimum Tank: 30 gal
Temperature: 74–82°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Robust Community Fish, Corydoras
Angelfish, Other Gouramis
Betta, Tiny Nano Fish
Astronotus ocellatus
Type: South American Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 10–14 in
Minimum Tank: 75 gal for one; larger for tank mates
Temperature: 74–81°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Large, territorial, predatory
Severum, Silver Dollar, Large Pleco
Jack Dempsey, Bichir, Large Catfish
Guppy, Neon Tetra, Betta, Freshwater Shrimp
Otocinclus spp.
Type: Dwarf Suckermouth Catfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 1.5–2 in
Minimum Tank: 10–20 gal mature tank
Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Very peaceful, social
Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Dwarf Shrimp
Betta, Dwarf Cichlids
Oscar, Aggressive Cichlids
Corydoras panda
Type: Corydoras Catfish
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 2 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal
Temperature: 68–77°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful schooling bottom fish
Tetras, Rasboras, Peaceful Livebearers
Dwarf Cichlids
Oscar, Aggressive Cichlids
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
Type: Freshwater Puffer
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 1 in
Minimum Tank: 10+ gal species-focused setup
Temperature: 74–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Aggressive, territorial, fin-nipping predator
Other Pea Puffers in Properly Structured Species Setups
Fast Small Fish in Expert Setups
Shrimp, Snails, Betta, Guppy, Slow Fish
Tateurndina ocellicauda
Type: Gudgeon
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 2–3 in
Minimum Tank: 15–20 gal
Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 6.5–7.8
Temperament: Peaceful, mildly territorial
Rasboras, Small Tetras, Corydoras
Dwarf Gourami
Large Aggressive Fish
Trichopodus leerii
Type: Labyrinth Fish
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 4–5 in
Minimum Tank: 30 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Generally peaceful; males territorial when breeding
Larger Peaceful Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras
Angelfish, Other Gouramis
Tiger Barb, Large Aggressive Cichlids
Pimelodus pictus
Type: Pimelodid Catfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 5–6 in
Minimum Tank: 55 gal
Temperature: 74–81°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Active, generally peaceful predator
Silver Dollar, Larger Barbs, Robust Medium Fish
Medium Cichlids
Neon Tetra, Guppy, Shrimp
Xiphophorus maculatus
Type: Livebearer
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 2–3 in
Minimum Tank: 15–20 gal
Temperature: 70–80°F
pH: 7.0–8.2
Temperament: Peaceful, social
Guppy, Molly, Corydoras
Dwarf Gourami, Betta
Oscar, Large Cichlids
Ancistrus spp.
Type: Catfish / Pleco
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 4–6 in
Minimum Tank: 20–30 gal depending on stocking
Temperature: 72–80°F
pH: 6.5–7.8
Temperament: Peaceful; males can be territorial with each other
Tetras, Guppy, Angelfish, Peaceful Cichlids
Other Plecos, Discus
Highly Aggressive Cichlids
Pristella maxillaris
Type: Community Tetra
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 1.5–2 in
Minimum Tank: 15–20 gal
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
Livebearers, Corydoras, Rasboras
Betta, Dwarf Gourami
Oscar, Large Cichlids
Corydoras pygmaeus
Type: Nano Corydoras Catfish
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 1 in
Minimum Tank: 10 gal
Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 6.4–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
Chili Rasbora, Ember Tetra, Dwarf Shrimp
Betta, Honey Gourami
Angelfish, Oscar, Large Fish
Herotilapia multispinosa
Type: Central American Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 4–5 in
Minimum Tank: 30–40 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Relatively peaceful cichlid; territorial breeding
Swordtail, Larger Tetras, Bristlenose Pleco
Other Dwarf/Medium Cichlids
Tiny Fish during breeding
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Type: Cyprinid / Shark
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 5–6 in
Minimum Tank: 55+ gal
Temperature: 72–80°F
pH: 6.5–7.5
Temperament: Territorial bottom-oriented fish
Barbs, Rainbowfish, Danios
Plecos, Loaches
Other Rainbow Sharks, Timid Bottom Fish
Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Type: Cyprinid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 5–6 in
Minimum Tank: 55 gal
Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 6.5–7.5
Temperament: Territorial, especially toward similar-shaped bottom fish
Barbs, Danios, Rainbowfish
Corydoras, Loaches
Other Red Tail Sharks, Similar Territorial Bottom Fish
Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Type: Cyprinid / Shark
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 5–6 in
Minimum Tank: 55+ gal
Temperature: 72–80°F
pH: 6.5–7.5
Temperament: Territorial, especially with bottom fish
Robust Barbs, Rainbowfish, Larger Tetras
Other Bottom Dwellers
Other Red Tail Sharks, Timid Fish
Maylandia estherae
Type: African Mbuna Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 4–5 in
Minimum Tank: 55+ gal
Temperature: 76–82°F
pH: 7.6–8.6
Temperament: Aggressive, territorial Mbuna
Robust Mbuna, Synodontis
Peacock Cichlids
Peaceful Community Fish, Discus
Erpetoichthys calabaricus
Type: Oddball / Bichir Relative
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 12–16+ in
Minimum Tank: 55+ gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.5–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful predator
Larger Peaceful Cichlids, Large Gourami, Synodontis
Bichirs, Large Catfish
Tetras, Guppy, Shrimp
Pethia conchonius
Type: Barb
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 4–6 in
Minimum Tank: 30–40 gal
Temperature: 64–75°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Active schooling; can nip fins
Danios, Other Robust Barbs, Corydoras
Rainbowfish, Livebearers
Betta, Angelfish, Discus
Chaetostoma spp.
Type: Pleco Catfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 4–6 in
Minimum Tank: 30 gal
Temperature: 70–78°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful; may defend feeding territory
Danios, Tetras, Corydoras
Other Plecos
Warm Discus Setups, Aggressive Bottom Fish
Hemigrammus bleheri
Type: Community Tetra
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 1.5–2 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 5.5–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
Discus, Corydoras, Cardinal Tetra
Angelfish, Dwarf Gourami
Oscar, Goldfish
Trichromis salvini
Type: Central American Cichlid
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 6–8 in
Minimum Tank: 55+ gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Highly territorial, especially breeding
Robust Central American Cichlids
Large Pleco
Peaceful Community Fish
Dario dario
Type: Nano Predator
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 0.8 in
Minimum Tank: 5–10 gal
Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 6.5–7.5
Temperament: Shy, territorial micro-predator
Small Shrimp with caution, Tiny Rasboras
Other Male Scarlet Badis
Large Fish, Aggressive Feeders
Polypterus senegalus
Type: Oddball / Bichir
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 10–14 in
Minimum Tank: 75 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Temperament: Generally peaceful predator
Silver Dollar, Severum, Large Pleco
Oscar, Other Bichirs
Guppy, Neon Tetra, Shrimp
Hyphessobrycon eques
Type: Tetra
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 1.5–2 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal
Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 5.0–7.5
Temperament: Schooling; known fin-nipper
Other Robust Tetras, Corydoras
Angelfish, Gourami
Betta, Fancy Guppy
Heros spp.
Type: South American Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 8–10 in
Minimum Tank: 75 gal
Temperature: 75–84°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial when breeding
Silver Dollar, Large Pleco, Larger Peaceful Fish
Oscar, Electric Blue Acara, Angelfish
Tiny Tetras, Shrimp, Very Small Fish
Neolamprologus multifasciatus
Type: Tanganyikan Shell Dweller
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 1.5–2 in
Minimum Tank: 10–20 gal colony
Temperature: 75–80°F
pH: 7.8–9.0
Temperament: Colonial, territorial around shells
Other Multifasciatus
Small Tanganyikan Species
Large Predatory Cichlids
Crossocheilus oblongus
Type: Algae-eating Cyprinid
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 5–6 in
Minimum Tank: 30–40 gal
Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful, active
Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras
Slow Long-finned Fish
Large Aggressive Cichlids
Metynnis spp.
Type: Large Characin
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 5–7 in
Minimum Tank: 75 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 5.5–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful, active schooling fish
Oscar, Severum, Large Pleco
Large Catfish, Other Large Cichlids
Tiny Tetras, Shrimp, Very Small Fish
Xiphophorus hellerii
Type: Livebearer
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 4–5 in
Minimum Tank: 20–30 gal
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 7.0–8.3
Temperament: Peaceful, active
Platy, Molly, Corydoras
Guppy, Dwarf Gourami
Oscar, Large Cichlids
Synodontis eupterus
Type: African Catfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 7–9 in
Minimum Tank: 55+ gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.2
Temperament: Semi-aggressive bottom fish
Medium-Large Cichlids, Silver Dollar
Other Bottom Fish
Tiny Fish, Shrimp
Synodontis petricola
Type: African Catfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 4–5 in
Minimum Tank: 30–40 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 7.5–8.8
Temperament: Peaceful, social bottom fish
Peacock Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Robust African Cichlids
Aggressive Mbuna
Soft-water Discus Communities
Herichthys cyanoguttatus
Type: North/Central American Cichlid
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 10–12 in
Minimum Tank: 75+ gal
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.5
Temperament: Aggressive, territorial
Very Robust Large Cichlids
Large Pleco
Community Fish, Small Cichlids
Iriatherina werneri
Type: Rainbowfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 1.5–2 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 5.5–7.5
Temperament: Very peaceful, delicate schooling fish
Small Rasboras, Pygmy Corydoras, Dwarf Shrimp
Honey Gourami
Tiger Barb, Angelfish, Large Fish
Trichopodus trichopterus
Type: Labyrinth Fish
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 5–6 in
Minimum Tank: 30 gal
Temperature: 74–82°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; males can be territorial
Robust Barbs, Larger Rasboras, Corydoras
Angelfish, Other Gouramis
Betta, Tiny Nano Fish, Long-finned Guppies
Puntigrus tetrazona
Type: Barb
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 2.5–3 in
Minimum Tank: 30 gal
Temperature: 74–79°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Active schooling; persistent fin-nipper
Other Tiger Barbs, Zebra Danio, Clown Loach
Robust Barbs
Betta, Angelfish, Fancy Guppy
Melanotaenia lacustris
Type: Rainbowfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 4–5 in
Minimum Tank: 55+ gal
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 7.0–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful active schooling fish
Boesemani Rainbowfish, Larger Tetras, Corydoras
Angelfish, Gourami
Betta, Tiny Nano Fish
Synodontis nigriventris
Type: African Catfish
Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Adult Size: 3–4 in
Minimum Tank: 20–30 gal
Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful, social, nocturnal
Congo Tetra, Peaceful Barbs, Gourami
Dwarf Cichlids
Large Predatory Cichlids
Nimbochromis venustus
Type: African Hap Cichlid
Care Level: Advanced
Adult Size: 10–12 in
Minimum Tank: 125+ gal
Temperature: 76–82°F
pH: 7.6–8.6
Temperament: Large predatory semi-aggressive cichlid
Large Haps, Large Peacocks
Large Mbuna
Small Malawi Fish, Community Fish
Tanichthys albonubes
Type: Coolwater Community
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 1.5 in
Minimum Tank: 10–20 gal
Temperature: 60–72°F
pH: 6.0–8.0
Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
Other White Clouds, Hillstream Loach
Fancy Goldfish
Discus, Betta, Warm-water Fish
Labidochromis caeruleus
Type: African Mbuna Cichlid
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 4–5 in
Minimum Tank: 40–55+ gal
Temperature: 76–82°F
pH: 7.6–8.6
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; relatively mild for mbuna
Compatible Mbuna, Selected Malawi Cichlids
Peacock Cichlids, Other Mbuna
Discus, Guppy, Betta, Goldfish
Botia almorhae
Type: Loach
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 5–6 in
Minimum Tank: 40–55 gal
Temperature: 75–86°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Active social bottom fish; boisterous
Larger Barbs, Rainbowfish, Robust Tetras
Gourami, Angelfish
Shrimp, Snails, Very Timid Nano Fish
Danio rerio
Type: Danio
Care Level: Beginner
Adult Size: 2–2.5 in
Minimum Tank: 20 gal
Temperature: 64–77°F
pH: 6.5–7.5
Temperament: Very active schooling fish
White Cloud Mountain Minnow, Corydoras, Platy
Guppy, Gourami
Discus, Slow Long-finned Fish
Botia striata
Type: Loach
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: 3–4 in
Minimum Tank: 30+ gal
Temperature: 73–79°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Social, active
Barbs, Rasboras, Larger Tetras
Corydoras
Shrimp, Aggressive Cichlids
Try searching by common name, scientific name or fish type.