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

Catfish

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Brown-Point Shield Skin	Aspidoras fuscoguttatus		3.8 cm (1.5 in)		30 Gallons	22–25 °C (72–77 °F)[1]	5.5–6.8[1]
Aspidoras Cory-Cat	Aspidoras lakoi		4 cm (1.6 in)[2]		28 Gallons	22–25 °C (72–77 °F)
Loach catfish	Aspidoras rochai		4 cm (1.6 in) maximum length[3]		20 Gallons	21 - 25 degrees Celsius[3]	6.0-7.5[3]
Sixray corydoras, false corydoras	Aspidoras pauciradiatus		2.9 cm (1.1 in)[4]		20 Gallons	73–82 °F (23–28 °C)	6.0-7.2[4]
Britski's catfish	Brochis britskii		8.9 cm (3.5 in)			20–24 °C (68–75 °F)	6.5-7.2[5]
Emerald catfish	Brochis splendens		10 cm (3.9 in)	The Emerald Cory Catfish is a very hardy and resilient fish.  Disease should not be a concern provided that you maintain the aquarium to standards.[6]	20 Gallons	72 - 82 F (22 - 27.7 C)[6]	5.8-8.0[7]
Hognosed brochis	Brochis multiradiatus		6.6 cm (2.6 in)			70-75 °F (21-24 °C)	6.0-7.2
Adolfo's catfish/corydoras	Corydoras adolfoi		5.7 cm (2.2 in)			72–79 °F (22–26 °C)	6.0-7.0
Banded corydoras	Scleromystax barbatus		10 cm (3.9 in)			68 °F (20 °C) to 82 °F (28 °C)	6.0–8.0
Masked corydoras, bandit corydoras	Corydoras metae		4.8 cm (1.9 in)			72–79 °F (22–26 °C)	6.0-7.0
Barred-tail corydoras	Corydoras cochui		2.5 cm (0.98 in)			70-75 °F	6.0 - 7.0
Blackstripe corydoras	Corydoras bondi		4.7 cm (1.9 in)
Blacktop corydoras	Corydoras acutus		4.4 cm (1.7 in)
Blue corydoras	Corydoras nattereri		5.4 cm (2.1 in)
Bluespotted corydoras	Corydoras melanistius		5.1 cm (2.0 in)
Bronze corydoras, Emerald green cory	Corydoras aeneus		6.35 cm (2.50 in)			77 to 82 °F (25 to 28 °C)
Caracha	Corydoras atropersonatus		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Ehrhardt's corydoras	Corydoras ehrhardti		4.1 cm (1.6 in)
Evelyn's cory	Corydoras evelynae		4 cm (1.6 in)
	Corydoras geoffroy		7 cm (2.8 in)
	Corydoras latus		5.2 cm (2.0 in)
Loxozonus cory	Corydoras loxozonus		4.9 cm (1.9 in)
Corydoras nain	Corydoras nanus		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Long nosed arched cory	Corydoras narcissus		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
	Corydoras ornatus		4.9 cm (1.9 in)
	Corydoras osteocarus		4 cm (1.6 in)
	Corydoras polystictus		3.2 cm (1.3 in)
	Scleromystax prionotos		5.3 cm (2.1 in)
	Corydoras semiaquilus		6.0 cm (2.4 in)
	Corydoras septentrionalis		4.9 cm (1.9 in)
	Corydoras simulatus		4.9 cm (1.9 in)
	Corydoras undulatus		4.4 cm (1.7 in)
Dwarf corydoras	Corydoras hastatus		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Elegant corydoras	Corydoras elegans		5.1 cm (2.0 in)
False network catfish	Corydoras sodalis		4.9 cm (1.9 in)
False spotted catfish	Corydoras leucomelas		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Gold laser cory	Corydoras melanotaenia		5.8 cm (2.3 in)
Guapore corydoras	Corydoras guapore		4.1 cm (1.6 in)
Mosaic corydoras, reticulated corydoras	Corydoras haraldschultzi		5.9 cm (2.3 in)[8]
Mosaic corydoras, reticulated corydoras	Corydoras reticulatus		5.1–6.1 cm (2.0–2.4 in)
Panda corydoras	Corydoras panda		3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in)				6.0-8.0[9]
Pastaza corydoras	Corydoras pastazensis		6.4–7.1 cm (2.5–2.8 in)
Peppered corydoras, salt and pepper catfish	Corydoras paleatus		5.1–7.6 cm (2.0–3.0 in)
Pink corydoras	Corydoras axelrodi		4–5 cm (1.5–2 in)
Pygmy corydoras	Corydoras pygmaeus		2.5–3.3 cm (0.98–1.30 in)	A very peaceful species, that does not make an ideal community fish due to its small adult size. It is easily intimidated by larger tank mates and will not compete well with them for food.[10]	42.4 L (11 gal)[10]	72 to 79 °F (22 to 26 °C)[10]	6.4 to 7.4[10]
Sailfin corydoras	Scleromystax macropterus
Salt and pepper catfish/corydoras	Corydoras habrosus		2.5–3.6 cm (0.98–1.42 in)
Schwartz's catfish	Corydoras schwartzi		3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in)
Spotted corydoras, longnose corydoras	Corydoras ambiacus		5.1–6.1 cm (2.0–2.4 in)
Sterba's corydoras	Corydoras sterbai		6.8 cm (2.7 in)[11]
Sychr's catfish	Corydoras sychri
Tailspot corydoras	Corydoras caudimaculatus		4–5 cm (1.5–2 in)
Threestripe corydoras, leopard catfish, false julii cory	Corydoras trilineatus		6.1 cm (2.4 in)[12]
Xingu corydoras	Corydoras xinguensis		3.8–5.1 cm (1.5–2.0 in)
Julii corydoras	Corydoras julii		5.1–6.4 cm (2.0–2.5 in)
Flagtail catfish	Dianema urostriatum		12.5 centimetres (4.9 in)			77–82 °F (25–28 °C)	6.0-8.0
Cascarudo	Callichthys callichthys		20 cm (7.9 in)			64–83 °F (18–28 °C).	5.8-8.3
Spotted hoplo	Megalechis thoracata		15 cm (5.9 in)			64–83 °F (18–28 °C).	6-8

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Bristlenose pleco, bushynose pleco	Ancistrus sp.		13 cm (5 in)[13]	The bristlenose genus has at least 59 identified species and many others yet to be named.[14] Males and female both have long "bristles" on their nose, the males having distinctly longer ones.		72-84 F (20-27 C)
Gold nugget pleco	Baryancistrus sp.					77-86 F (25-30 C)
Whiptail catfish	Rineloricaria sp.		12 cm (4.7 in)	It is a peaceful fish that is best kept in good sized groups (6+) in a mature tank with plenty of shady hiding spots amongst plants, driftwood, slate caves, and PVC pipes.[15]		75-82 F (24-28 C)[15]	6.0-7.2[15]
Twig catfish	Farlowella sp.
Panaque	Panaque sp.
Pineapple pleco, orange cheek pleco	Pseudorinelepis sp.
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish, Amazon sailfin catfish	Pterygoplichthys pardalis		49 cm (19 in)
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish	Hypostomus punctatus
Common pleco, suckermouth catfish	Hypostomus plecostomus		50 cm (20 in)	Adults can become very territorial and aggressive towards each other. It is difficult to keep 2 adult common plecos together.[16]		72-86 F (22-30 C)[16]	6.5-7.5[16]
Leopard sailfin pleco, clown sailfin pleco	Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
Zebra pleco, L-046	Hypancistrus zebra		3-5 in	One of the most popular Hypancistrus species. Endangered.[17]
Sailfin catfish	Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus
Golden dwarf sucker, golden oto	Otocinclus macrospilus		3.5 cm
Zebra dwarf sucker, zebra oto	Otocinclus cocama
Clown Pleco ( L104, L162, and LDA22)[18]	Panaqolus maccus		8.8 cm (3.5 in)[19]	primary diet consists of wood, in aquaria this is provided in the source of drift wood. Will appreciate blanched vegetables, and/ or algae (wafer or live)[18]	20 gal[20][21]	23.0-28.0 °C or 73.4-82.4 °F[18]	6.8 - 7.6[18]

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Bolt catfish	Aguarunichthys torosus		35 cm (14 in)
Gold Zebra catfish	Brachyplatystoma juruense		60 cm (24 in)
Zebra shovelnose	Brachyplatystoma tigrinum		60 cm (24 in)
Vulture Catfish, zamurito	Calophysus macropterus		40 cm (16 in)
	Leiarius marmoratus		100 cm (39 in)
	Leiarius pictus		60 cm (24 in)
Redtail catfish	Phractocephalus hemioliopterus		120 cm (3.9 ft)		Needs at least a 2,600 US gallons (9,800 L) tank when mature, even though this does not provide them with the space to show their natural behaviour.[22]	70–79 °F (21–26 °C)[22]	6.0–7.5[22]
Spotted pimelodus, pictus, pictus catfish	Pimelodus pictus		30 cm (12 in)
Ornate Pimelodus	Pimelodus ornatus		38.5 cm (1.26 ft)	Similar to catfish but not in the same genus
Sturgeon catfish	Platystomatichthys sturio		40 cm (1.3 ft)
Barred sorubim	Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum		104 cm (3.41 ft)
Tiger sorubim	Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum		130 cm (4.3 ft)
Firewood catfish, (planiceps) shovelnose catfish	Sorubimichthys planiceps		178 cm (70 in)
Lima shovelnose catfish	Sorubium lima		40 cm (1.3 ft)

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Cuckoo squeaker	Synodontis multipunctatus		27.5 cm (10.8 in)
Decorated squeaker	Synodontis decorus
Even-Spotted squeaker	Synodontis petricola		10 cm (3.9 in)
Featherfin squeaker	Synodontis eupterus
Lake Malawi syno	Synodontis njassae
Polka dot syno	Synodontis angelicus
Common syno, false upside-down catfish	Synodontis nigrita
Upside-down catfish	Synodontis nigriventris		9.6 cm (3.8 in)	S. nigriventris prefers bottom feeding on Tubifex (or similar worms), but its main diet consists of algae.[23] The blotched upside-down catfish is well suited to aquariums because of its small size (typically 9 or 10 cm or less) and peaceful demeanor.		72–82 °F (22–28 °C)[24]	6.0 - 7.5[24]

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

Characins and other characiformes

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Black phantom tetra	Hyphessobrycon megalopterus		3.6 cm (1.4 in)[26]	The black phantom tetra enjoy being in groups of 6 or more and a slightly shaded tank. Males may claim small territories and occasionally minor battles may occur. The Phantom tetra goes well with other tetras of similar size. They also prefer floating plants.[27]
Black neon tetra	Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi		3.2 cm (1.3 in)[28]
Black tetra, skirt tetra	Gymnocorymbus ternetzi		5 cm (2.0 in)	A highly spirited fish that may occasionally chase its own species as well as harass slow moving fish with long fins. This fish is very hardy and can stand a variety of water qualities. Disease is not a big problem with the black tetra. The black tetra is also known as the black skirt tetra. The female black tetra is more robust and larger than the male.[29]
Black morpho tetra	Poecilocharax weitzmani		5 cm (2.0 in)
Bleeding heart tetra	Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma		6.5 cm (2.6 in)	The bleeding heart tetra is distinguished by the small red spot on both sides of the fish. This fish is very prone to diseases, and can grow larger than most tetra species.[30]
Bloodfin tetra	Aphyocharax anisitsi		5 cm (2.0 in)
Blue tetra	Knodus borki		5 cm (2.0 in)
Bucktooth tetra	Exodon paradoxus		5 cm (2.0 in)
Buenos Aires tetra	Hyphessobrycon anisitsi		7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Cardinal tetra	Paracheirodon axelrodi		5 cm (2.0 in)	Similar to the Neon Tetra, but slightly larger and doesn't prefer to school as much. They need much larger tanks, although their temperament is similar.[31]
Cave tetra, blind tetra	Astyanax mexicanus		12 cm (4.7 in)	The cave tetra is the blind cave form of the Mexican tetra. This tetra prefers low to moderate lighting.[32]
Diamond tetra	Moenkhausia pittieri		6 cm (2.4 in)
Ember tetra	Hyphessobrycon amandae		2 cm (0.79 in)	Ember tetras have been known to live ten years or more. May become stressed by the presence of larger fish.[33]	50 liters (13 U.S. gal)[34]	24–28 °C (75–82 °F)[34]	5 - 7 pH[34]
Emperor tetra	Nematobrycon palmeri		5 cm (2.0 in)
Flame tetra	Hyphessobrycon flammeus		2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Garnet tetra, pretty tetra	Hemigrammus pulcher		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Glass bloodfin tetra	Prionobrama filigera		6 cm (2.4 in)
Glowlight tetra	Hemigrammus erythrozonus		3.75 cm (1.48 in)
Golden pristella tetra	Pristella maxillaris		5 cm (2.0 in)
Green neon tetra	Paracheirodon simulans		2.5 cm (0.98 in)	Similar to Neon Tetras and Cardinal Tetras, they are the same to Neon Tetras beside having a green tiny near their top dorsal fin[35]
Head and tail light tetra	Hemigrammus ocellifer		4 cm (1.6 in)
January tetra	Hemigrammus hyanuary		4 cm (1.6 in)
Lemon tetra	Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis		5 cm (2.0 in)
Neon tetra	Paracheirodon innesi		3.75 cm (1.48 in)	Neon tetras must be kept in groups of at least a half-dozen, as they are a shoaling species. With peaceful dispositions, they are also able to be kept with other species of non-aggressive fish.[36]	38 L (10 gal)[36]	68 to 79 F (20 to 26 C)[36]	6.0–7.0[37]
Ornate tetra	Hyphessobrycon bentosi		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Penguin tetra, blackline penguinfish	Thayeria boehlkei		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Red Eye tetra	Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae		4 cm (1.6 in)
Red phantom tetra	Hyphessobrycon sweglesi		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Rosy tetra	Hyphessobrycon rosaceus		4 cm (1.6 in)
Royal tetra	Inpaichthys kerri		3.5 cm (1.4 in)	Possesses an adipose fin allowing it to be differentiated from the Emperor tetra [38]
Rummy-nose tetra	Hemigrammus rhodostomus		5 cm (2.0 in)	This common name is used for three different species of schooling fish with similar patterns: Hemigrammus rhodostomus, Hemigrammus bleheri, and Petitella georgiae.
Splash tetra	Copella arnoldi		5.5 cm (2.2 in)
Serpae tetra	Hyphessobrycon serpae		4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Silvertip tetra	Hasemania nana		3 cm (1.2 in)
X-ray tetra	Pristella maxillaris		4.5 cm (1.8 in)	Also just called the X-ray fish.
Congo tetra	Phenacogrammus interruptus		7.5 cm (3.0 in)	Peaceful but may scare shy species with its active swimming and large adult size. Recommended for most community tanks however. Do not keep congo tetras with fin-nipping species as the spectacular fins of the males will be destroyed.[39]	108 L (28.5 gal)[39]	73-82 °F (23-28 °C)[39]	6.0-7.5[39]
Jellybean tetra	Ladigesia roloffi		3 cm (1.2 in)
Long-fin tetra	Brycinus longipinnis		12.5 cm (4.9 in)
Niger tetra	Arnoldichthys spilopterus		10 cm (3.9 in)
Yellow-tailed Congo tetra	Alestopetersius caudalis		6 cm (2.4 in)

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Common hatchetfish	Gasteropelecus sternicla		4 cm (1.6 in)	Requires a varied diet including fruit flies[40][41]
Marbled hatchetfish	Carnegiella strigata		5 cm (2.0 in)	Requires a varied diet including fruit flies[41][40]
Black-winged hatchetfish	Carnegiella marthae		4 cm (1.6 in)
Pygmy hatchetfish	Carnegiella myersi		2.2 cm (0.87 in)

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

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

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
African pike characin	Hepsetus odoe
Goliath tigerfish	Hydrocynus goliath		133 cm (52 in)
Hujeta gar	Ctenolucius hujeta		25 cm (9.8 in)
Kissing prochilodus, flagtail Prochilodus	Semaprochilodus insignis		27.5 cm (10.8 in)
Marbled headstander	Abramites hypselonotus		14 cm (5.5 in)[42]
Banded leporinus	Leporinus fasciatus		27 cm (11 in)
Striped headstander	Anostomus anostomus		16 cm (6.3 in)
Six-banded distichodus	Distichodus sexfasciatus		75 cm (30 in)
Payara	Hydrolycus scomberoides		117 cm (46 in)
Pink-tail chalceus	Chalceus macrolepidotus		25 cm (9.8 in)
Red wolf fish	Erythrinus erythrinus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Red tail barracuda	Acestrorhynchus falcatus		30 cm (12 in)
Spotted headstander	Chilodus punctatus		8 cm (3.1 in)

Cichlids

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

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

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

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
African butterfly cichlid	Anomalochromis thomasi
Jewel cichlid, two-spotted jewel cichlid	Hemichromis bimaculatus		4-5 inch
Lionhead cichlid	Steatocranus casuarius
Lifalili jewel cichlid, blood-red jewel cichlid	Hemichromis lifalili
Kribensis, krib	Pelvicachromis pulcher
Kribensis, krib	Pelvicachromis taeniatus
Guenther's Mouthbrooder	Chromidotilapia guentheri

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid	Apistogramma agassizii
Zebra acara	Ivanacara adoketa
Yellow dwarf cichlid	Apistogramma borellii
Cockatoo dwarf cichlid	Apistogramma cacatuoides
Panda dwarf cichlid	Apistogramma nijsseni
Three-Stripe Dwarf Cichlid	Apistogramma trifasciata
	Apistogramma eremnopyge
Two-Stripe Dwarf Cichlid	Apistogramma bitaeniata		7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Checkerboard Cichlid	Dicrossus filamentosus
Blue ram, German ram, German Ramirezi	Mikrogeophagus ramirezi		5.0 cm (2.0 in)[43]	These small and colorful fish require precise water parameters, and if you don't meet those parameters, your fish could be severely impacted.[43]	10 U.S. gal (38 L)[43]	78 - 85 F (25.5 - 29.4 C)[43]	6.0 – 7.5[43]
Bolivian ram	Mikrogeophagus altispinosa
Dwarf flag cichlid	Laetacara curviceps

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Midas cichlid	Amphilophus citrinellus		35 cm (14.in)	commonly confused with red devil cichlids, but it is an entirely different species [44]
Poor man's tropheus	Hypsophrys nematopus
Red devil cichlid	Amphilophus labiatus
Firemouth cichlid	Cichlasoma meeki
Jack Dempsey cichlid	Rocio octofasciata
Jaguar cichlid, managuense cichlid	Parachromis managuensis
Mayan cichlid	Mayaheros urophthalmus
Convict cichlid	Archocentrus nigrofasciatus
T-bar cichlid	Amatitlania sajica
Wolf cichlid	Parachromis dovii
Texas cichlid, Rio Grande cichlid	Herichthys cyanoguttatus

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Green terror	Andinoacara rivulatus
Blue acara	Andinoacara pulcher
Thread-finned acara	Acarichthys heckelii
Eartheater cichlid	Geophagus altifrons
Demon eartheater	Satanoperca jurupari
Greenstreaked Eartheater, cupid cichlid	Biotodoma cupido
Keyhole cichlid	Cleithracara maronii
Flag cichlid	Mesonauta festivus
Angelfish	Pterophyllum scalare		15 cm (5.9 in)	In an enclosed tank habitat, the fish's territorial, aggressive nature is heightened, so don't house angelfish with shy species that are intimidated by pushy, boisterous fish.[45]		75–82 °F (25–28 °C)[45]	6.8 – 7[45]
Altum angelfish	Pterophyllum altum
Spotted angelfish	Pterophyllum leopoldi
Common discus, red discus	Symphysodon discus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Blue discus, green discus	Symphysodon aequifasciatus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Oscar	Astronotus ocellatus		45 cm (18 in)	Many people that purchase these fish do not realize that the fish could grow to a foot long (30 cm) within a year. Due to their fast growth rate and large size as an adult, they are often kept in aquariums that are too small for them.[46]		72-80 °F (22-27 °C)[46]	6.0-7.5[46]
Chocolate cichlid	Hypselecara temporalis
Severum	Heros efasciatus
Uaru, waroo	Uaru amphiacanthoides			Also known as the Triangle Cichlid.
Zebra Pike Cichlid	Crenicichla zebrina
Butterfly peacock bass	Cichla ocellaris
Orinoco peacock bass	Cichla orinocensis
Speckled peacock bass	Cichla temensis

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Canara pearlspot	Etroplus canarensis
Green chromide	Etroplus suratensis
Orange chromide	Pseudetroplus maculatus
Pinstripe damba	Paretroplus menarambo
Blood parrot cichlid	(Amphilophus citrinellus × Vieja melanurus)		20 cm( 8 in)	Not considered a separate species of cichlid but a hybrid.[47]
Flowerhorn cichlid	Cichlasoma sp.		25 cm (9.8 in)	Not considered a separate species of cichlid but a hybrid.[47]

Cyprinids

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Arulius barb	Dawkinsia arulius		12 cm (4.7 in)			66 °F to 77 °F (19°-25 °C)	6 – 8
Bigspot barb, Duncker's barb	Barbodes dunckeri		13 cm (5.1 in)			72 - 85 °F (22 - 29 °C)	6 - 7
Black ruby barb	Pethia nigrofasciatus		6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Cherry barb	Puntius titteya		4.8 cm (1.9 in)
Clipper barb	Enteromius callipterus		7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Clown barb	Barbodes everetti		15 cm (5.9 in)
Denison's barb, red line torpedo barb	Sahyadria denisonii		15 cm (5.9 in)
Gold barb	Barbodes semifasciolatus		8 cm (3.1 in)
Golden barb	Pethia gelius		5 cm (2.0 in)
Greenstripe barb	Puntius vittatus		5 cm (2.0 in)
Indian Glass Barb	Laubuka laubuca		6.7 cm (2.6 in)
Melon barb	Haludaria fasciata		15 cm (5.9 in)
Odessa barb	Pethia padamya		8 cm (3.1 in)
Onespot barb	Puntius terio		15 cm (5.9 in)
Panda barb	Puntius fasciatus		5 inches
Pool barb	Puntius sophore		18 cm (7.1 in)
Partipentazona barb	Puntigrus partipentazona		3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Rosy barb	Pethia conchonius		13 cm (5.1 in)
Shortfin barb	Barbus brevipinnis		4.6 cm (1.8 in)
Snakeskin barb	Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus		3.5 inches
Spottedsail barb, dwarf barb	Pethia phutunio		7.8 cm (3.1 in)
Swamp barb	Puntius chola		15 cm (5.9 in)
Ticto barb	Barbus ticto		10 cm (3.9 in)
Tic-tac-toe barb	Puntius stoliczkanus		5 cm (2.0 in)
Tiger barb, sumatra barb	Puntigrus tetrazona		7.5 cm (3.0 in)	Keep in shoals of 8 or 10 to prevent aggression[48]
Spanner barb, t-barb	Barbodes lateristriga		20 cm (7.9 in)
Fiveband barb, pentazona barb	Desmopuntius hexazona		5 cm (2.0 in)
Checker barb	Oliotius oligolepis		5 cm (2.0 in)
Tinfoil barb	Barbonymus schwanenfeldii		36 cm (14 in)

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Bala shark	Balantiocheilus melanopterus		40 cm (16 in)	Grows large, needs lots of swimming room and is a schooling fish so a 125 gallon would be good for 3-4[49]
Black shark	Labeo chrysophekadion		90 cm (35 in)
Siamese algae eater, fringe barb	Crossocheilus oblongus		16 cm (6.3 in)	Many other fish in the order Cypriniformes are also sold under this name. Very likely to jump out of the aquarium especially after reaching adult size. Very useful for getting rid of algae when it is young but prefer fish food upon reaching adulthood.[50]
Flying fox (fish)	Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus		16 cm (6.3 in)
Red-tailed black shark	Epalzeorhynchos bicolor		6 in
Rainbow shark	Epalzeorhynchos frenatum		6 in
Cambodian log sucker, false Siamese algae eater	Garra cambodgiensis
algae eater	Gyrinocheilus aymonieri			This species may be sold under a variety of common names, including Siamese algae eater, Chinese algae eater, golden algae eater, or sucking loach. A gold colored form also exists.

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Tank size	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Chili rasbora	Boraras brigittae		2 cm (0.79 in)	Should be kept in acidic water which can be difficult to maintain for most beginners in the aquarium hobby.[51]	5 U.S. gallons (19 L)[51]	20–28 °C (68–82 °F)[51]	5-6[51]
Espei rasbora	Trigonostigma espei		5 cm (2.0 in)
Harlequin rasbora	Trigonostigma heteromorpha		5 cm (2.0 in)	Also known as Harlequin tetra or Harlequin barb.
Glowlight rasbora	Trigonostigma hengeli		5 cm (2.0 in)
Red-striped rasbora	Trigonopoma pauciperforata		7.5 cm (3.0 in)	Range: Sumatra		22–29 °C (72–84 °F)
Dwarf rasbora	Boraras maculatus		2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Eyespot rasbora	Brevibora dorsiocellata		3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Brilliant rasbora	Rasbora einthovenii		9 cm (3.5 in)
Clown rasbora	Rasbora kalochroma		10 cm (3.9 in)
Scissortail rasbora	Rasbora trilineata		15 cm (5.9 in)
Volcano rasbora	Rasbora vulcanus		5 cm (2.0 in)
Blackline rasbora, red-tailed rasbora	Rasbora borapetensis

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

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

Loaches and related cypriniformes

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Saddle-back Loach	Homaloptera orthogoniata		13 cm (5.1 in)	The Saddleback Loach will thrive in an aquarium with a good amount of water flow and aeration, considerable amounts of hiding places formed by rocks or driftwood and smooth pebbles and stones to graze on.[52]		68 - 78 F (20 - 25.6 C)[52]	6 - 7.5[52]
Fork-tailed loach	Vaillantella maassi		12.5 cm (4.9 in)
Horseface loach	Acantopsis dialuzona		20 cm (7.9 in)
Weather Loach[53]	Misgurnus anguillicaudatus[54]		30 centimetres (12 in)	Sensitive to changes in barometric pressure[55]
	Pangio anguillaris		12 cm (4.7 in)
Kuhli loach, coolie loach	Pangio kuhlii		10 cm (3.9 in)	The natural habitat of the kuhli loach is the sandy beds of slow-moving rivers and clean mountain streams. They are a social fish and are typically found in small clusters (they are not schooling fish but enjoy the company of their species), but are cautious and nocturnal by nature and swim near the bottom where they feed around obstacles. Kuhli loaches are scavengers, so they will eat anything that reaches the bottom.		75–86 °F (24–30 °C)	5.5 – 6.5
Java loach	Pangio oblonga		8 cm (3.1 in)				6.2 to 7.0
Clown loach	Chromobotia macracanthus		20 cm (7.9 in)
Green tiger loach	Syncrossus hymenophysa		21 cm (8.3 in)
Banded tiger loach	Syncrossus helodes		30 cm (12 in)
Redfin tiger loach	Syncrossus berdmorei		15 cm (5.9 in)
Dwarf botia	Ambastaia sidthimunki		5.5 cm (2.2 in)	Formerly named Botia sidthimunki.
Yoyo loach	Botia almorhae		15 cm (5.9 in)
Bengal loach	Botia dario		15 cm (5.9 in)	Also known as the Queen loach.
	Botia histrionica		12 cm (4.7 in)
Polka-Dot Loach	Botia kubotai		12 cm (4.7 in)
Gangetic loach	Botia rostrata		25 cm (9.8 in)
Zebra loach	Botia striata		9 cm (3.5 in)
Redtail loach	Yasuhikotakia modesta		25 cm (9.8 in)
Skunk loach	Yasuhikotakia morleti		10 cm (3.9 in)	Formerly named Botia morleti
	Yasuhikotakia splendida		10 cm (3.9 in)
Borneo hillstream loach	Gastromyzon sp.		6–8 cm (2.4–3.1 in)	Eats mainly algae. High oxygen level and water quality are greatly appreciated in addition to a strong current (but not needed as many sources claim)[56]	10 U.S. gal (38 L)[57]	18–25 °C (64–77 °F)[57]	6.5 – 8.0 pH[57]
Tiger hillstream loach	Sewellia lineolata		6 cm (2.4 in)	Eats mainly algae. High oxygen level and water quality are greatly appreciated in addition to a strong current (but not needed as many sources claim)[56]
Butterfly hillstream loach	Beaufortia kweichowensis		8 cm (3.1 in)	Eats mainly algae. High oxygen level and water quality are greatly appreciated in addition to a strong current (but not needed as many sources claim)[56]

Live-bearers and killifish

Common name	Scientific name	Image	Size	Remarks	Tank size	Temperature range	pH range
Guppy	Poecilia reticulata		5 cm (2.0 in)	Many color and tail pattern varieties exist. They generally need a ratio of 1 male to 2 females or more. All guppies and mollies are hardy fish that tolerate lower oxygen levels and temperatures than most aquarium fish, give birth to live young, and readily breed in home tanks.[58] can live in full sea water[59]		66 °F - 84 °F (19 °C - 29 °C)	7 - 8
Endler's livebearer	Poecilia wingei		3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Black molly	Poecilia sphenops		10 cm (3.9 in)	Can live in full sea water[59]
Sailfin molly	Poecilia latipinna		10 cm (3.9 in)	Gold and silver varieties commonly found; also thrive in brackish water/ full sea water[59]
Dalmatian molly	hybrid		5 cm (2.0 in)	The dalmatian molly is a hybrid color variation that can be generated by crossing some species of Poecilia, like P. sphenops and P. latipinna. The variety "Dalmatian" is spotted alike to a Dalmatian dog. Can live in full sea water[59]
Lyretail Molly	hybrid		5 cm (2.0 in)	Lyretail Mollies are available in all of these species, can be cross bred with any species of Molly. Can live in full sea water[59]