Freshwater Fish

Cichlids

A large family, from the calm electric blue acara to the aggressive flowerhorn and blood parrot. Many are territorial and dig, so rockwork and tankmates are planned around them. Care ranges from easy to demanding by species.

Discus

Calm, schooling cichlids and the centerpiece fish of many planted aquariums. They want warm, soft, very clean water and frequent water changes. Suits a keeper ready for a regular routine.

Oscars

Oscars grow large, recognize the person who feeds them, and live for many years. An adult needs a big tank and strong filtration of its own. Suits someone who wants a single large fish rather than a community.

Coldwater fish, from common goldfish to fancy varieties with long fins and rounded bodies. They produce a lot of waste and need more room and filtration than their size suggests. Easy to keep once the tank is set up for them.

Bettas

One male to a tank, in warm, gently filtered water with plants to rest on. Koi and marble bettas keep changing color as they mature, so no two look the same for long. A good first fish for a small planted aquarium.

Community Fish

Peaceful fish that share a tank well: tetras, rainbowfish, gouramis, angelfish and more. Most are hardy and suit beginners. Tell us what you already keep and we can suggest tankmates.

Also photographed in our tanks: Red Gourami.

Predatory Fish

Larger fish that will eat smaller tankmates, such as the tiger shovelnose catfish. They need large aquariums, strong filtration and tankmates of a similar size. For experienced keepers who plan for the size of the adult fish, not the juvenile.

Oddballs and the less common species that do not fit the groups above. Ask about a specific fish before you make the trip.