Freshwater Fish

Cichlids

Cichlids are a diverse family of freshwater fish known for their vivid colors, bold personalities, and high intelligence. Native mainly to Africa and the Americas, they’re famous for complex behaviors like territorial defense and devoted parental care, making them popular—but sometimes feisty—aquarium fish.

Rasbora/Danios

Rasboras are small, peaceful freshwater fish known for their sleek bodies, subtle shimmer, and calm schooling behavior. They thrive in groups and are ideal for quiet community aquariums.

Danios are hardy, energetic freshwater fish recognized for their bold patterns and nonstop swimming. Active and social, they do best in schools and add constant movement to community tanks.

Gobies

Freshwater gobies are small, bottom-dwelling fish known for their perching behavior, wide-set eyes, and unique personalities. Many species prefer calm tanks with hiding spots and are fascinating to watch as they rest on surfaces and make short, darting movements.

Catfish

Freshwater catfish are a diverse group of fish recognized by their whisker-like barbels and bottom-dwelling habits. Ranging from small and peaceful to large and bold, many species help clean tanks by scavenging and are valued for their hardy nature and unique behavior.

Killifish

Killifish are small, vividly colored freshwater fish known for their striking patterns and short lifespans in some species. Often found in shallow or seasonal waters, they’re best kept in covered tanks and add bold color and personality to aquariums.

Betta Fish

Betta fish are small freshwater fish known for their flowing fins, vibrant colors, and bold personalities. Often kept alone due to territorial behavior, they’re hardy, intelligent, and able to breathe air using a special labyrinth organ.

Pufferfish

Freshwater pufferfish are small to medium-sized fish known for their round bodies, expressive eyes, and ability to inflate when threatened. Intelligent and curious, they have strong personalities and require specialized care, including a varied diet to maintain healthy teeth.

Cory Catfish

Cory catfish are small, peaceful bottom-dwelling fish known for their whisker-like barbels and playful, social behavior. They thrive in groups and are popular in community aquariums for their gentle nature and constant activity along the substrate.

Snails

Freshwater snails are peaceful invertebrates commonly kept in aquariums for their algae-eating and cleanup abilities. Hardy and low-maintenance, many species also add visual interest with unique shell shapes and colors.

Tetras

Tetras are small, peaceful freshwater fish known for their bright colors and schooling behavior. Native mainly to South America and Africa, they’re active swimmers that thrive in groups, making them popular choices for community aquariums.

Loaches

Loaches are bottom-dwelling freshwater fish known for their eel-like bodies, playful behavior, and love of hiding spots. Generally peaceful and social, they do best in groups and help keep aquariums lively by scavenging along the substrate.

Rainbowfish

Freshwater rainbowfish are active, brightly colored fish known for their shimmering scales and peaceful schooling behavior. Native mainly to Australia and New Guinea, they thrive in groups and add constant motion and color to community aquariums.

Gourami

Gourami fish are peaceful to semi-aggressive freshwater fish known for their graceful swimming, bright colors, and unique labyrinth organ that lets them breathe air. Native to Asia, they’re popular in community aquariums and often display curious, interactive behavior.

Livebearers - Mollys, Guppies, Swordtails

Freshwater livebearing fish are small, active fish that give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Hardy and easy to care for, species like guppies, mollies, platies, and swordtails are popular for their bright colors, constant activity, and suitability for community aquariums.

Pleco

Pleco fish are freshwater catfish known for their armored bodies and algae-eating habits. Often found clinging to glass or décor, they range from small, peaceful species to very large varieties and are popular for helping keep aquariums clean.

Barbs

Barb fish are active, hardy freshwater fish known for their bold colors and energetic schooling behavior. Generally peaceful but lively, they do best in groups and add constant movement to community aquariums.

Oddball Fish and Monsters

Freshwater oddball fish are unusual aquarium species prized for their unique shapes, behaviors, or adaptations. Often intelligent and fascinating to watch, they usually need specialized care and are best suited for experienced hobbyists looking for something truly different.

Shrimp

​Freshwater aquarium shrimp are small, peaceful invertebrates valued for their algae-eating habits and vibrant colors. Best kept in planted tanks, they’re active scavengers that add life and detail while helping keep aquariums clean.