Amano Shrimp Caridina multidentata Amano shrimp are another popular choice of shrimps for the freshwater aquarium. They are peaceful shrimps whose only goal is to eat up algae and other organic debris. Their colors do not stand out like the Neocaridina shrimps do, as Amano shrimps are translucent with faint patterns on their backs. They should be housed in a planted tank to provide them grazing space, as well as to give them shaded areas to feel secure in. They should not be kept with larger, more aggressive fish. They grow much larger than the other dwarf shrimp, up to a maximum of 2 inches. They prefer their water temperature between 60-80F, pH between 6.0-7.6, and a TDS reading between 80-400.
Betta - Assorted Betta splendens Betta's originate from Thailand but can be found in various neighboring countries. Wild betta's typically live in shallow areas like rice paddies, stagnant ponds, marshes, and streams. So, while they can breathe through their set of gills, if they are put in an environment where oxygen is low, they may swim up to the surface and take a big gulp of air that they process through a lung-like organ called the Labyrinth organ. This doesn't mean that betta's prefer oxygen poor environments - the ideal set up for a Betta fish is a tank that is at least 5 gallons that is both filtered and heated. Filtration provides the tank with much needed oxygenation in the water as well as a quick way to clean out some waste that begins to build up. Because betta's have evolved and lived in warmer climates, their water temperature should rest between 75-86oF; if the water runs at room temperature, betta's will become sluggish and lethargic in their movements. Betta's do well in water that has a pH between 6.0-8.0. Glossary of Some Common Betta Terms Betta Fin/Caudal Fin Variations Crowntail (CT): Crowntail caudal fins have very little webbing between the rays, giving them a spiky appearance like a regal crown. Doubletail (DT): Doubletail betta's have two distinct equal caudal fins that separate at the base. Plakat is the most common type of doubletail seen, but doubletail halfmoons exist as well. Dumbo: Dumbo, or elephant ear betta's, haveen larged pectoral fins right behind each gill, giving them an even more dramatic and showy appearance. They can be found with plakat, halfmoon, doubeltail, and crowntail caudal fins. Halfmoon (HM): Halfmoon tails/caudal fins form a fan-like half circle that is at least 180 degrees apart or further. Plakat (PK): Plakat tails/caudal fins were bred to have shorter/less billowy fins so they could swim much faster in the water when fighting for sport. Rosetails (RT): The difference between rosetails and halfmoons is the excessive yet beautiful folding of the fins which give them a more ruffled look, like a rose flower. Veiltail (VT): Veiltail caudal fins are one of the most common and beloved tail types, known for being long and flowy like a veil. Betta Color Variations Avatar - Blue or green colored fins and scales over top a black body. Black Samurai - Deep black body with white dragon scales and white accents in fins. Blue Mustard - A blue body with yellow/orange fins that may have blue accents as well. Blue Rim - A white body with a deep, navy color rimming their fins. Candy - A vibrant, multicolored body that includes, pinks, reds, greens, blues, and more! Copper - This copper coloration metallic and iridescent, shimmering under many types of lighting. Nemo - Nemo's are primarily a mix between orange and red coloration on the body and fins of the fish.
Pink Comet Swordtail Xiphophorus helleri Swordtails make an excellent choice for peaceful community tanks. Swordtails get their name from exactly that - their tail tapers off into a flowy sword like shape that is only present in males. Swordtails are members of the livebearer family, which means they can birth up to 80 fry all at once. Caution should be taken when housing multiple males together as they will more than likely fight amongst each other. They grow to a size of 4 inches and are quite active, making their requirements for a tank at the minimum of 30 gallons. This species is more prone to jumping out of the aquarium, so it is recommended to have a tight-fitting lid on your enclosure to ensure they stay in the water. Swordtails are omnivores and will take high-quality pellets, flakes, brine shrimp, as well as algae. Pink Comet Swordtail Specifics The Pink Comet Swordtail is a peaceful fish that grows up to 4 inches. They like their water temperature to be between 64-82oF, at a pH of 7.0-8.3.
Yellow Banana Platy Xiphophorus variatus Platys are a great option to add some color into your tank while keeping things peaceful. This fish is known for being a prolific livebearer, reproducing often in community tanks in which they feel safe in. Because of this they are recommended to be kept in mostly female dominated groups, or at least a ratio of two females for every male. Platys typically reach a size of 2 inches, so a tank of at least 10 gallons would best fit this fish. They will not appreciate being housed with species that are known for being more aggressive and nippier, so peaceful fish are their preferred tank mates. They also will prefer a well planted tank to feel secure. Platys are omnivores and will take high-quality pellets, flakes, and brine shrimp. Yellow Banana Platy Specifics The Yellow Banana Platy is a peaceful fish that grows up to 4 inches. Their temperature should be between 64-82oF, at a pH of 7.0-8.3.
Albino Corydora Corydoras aeneus Corydoras, or Cory Cats, are incredible little bottom dwellers that add some life to the bottom of your tank. Corys are peaceful and prefer to spend their time sifting through the top layer of your substrate alongside other Corys. They are recommended to be kept in groups of at least 6 others, but more may be added as well. Corydoras are omnivores, they will appreciate being provided with a well-balanced diet of quality flake food, frozen food, and/or live food. A tank of 20 gallons is recommended for a school of Corys, as they grow only to 2 inches. Providing them with a planted aquascape is preferred as they like shaded areas to hide and sift through. Smoother/softer gravel will be a better fit for these fish, their soft facial barbels are prone to being damaged on rougher substrates and surfaces while they are cleaning up. Albino Cory Cat Specifics Albino Corydoras are peaceful and only grow to 2 inches. They prefer a temperature between 72-79oF, a pH of 5.8-7.0.
German Blue Ram Mikrogeophagus ramirezi The Ram is a popular choice in the hobby for those who don't keep large aquariums but are interested in cichlids. Not only are they more peaceful than their larger relatives, but they are also remarkably social amongst other peaceful tank mates. They typically max out at the size of 3 inches and are best suited for a tank of at least 20 gallons. They don't do well in schooling quantities but will pair off with one other Ram. Plenty of open swimming space, hiding spaces amongst foliage, and hidden caves will keep these Rams feeling safe in their new home. Offering them a diet of quality flake food, pellet food, and brine shrimp will keep them at their healthiest. German Blue Ram Specifics The German Blue Ram is a peaceful fish that grows to 2.75 inches. They like their water temperature to be between 72-79oF, a pH of 5.0-7.4.
Zebra Danio Brachydanio rerio Rasboras, Danios and Barbs are a highly sought after fish in the hobby. Not only do they beautifully school in the upper areas of your tank, but they also remain rather small, so they are a perfect addition to many smaller sized aquariums. They are a peaceful fish that enjoy the company of others of its species, a school of at least 6 is recommended to keep them feeling safe and secure, but adding more is a welcomed idea.Rasboras, Danios and Barbs generally grow to a size of around 2 inches, so a tank of at least 10 gallons would be best suited for the Rasbora fish, as they enjoy having enough space to swim around in their school. Planted aquariums would provide them with ample spots to hide in and weave through as they are swimming about. Rasboras are omnivores and should be fed a well-balanced diet of freeze-dried bloodworms and quality flake food. Zebra Danio Specifics Zebra Danios grow to a size of 2", so a tank of at least 10g would be best especially if kept in a school of 5 or more. Their temperature should be set between 64-74oF and their pH between 6.5-7.0.
Longfin Rosy Barb Barbodes semifasciolatus Barbs are a fun, loud personality to add to your peaceful home aquarium. They are quite active in the aquarium, and because they tend to want to school in groups of at least 5, more timid fish or long finned fish should be avoided as tank mates. Barbs are omnivores, meaning they should be supplied with a varied diet of high- quality flake food and meaty frozen shrimp. Rosy Barb Specifics Rosy Barbs grow slightly larger than most other barbs in the family, maxing out at a size of 6 inches. They like to school together so a tank of at least 30g is recommended for a group of younger smaller ones. They like their temperature between 74-79oF, a pH between 6.0-7.0.
Blue Moscow Guppy Poecilia reticulata Guppies are one of the most popular freshwater fish by far with their stunning colours and peaceful temperament. They should be housed with other peaceful fish, and if mixed with female guppies, you should stick to a ratio of 2 females for every male guppy. They are omnivores, so a diet of algae based foods as well as meaty foods would serve them best. They reach a final size of around 2.5 inches and require at least a tank of 10 gallons. Their temperature should be between 64-82oF, pH between 5.5-8.0.
Mickey Mouse Platy Xiphophorus maculatus Platys are a great option to add some color into your tank while keeping things peaceful. This fish is known for being a prolific livebearer, reproducing often in community tanks in which they feel safe in. Because of this they are recommended to be kept in mostly female dominated groups, or at least a ratio of two females for every male. Platys typically reach a size of 2 inches, so a tank of at least 10 gallons would best fit this fish. They will not appreciate being housed with species that are known for being more aggressive and nippier, so peaceful fish are their preferred tank mates. They also will prefer a well planted tank to feel secure. Platys are omnivores and will take high-quality pellets, flakes, and brine shrimp. Mickey Mouse Platy Specifics The Mickey Mouse Platy is a peaceful fish that grows up to 4 inches. Their temperature should be between 64-82oF, a pH of 7.0-8.3, and a dKH between 12-30.
Betta - Fancy Assorted Betta splendens Betta's originate from Thailand but can be found in various neighboring countries. Wild betta's typically live in shallow areas like rice paddies, stagnant ponds, marshes, and streams. So, while they can breathe through their set of gills, if they are put in an environment where oxygen is low, they may swim up to the surface and take a big gulp of air that they process through a lung-like organ called the Labyrinth organ. This doesn't mean that betta's prefer oxygen poor environments - the ideal set up for a Betta fish is a tank that is at least 5 gallons that is both filtered and heated. Filtration provides the tank with much needed oxygenation in the water as well as a quick way to clean out some waste that begins to build up. Because betta's have evolved and lived in warmer climates, their water temperature should rest between 75-86oF; if the water runs at room temperature, betta's will become sluggish and lethargic in their movements. Betta's do well in water that has a pH between 6.0-8.0. Glossary of Some Common Betta Terms Betta Fin/Caudal Fin Variations Crowntail (CT): Crowntail caudal fins have very little webbing between the rays, giving them a spiky appearance like a regal crown. Doubletail (DT): Doubletail betta's have two distinct equal caudal fins that separate at the base. Plakat is the most common type of doubletail seen, but doubletail halfmoons exist as well. Dumbo: Dumbo, or elephant ear betta's, haveen larged pectoral fins right behind each gill, giving them an even more dramatic and showy appearance. They can be found with plakat, halfmoon, doubeltail, and crowntail caudal fins. Halfmoon (HM): Halfmoon tails/caudal fins form a fan-like half circle that is at least 180 degrees apart or further. Plakat (PK): Plakat tails/caudal fins were bred to have shorter/less billowy fins so they could swim much faster in the water when fighting for sport. Rosetails (RT): The difference between rosetails and halfmoons is the excessive yet beautiful folding of the fins which give them a more ruffled look, like a rose flower. Veiltail (VT): Veiltail caudal fins are one of the most common and beloved tail types, known for being long and flowy like a veil. Betta Color Variations Avatar - Blue or green colored fins and scales over top a black body. Black Samurai - Deep black body with white dragon scales and white accents in fins. Blue Mustard - A blue body with yellow/orange fins that may have blue accents as well. Blue Rim - A white body with a deep, navy color rimming their fins. Candy - A vibrant, multicolored body that includes, pinks, reds, greens, blues, and more! Copper - This copper coloration metallic and iridescent, shimmering under many types of lighting. Nemo - Nemo's are primarily a mix between orange and red coloration on the body and fins of the fish.
Assorted Molly Poecilia latipinna Molly fish are a hardy, easy fish that can be acclimated to either salt or freshwater. They are compatible with smaller community fish and larger fish. Mollies tend to have a bigger appetite than most fish, so it is recommended to have a good filtration system to make up for the extra feedings they will want. Mollys can grow to a length of 5 inches, and while they do not school they do swim in a shoaling pattern, so they prefer to be with their own kind. A group of 5 is recommended for them to feel safe in the aquarium. They are omnivores and prefer both meaty foods and algae. High quality flake food should be given alongside freeze-dried bloodworms and brine shrimp. Assorted Mollies come in a variety of colors and patterns, giving you the choice of trying a vast assortment of unique fish for your home aquarium. Most Assorted Mollies grow to a size of at least 4-1/2", so a tank of at least 30g for a group of at least 5 is optimum. They prefer their water to be between 68-82oF and their pH between 7.0-8.0.
Green Tiger Barb
Barbodes semifasciolatus
Barbs add a fun, loud personality to add to your peaceful homeaquarium. They are quite active in the aquarium, and because they tend to want to school in groups of at least 5, more timid fish or long finned fish should be avoided as tank mates.Barbs are omnivores, meaning they should be supplied with a varied dietof high- quality flake food and meaty frozen shrimp.
Green Tiger Barb Specifics
Green Tiger Barbs grow to a size of 3", so a 30g aquarium for a school of at least 5 fish would be preferable. Their water temperature should be between 74-79oF. pH between 6.0-7.0, and a dKH between 4-10
Fire & Ice Paradise Gourami Macropodus opercularis Paradise Gourami are one of the first fish kept in the freshwater hobby. They are loved for their striking beauty and size, only growing between 3-4”, making them perfect for smaller aquariums. As with a few others in the family, Paradise Gourami’s tend to be more aggressive fish, with the male often watching over his territory. Though they are not as aggressive as Betta fish, some thought should be put into tank mates, making sure there are no other gourami’s or betta’s to start a scuffle. Since they only grow to a size between 3-4”, the minimum tank size recommend for one adult male is 20g, and if you were planning on buying a male and a female, we recommend having at least 29g available for them.These fish are omnivores with a preference for meaty foods, but will readily accept flake and pellet foods. Fire & Ice Paradise Gourami Specifics • Fire and Ice Paradise Gourami’s accept a wide range of water parameters in the home aquarium, making them relatively easy to please. They will like temperatures anywhere between 50-82oF, though they tend to like room temperature water the best. They prefer pH between 6.0-8.0 with some leeway on either end of the spectrum
Assorted Platy
Xiphophorus sp.
Platys are a great option to add some color into your tank whilekeeping things peaceful. This fish is known for being a prolific livebearer, reproducing often in community tanks in which they feel safe in. Because of this they are recommended to be kept in mostly female dominated groups, or at least a ratio of two females for every male. Platys typically reach a size of 2 inches, so a tank of at least 10 gallons would best fit this fish. They will not appreciate being housed with species that are known for being more aggressive and nippier, so peaceful fish are their preferred tank mates. They also will prefer a well planted tank to feel secure. Platys are omnivores and will take high-quality pellets, flakes, and brine shrimp.
Assorted Platy Specifics
Assorted Platy can come in all variations of colours and patterning. They are a peaceful fish that grows up to 4 inches. Their temperature should be between 64-82oF, at a pH of 7.0-8.3.
San Merah Discus Symphysodon sp Discus are regarded as one of the most well-known fish to the freshwater hobby, popularized by their striking colors and patterns. They are a peaceful fish that only become territorial while they are breeding. They grow to roughly 8" and would prefer a taller rather than wider tank of at least 60 gallons. They like their water between 79-86oF, a pH between 6,1-7.5.They are primarily carnivores, so providing them with high quality flake food, frozen shrimp, and Discus pellet food will benefit them. Because of their eating habits their water must be cleaned more often than other freshwater species, as they are more likely to do unwell in poor water conditions.
Pigeon Blood Discus Symphysodon sp Discus are regarded as one of the most well-known fish to the freshwater hobby, popularized by their striking colors and patterns. They are a peaceful fish that only become territorial while they are breeding. They grow to roughly 8" and would prefer a taller rather than wider tank of at least 60 gallons.They like their water between 79-86oF, a pH between 6,1-7.5.They are primarily carnivores, so providing them with high quality flake food, frozen shrimp, and Discus pellet food will benefit them. Because of their eating habits their water must be cleaned more often than other freshwater species, as they are more likely to do unwell in poor water conditions. Pigeon Blood Discus are aptly named after Ruby’s found in Myanmar – with big red eyes and red patterning across its body, they dazzle like their namesake gemstone.
