Jun 16
The American Flag Fish (Jordanella floridae) is a colorful, unusual freshwater fish native to Florida. Males display a striking mixture of red-orange stripes, iridescent blue-green scales, and dark markings that resemble the colors and pattern of the American flag—giving this distinctive little fish its memorable common name. Also called the Florida Flagfish, the species belongs …
Jun 15
Bichirs are some of the most unusual freshwater fish available to aquarists. With elongated bodies, armor-like scales, separate dorsal finlets, and broad paddle-shaped pectoral fins, these African fish look almost prehistoric as they slowly patrol the bottom of an aquarium. The name bichir refers to several species in the genus Polypterus. Popular aquarium species include …
Jun 12
Rasboras are among the most popular small freshwater fish for peaceful community aquariums. Known for their active schooling behavior, attractive colors, manageable size, and generally gentle temperament, these Asian fishes are particularly well suited to planted tanks. The name rasbora does not refer to just one species. It is used for numerous related fishes, including …
Jun 11
Rainbowfish are among the most colorful and energetic freshwater fish you can add to a community aquarium. Their name is well deserved: mature males can develop shimmering combinations of blue, turquoise, yellow, orange, red, green, and silver that change dramatically as the fish moves through the light. The term rainbowfish covers a diverse collection of …
Jun 09
Gouramis are some of the most distinctive freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Their graceful bodies, brilliant colors, long thread-like pelvic fins, and unusual surface-breathing behavior make them appealing centerpiece fish for planted community tanks. But “gourami” covers a remarkably diverse group. A tiny Sparkling Gourami may barely exceed an inch, while the Giant Gourami …
Jun 08
Colorful, active, and endlessly varied, tetra fish are among the most familiar inhabitants of freshwater aquariums. A shimmering school of neon tetras can transform a planted tank, while ember tetras add warm flashes of orange and rummy-nose tetras create an impressive synchronized display. Tetras are especially popular in community aquariums because many species remain relatively …
Jun 07
African cichlids are among the most colorful, active, and behaviorally fascinating freshwater fish available to aquarists. Brilliant yellows, electric blues, deep reds, bold stripes, and metallic patterns make a well-designed African cichlid aquarium look almost like a freshwater reef. But “African cichlid” describes an enormous and diverse group of fish rather than a single species. …
Jun 06
The Firemouth Cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is a colorful Central American freshwater fish best known for the brilliant red-orange throat that gives the species its common name. When displaying to rivals or defending a breeding territory, a Firemouth can flare its gill covers and make this fiery patch appear even larger. Firemouths have long been popular …
Jun 05
The Green Terror Cichlid (Andinoacara rivulatus) is a striking South American cichlid known for its shimmering blue-green scales, bold personality, and vivid orange or white edging along the dorsal and tail fins. Mature males can become especially impressive, developing elongated fins and a noticeable rounded hump on the forehead. Despite its intimidating name, the Green …
Jun 04
The Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii) is one of the most elegant freshwater gouramis available to aquarists. Its body is covered with a delicate pattern of pale, pearl-like spots, while a dark horizontal stripe runs from the head toward the tail. Mature males add another splash of color with rich orange-red coloration across the throat and …
