Tetras are small, colorful shoaling fish that add vibrancy to your aquarium. Neon tetras are popular, but there are many others like cardinal and rummy-nose tetras. They thrive in groups and create a beautiful backdrop for your centerpiece fish.
Anabantids, like bettas and gouramis, can breathe air. They have unique care needs, so research thoroughly before keeping them in a community tank.
Colorful African cichlids require research and large tanks. They are territorial and not suitable for tropical fish communities.
New-world cichlids from South America vary in temperament. Freshwater angelfish and discus fish are popular choices for tropical tanks.
Barbs are colorful fish but can be fin nippers. Tinfoil, tiger, and cherry barbs are popular choices for smaller tanks.
Catfish: Cories are great tank cleaners, plecos eat algae (but grow large), otos are small algae eaters, iridescent sharks grow huge. Feed sinking pellets and algae wafers.
Loaches: Clown loach for large tanks, kuhli loach for small tanks, yoyo loach for medium-sized tanks. They are bottom-dwelling scavengers.
Popular livebearer fish: guppies, platies, swordtails, Endlers, and mollies. Keep 2 females for each male. Provide hiding places for fry.
Colorful killifish add vibrancy to freshwater aquariums. Varied species and sizes available. Can be kept in community or killifish-only tanks.
Hardy white cloud minnows and zebra danios are beginner-friendly choices for freshwater aquariums. Harlequin rasboras and Bala sharks also belong to this group.