Welcome to Fish!

Top Surface Fish Pleuston / Neuston Zone(top edge), Epilimnion(upper water column) and Littoral Zone(shallow shoreline edge) 
Pygmy Hatchetfish (Carnegiella myersi), Dwarf Pencilfish (Nannostomus marginatus), Coral Red Pencilfish (Nannostomus mortenthaleri), Medaka "Rice Fish" (Oryzias latipes), Clown Killifish (Epiplatys annulatus), Norman's Lampeye (Poropanchax normani), Red Neon Blue-eye (Pseudomugil luminatus), Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye (Pseudomugil gertrudae), Blueback Blue-eye (Pseudomugil cyanodorsalis), Rio Amaya Red Pencilfish (Nannostomus sp. "Rio Amaya"), Honey Blue-eye (Pseudomugil mellis), Marbled Hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata), Zebra Danio (Danio rerio), Forktail Blue-eye (Pseudomugil furcatus), Red Beckford's Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi), Splash Tetra (Copella arnoldi), Gardneri Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri), Common Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla), Siamese Fighting Fish/"Betta" (Betta splendens), Blotched Pyrrhulina (Pyrrhulina spilota), Pacific Blue-eye (Pseudomugil signifer), Celebes Halfbeak (Nomorhamphus liemi), Archer Halfbeak (Nomorhamphus sagittarius), Spotfin Silver Hatchet (Thoracocharax stellatus), Chinese Paradise Fish (Macropodus ocellatus), Giant Hatchetfish (Thoracocharax securis), Blue Panchax (Aplocheilus panchax), Golden Wonder Killifish (Aplocheilus lineatus), African Butterflyfish (Pantodon buchholzi), Blue Gularis Killifish (Fundulopanchax sjoestedti), Tanganyika Killifish (Lamprichthys tanganicanus), Clouded Archerfish (Toxotes blythii) 

Midwater Fish Limnetic Zone (middle water column)
Emerald Rasbora (Celestichthys erythromicron), Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus), Celestial Pearl Danio "DNZ" "Gold" (Danio margaritatus), Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus), Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi), "Smoke" Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi), Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae), Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae), Golden Dwarf Barb (Pethia gelius), Kubotai Rasbora (Microdevario kubotai), Cochu's Blue Tetra (Knodus borki), Royal Tetra (Inpaichthys kerri), Kitty Tetra (Hyphessobrycon heliacus), Tucano Tetra (Tucanoichthys tucano), Eight Banded False Barb (Eirmotus octozona), Flame Tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus), Sparkling/"Talking" Gourami (Trichopsis pumila), Yellow Melanostichos Tetra (Hyphessobrycon cf. melanostichos "Yellow"), Rummy Nose Rasbora (Sawbwa resplendens), Yurimaguas Peru Orange Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp. "Yurimaguas"), Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi), Vietnamese White Cloud (Tanichthys micagemmae), Hovering Loach (Yunnanilus cruciatus), Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna), Otocinclus (Otocinclus sp.), Lemon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis), Raccoon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon procyon), African Butterfly Barb (Barbus hulstaerti), Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi), Glowlight Danio (Celestichthys choprae), Red Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sweglesi), Muzel Red Cherry Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp. Muzel), Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus), Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha), Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya), American Flag Fish (Jordanella floridae), Ornate Ctenopoma (Microctenopoma ansorgii), Barred Danio (Devario pathirana), Guentheri Killifish (Nothobranchius guentheri), Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri), "Golden" Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri), Snake Skin Barb (Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus), Checkered Barb (Oliotius oligolepis), Melon Barb (Haludaria fasciata), Volcano Bitterling (Rhodeus ocellatus), Rainbow Shiner (Notropis chrosomus), "Blue-eyed" "Lampai" Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus aurantiacus), Red Laser/Watermelon Tetra (Hemigrammus coeruleus), Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata), Spotted Headstander (Chilodus punctatus), Samurai Gourami (Sphaerichthys vaillanti), Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides), Taiwan Bitterling (Paracheilognathus himantegus), "Chili Red" Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius), Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus), Golden Barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus var. "Gold"), Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya), Taiwan Green Barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus), Amazon Puffer (Colomesus asellus), Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox), Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus), Millennium Rainbowfish (Glossolepis pseudoincisus), Leaf Fish (Monocirrhus polyacanthus), Roundnose Whalefish (Campylomormyrus compressirostris), Pastel Lily Tetras (Psalidodon xavante), Boeseman's Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani), Blue Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia lacustris), Mascara Barb (Dawkinsia assimilis), Crimson-spotted Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia duboulayi), Yellow Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi), Rainbow Cichlids (Herotilapia multispinosa), Empire Gudgeon (Hypseleotris compressa), Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii), Red Banded Leporinus (Synaptolaemus latofasciatus), Blue Spotted Hill Trout (Barilius bakeri), Eight Spotted Leporinus (Leporinus octomaculatus), Giant Danio (Devario aequipinnatus), Orange-fin Hill Trout (Barilius ardens), Filament Barb (Dawkinsia filamentosa), Three-Spot Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus), Roseline Shark (Sahyadria denisonii), Golden Roseline Shark (Sahyadria denisonii var. "Gold"), Neon Green Silver Dollar (Myleus sp. "green"), Silver Dollar (Metynnis argenteus), Marbled Headstander (Abramites hypselonotus), Striped Headstander (Anostomus anostomus), "Red Dragon" Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare), Tiger Silver Dollar (Metynnis fasciatus), Clown Spotted Leporinus (Leporinus maculatus), Discus (Symphysodon spp.), Elephantfish (Gnathonemus petersii), Banded Leporinus (Leporinus fasciatus)

Lower Tank Fish  Demersal(bottom level), Benthopelagic(just above floor) and Benthic fish (rests on floor)
Annie's Goby (Stiphodon annieae), Black Tiger Badis (Dario tigris), Freshwater Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius xanthomelas), Habrosus Pygmy Cory (Hoplisoma habrosus), Armoured Stickleback (Indostomus paradoxus), Dwarf Anchor Catfish (Hara jerdoni), Pygmy Sunfish (Elassoma evergladei), Licorice Gourami (Parosphromenus deissneri), Gold Neon Dwarf Goby (Stiphodon percnopterygionus), Zhou's Scarlet Goby (Rhinogobius zhoui), Critter Goby (Lentipes crittersius), Green Darter Tetra (Ammocryptocharax elegans), Red Lipstick Goby (Sicyopus rubicundus), Multies (Neolamprologus multifasciatus), Flaming Arrow Goby (Sicyopus zosterophorus), Gold Black Stiphodon Goby (Stiphodon aureofuscus), Panda Loach (Yaoshania pachychilus), Red Tail Borneo Sucker (Gastromyzon sp. "SK02"), "Flame Tiger" (Gastromyzon sp.), Red Stripe Flossensauger (Erromyzon kalotaenia), Yellow-finned Hillstream Loach (Gastromyzon viriosus), Dwarf Kuhli Loach (Pangio cuneovirgata), Malayan Yellow Pygmy Catfish (Hyalobagrus flavus), Vulcan Cory (Hoplisoma sp. CW111), Rikbaktsa Corydoras (Hoplisoma rikbaktsa), Fireball Cory (Osteogaster hephaestus), Panda Cory (Hoplisoma panda), Rio Tomo Concolor Cory (Hoplisoma sp. CW217), Green Laser Cory (Corydoras sp. CW009), Adolfo's Cory (Hoplisoma adolfoi), Super Parallelus Cory (Hoplisoma parallelum), Blue Neon Goby (Stiphodon atropurpureus), Dwarf Chain Loach (Ambastaia sidthimunki), Purple-fin Hillstream Loach (Pseudogastromyzon laticeps), "Internet Celebrity" Hillstream Loach (Hemimyzon pengi), Red Devil Borneo Sucker (Gastromyzon katibasensis), Bronze Cory (Osteogaster aenea / syn. Corydoras aeneus), Albino (Bronze) Cory (Osteogaster aenea), Venezuelan Cory (Osteogaster aenea), Apistogramma "Opal" (Apistogramma borellii 'Opal'), Bengal Loach (Botia dario), Lizard Hillstream Loach (Homaloptera confuzona), Sterbai Cory (Corydoras sterbai), Gold Laser Cory (Osteogaster sp. "CW010"), Pantanal Cory (Corydoras pantanalensis), Tiger Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata), Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda), Honeycomb Catfish (Centromochlus perugiae), Blue Badis "Chameleon Fish" (Badis badis), Araguaia Dwarf Acara "Purple Smiler" / "Humphead Dwarf Acara" (Laetacara araguaiae), Desert Goby (Chlamydogobius eremius), Dwarf Horse-Faced Loach (Acanthopsoides robertsi), Barito Loach (Kapuasia falaris), Cloud Leopard Loach (Vanmanenia sp.), Panda Apisto (Apistogramma nijsseni), Bolivian Ram Cichlids (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus), Checkerboard Cichlid (Dicrossus filamentosus), Gold Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi var. "Gold"), German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi), Porthole Catfish (Dianema longibarbis), Emerald Corydoras (Brochis splendens), Banded/Bearded Cory (Scleromystax barbatus), Apistogramma "Blue Flame" (Apistogramma macmasteri), Panda Garra (Garra flavatra), Zebra Pleco (Hypancistrus zebra), Peru Toadfish (Thalassophryne amazonica), Sunburst Gudgeon (Hypseleotris cyprinoides), Kribensis Cichlids (Pelvicachromis pulcher), Neon Borneo Sucker (Gastromyzon lepidogaster), Purple Sailfin Gudgeon (Crossocheilogobio tafangensis), Crimson Loach (Schistura sp. "Crimson"), Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii), Skunk Botia (Yasuhikotakia morleti), Vietnamese Giraffe Loach (Annamia normani), Indochina Stone Loach (Paracanthocobitis botia), Banjo Catfish (Bunocephalus coracoideus), Redtail Garra (Garra panitvongi), Bulldog Pleco / L187b (Chaetostoma formosae), Hog-Nosed Brochis (Brochis multiradiatus), Dwarf Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis petricola), Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus), Tangerine Tiger Pleco / L397 (Panaqolus sp. L397), Leopard Frog Pleco / L134 (Peckoltia compta), Zebra Loach (Botia striata), Honeycomb Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp. L519), Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus), Snowball Pleco (Hypancistrus inspector), Siamese Algae Eater (SAE) (Crossocheilus oblongus), Red Lizard Whiptail Catfish (Rineloricaria sp. "Red Lizard"), Clouded Nandus (Nandus nebulosus), Yo-Yo Loach (Botia almorhae), Congo (Potato) Puffer (Tetraodon miurus), Papuan Freshwater Sole (Brachirus selheimi), Whiptail Twig Catfish (Farlowella acus), Rainbow Belly Pipefish (Microphis deocata), Horse-Faced Loach (Acantopsis dialuzona), Striped Raphael Catfish (Platydoras armatulus), Yellow Leopard / Para Pleco (Peckoltia sabaji L075), Gold Nugget Pleco (Baryancistrus xanthellus), Centipede Knifefish (Steatogenys elegans), Longnose Whiptail Catfish (Sturisoma barbatum), Zebra Knifefish (Gymnotus pedanopterus), Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus), Rope Fish/Reedfish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus), Fire Eel (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia)

Invertebrates
Rabbit Snails (Tylomelania spp.), Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata), Nerite Snails (Neritina spp.), Horned Nerite Snail (Clithon corona), Mystery Snail (Pomacea diffusa), Blueberry Snail (Viviparus sp.), Malaysian Trumpet Snail (Melanoides tuberculata), Ramshorn Snail (Planorbella duryi), Bladder Snail (Physella acuta), Great Pond Snail (Lymnaea stagnalis), Assassin Snail (Anentome helena), Shark Fin Mussel (Hyriopsis cumingii), Golden Freshwater Clam (Corbicula fluminea), Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis), Vampire Crabs (Geosesarma dennerle), Panther Crab (Parathelphusa pantherina), Pom Pom Crab (Ptychognathus barbatus), Dwarf Mexican Crayfish/CPO (Cambarellus patzcuarensis), Electric Blue Crayfish (Procambarus alleni), Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), Zebra Crayfish (Cherax peknyi), Thunderbolt Crayfish (Cherax pulcher), Giant Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), Blue Galaxy Snowflake SSS+ (Neocaridina davidi), Crystal Red Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis), Rudolph/Pinocchio shrimp (Caridina gracilirostris), Bee Snail (Brotia dautzenbergiana), Golden / White Bee Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis), Sulawesi Red Line Shrimp (Caridina striata)

🛑Contains some advanced fish! 🛑
This is a "possibilities" guide of what one might be able to accomplish with enough research, time and care.

Wow there are soo many great fish!
Most 🐟 need at least 6< same species pals to be at ease.
Some are solo, a ♀♂  pair or harem(♀2+ to ♂1).

If you want multi-species tank consider collecting 🐟 that occupy different levels- Top, Middle, Bottom.
Too many 🐟 in one level can lead to territorial conflicts.🗡️
Using Hardscape🪾🪨& Plants🌱 breaks "line of sight", gives 🐟 their own territories & quells conflicts.🕊️
If you aren't sure- get a bigger tank.🎁

Use this fish stocking guide to check behavior capability, water parameters and the filtration requirements.

Buy Equipment and decor that benefits the animals you are bringing in.
There are “ready-to-go” aquarium kits at Petco, PetSmart, and Chewy ($120–$600)-often low quality and incomplete🔥💸

Certain species need driftwood, sand, caves, plants and specific set ups to express their natural behavior--
and some need lids to stop them from expressing themselves out of the tank!🦘💞
*Note: some species can "rehydrate", even if it's been several hours outside of water. Research!

Substrate, Hardscape, Plants
➡️🪇FUN: Build the tank! Add water and dechlorinator, turn on the filter and heater.
➡️🛑Wait: Nitrogen Cycle Time! 30-60+days

Hungarian fish database https://diszhal.info/english/index.php
United Kingdom fish database https://aquadiction.world/

German fish wholesaler/database https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/

Singapore guides and aquascapes https://gensou.sg/freshwater-aquarium-complete-beginner-hub/

or the forums... Not everyone is nice there and a lot of misinformation use your best judgement!
https://www.fishlore.com/
https://www.aquariumadvice.com/

beware the many streams of🧠Reddit☢️🌊

French fish database https://www.fishipedia.fr/category/aquariophilie/
Fish Stocking guide https://aqadvisor.com/
USA aquarium database with care guides https://www.steenfottaquatics.com/
Netherlands aquarium database  https://aquainfo.nl/en
Shrimp Farm University https://www.theshrimpfarm.com//posts/

YouTube Channels:
Aquarium Co-op Tips, information on fish, equipment and consumables- sells products
Dan's Fish Tips, information on fish they sell
Steenfott Aquatics Tips, information on fish
Glass Box Diaries Tips, information on fish and extensive plant blog
Serpa Design Tips, How to build your own aquarium from Ikea glass, inspiring tanks
Aquarium Store Depot  Tips, reviews, tier lists, kid friendly
tanks for nothin Cinematic aquarium fish dramas and inspiring tanks
MJ Aquascaping Tips, aquascaping and inspiring tanks
MD Fish Tanks Tips, information on fish, aquascaping and inspiring tanks
Keeping Fish Simple Tips, information on fish
Tropic tank Beautiful cinematic aquarium videos with common or scientific names
Leon the Lobster Charming story of saving a grocery store lobster-original

🌏Buy Captive/ "Tank Bred" fish

Petco/PetSmart
+ Ridiculously cheap fish
- Majority of stores fish are kept in suboptimal conditions, weak, diseased, soon to be departed
- Fish aquaculture information is often bad to deadly ignorant☠️⚰️🐟
+ Sometimes the fish area employee is a fish nerd/ marine biogist major and keeps the fish healthy- hopefully you and the fish get lucky! Go check it out before you buy! Always double check information that anyone gives you- there is a LOT🧠🤓

Local Fish Store (LFS)
+ More expensive= More care, fish are treated, acclimated, fed, ready to go!
+ Less travel for the fish=less stress
+ They are there in an emergency
+ Sometimes offer tank design/cleaning services, fish shelter/tank sitting
+/- Often run by fish enthusiasts!/Sometimes spooky!/ Go check out the store in person before you buy!
+/- Things are more expensive but the good stores are also giving you an education in aquaculture-always double check information that anyone gives you- there is a LOT🧠🤓

Online Retailers
- Fish have to go in the mail, very stressful
+ Unique species
+ Sometimes more expensive= More Care, fish are treated, acclimated, fed, vouched healthy before going in the mail
+/- Research! You know how the internet is- no one is perfect>_< Dan's Fish, Aquatic Arts, Nu Aqua, Select Aquatics, SB and Jonah's Aquarium dedicate a page of their sites to a moral claim/promise for the most human treatment of the animals and quarantine standards insuring the health of their fish. I guess go with your gut. Hopefully you have a local fish store that is easy.

Select Aquatics Erie, CO
All fish bred on site- specailizes in breeding endangered fish and best Odessa Barbs in industry
DOA- he typically sends extra fish to cover any loses, if DOA happens contact him ASAP and he'll make it right

SB: Sydney's Angels Bennet's Rainbows Saint Charles, IL
All fish bred on site- Angels, rainbowfish and more
DOA must report within 3hrs as of 10/28/2026

Imperial Tropicals  2720 Grimes Rd, Lakeland, FL 33805
All fish bred on site- large selection
DOA must report within 2hrs of arrival (unless you pay for extended claim see website) as of 8/3/2026

Jonah's Aquarium Delaware, OH
Specializes in USA native fish
DOA must report ASAP does not specify time as of 10/29/2026

Dan's Fish  345 Phoenix Ave., Sheridan, WY 82801
huge selection, "more $$$ but more healthy fish" motto
https://www.youtube.com/@DansFish  
DOA must report within 1hr(some shipping cost refunded as well) as of 8/3/2026

The Wet Spot  4310 NE Hancock St. Portland, OR 97213
huge selection and healthy fish
www.youtube.com/@TheWetSpotTropicalFish
cute fish story blog https://www.wetspottropicalfish.com/the-spotlight/
DOA must report within 4hrs of arrival as of 8/3/2026
use code: steenfott10 for 10% off Livestock visit  https://www.steenfottaquatics.com/ as of 8/5/2026

Aqua Imports 2690 28th St # C, Boulder, CO 80301
DOA must report within 2hrs of arrival as of 8/3/2026

Aquatic Arts  6352 Airway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46241
DOA must report within 24hrs of arrival as of 8/3/2026
use code: FISHTORY15 for 15% off or FISHTORY10 for 10% off thanks to: https://www.youtube.com/@Fishtory  as of 8/20/26

Nu Aqua 1555 183rd Place, Suite D, Orland Park, IL 60467
DOA must report within 4hrs of arrival as of 9/18/2026

Aqua Huna  Aqua Huna, 620 S. 7th Street, Renton, WA 98057
NOT FOR BEGINNERS
Some of the best prices- fish health is hit or miss according to batch and species
DOA must report within 72hrs as of 8/3/2026

Moonlight Aquatics 1700 132nd St SE Suite G Mill Creek, WA 98012
use code: steenfott10 for 10% off Livestock  visit  https://www.steenfottaquatics.com/  as of 8/5/2026
DOA policy not listed on site as of 8/3/2026

BUYPETSHRIMP.COM 5564 Ravine Ct Marysville, CA 95901
DOA must report within 2hrs of arrival as of 8/5/2026
use code: steenfott5 for 5% off Livestock visit  https://www.steenfottaquatics.com/ as of 8/5/2026

The Shrimp Farm 1102 S Main St., Bloomington, IL 61701
DOA must report within 2hrs of arrival "If you are outside of this 2-hour window, that is okay. Please email us. " as of 8/5/2026

Discus Madness 1010 Jeanette Ave, Unit – C, Union, NJ 07083
DOA report ASAP, if fish passes within 48hrs full refund/store credit up to 5 days of arrival see website as of 8/30/2026

🧠Research then decide!🧠

Fish clubs?
Local groups of fish people who trade fish they breed.
Never tried might be best? IDK-Research

Germany: 

I'm a professional ceramic sculptor, not a fish expert- please cross-check any fish information you get from anywhere before you trust it. That includes the local fish store, fish forums, Reddit, ChatGPT, Gemini and all humans.

With a few years of research, I created this fish website so you may discover the many beautiful fishes of the backwater streams across the world, as well as the basic aquaculture data if you wish to keep them. There is so much to learn about fish and no one place to get an idea/clear overview. I’m trying to pare things down, turns out this is a huge project ha.

If you know absolutely nothing you should buy a Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies book. Research! Hooray for aquariums! 🪽🪽🪽