Fish Species

Pearl gouramis get their name from the white spots that adorn the body. The spots cover most of the body and fins. They sit atop soft colors of yellow, orange, and silver. The finishing touch is the expansive ventral fins that flow beneath the fish. Otocinclus fish are small fish with a healthy appetite for algae! Best when kept in groups, these fish can make a positive impact on your tank. Despite their size, they can do a lot to keep the aquarium clean. However, if otos are placed in a tank with little to no biofilm and algae, the bacteria in their gut will die off, and the fish will starve. Keep an eye on the water temperature to make sure that your heater is working correctly, and check the water chemistry every few days. The levels of ammonia and nitrite should be zero, and nitrate levels should be no more than 20 ppm (parts per million). Levels that are too high could indicate a problem with your filter system or potential overstocking of the tank. Are you over 16 years old? Then confirm the use of all cookies with "Noticed" and you are ready to go.

Although they have the reputation as one of the easiest fish to keep, your betta will live a longer, happier life with a few upgrades from their sad, little fishbowl. Plecos are the "suckerfish" you see clinging to the sides of an aquarium. They are among the best freshwater algae eaters and for that reason, juveniles of the species end up in many novice fish keepers’ tanks. It might seem like a reef tank is the way to go if you want the most colorful fish. There are certainly many beautiful and unique fish in the saltwater world. However, marine setups can be difficult for many fishkeepers. They are expensive to set up, a little harder to maintain, and the fish themselves are pricey. As large as the saltwater aquarium industry is, it is largely undocumented. There is no centralized database that tracks the number of fish taken from reefs and even less information about how the capture of those fish affects their populations in the wild. There are just as few details about the route those fish take from the ocean to their final destination. The most standout physical feature is the bristles on the head. Tentacle-like in appearance, they burst from the snout to give the fish its signature look. The rest of the body is usually black, brown, or dark gray with subtle spots.

The Bristlenose Pleco, is a very common Pleco Catfish species, that people tend to choose over the Common Pleco, because of its smaller size. Usually, a Bristlenose Pleco will grow up to 5 inches long, which is a lot smaller than the Common Pleco, that grows up to 24 inches. As a schooling fish, they need at least five other friends, and the effect of their school is a sight that should not be passed up. The pictus catfish is one of the most classic looking aquarium catfish that a beginner can own. They have light gray bodies with bold black spots, and massive barbells, or whiskers, which give them that "catfish" look. The Firefish Goby has a peaceful temperament, which is a great choice for community aquariums. They are calm, non-confrontational, and will eat almost anything. They are also fun to watch because they move fast and like to hide.

In simple terms, the Nitrogen Cycle is the process of building up colonies of beneficial bacteria that convert harmful compounds (ammonia caused by fish waste and uneaten food) into safer compounds, such as nitrate. Endemic to several bodies of water throughout South America, the dwarf pencilfish is an interesting species that adapts well to life in captivity. They are on the smaller side and feature beautiful coloration. You can create an awesome display in your home aquarium by including some of the rarest, coolest, and most exotic species of freshwater aquarium fish that are available to the home hobbyist. Even the most unusual small freshwater fish specimens are typically much less expensive to buy than marines, they’re often less prone to serious disease, and they are easier to care for too. These fish are perfect for beginners, being easy to care for, peaceful in nature, and very easy to breed too. If you want any fry to survive, provide a spawning box or dense floating plants.