Aquarium fish and photos

We offer readers of our resource a clear and colorful list of aquarium fish with descriptions and photos of fish of each individual species. In our section for beginners, we have collected the most popular fish, which are especially popular with aquarists.

You can see a photo of each individual fish, to which the small description to the right of the picture refers. All fish are divided into subsections to make it easier for you to navigate and identify a particular species or family.

Photos of catfish and loachesФото Сомиков и Вьюнов

Catfish are probably in every aquarium, regardless of the overall species composition. Take a look at the aquarium fish below – photos with catfish names will help you decide on your future deep aquarium inhabitant.

All catfish vary in size, so it’s important to research their possible adult size before choosing.

Ancistrus

A fairly small fish that can live in aquariums from 30 litres. The classic colour is brown. Often these small catfish are confused with their larger counterparts – pterigoplichts. In general, a very industrious fish and good at cleaning up growths.

Yellow ancistrus

This kind of ancistrus is also called a goldfish. By the way, a very good color for keeping an aquarium according to Fenshu, as in the aquarium just has to be gold-colored fish according to this ideology. Can grow to the same size as brown ancistrus.

Pterygoplychtes

It is also called the ringed catfish. Pterigoplichts can grow up to 50 centimetres in home aquariums, which makes them one of the most spectacular fish. They lead a bottom life, if they do not have enough space, they begin to actively chase other inhabitants.

Tatia

The most popular is the tatia starfish. It grows to a small size – 10-12 centimetres, and leads mainly a nocturnal lifestyle, during the day it sleeps. Very interesting and beautiful catfish, but the fact that it is active only at night does not allow them to admire fully.

Crossocheilus

Crosshoelus come in different species, but in general, they are all very similar. These fish have a suction cup, with which they can clean not only the growths on the glass but also the Compsopogon bloom on the leaves. Hardworking fish can grow up to 15 centimetres.

Red-tailed catfish

One of the largest aquarium fish, they grow without stopping and eat everything in their mouths. These catfish are very beautiful, but because of their appetite and predatory tendencies do not get along well with smaller fish. A striking feature may be the species in the photo is the red tail fin.

Corydoras

Corydoras are very cute and nimble catfish. We would compare them to the Pomeranian Spitz in the dog world. A bottom-dwelling little fish that requires no special conditions, feeding on whatever it can find on the bottom. Typically come in lengths of 2-10 centimetres. Don’t know who to put in the aquarium – buy a corydoras.

Clown botia

This type of botias is the most popular with aquarists. Most likely because the clowns look very spectacular, which can be seen in the photo. The peculiarity of the fish is the spines, which are under the eyes. These spines can extend when the fish is in danger. Can live up to 20 years.

Blue botia

Another fish from the loach family. Feature of the coloration of these botias – blue or blue colour, and bright fins. The colour of the fish can change depending on the mood. In an aquarium, these fish can grow to a size of 15 centimetres.

Botia Marble

In marbled coloring fish is most similar to the corydoras catfish. Like other botias, marbled botias are active only at night, when they go out in search of food, and during the day they are likely to be not very visible to their owners.

Synodontis euptera

In general, these catfish are quite peaceful inhabitants of the aquarium. These fish are gregarious, and this should be kept in mind. The peculiarity of this species is a dark color, and a large dorsal fin. This fish is likely to grow up to 12-13 centimeters in the aquarium.

Synodontis Petricola

Also known as the pygmy leopard catfish. Has a light colouration with dark spots, due to which it can look even more spectacular. Fish has a clear penchant for nocturnal life, so the day can not appear very often. The optimum volume for it will be 60 litres.

Synodontis Catfish

There are some species Sinodontis, which are called shifters, due to the characteristic feature to swim upside down. These catfish also require a medium-volume aquarium and more – from 60 litres. In all behavioural signs, the shifter catfish is similar to its synodontis brethren.

Pangasius (shark catfish)

This catfish is also called a shark catfish because of its characteristic appearance – you can see it in the catfish photo (dorsal fin, body shape, etc.). Catfish can grow to gigantic sizes, so it will be small even an aquarium of 200 litres. The optimum volume – from 500 litres.

Carps

Carp in the aquarium are the most popular, primarily because of their unpretentiousness. We invite you to view photos and descriptions of fish from this family.

Cherry barb

Cherry barbs have a characteristic related to their name colour – the body is light cherry colour, with a horizontal black stripe of barbs. These fish are small (up to 2-3 cm), and can safely live in aquariums of 15-20 litres. Males are brighter and redder than females.

Tiger barb

Perhaps one of the most spectacular species of barbs – for this and is considered one of the most popular of its kind. Keep them in a flock, which makes the fish even more spectacular. The size in the aquarium is up to 4-5 centimetres.

Cigar Shark

One of the largest barbs is the Cigar Shark. They can grow up to 50-60 centimetres depending on the volume, and they need from 200 liters. Fish are beautiful, but like many carp, they love to eat plants. It is better to keep them in a small flock of 3-5 individuals.

Scarlet Barb

The scarlet barb resembles the Tiger barb. The fish has silvery scales, and a bright red stripe runs down the middle of its body. This fish is unpretentious, like all barbs, and will live quietly together with guppies, neons and other small barbs.

Fire barb

The peculiarity of fire barbs – bright golden coloring of the body, and black back. These fish can be called goldfish, which again is not bad according to feng shui :). This fish is active, and will be constantly moving, and as a result, will be a decoration of any small aquarium.

Bala Shark

Bala Shark or barb is a fish named as a result of its resemblance to sharks (this can be seen from the fish photo next to the description). These fish are large and can grow to 30-40 centimetres, so it is better to keep them together with other large barbs in a volume of 150 litres.

Moss Green Tiger Barb

It is also called the green barb because of the characteristic colour of the scales. This fish is small, yet spectacular and unusual. Also, it is rarely found in aquarium stores.

Celestial Pearl Danio

Very bright, and therefore a very popular fish in aquarists. This fish is gregarious, and due to the bright iridescent colouration, the flock can be very spectacular. Grows up to only a few centimetres, and gets along well with neons, guppies, etc.

Leopard danio

In our opinion, the fish is very similar to a miniature rainbow trout – precisely because of the colouring of the danio and called so. The fish are not large, up to 3-4 centimetres, very fast, and constantly on the move.

Pink Danio

The pink colour suits these fish, and they look very impressive, especially if they live in a flock of more than 10 individuals. The fish is oblong in shape.

Zebra Danio (Zebrafish)

A small fish up to 5 centimetres long. It is not difficult to recognize it due to its colouring – black body with longitudinal white stripes. Like all danio, it is a nimble fish that never sits still.

Goldfish and others

Goldfish

The classic goldfish belong to the genus Crucian carp. Can be a variety of colours and grow to different sizes depending on the volume of the aquarium. The classic colouration is red-gold. A very ancient breed of fish, for which it needs exceptional respect.

Veiltail Goldfish

Veiltail Goldfishes are separate species of goldfish. In the photo, you can see how the voile tail fin develops. When choosing these fish to keep, be sure to properly select the neighbours, as other fish can bite the tail of the goldfish.

Koi

Quite a large breed of fish, which is why they like to keep them in ponds. In the photo, you can see the characteristics colouring them – white with bright spots of different colours. Fish are not fastidious, but the volume of the aquarium is the only important parameter for them.

Telescope Goldfish

Telescopes come in gold and black. The size, as a rule, they are not particularly large, up to 10-12 cm, so they can live in aquariums of 60 liters. The fish are spectacular and unusual, suitable for those who like everything original.

Red Cap Oranda Goldfish

Some people find this fish extremely charming, while others, on the contrary, may consider it defective. And all because of the specific cap on top of the head – it is a small growth, and not necessarily red in colour. One thing is for sure the fish is unusual, and for taste and colour – you know yourself.

Live-Bearing Tooth Carps

Swordtail

These are small fish, which got their name because of the specific tail. They come in black, orange, and a combination of colours. Swordtails are viviparous, so you can have offspring at home.

Guppies

Probably everyone has heard of such fish as guppies. Small (up to 3 cm), easy to keep and not fussy – for that and love them. In this case, can be very impressive, the males can be voile multicolored tails. They produce offspring with an even higher probability than swordtails.

Black mollinsia

They come in black, orange, yellow, and mestizo. In shape, they are something in between, between guppies and swordtails. The fish is larger than the above-described congeners, so it requires aquariums of 40 liters.

Poecilia velifera – Sailfin Molly

Rather large subspecies of mollinsia – can grow up to 15-16 centimetres. On this basis, properly select the volume of your aquarium, as it should be at least 50 litres.

Poecilia

Poecilia is the embodiment of an entire genus – the Poecilias. They can be a variety of colours, from bright orange to mottled with black flecks. The fish can grow up to 5-6 centimetres.

Anabantoidei

Croaking gourami

This is one of the most common species of gourami. A very beautiful fish that has a bright pearly, or green-blue coloration. In aquariums, they grow up to 5 centimeters.

Three-spot Gourami

The name gourami speaks for itself – the color of the fish is marbled, white and blue. Fish can readily reproduce in the aquarium, with the male will build a nest of foam, where they will breed.

Pearl Gourami

A very popular fish among aquarists. As you can see in the photo, the gourami is characterized by two long whiskers on its abdomen, as well as a black stripe along its body. It is a classic representative of the labyrinth fish.

Dwarf Gourami

Looking at the photo, and want to call her a fat gourami :). The fish is very cute and beautiful. The color can be both silvery blue and reddish crimson. Dwarf Gourami are shy, so we do not recommend disturbing them unnecessarily.

Paradise fish

A moral fish that does not like encroachment on its territory. Although beautiful, requires proper treatment. It is better not to put them with their own kind, in the aquarium enough females and males of the species, can get along with neons, guppies and other small species.

Siamese fighting fish

A so-called fighting fish. Males can be extremely aggressive to other males, and sometimes females, if they do not have enough space. Cockerels can be kept even in the smallest aquariums, as they are not sensitive to volume.

Characins

Neon Tetra

A classic representative of the neon. It has a red-blue coloration. This is one of the most spectacular fish, because in the light they shimmer, hence the name. Keep them in small aquariums of 10 liters. Fish are gregarious, so at least it is better to have 4-5 individuals.

Cardinal Tetra

The fish is very similar to the Neon Tetra, but in this case, red is the dominant color in the coloration. The fish should be kept in flocks, so they are more comfortable, and for you will be a more colorful presentation.

Black Neon

Although the fish is less popular than its counterparts, it does not look any less spectacular. A flock of these tiny fish can decorate any aquarium. We recommend keeping them in large herbivorous aquariums.

Tetra

Tetra fish like to have plenty of live plants in the aquarium, and oxygen accordingly. The body of the fish is slightly flattened, and the predominant colors are red, black and silver.

Black Widow Tetra

This tetra is also called by the black tetra. The classic colouration is black-silver, with black vertical stripes. The fish is quite popular, so it is not difficult to find in your city.

Black Pacu

This fish stands out against the background of the other Characins their size – in the aquarium grows to 40-50 centimeters. Relates pacu to the family of piranha, so neighbours need to choose very carefully.

Photos and description of Discus

We offer you for review photos and description of aquarium fish discus. The fish are very beloved by many aquarists, and many do not recognize any other. Yes, the fish are very spectacular, which can be seen in the photo, but their maintenance requires appropriate knowledge, and even some skills.

Green Discus

Green discus is distinguished by its characteristic coloration – green and turquoise shades with black flecks. Grow these fish to a diameter of 15 centimeters in the aquarium. Very sensitive to water and its parameters, so the content of these fish should be taken very seriously.

Red Discus

The classic coloration for discus is considered a red color. The volume of the aquarium such fish needs at least 100 liters. In general, as you have already realized, this fish is not for beginners.

Pompadour Fish

These fish are distinguished by their turquoise coloration with black vertical stripes. If you start a flock of these fish in a 400-500 liter aquarium, you will conquer the beauty of the aquarium of any of your guests.

Cichlids

Below aquarium fish cichlids with photos and descriptions. Cichlids belong to the group of perches, mainly inhabiting South America. These fish can be a variety of sizes, ranging from 2 centimeters to several tens of centimeters.

Yellow Lab Cichlid

One of the most popular cichlid species. It has a lemon coloration with black trim on the fins. Fish get along well with their peers, but in the presence of several males can be tough battles. Grow to 6-7 centimeters in aquariums.

Malawi Blue Dolphin

The coloration of such a cichlid is blue. At the top of the head is noticeable protruding tubercle, as in the photo. Grows in an aquarium up to 8-10 centimeters. The fish is peaceful, so it is often recommended to keep.

Red Blood Parrot

The name speaks for itself – the fish is bright red, even orange, sometimes yellow. The fish can be large, and grow to 20 centimeters or more, so take care of the volume of your aquarium.

Convict cichlid

Not the largest of the cichlids, grows up to 10 centimeters. Fish, unlike brethren does not have a bright coloring – its classic coloring is dark with vertical black stripes.

Oscar Fish

One of the largest fish of the cichlid species, can grow up to 30 centimeters. Has a black coloration with bright orange spots. When properly maintained, they can live more than 10 years.

Pterophyllum scalare

Scalarias come in different colors and shapes, but they all share the same body shape – similar to a triangle. The aquarium is recommended a volume of 60 liters, for large individuals – from 100. Keep in the aquarium is better a small group of scalarias of similar size.

Saddle Cichlid

A popular fork is the turquoise acara. The fish is turquoise in color with bright edging. Grows in captivity up to 25 centimeters, so it is better to keep it with fish of the same size. We recommend the volume of the aquarium from 100 liters.

Cockatoo Cichlid

From the photo, you can see why the fish is called that – it looks like it is enveloped in protruding feathers from above and below. Grows to 8 centimeters, and needs a medium-sized aquarium of 50 liters.

The rest

Arawana

It should be said right away that the fish is one of the most expensive, which is why it is considered rare. Can grow up to 50 centimeters and more in an aquarium of 400-500 liters. It is an oblong silvery fish that stays mostly at the water surface.

Macrognathus

A snake-like fish that constantly stays on the bottom, hiding in snags and plants. Usually grows to 10-15 centimeters. If there are small fish in the aquarium, it can eat them all by going out at night to hunt.

Rainbowfish

The size of fish varies, but in general, they do not grow larger than 8-10 centimeters. There are also smaller species. All the fish are beautiful, and have a silvery coloration, with different shades. The fish are gregarious and live more quietly in a group.

Dwarf Puffer

A miniature version of its larger marine counterparts. It grows no more than 2 centimeters long. Unfortunately, the fish does not live well, if something does not suit it, it is very fastidious to the conditions. In the presence of small snails in the aquarium will certainly eat them all.