COMMON NAME Rosy Barb
SCIENTIFIC NAME Barbus conchonius
PH 6.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 64-72 F 18-22 C
HABITAT
Planted tank with hard plants and plenty of swimming space
COMMUNITY FISH
DESCRIPTION
Lively peaceful fish best kept in groups of 5 plus will suit most community aquariums
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
All levels of aquarium
FOOD
All dried foods frozen and live food accepted
SIZE
Mature from 2.5 to 6 inches 6-15cm
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
20 LITRE
Easy to keep good starter fish
Males large and brighter coloured than the females
COMMON NAME Odessa Bards
SCIENTIFIC NAME Barbus ticto
PH 6.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 57-72F 14-22C
HABITAT
Moderate plant around the sides and back of the tank open space to the centre for swimming
COMMUNITY FISH
DESCRIPTION
Active swimmer peaceful shoaling fish
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
All levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried foods frozen and live food accepted
SIZE
UP TO 10cm 4 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
70cm20 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
Mature males have black spots towards the edge of the dorsal fin
COMMON NAME Zebra Danio
SCIENTIFIC NAME Brachydanio rerio
PH 6.5 - 7.0
TEMPERATURE RANGE 68-77F 20-25C
HABITAT
Moderate plant around the sides and back of the tank open space to the centre for swimming
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Active swimmer peaceful shoaling fish
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Upper levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried foods frozen and live food accepted
SIZE
UP TO 6cm 2.3 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
20 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
Several varies available long finned and balloon the leopard danio is a morph of Zebra danio
COMMON NAME Platy
SCIENTIFIC NAME Xiphophorus maculatus
PH 7.0-8.2
TEMPERATURE RANGE 64-77F 18-25C
HABITAT
Planted tank with hardy plants like Vallis Sagittaria, Java Fern and Moss
COMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful good community fish
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
Males 3.5cm 1 inch females 6cm 2.5 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
Platy come in many difference colour forms and make great fish to give lots of colour to the aquarium
COMMON NAME Angelfish
SCIENTIFIC NAME Pterophyllum scalare
PH 5.8 to 7.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 75-82F 24-28C
HABITAT
Well planted tank with hardy plants around edges add stones and roots leaving an open space for swimming
COMMUNITY
Territorial the fish school when young forming pairs as they mature peaceful fish faithful to their mates and form nuclear families
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
UP TO 15cm 6 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
80 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
There are many different varieties available
COMMON NAME Molly
SCIENTIFIC NAME Peocilia schenops
PH 7.5 to 8.2
TEMPERATURE RANGE 64-82F 18-28C
HABITAT
Needs an aquarium with fast growing plant on the top and bottom with hiding places
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Very peaceful fish and good algae eaters
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Top and middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
UP TO 6cm 2.5 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
There are many different coloured varieties available fish will live in a brackish
COMMON NAME Guppy
SCIENTIFIC NAME Poecilia reticulata
PH 5.5 to 8.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 64-82F 18-28C
HABITAT
Will live happily in any aquarium
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful fish parents may chase young after spawning
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Top and middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
UP TO 6cm 2.52 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
20 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
There are many different coloured varieties available don’t keep with fighting fish both sexes of fighting fish will nip the fins of guppies
COMMON NAME Swordtails
SCIENTIFIC NAME Xiphophorus helleri
PH 7.0 to 8.3
TEMPERATURE RANGE 64-82F 18-28C
HABITAT
Well planted tank with plenty of open spaces for swimming
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful fish well suited to a community aquarium
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Top to middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
Males 10cm 4 inches Females 12cm 4.5 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
There are many different varieties available
COMMON NAME Tiger barb
SCIENTIFIC NAME Barbus tetrazona
PH 6.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 68-79F 20-26C
HABITAT
Aquarium edged with hardy plants needs lots of open space for swimming
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Lively playful schooling species with an established pecking order so active can be a nuisance to other tank mates
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
All levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
UP TO 10cm 4 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
Mature males have black spots towards the edge of the dorsal fin and females are large
COMMON NAME Siamese fighting fish
SCIENTIFIC NAME Betta splendens
PH 6.0 to 8.0
TEMPERATURE RANGE 75-86F 20-30C
HABITAT
Well planted tank on one side with a cover of floating plants
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful fish well suited to a community aquarium
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Top levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
UP TO 6-7cm 2.5-3 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
10 LITRE
Easy fish to keep but sensitive to temperature changes
There are many different types available now like crown tails Lyretails Half Moons Tri colours and many more in a variety of colours
COMMON NAME Paradise fish
SCIENTIFIC NAME Macropodus opercularis
PH 7.0 to 8.0
TEMPERATURE RANGE 61-79F 16-26C
HABITAT
Large aquarium with lots of swimming space and some places for females to hide with some hardy plants
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Young fish can be kept together adult males will battle as fiercely male fighting fish normally peaceful to other tank mates
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle to Bottom levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
UP TO 10cm 4 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
There are black and albino forms available the fish is also a jumper so keep the aquarium covered
COMMON NAME Black neon tetra
SCIENTIFIC NAME Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
PH 5.5 to 7.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 73-81F 23-27C
HABITAT
Well planted tank with plenty of open spaces for swimming
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful fish well suited to a community aquarium
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle to top levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
UP TO 4cm 1.5 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
20 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
Females have a more prominent stomach
COMMON NAME Red eye tetra
SCIENTIFIC NAME Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
PH 5.5 to 8.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 72-79F 22-26C
HABITAT
Prefers a planted tank with plenty of open spaces for swimming
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful fish well suited to a community aquarium
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
UP TO 7cm 2.5 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
20 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
Females have a more rounded stomach
COMMON NAME Glowlight tetra
SCIENTIFIC NAME Hemigrammus gracilis
PH 5.8 to 7.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 74-82F 24-28C
HABITAT
Open swimming spaces and prefers a cover of floating plants
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful fish well suited to a community aquarium schooling fish
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
UP TO 4cm 1.5 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
20 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
Females are large and stronger with a rounded ventral section
COMMON NAME Dwarf gourami
SCIENTIFIC NAME Colisa lalia
PH 6.0 to 7.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 72-82F 22-28C
HABITAT
Aquarium should be heavily planted with floating plants for cover
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
A peaceful timid species pairs generally swim together
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Top to middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
UP TO 5cm 2 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy fish to keep fish but will not tolerate poor water conditions fish is a bubble nest builder
There are many different coloured varieties available
COMMON NAME Black ruby barbs
SCIENTIFIC NAME Bardus nigrofasciatus
PH 6.0
TEMPERATURE RANGE 72-79F 22-26C
HABITAT
Well planted tank with plenty of open spaces for swimming light should be subdued with floating plants tank should have hiding places
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful fish well suited to a community aquarium
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
UP TO 6.5cm 2.5 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
Males are larger and more intensely coloured female are fatter and don’t change colour during spawning
COMMON NAME Eight banded false barb
SCIENTIFIC NAME Eirmotus octozona
PH 7.0
TEMPERATURE RANGE 75-79F 24-26C
HABITAT
Densely planted sides and background leaving an open space for swimming
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful quiet undemanding schooling fish best kept with other small peaceful fish aquarium always keep at least 6 individuals
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Bottom levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
UP TO 5cm 2 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy fish to keep
Perform regular water changes to the aquarium males slender with reddish fins
COMMON NAME Oscars
SCIENTIFIC NAME Astronotus ocellatus
PH 6.0 to 8.0
TEMPERATURE RANGE 72-77F 22-25C
HABITAT
Aquarium with plenty of open swimming space with a deep sandy bottom with a few large rocks any hardy potted plants with the roots covered with rocks floating plants make a good solution
NON COMMUNITY - LARGE COMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Generally peaceful despite their size boisterous when spawning and burrowers pairs form nuclear families
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Bottom to middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted fish are predatory and will eat smaller fish
SIZE
UP TO 33cm 12 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
250 LITRE
Fish needs large filters to cope with the mess they make and large regular water changes needed. Generally easy to keep but grow large and require large tank and tank mates.
There are several colour forms available
COMMON NAME Mexican sailfin molly
SCIENTIFIC NAME Poecilia velifera
PH 7.5 to 8.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 75-82F 20-28C
HABITAT
Prefers hard water 25 to 30 dGH with added salt 2-3 grams for each 1 or 2 litres of water needs lots of swimming space and algae
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful fish
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle to top levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Algae boiled and diced spinach lettuce live foods frozen foods and flake
SIZE
Males 10-15cm 4-6 inches Females 18cm 6.5 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy fish to keep given the correct water parameters
There are many hybrid colour forms available
COMMON NAME Silver sharks / Bala shark
SCIENTIFIC NAME Balantiocheilius melanopterus
PH 6.5 to 7.0
TEMPERATURE RANGE 75-82F 22-28C
HABITAT
Well planted tank with plenty of open spaces for swimming plant along the edge and back of the aquarium with root or wood in the centre for decoration
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful fish well suited to a community aquarium can be kept with smaller fish
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
All levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
UP TO 35cm 13 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
120 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
Fish is a jumper and easy startled
COMMON NAME Black phantom tetras
SCIENTIFIC NAME Megalamphodus megalopterus
PH 6.0 to 7.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 72-82F 22-28C
HABITAT
Aquarium with plenty of open spaces for swimming with floating plants for cover
COMMUNITY
Peaceful fish well suited to a community aquarium best kept in schools
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
UP TO 4.5cm 1.75 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
20 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
Females are beautifully coloured with red adipose pectoral and anal fins males are smoky glass grey with black fins with a larger dorsal fin
COMMON NAME Harliquin rasbora / Red rasbora
SCIENTIFIC NAME Rasbora heteromorpha
PH 6.0 to 6.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 72-77F 22-25C
HABITAT
Dark gravel dense vegetation around the edges floating plants to dim the light and decorate with bogwood and roots
COMMUNITY
Peaceful fish lively fish good for the community aquarium
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
All dried food frozen and live accepted
SIZE
UP TO 4.5cm 1.75 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
20 LITRE
Easy fish to keep good starter fish
Sexes can be distinguished by the shape of their markings the leading edge is straight in the females and slightly rounded at the bottom with the tip extended on the males male is also thinner
COMMON NAME Black ghost knife fish
SCIENTIFIC NAME Apteronotus albifrons
PH 5.8 to 7.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 73-82F 23-28C
HABITAT
Needs a dark aquarium with plenty of hiding places as the fish are generally timid. Rocks and bogwood with plenty of plants
LARGE COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
May be aggressive can be kept with large peaceful fish
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of live or frozen foods
SIZEUP TO 50cm 19.5 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
100 LITRE
Not an easy starter fish as they grow too large and very sensitive to water conditions
Very long lived fish reports of up to 16 years
COMMON NAME White cloud mountain minnows
SCIENTIFIC NAME Tanichthys albonubes
PH 5.8 to 7.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 64-72F 18-22C
HABITAT
Needs an aquarium with plenty of planting around the edges with the centre open for swimming
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful schooling fish single fish become pale and timid
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
All levels of the aquarium but prefer the top
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 4cm 1.5 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
10 LITRE
Easy undemanding starter fish
Male is thinner and more intensely coloured
COMMON NAME Silvertip tetra
SCIENTIFIC NAME Hasemaina nana
PH 5.5 to 7.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 72-82F 22-28C
HABITAT
Needs a roomy aquarium with a strong current with protective vegetation and soft lighting
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful schooling fish highly recommended for the community aquarium
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 5cm 2 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
20 LITRE
Easy undemanding starter fish
Male is thinner and more intensely coloured the tip on the anal fish is white and yellow on the females
COMMON NAME Rosy tetra
SCIENTIFIC NAME Hyphessobrycon bentosi rosaceus
PH 5.8 to 7.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 64-72F 18-22C
HABITAT
Aquarium with planted edges and open space to the centre for swimming
COMMUNITY
Peaceful schooling fish
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 4cm 1.5 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
20 LITRE
Easy undemanding starter fish
Male is has a larger dorsal fin and brighter coloured
COMMON NAME Discus
SCIENTIFIC NAME Symphysodon aequifasciatus
PH 5.8 to 6.8
TEMPERATURE RANGE 79-86F 26-30C
HABITAT
A large aquarium as tall as possible 20” lightly planted provide open areas for swimming with some large rock or bogwood for decoration
COMMUNITY WITH PEACEFULL SLOW MOVING FISH
DESCRIPTION
Territorial only during spawning otherwise a peaceful schooling species
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle to lower levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type live or frozen foods flakes sometimes accepted
SIZE
UP TO 30CM 12 INCH
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
100 LITRE
Sensitive fish require good water quality and monitoring
Both parents care for the fry and after a few days the feed on a secretion the produce on there skin there are many different colour morph available
COMMON NAME Pearl gourami
SCIENTIFIC NAME Trichopodus Leeri
PH 6.5 to 8.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 74-82F 24-28C
HABITAT
Aquarium covered with floating ferns for hiding places
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful species though males may fight occasionally
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Top to middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 12cm 4 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
80 LITRE
Easy undemanding starter fish
Males are more red in colour and have pointed dorsal and anal fins the hardest of all labyrinth fish and can live for up to eight years
COMMON NAME Lemon tetra
SCIENTIFIC NAME Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
PH 5.5 to 8.0
TEMPERATURE RANGE 73-82F 23-28C
HABITAT
Aquarium with edged with dense vegetation and open space to the centre for swimming with subdued lighting
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful schooling fish
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle to top levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 4.5cm 1.5 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy undemanding starter fish requires frequent water changes and soft water
Male is has a black edge to the anal fin there best colour luminous yellow comes with the proper food like tetra pro colour
COMMON NAME Plecostomus
SCIENTIFIC NAME Hypostomus punctatus
PH 5.0 to 8.0
TEMPERATURE RANGE 72-82F 22-28C
HABITAT
Nocturnal species needs a large tank with moderate planting and rock and bogwood for hiding
COMMUNITY
Peaceful harmless loner well suited to the community aquarium
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Bottom levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Algae softened spinach and lettuce and any type of dried tablet food
SIZE
UP TO 30cm 12 inches can grow larger UP TO 60cm 24 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
80 LITRE
Easy undemanding starter fish can grow very large
The fish are burrowers so keep plants in pots there are also several colour morphs available
COMMON NAME Pristella tetra / X ray fish
SCIENTIFIC NAME Pristella maxillaris
PH 6.0 to 8.0
TEMPERATURE RANGE 74-82F 24-28C
HABITAT
Undemanding species does best in soft water subdued light will enhance the colours the fish is also found in brackish water
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful fish recommended for a community tank
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 4.5cm 1.75 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy undemanding starter fish
The species will not achieve maximum colour in hard water or brightly lighted tanks
COMMON NAME Head and tail light tetra
SCIENTIFIC NAME Hemigrammus ocellifer
PH 5.8 to 7.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 72-82F 22-28C
HABITAT
Aquarium with planted edges and open space to the centre for swimming
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful schooling fish
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 4.5cm 2 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy undemanding starter fish
There are 2 know sub species of this fish 1 Hemigrammus ocellifer false and (possibly H. mattei ) and 2 Hemmigrammus ocellifer ocellifer
COMMON NAME Sterba’s cory
SCIENTIFIC NAME Corrydoras sterbai
PH 5.8 to 7.2
TEMPERATURE RANGE 70-77F 21-25C
HABITAT
Aquarium moderately planted and plenty of free swimming space with soft dark bottom
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful fish best kept in a small school
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Bottom levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried tablet foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 8cm 3 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
20 LITRE
Easy undemanding starter fish
Males somewhat more slender than the stouter females
COMMON NAME Fairy cichlids / lyretail lamprologus
SCIENTIFIC NAME Neolamprologus brichardi
PH 7.5 to 8.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 72-77F 22-25C
HABITAT
Aquarium with rock formations and many caves as hiding places plants are not necessary
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful schooling species when not spawning species pairs during spawning forms a nuclear family and provide only cursory care for fry
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle to bottom levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 10cm 4 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
60 LITRE
Easy undemanding starter fish
Males have slightly longer dorsal and caudal fin tips the females dorsal is blunt the parents leave older fry to fend for themselves if they spawn again fish of several ages can be found in the tank older fry defend younger siblings
COMMON NAME Emerald dwarf rasbora / cross banded dwarf rasbora
SCIENTIFIC NAME Microrasbora erythromicron
PH 7.0
TEMPERATURE RANGE 70-77F 21-25C
HABITAT
Aquarium with dense edge and background vegetation to help overcome shyness use sand as substrate and some roots / bogwood for decoration and leave lot of open space for swimming
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Very peaceful lively schooling fish best kept in small groups
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle to bottom levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and small live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 3cm 1 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
20 LITRE
Very sensitive to water conditions if the water is too soft the fish become susceptible to disease
Males are more intensely coloured and thinner females are pale and more convex
COMMON NAME Red jewel cichlids / Lifalili cichlid
SCIENTIFIC NAME Hemichromis lifalili
PH 7.0
TEMPERATURE RANGE 72-75F 22-24C
HABITAT
Needs a well planted aquarium with hardy plants like Vallis and Saggittaria and a few large rocks
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Territorial and peaceful except during spawn then the species is aggressive and intolerant
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Bottom levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 10cm 4 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
100 LITRE
Easy undemanding providing water is kept around neutral
Sexually inactive males are coloured similar females though they have a brighter orange-red hue on the sides of their stomach males in spawning colours a dark red
COMMON NAME bristlenose catfish
SCIENTIFIC NAME Ancistrus sp.
PH 5.8 to 7.8
TEMPERATURE RANGE 73-81F 23-27C
HABITAT
Prefers a large tank with clean oxygen rich water and lots for large roots or bogwood for hiding places during daylight hours
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful species recommended for large community tanks
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Bottom levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Mainly algae any type of algae tablets and lettuce and spinach soaked for 3 to 4 days
SIZE
13cm 4.5 inches can grow larger
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy undemanding starter fish
Males have lots of antler type bumps on it forehead females have a row of short thin bristles
COMMON NAME Neon tetra
SCIENTIFIC NAME Paracheriodon innesi
PH 5.8 to 8.0
TEMPERATURE RANGE 68-79F 20-26C
HABITAT
Aquarium with subdued lighting ph 7.0 is ideal dark gravel bottom with moderate vegetation and regular water changes
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful schooling fish
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle to bottom levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 4cm 1.5 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
20 LITRE
Easy undemanding starter fish
Neons can live up to ten years
COMMON NAME Silver Dollar
SCIENTIFIC NAME Metynnis argenteus
PH 5.0 to 7.0
TEMPERATURE RANGE 75-82F 24-28C
HABITAT
Aquarium should be shallow and roomy with hiding places among decoration use rock of bogwood and dark coloured gravel plastic plants can be used
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
Peaceful schooling species
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods love fresh vegetation lettuce spinach and duckweed
SIZE
UP TO 30cm 12 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
100 LITRE
Easy starter fish but grow very large
The anal fin of the male is longer and has a reddish tinge to the front
COMMON NAME Coolie loach
SCIENTIFIC NAME Pangio kuhlii
PH 6.0- 7.5 ( ph 6.0 is preferred )
TEMPERATURE RANGE 75-86F 23-27C
HABITAT
Aquarium should have a soft bottomed tank of sand or fine gravel prefers plenty of vegetation and hiding room between rocks and bogwood subdued light recommended floating plants is the best method
COMMUNITY
A quiet peaceful loner species the fish feeds at night and become active around dusk great for a community tank
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Bottom levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 12cm 4 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy starter fish
There are two sub species which only differ in colour
COMMON NAME Clown loach
SCIENTIFIC NAME Botia macracanthus
PH 6.0- 6.5 ( will tolerate a higher ph )
TEMPERATURE RANGE 75-86F 23-27C
HABITAT
Aquarium should have a soft bottomed tank of sand or fine gravel prefers plenty of vegetation and hiding room between rocks and bog wood subdued light recommended floating plants is the best method
COMMUNITY
DESCRIPTION
A quiet peaceful loner species the fish feeds at night and become active around dusk great for a community tank
TOP - MIDDLE - BOTTOM
Bottom levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 12cm 4 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
80 LITRE
Easy starter fish
There are two sub species which only differ in colour
Good at eating snails
COMMON NAME Rummy Nose Tetra
SCIENTIFIC NAME Hemmigrammus Bleheri
PH 6.0- 6.5 ( will tolerate a higher ph )
TEMPERATURE RANGE 73-79F 23-26C
HABITAT
Peaceful schooling species
COMMUNITY
A quiet peaceful fish happy to live with other similar fish
TOP MIDDLE BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 4.5cm 2.25 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy starter fish with frequent water changes
COMMON NAME Gold Nugget Plec
SCIENTIFIC NAME Baryancistrus Sp
PH 6.5- 7.2 ( will tolerate a higher ph )
TEMPERATURE RANGE 71-77F 22-25C
HABITAT
Aquarium should have a soft bottomed tank of sand or fine gravel prefers plenty of vegetation and hiding room between rocks and bog wood subdued light recommended floating plants is the best method
COMMUNITY
A quiet peaceful loner species the fish feeds at night and become active around dusk great for a community tank
TOP MIDDLE BOTTOM
Bottom levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods algae eater
SIZE
UP TO 18-25cm 7-10 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
80 LITRE
Easy starter fish
COMMON NAME Torpedo Barb
SCIENTIFIC NAME Sahyadria Denisonii
PH 6.8- 7.8
TEMPERATURE RANGE 65-79F 18-26C
HABITAT
Peaceful schooling species
COMMUNITY
A peaceful schooling fish best kept in groups can be aggressive around food
TOP MIDDLE BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 9-11cm 3.5-4.3 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
80 LITRE
Easy starter fish
COMMON NAME Otocinclus
SCIENTIFIC NAME Otocinclus Affinis
PH 5.0- 7.5 ( will tolerate a higher ph )
TEMPERATURE RANGE 68-79F 20-26C
HABITAT
Aquarium should have a soft bottomed tank of sand or fine gravel dense vegetation and hiding room between rocks and bogwood subdued light recommended floating plants is the best method clear water with good filtration
COMMUNITY
A quiet peaceful fish great for community tanks don't combine with more active Cichlids
TOP MIDDLE BOTTOM
Bottom to middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Algae eater will tank dried foods and frozen
SIZE
UP TO 4cm 1.5 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
20 LITRE
Easy starter fish
Excellent Algae eaters
COMMON NAME Green Barb / Half Striped Barb / Golden Barb ( Yellow Morph )
SCIENTIFIC NAME Barbus Semifasciolatus
PH 6.0-6.5 ( will tolerate a higher ph )
TEMPERATURE RANGE 64-75F 18-24C
HABITAT
Aquarium should have a fine gravel well planted with room to swim in the centre
COMMUNITY
A peaceful lively schooling fish
TOP MIDDLE BOTTOM
Bottom to middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods and vegetable foods
SIZE
UP TO 12cm 4 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy starter fish
The yellow morph is called the Golden Barb and is commonly identified as “Barbrus Schuberti”
COMMON NAME Kissing Gourami
SCIENTIFIC NAME Helostoma Temminckii
PH 6.8- 8.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 72-82F 22-28C
HABITAT
Needs a roomy tank with stones and java fern and maybe java moss use large grave on the bottom to stop dig don't use plastic plants as virtually all vegetation is regarded as food don't clean the back of the tank the fish will browse the algae growing there
COMMUNITY
A tolerant species though males will sometimes fight but pressing there lips together
TOP MIDDLE BOTTOM
middle to top levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Vegetable and dried foods and live or frozen foods and smaller tank mates
SIZE
UP TO 15-30cm 6-12 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
80 LITRE
Easy starter fish
The fish filter plankton through their gills for added nourishment
COMMON NAME Bolivian Rams
SCIENTIFIC NAME Microgeophagus Altispinosa
PH 6.0- 6.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 72-79F 22-26C
HABITAT
Aquarium should be dense planting in groups open area for swimming and some caves for hiding
COMMUNITY
A quiet peaceful species forms pairs nuclear family both parents care for the brood
TOP MIDDLE BOTTOM
Middle to Bottom levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZEUP TO 8cm 3 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy starter fish
sexual differences only discernible when fully grown
COMMON NAME Black Widow Tetra
SCIENTIFIC NAME Gymnocorymbus Ternetzi
PH 5.8- 8.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 68-79F 20-26C
HABITAT
Aquarium should have a grayish gravel bottom with a few tall plants
COMMUNITY
A quiet peaceful schooling fish ideal for the community tank
TOP MIDDLE BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 5.5cm 2.25 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy starter fish
A long finned variety introduced
COMMON NAME Ornate Tetra / Bentos Tetra
SCIENTIFIC NAME Hyphessobrycon Bentosi
PH 5.8- 7.5
TEMPERATURE RANGE 75-82F 24-28C
HABITAT
Aquarium should be well planted around the edges with a dark substrate plenty of swimming space
COMMUNITY
A quiet peaceful community fish
TOP MIDDLE BOTTOM
Middle levels of the aquarium
FOOD
Any type of dried foods and live or frozen foods
SIZE
UP TO 4cm 1.5 inches
SMALLEST ADVISABLE TANK
40 LITRE
Easy starter fish
Male has an extended pointed tail fin
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