Freshwater · Beginner
Betta
Betta splendens
Bettas are labyrinth fish that breathe from the surface, but they still need a heated, filtered aquarium, not a vase. A 5-gallon tank is a minimum for a single male.
Min. tank: 5 gal
Care notes →Fish directory
Profiles with adult tank sizes, temperament, and FAQs. Filter by water type or difficulty.
Showing 7 species · Freshwater
Freshwater · Beginner
Neon tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Neon tetras are small Amazonian schoolers that look their best in a planted 10-gallon (or larger) tank with a proper group, dimmer light, and stable, clean water.
Min. tank: 10 gal
Care notes →
Freshwater · Beginner
Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
Guppies are colorful, active livebearers for a heated 10-gallon (or larger) community, with one caveat: mixed sexes will produce fry, often lots of them.
Min. tank: 10 gal
Care notes →
Freshwater · Intermediate
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Goldfish are coldwater carp, not bowl ornaments. Fancy strains need tens of gallons and strong filtration; single-tail commons belong in very large tanks or ponds.
Min. tank: 30 gal
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Freshwater · Intermediate
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Freshwater angelfish are tall Amazonian cichlids. They need height more than a long, low tank. About 30 gallons and 18+ inches of height for a pair is an indoor start.
Min. tank: 30 gal
Care notes →
Freshwater · Beginner
Peppered cory
Corydoras paleatus
Peppered corydoras are social, sandy-bottom catfish. Keep a group of six or more in a 20-gallon tank with sand, not gravel that can nick their barbels.
Min. tank: 20 gal
Care notes →
Freshwater · Advanced
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Oscars are large, messy cichlids for dedicated tanks. One adult needs about 75 gallons as a minimum, powerful filtration, and an owner ready for digging, waste, and a long-lived pet.
Min. tank: 75 gal
Care notes →