Ram cichlidMikrogeophagus ramirezi
- 25–29°C
- pH 5–7
- 70 L+
Bristlenose plecoAncistrus cirrhosus
- 23–27°C
- pH 6–7.5
- 80 L+
OtocinclusOtocinclus vittatus
- 22–27°C
- pH 6–7.5
- 50 L+
Cherry shrimpNeocaridina davidi
- 18–26°C
- pH 6.5–8
- 20 L+
Chili rasboraBoraras brigittae
- 24–28°C
- pH 5.5–7
- 30 L+
Honey gouramiTrichogaster chuna
- 22–28°C
- pH 6–7.5
- 50 L+
Cockatoo cichlidApistogramma cacatuoides
- 24–28°C
- pH 6–7.5
- 60 L+
Amano shrimpCaridina multidentata
- 15-28 C published range
- pH 6.0-8.0
- 40 L or more for a small group; editorial starting plan
Dwarf gouramiTrichogaster lalius
- 22-27 C
- pH 6.0-7.5
- 60 L or more; at least 60 x 30 cm base for one
Sparkling gouramiTrichopsis pumila
- 24–28°C
- pH 6–7.5
- 30 L+
Celestial pearl danioDanio margaritatus
- 20–24°C
- pH 6.5–7.5
- 30 L+
Lambchop rasboraTrigonostigma espei
- 23–28°C
- pH 5.5–7
- 50 L+
Crystal red shrimpCaridina cantonensis
- 20–24°C
- pH 5.8–6.8
- 20 L+
Threadfin rainbowfishIriatherina werneri
- 24–28°C
- pH 6–7.5
- 50 L+
Clown plecoPanaqolus maccus
- 23–28°C
- pH 6.5–7.5
- 80 L+
Ramshorn snailPlanorbella duryi
- 18–28°C
- pH 6.5–8
- 20 L+
Dwarf chain loachAmbastaia sidthimunki
- 24–28°C
- pH 6–7.5
- 60 L+
Chocolate gouramiSphaerichthys osphromenoides
- 24–28°C
- pH 4.5–6.5
- 60 L+
Gardneri killifishFundulopanchax gardneri
- 22–26°C
- pH 6–7.5
- 50 L+
Marbled hatchetfishCarnegiella strigata
- 24–28°C
- pH 5.5–7
- 60 L+
Dwarf pufferCarinotetraodon travancoricus
- 24–28°C
- pH 6.5–7.5
- 40 L+
Blue dream shrimpNeocaridina davidi
- 18–26°C
- pH 6.5–8
- 20 L+
Peacock gudgeonTateurndina ocellicauda
- 22–26°C
- pH 6.5–7.5
- 50 L+
Choosing
How to pick from this list
- Start with your water. Test pH and hardness, then keep species that already suit it rather than adjusting the water.
- Plan for adult size. A fish that is small in the shop may grow large. Check the minimum tank on each profile.
- Buy the group, not the single. Most of these species are shoalers and settle best in the numbers shown.
Beginner-friendlyHardy species that tolerate a newcomer’s early mistakes.11 speciesCommunity tankPeaceful fish that mix well in a general aquarium.60 speciesNano tankSmall fish and inverts for tanks under about 40 litres.21 speciesBottom dwellersCatfish and loaches that work the substrate.18 species
FAQ
Common questions
How many of these can I keep together?
It depends on tank size, filtration and the species’ group size. Use the tank volume and stocking calculators, and add fish gradually.
Do these species need a heater?
Most listed here are tropical and need a heater. Cool-water species are marked, and suit unheated tanks in a warm room.
Can I mix species from this collection?
Often yes, if they share water and temperature needs and neither is aggressive. Check each profile’s tank-mate notes first.