Aquatic Species

Encyclopedia of freshwater, tropical, and saltwater fish species — learn about water quality requirements, tank mate compatibility, and breeding techniques.

Calico Long-tailed Comet Goldfish

Calico Long-tailed Comet Goldfish

Aquatic Species

The Calico Long-tailed Comet Goldfish is a variety of goldfish belonging to the comet (grass) type. It shares the habits of goldfish, but its distinctive shape and coloration are loved by aquarists.

Aquatic Species
Mandarin Dragonet

Mandarin Dragonet

Aquatic Species

Although called a 'frog', the Mandarin Dragonet is a fish, not a pond frog, and is distributed around the Indian Ocean and between the East China Sea and northern Australia. Its best-known name is Mandarinfish, where 'Mandarin' refers to a Qing-dynasty official, because its proud look recalls Chinese emperors.

Aquatic Species
Lyretail Killifish

Lyretail Killifish

Aquatic Species

Also called the Australian Lyretail, this small fish native to West Africa is loved by aquarists for its tail shaped like an ancient harp. Its body color is gorgeous, with rainbow hues all over.

Aquatic Species
Whitecheek Tang

Whitecheek Tang

Aquatic Species

Also called the Clown Tang or Gold-rim Tang, the Whitecheek Tang has a purple-blue body and a blue tail with yellow stripes, making it very attractive. Its care is moderately difficult and not for beginners; a tank of at least 300 liters is required.

Aquatic Species
Celestial Eye Goldfish

Celestial Eye Goldfish

Aquatic Species

The Celestial Eye Goldfish is a variety of goldfish whose name reflects its most obvious trait: when viewed from above, you can clearly see its upturned eyes. Newly hatched fry actually have normal eyes; the change begins only about one to two months after hatching.

Aquatic Species
Head and Tail Light Tetra

Head and Tail Light Tetra

Aquatic Species

Also known as the Lantern Fish, Head-lamp Fish, or Signal Fish, the Head and Tail Light Tetra is small but very distinctive; under lighting, the golden-yellow spots near its eyes and tail reflect golden and red colors, which is quite beautiful.

Aquatic Species
Maroon Clownfish

Maroon Clownfish

Aquatic Species

The Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus), also called the Spine-cheek Clownfish, is a common clownfish native to coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Adults reach 10 to 15 cm and are marked by three silvery-white bands across the body. In the wild it forms a close, mutually dependent symbiosis with sea anemones.

Aquatic Species
Copperband Butterflyfish

Copperband Butterflyfish

Aquatic Species

Also called the Three-banded Rocket or Short Rocket, the Copperband Butterflyfish is mainly distributed in the Philippines, Singapore, and the South China Sea. Its gentle nature and long, slim snout make it very popular among aquarists.

Aquatic Species
Iron-wrapped Gold Wen Pompon

Iron-wrapped Gold Wen Pompon

Aquatic Species

The Iron-wrapped Gold Wen Pompon is a variety of goldfish and shares the same habits as goldfish. Its coloration arises from a mutation during the color change of the blue-black Wen Pompon, so the color is very hard to stabilize.

Aquatic Species
Thompson’s Surgeonfish

Thompson’s Surgeonfish

Aquatic Species

Juvenile Thompson's Surgeonfish are blue-gray, and adults develop a white tail, but in both stages the species' most distinctive feature is a black spot on the back near the rear of the dorsal fin. Captive care requires a tank of at least 450 liters to give this active swimmer enough room.

Aquatic Species
Siamese Tiger Fish

Siamese Tiger Fish

Aquatic Species

In its native Thailand, the Siamese Tiger Fish is a food fish and a rather prized one. Thanks to its distinctive shape and striking pattern, it has become a very popular ornamental fish in recent years. Most specimens seen in the domestic aquarium market reach China via Singapore from Thailand.

Aquatic Species
Foureye Butterflyfish

Foureye Butterflyfish

Aquatic Species

Also known as the Four-spotted Butterflyfish, the Foureye Butterflyfish is mainly distributed in the western Atlantic. Its appearance is highly distinctive, as seen in photos of the species. In the wild it inhabits shallow coral reef areas and usually lives alone or in pairs.

Aquatic Species

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