Flora & Fauna
673 entries — care guides, placement tips, and notes from the community
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Ember tetras are tiny, fiery orange fish ideal for nano planted tanks. They occupy the midwater and are completely peaceful, making them safe with shrimp and other small species. Their brilliant colour intensifies under warm lighting and dark substrate.
Emerald Betta
Betta smaragdina
The Emerald Betta is a wild Betta splendens-group species from northeast Thailand and Laos, known for spectacular iridescent emerald-green scale edging that creates a metallic mesh pattern across a dark base. Males are large and aggressive, similar in temperament to B. splendens. A hardy species once established, it thrives in slow-moving, heavily planted tanks with blackwater-type water chemistry.
Emerald Corydoras
Brochis splendens
The emerald corydoras (now classified as Brochis splendens) is larger than most corydoras and sports a stunning metallic green body. It is a peaceful schooling fish that prefers groups and thrives in heavily planted tanks with soft substrate.
Emerald Eye Rasbora
Brevibora dorsiocellata
The emerald eye rasbora has a vivid electric-green eye and a subtle iridescent body. It is a small, peaceful schooling fish that adds movement to the upper-midwater of planted tanks. Undemanding and compatible with most community species.
Emperor Angelfish
Pomacanthus imperator
Majestic large angelfish with electric blue-and-yellow horizontal stripes. Juveniles are black with white rings. Not reef-safe. Requires expert care and very large tanks.
Empire Gudgeon
Hypseleotris compressa
Small gudgeon with striking red-orange fins and a blue-green iridescent body. Comes from cool-water streams so prefers lower temperatures. Can be kept in a subtropicaltank.
Endler Guppy
Poecilia wingei × Poecilia reticulata
Endler's Livebearer
Poecilia wingei
Endler's livebearers are related to guppies but smaller and with more intense, contrasting colouration. Males display striking neon patterns and are constantly active. They breed readily in captivity and make an excellent choice for nano planted tanks.
Exclamation Point Rasbora
Boraras urophthalmoides
Named for the dot-dash pattern on its flanks, the exclamation point rasbora is a tiny, stunning micro-fish suited to nano planted tanks. It is best kept in large groups with other micro fish or shrimp and requires pristine, soft water.
False Julii Corydoras
Corydoras trilineatus
Commonly sold as julii corydoras, C. trilineatus has spots that merge into broken lines along the body. It is extremely popular in the hobby due to its attractive pattern and ease of care. Active during the day and peaceful with all tankmates.
False Rummy Nose Tetra
Petitella georgiae
Nearly identical to the true rummy nose but slightly less demanding. Red nose, silver body, and black-and-white striped tail. Schooling fish that looks spectacular in groups of 12+.
Fancy Goldfish
Carassius auratus (fancy varieties)
Fancy goldfish encompass egg-shaped body varieties including Orandas, Ryukins, Telescopes, and Ranchus. Their rounded bodies and ornate finnage are the result of centuries of selective breeding. They are slower than single-tailed goldfish and should not be mixed with them.
Figure Eight Puffer
Dichotomyctere ocellatus
Small, characterful puffer with a figure-eight pattern on its back. Prefers slightly brackish water. Personality-packed fish that recognises its keeper. Will eat snails and hard-shelled foods.
Firefish Goby
Nemateleotris magnifica
Elegant dartfish with a fiery orange-red tail and white-to-yellow body. Shy but beautiful. Tends to jump so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
The firemouth cichlid is named for the vivid red-orange colouration on the throat and belly. It is a moderately aggressive Central American cichlid that pairs for breeding and defends territories. A stunning fish when in breeding colour.
Flagtail Corydoras
Corydoras robineae
The flagtail corydoras is one of the most striking species in the genus, with a spectacular tiger-striped caudal fin that resembles a waving flag. The body is pale with a single dark stripe through the eye. A prized species among corydoras enthusiasts, it prefers soft, acidic blackwater conditions matching its Rio Negro origin.
Flame Angelfish
Centropyge loricula
Vivid red-orange dwarf angelfish with black vertical bars. One of the most popular dwarf angels. May nip at corals; monitor in reef tanks.
Flame Hawkfish
Neocirrhites armatus
Vivid red with black dorsal markings and outline — perches atop gorgonians and Acropora waiting to ambush prey. Completely reef-safe with corals but will eat small shrimp. Charismatic and bold.
Florida Flagfish
Jordanella floridae
Stunning killifish native to Florida whose flanks mimic the American flag. Hardy algae-eater that tolerates cool water. Great for subtropical and unheated tanks.
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Hybrid cichlid
Distinctive man-made hybrid cichlid with a prominent nuchal hump (kok). Extremely hardy but highly aggressive — must be kept alone. Develops a strong bond with its keeper.
Forest Betta
Betta pugnax
The Penang Betta or Forest Betta is a paternal mouthbrooder from clearwater forest streams in Peninsular Malaysia. It is one of the earliest Betta species to be scientifically described and has been kept by hobbyists for over a century. Males display brown-grey bodies with metallic green scale edging and elongated ventral fins. Less showy than newer cultivars, it is valued by wild betta enthusiasts for its natural behaviour and interesting breeding process.
Forktail Rainbowfish
Pseudomugil furcatus
Beautiful nano rainbowfish with a distinctive forked tail with yellow-and-black markings. Males display intensely to each other. Perfect for planted nano tanks.
Foxface Rabbitfish
Siganus vulpinus
Bold yellow body with intricate brown-and-white facial patterning. Has venomous spines so handle carefully. Outstanding algae and nuisance weed grazer.
Frontosa Cichlid
Cyphotilapia frontosa
The frontosa is a majestic Lake Tanganyika cichlid with a distinctive nuchal hump and striking black-and-white vertical banding. It is a slow-moving predator that is surprisingly peaceful for its size in large colonies. A showpiece fish for large Tanganyika setups.
Furcata Rainbowfish
Pseudomugil furcatus
Furcata rainbowfish are small, jewel-like fish with males sporting vivid yellow fins edged in black. They are highly active swimmers and look spectacular in planted nano tanks with dense vegetation. They need very small foods and calm tankmates.
Galaxy Koi Betta
Betta splendens 'Galaxy Koi'
Galaxy Koi Bettas are among the most visually complex cultivars, displaying a mosaic of multi-coloured patches — white, orange, black, and metallic blue or green — resembling the marbled pattern of koi fish. The galaxy pattern refers to an additional iridescent metallic sheen overlaid on the koi marbling. Each fish is unique; no two Galaxy Koi Bettas look exactly the same.
Gardneri Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri
One of the most popular and colourful killifish. Males display vivid blue-green with red spots. Hardy and readily available. Perfect introduction to the killifish hobby.
German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
The German blue ram is a strikingly coloured dwarf cichlid demanding pristine water quality and warm, soft, acidic conditions. It forms monogamous pairs and will defend a small territory during breeding. Sensitive to poor water quality and temperature fluctuations, making regular water changes critical.
Giant Betta
Betta splendens 'Giant'
The Giant Betta is a selectively bred line of Betta splendens that can reach 12–14 cm in length — roughly twice the size of standard bettas. Despite their size, they require the same care as regular bettas but demand more space and food. The giant gene is recessive and was developed in Thailand through multi-generation line breeding.
Giant Danio
Devario aequipinnatus
The giant danio lives up to its name among danios, reaching up to 10 cm. It is a fast, active schooling fish with vivid blue-yellow horizontal stripes. Peaceful with most community fish but may outcompete slow or small tankmates for food.
Giant Gourami
Osphronemus goramy
The largest labyrinth fish, reaching 24 inches. Despite its size, generally peaceful and even shy. Develops a real personality — will hand-feed and recognise its owner. A long-term commitment.
Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
Completely transparent body reveals the skeleton and internal organs. Must be kept in schools of 6+, otherwise becomes stressed and stops eating. Stunning in a well-planted tank.
GloFish Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
GloFish Betta
Betta splendens
GloFish Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
GloFish Danio
Danio rerio