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Shoal & Stem

Flora & Fauna

673 entries — care guides, placement tips, and notes from the community

fish
easy

Ember Tetra

Hyphessobrycon amandae

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
intermediate

Emerald Betta

Betta smaragdina

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
easy

Emerald Corydoras

Brochis splendens

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
easy

Emerald Eye Rasbora

Brevibora dorsiocellata

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
hard

Emperor Angelfish

Pomacanthus imperator

fishsaltwater

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.

fish
easy

Empire Gudgeon

Hypseleotris compressa

fishfreshwater

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.

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Endler Guppy

Poecilia wingei × Poecilia reticulata

fishfreshwater
fish
easy

Endler's Livebearer

Poecilia wingei

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
medium

Exclamation Point Rasbora

Boraras urophthalmoides

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
easy

False Julii Corydoras

Corydoras trilineatus

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
easy

False Rummy Nose Tetra

Petitella georgiae

fishfreshwater

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+.

fish
medium

Fancy Goldfish

Carassius auratus (fancy varieties)

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
medium

Figure Eight Puffer

Dichotomyctere ocellatus

fishbrackish

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.

fish
easy

Firefish Goby

Nemateleotris magnifica

fishsaltwater

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.

fish
medium

Firemouth Cichlid

Thorichthys meeki

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
moderate

Flagtail Corydoras

Corydoras robineae

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
medium

Flame Angelfish

Centropyge loricula

fishsaltwater

Vivid red-orange dwarf angelfish with black vertical bars. One of the most popular dwarf angels. May nip at corals; monitor in reef tanks.

fish
easy

Flame Hawkfish

Neocirrhites armatus

fishsaltwater

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.

fish
easy

Florida Flagfish

Jordanella floridae

fishfreshwater

Stunning killifish native to Florida whose flanks mimic the American flag. Hardy algae-eater that tolerates cool water. Great for subtropical and unheated tanks.

fish
easy

Flowerhorn Cichlid

Hybrid cichlid

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
intermediate

Forest Betta

Betta pugnax

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
easy

Forktail Rainbowfish

Pseudomugil furcatus

fishfreshwater

Beautiful nano rainbowfish with a distinctive forked tail with yellow-and-black markings. Males display intensely to each other. Perfect for planted nano tanks.

fish
easy

Foxface Rabbitfish

Siganus vulpinus

fishsaltwater

Bold yellow body with intricate brown-and-white facial patterning. Has venomous spines so handle carefully. Outstanding algae and nuisance weed grazer.

fish
medium

Frontosa Cichlid

Cyphotilapia frontosa

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
medium

Furcata Rainbowfish

Pseudomugil furcatus

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
easy

Galaxy Koi Betta

Betta splendens 'Galaxy Koi'

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
easy

Gardneri Killifish

Fundulopanchax gardneri

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
hard

German Blue Ram

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
intermediate

Giant Betta

Betta splendens 'Giant'

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
easy

Giant Danio

Devario aequipinnatus

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
easy

Giant Gourami

Osphronemus goramy

fishfreshwater

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.

fish
medium

Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus

fishfreshwater

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.

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GloFish Barb

Puntigrus tetrazona

fishfreshwater
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GloFish Betta

Betta splendens

fishfreshwater
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GloFish Corydoras

Corydoras aeneus

fishfreshwater
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GloFish Danio

Danio rerio

fishfreshwater