| Tropical Fish | Rasbora & Barbs |
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Hi-Fin Barb
$1.80
Approx. 0.5″
Best kept in a well-decorated set-up with aquatic vegetation and woody structures. The addition of some floating plants to diffuse the light entering the aquarium also seems to be appreciated and the addition of dried leaf litter can add a natural feel. Filtration, or at least water flow, should be relatively gentle, and use a soft substrate if possible since Oreichthys species have miniscule sensory bristles on the lower jaw which are used when foraging.
Unsuitable for most community aquaria as it may be intimidated or outcompeted for food by larger or more boisterous tankmates. Small, peaceful cyprinids such as Trigonostigma or Boraras species make good choices and we suspect it will also do ok with many South American characins, Otocinclus or pygmy Corydoras catfishes. Potential additions from the Ganges basin include Badis badis, Pangio pangia, and Colisa chuna.
Although gregarious by nature it’s a shoaling rather than schooling fish which develops a distinct pecking order and rival males will exhibit some interesting sparring behaviour in captivity. It’s best maintained in a group of 8 or more but the tank must be decorated in such a way that many broken lines of sight are provided. If kept singly, in a very small group or in cramped conditions it can become withdrawn and subdominant fish may be bullied incessantly.
Will accept dried foods of a suitable size but should not be fed these exclusively. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia, and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.
Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 90 – 268 ppm
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Neon Tetra
Size : 1" - 1.2"
Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) are native to the clear water streams of South America. They have an iridescent blue body with bright red tails and when kept in schools of eight or more, create a startling splash of color to any aquarium.
Neon Tetras prefer a setting similar to their natural habitat. A densely planted aquarium that has a few rocks, some driftwood
nestled between the plants, some floating plants and plenty of low light areas for the fish to hide in, will keep your Neons healthy and happy.
Neon Tetras have a tendency to swim or remain suspended in the water column in large schools. This trait creates a breathtakingly colorful display in any aquarium.
Neons are peaceful little fish and should be housed with other similar South American tetras of the same size. They belong to the family “Characidae” and thrive in slightly acidic (pH 5.0 to 7.0) water.
Neon Tetras will eagerly accept many small foods such as live brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, tubifexworms, bloodworms, freeze-dried products, micro pellets, and high quality flake foods. Vary their diet to keep them healthy and happy.
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 68-77° F, KH 4-8, pH 5.0-7.0
Max. Size: 2″
Color: Iridescent Blue, Red
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Peaceful
Origin: South America, the Paraguay River basin; Rio Taquari, Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, and Brazil
Family: Characidae
Lifespan: 5 – 10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner
nestled between the plants, some floating plants and plenty of low light areas for the fish to hide in, will keep your Neons healthy and happy.
Neon Tetras have a tendency to swim or remain suspended in the water column in large schools. This trait creates a breathtakingly colorful display in any aquarium.
Neons are peaceful little fish and should be housed with other similar South American tetras of the same size. They belong to the family “Characidae” and thrive in slightly acidic (pH 5.0 to 7.0) water.
Neon Tetras will eagerly accept many small foods such as live brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, tubifexworms, bloodworms, freeze-dried products, micro pellets, and high quality flake foods. Vary their diet to keep them healthy and happy.
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 68-77° F, KH 4-8, pH 5.0-7.0
Max. Size: 2″
Color: Iridescent Blue, Red
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Peaceful
Origin: South America, the Paraguay River basin; Rio Taquari, Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, and Brazil
Family: Characidae
Lifespan: 5 – 10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner 
Archerfish
Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy
Water Conditions: 77-86 °F°, 20 – 30°H, pH 7.0-8.0
Max. Size: 16″
Color Form: Black, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Freshwater or multiple species brackish water tank
Origin: Indo Pacific
Family: Toxotidae
Life Span: 10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Advanced
Botia Dario
Approx. 2.5"
The body of the Dario Botia Loach is tan and black in color, and like other Botia loaches can be identified by their four pairs of barbels protruding from the mouth area. The entire body and fins of this Loach is barred with alternating stripes of both tan and black, which gives the fish its unique look.
The Dario Botia Loach is an active, semi-aggressive, social, bottom dwelling scavenger that enjoys the company of its own species and other semi-aggressive fish. Like some other Loaches, they frequently school with others of their own species, size, and age and in the aquarium should be kept in groups of 4 to 8 fish.
Dario Botia Loaches are inquisitive and seem to enjoy exploring their surroundings. They are shy of bright light, prefer low light conditions and love to hide in caves, holes in banks, plants,driftwood, nooks, and tight crannies, especially when they sleep. They are reclusive during the day and become most active towards dusk.
In the aquarium, be sure to provide Dario Botias with plenty of cover in the form of rocks, wood, flower pots and aquarium ornaments. Natural style arrangements should include a substrate of sand or fine gravel, plenty of smooth water worn rocks, smooth pebbles, and driftwoodroots or branches.
Dario Botia Loaches will squeeze themselves into any tiny gaps or crevices they can find, so items with sharp edges should not be placed in the tank. Any gaps or holes that are small enough for the fish to become trapped in should be filled in with aquarium silicone sealant. Because they are jumpers, a tight fitting cover is a must for these loaches.
Dario Botia Loaches come from streams and require currents in the aquarium. They are intolerant to accumulations of organic wastes and need spotlessly clean water to thrive. A good filtering system and a small power head will achieve the desired well oxygenated water and moderate current conditions they require.
Since Dario Botias are subject to low light conditions in their native habitat, lighting in the aquarium should be relatively subdued. Plants like Microsorum pteropus (Java fern), Taxiphyllum barbieri (‘Java’ moss) or Anubias spp. that grow well in low light conditions, will benefit the fish, and when attached to driftwood or other tank furniture will provide additional shade for the fish.
Dario Botia Loaches will easily adapt to and should only be introduced to stable, biologically mature aquariums. Weekly water changes of 30-50% tank volume should be considered routine maintenance.
The Dario Botia Loach is a grazer and requires small amounts of food several times a day. Young Dario Botia Loaches will eat most high quality commercially prepared foods but older fish may be more finicky. Feed them a varied diet of freeze dried bloodworms, brine shrimp and a quality flake or pellet food. They relish snails and will feast on them with gusto.
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-86° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.5
Max Size: 6″
Color Form: Black, Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Social with peaceful, open water dwelling cyprinids
Origin: India, Bangladesh
Family: Cobitidae
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
, nooks, and tight crannies, especially when they sleep. They are reclusive during the day and become most active towards dusk.
In the aquarium, be sure to provide Dario Botias with plenty of cover in the form of rocks, wood, flower pots and aquarium ornaments. Natural style arrangements should include a substrate of sand or fine gravel, plenty of smooth water worn rocks, smooth pebbles, and driftwoodroots or branches.
Dario Botia Loaches will squeeze themselves into any tiny gaps or crevices they can find, so items with sharp edges should not be placed in the tank. Any gaps or holes that are small enough for the fish to become trapped in should be filled in with aquarium silicone sealant. Because they are jumpers, a tight fitting cover is a must for these loaches.
Dario Botia Loaches come from streams and require currents in the aquarium. They are intolerant to accumulations of organic wastes and need spotlessly clean water to thrive. A good filtering system and a small power head will achieve the desired well oxygenated water and moderate current conditions they require.
Since Dario Botias are subject to low light conditions in their native habitat, lighting in the aquarium should be relatively subdued. Plants like Microsorum pteropus (Java fern), Taxiphyllum barbieri (‘Java’ moss) or Anubias spp. that grow well in low light conditions, will benefit the fish, and when attached to driftwood or other tank furniture will provide additional shade for the fish.
Dario Botia Loaches will easily adapt to and should only be introduced to stable, biologically mature aquariums. Weekly water changes of 30-50% tank volume should be considered routine maintenance.
The Dario Botia Loach is a grazer and requires small amounts of food several times a day. Young Dario Botia Loaches will eat most high quality commercially prepared foods but older fish may be more finicky. Feed them a varied diet of freeze dried bloodworms, brine shrimp and a quality flake or pellet food. They relish snails and will feast on them with gusto.
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-86° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.5
Max Size: 6″
Color Form: Black, Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Social with peaceful, open water dwelling cyprinids
Origin: India, Bangladesh
Family: Cobitidae
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate 
Botia Striata
Approx. 1.5" - 2"
The Zebra Loach has its entire body and fins barred with alternating tan and dark brown, to near black stripes. This gives the fish a unique appearance which is prized by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts. Like other loaches it has four pairs of barbels protruding from its mouth. Females can be distinguished by their rounder abdomens.
Although the Zebra Botia Loach is sometimes thought to be a scaleless fish, they do posess very small scales.
Zebra Loaches are active, peaceful, semi aggressive shoaling scavengers that enjoy the company of their own species. Like other loaches that originate from tropical streams, they like to school with others of their own age, size and species. They should be kept in small shoals of 6 or more fish a community aquarium.
Zebra Loaches need a fine sandy substrate in their tank which should be densely planted and aquascaped with plenty of smooth rock caves, holes, bogwood (or driftwood) and other hiding places.
Their aquarium should be provided with soft, well filtered, slightly acidic, highly oxygenated water, and a moderate current to mimic their natural environment.
Zebra Botia Loaches should be fed small portions of food several times during the day. They will accept most brands of sinking catfish pellets and flake foods but they should also be given a variety of frozen and freeze dried foods to supplement their diets.
Brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworms and some fresh vegetable matter like a slice of cucumber will keep them healthy and active. Zebra Loaches will quickly rid your aquarium of unwanted snails that creep into your tank.
Because of their small size, unique markings and peaceful disposition; Zebra Botia Loaches or Candystripe Loaches make a perfect choice for most community tank settings.
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful, Semi aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-86° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.0
Maximum size: 4 inches
Color Form: Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Excellent community tank fish
Origin: India, Indonesia
Family: Cobitidae
Life span: 8 – 15 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
) and other hiding places.
Their aquarium should be provided with soft, well filtered, slightly acidic, highly oxygenated water, and a moderate current to mimic their natural environment.
Zebra Botia Loaches should be fed small portions of food several times during the day. They will accept most brands of sinking catfish pellets and flake foods but they should also be given a variety of frozen and freeze dried foods to supplement their diets.
Brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworms and some fresh vegetable matter like a slice of cucumber will keep them healthy and active. Zebra Loaches will quickly rid your aquarium of unwanted snails that creep into your tank.
Because of their small size, unique markings and peaceful disposition; Zebra Botia Loaches or Candystripe Loaches make a perfect choice for most community tank settings.
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful, Semi aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-86° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.0
Maximum size: 4 inches
Color Form: Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Excellent community tank fish
Origin: India, Indonesia
Family: Cobitidae
Life span: 8 – 15 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate 
Silver Shark
Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallon Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Semi-aggressive Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy Water Conditions: 72-82° F, dGH 2 – 10, pH 6.5-7.8 Max Size: 14″ Color Form: Black, White, Yellow Diet: Omnivore Compatibility: Not suitable for peaceful community tanks Origin: Farm Raised, Thailand Family: Cyprinidae Life Span: 8 – 10 years Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
Kyathit Danio
Size: Approx. 1"
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy Water Conditions: 74-79° F, KH 2-10, pH 6.5-7.8 Max. Size: 1.75″ Color Form: Brown, Orange Diet: Omnivore Compatibility: peaceful community tanks Origin: Myanmar, Farm raised in Southeast Asia Family: Cyprinidae Lifespan: up to 5 years Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Approx. 1.5″ – 2″
The Rummynose, also known as “firehead tetras“, are found in the upper and lower Amazon River basins, the Rio Negro and Rio Meta basins, and the Orinoco River.
Rummynose Tetras live in the quiet, tannin stained, slow moving creeks and “blackwater” river areas of Brazil and Columbia. They prefer the soft, acidic water that is the result of decayed vegetation and leaf litter, and frequent areas with an abundance of aquatic plant life and hiding places.
When housed in a heavily planted aquarium environment, Rummynose Tetras are benefited by placing a piece of water logged driftwood into their tanks. When kept in a suitable environment, the ruby red head that is the namesake for these fish becomes more vivid and pronounced.
Rummynose Tetras are a silvery, torpedo shaped fish with two black and white stripes on each caudal fin and horizontal black and white stripes on the tail fin. Its head is a deep iridescent red that continues from the iris of the eye, past the gill plate to mid body. Its name is derived from the word “rummy“, which was the name given to rum addicted alcoholics who often had red (rummy) noses.
Rummynose Tetras are shoaling fish that seldom exceed 2” in length. They are sensitive to water hardness, pH, and water temperature fluctuations and are best kept in schools of 6 or more fish.
Rummynose Tetras are a hardy fish that require only minimal care when housed in a densely planted 20 gallon tank with plenty of gentle water filtration.
Keeping the water warm (between 73 to 80 degrees), the pH between 6.0 to 7.0 and providing weekly 25% water changes will keep your Rummynose Tetras healthy.
When Rummynose Tetras are stressed, the vivid red on their noses will become drab and eventually disappear. This can occur when the fish are first introduced into your aquarium, but after a couple of weeks they will regain their beautiful ruby red “nose” if water conditions are optimal.
Rummynose Tetras will eagerly accept commercial flake foods, live brine shrimp, tubifex worms, mosquito larvae and a variety of freeze dried and frozen foods.
Minimum Tank Size: 15 – 20 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 72-80° F, KH 2-6, pH 5.5-7.0
Max. Size: 2″
Color Form: Red, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Ok with large non agressive fish
Origin: South America, Bred in Europe and Southeast Asia
Family: Characidae
Lifespan: 5 to 6 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Experienced
into their tanks. When kept in a suitable environment, the ruby red head that is the namesake for these fish becomes more vivid and pronounced.
Rummynose Tetras are a silvery, torpedo shaped fish with two black and white stripes on each caudal fin and horizontal black and white stripes on the tail fin. Its head is a deep iridescent red that continues from the iris of the eye, past the gill plate to mid body. Its name is derived from the word “rummy“, which was the name given to rum addicted alcoholics who often had red (rummy) noses.
Rummynose Tetras are shoaling fish that seldom exceed 2” in length. They are sensitive to water hardness, pH, and water temperature fluctuations and are best kept in schools of 6 or more fish.
Rummynose Tetras are a hardy fish that require only minimal care when housed in a densely planted 20 gallon tank with plenty of gentle water filtration.
Keeping the water warm (between 73 to 80 degrees), the pH between 6.0 to 7.0 and providing weekly 25% water changes will keep your Rummynose Tetras healthy.
When Rummynose Tetras are stressed, the vivid red on their noses will become drab and eventually disappear. This can occur when the fish are first introduced into your aquarium, but after a couple of weeks they will regain their beautiful ruby red “nose” if water conditions are optimal.
Rummynose Tetras will eagerly accept commercial flake foods, live brine shrimp, tubifex worms, mosquito larvae and a variety of freeze dried and frozen foods.
Minimum Tank Size: 15 – 20 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 72-80° F, KH 2-6, pH 5.5-7.0
Max. Size: 2″
Color Form: Red, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Ok with large non agressive fish
Origin: South America, Bred in Europe and Southeast Asia
Family: Characidae
Lifespan: 5 to 6 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Experienced 
