Five Amazing Aquarium Fish
Five amazing aquarium fish. See these amazing looking fish for salt and freshwater aquariums.
By Robert Hudson
Five Amazing Aquarium Fish
Peacock Cichlid
Peacock Cichlids are a freshwater fish from African Lake Malawi. They require hard water. These fish have been bred in captivity to have several color variations. Considered a medium size aquarium fish. There are three species in the hobby, each of a different color. Each has also been bred in different shades, colors, or patterns.
- Blue peacock cichlid (Aulonocara nyassae)
- Red peacock cichlid (Aulonocara sp.)
- Yellow peacock cichlid (Aulonocara baenschi)
Particulars
- Temperature: these cichlids like water that’s between 76-82°F.
- pH Range: a pH range of anywhere between 7.5 – 8.5 is acceptable.
- Hardness: peacocks prefer water that’s 4 – 6 dH.
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Flowerhorns are a hybrid of two species, or more. It is a cross between different cichlids.
Flowerhorn cichlids have a lifespan of 10–12 years. They are usually kept at a water temperature of 80–85 °F, and a pH of 7.4–8.0. They require a tank of a minimum of 40 gallons, with 75 gallons optimal. A breeding pair may require a tank of 150 gallons or more, depending on size. Being aggressive and territorial, two or more flowerhorns are usually not kept together.
BLUEFIN NOTHO (NOTHOBRANCHIUS RACHOVII)
The Bluefin Notho is a freshwater fish in the group known as Killifish. This small fish has a brilliant mix of colors.
- Common Name: Bluefin Notho, African Blue Fin Annual
- Distribution: Mozambique
- Maximum Size: 6cm (2.4″)
- Reproduction: Egg depositors
- Sexual Dimorphism: Mature males are more colorful.
- Food & Diet Live and Frozen foods.
- Temperature: 20-23 deg C (68-73 deg F)
- PH: 6.0 – 6.5. Prefer slightly acidic water.
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons per trio.
- Lifespan: Maximum 12 months
- Temperament/Compatibility: Peaceful, males can be territorial with other male Nothobranchius.
Mandarin fish
Synchiropus splendidus, the mandarinfish or mandarin dragonet, is a small, brightly colored member of the dragonet family, which is popular in the saltwater aquarium trade. The mandarin fish is native to the Pacific ocean, ranging approximately from the Ryukyu Islands south to Australia.
- Scientific Name: Synchiropus splendidus and Synchiropus picturatus
- Common Names: Mandarin goby, Mandarinfish,
- Max Size: ~3 inches
- Minimum tank Size: 10-gallons (~38 liters)
- Aggression Level: Peaceful & suitable for community aquariums
- Care Level: Advanced
- Diet: Carnivores, often preferring live foods (copepods, brine shrimp)
- Captive-bred available: yes
Royal Gramma
The Royal Gramma fish, also known as a Fairy Basslet or Gramma loreto, is a small, vibrantly colored salt water fish native to the Caribbean. It is a hardy, peaceful fish that would be perfect for both beginner fish keepers and experts alike.
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Color Form: | Purple, yellow |
| Lifespan: | Over 5 years |
| Size: | Up to 3 inches |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
| Family: | Grammidae |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 30 gallons |
| Tank Set-Up: | Marine: coral or rocks, and plants |
| Compatibility: | Reef safe |
The Royal Gramma is a beginner friendly, low maintenance, and peaceful saltwater fish that would provide exceptional color to any aquarium it is placed in, with its vibrant purple and yellow body.
What is your favorite aquarium fish?
Sources:
Royal Gramma Basslet: Saltwater Aquarium Fish
