South America
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii
Temp22–29°C
pH5–7
Size7.5 cm
DietCarnivore
SwimBottom
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank60 L
Recommended group1
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii
fish
Carnivorous aquarium fish
Species with a carnivore diet label — plan appropriate protein foods and tankmate safety.
54 species
- Asia
Alien betta
Betta splendens hybrid
Temp24–30°CpH6–7.5Size6.5 cmDietCarnivoreSwimAll levelsDifficultyEasyAdult tank20 LRecommended group1Keep males separate, with steady heat, gentle flow, surface access and a cover.
Alien betta
Betta splendens hybrid
SchoolingSolo OKAggression4High aggression — research tankmates carefully
Keep males separate, with steady heat, gentle flow, surface access and a cover.
- South America
Arawana
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
Temp20–30°CpH5–7.5Size80 cmDietCarnivoreSwimTopDifficultyExpertAdult tank1000 LRecommended group1Arawana
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
- Southeast Asia
Asian bumblebee catfish
Pseudomystus siamensis
Temp22–26°CpH6–7.5Size18 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyModerateAdult tank120 LRecommended group1Asian bumblebee catfish
Pseudomystus siamensis
- Asia
Assamese snakehead
Channa stewartii
Temp18–25°CpH6.5–7.5Size29.7 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank200 LRecommended group1Assamese snakehead
Channa stewartii
- Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia)
Assassin Snail
Anentome helena
Temp21–27°CpH7.2–8Size3 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyEasyAdult tank20 LRecommended group1Assassin Snail
Anentome helena
- Central America
Biajaca
Nandopsis tetracanthus
Temp24–30°CpH7–8Size20 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank300 LRecommended group2Biajaca
Nandopsis tetracanthus
- Rio Tocantins basin, Brazil
Bigtooth river stingray
Potamotrygon henlei
Temp23–28°CpH6–7.5Size60 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyExpertAdult tank1728 LRecommended group1Bigtooth river stingray
Potamotrygon henlei
- Rio Negro basin, tropical South America
Black Arowana
Osteoglossum ferreirai
Temp24–30°CpH—Size90 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyExpertAdult tank—Recommended group1Black Arowana
Osteoglossum ferreirai
- South America
Black ghost knifefish
Apteronotus albifrons
Temp23–28°CpH6–8Size50 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyModerateAdult tank450 LRecommended group1Provide effective filtration, sheltered retreats and at least 450 L for one adult; allow more room for additional fish.
Black ghost knifefish
Apteronotus albifrons
Lifespan estimate10 yrSchoolingSolo OKAggression1Provide effective filtration, sheltered retreats and at least 450 L for one adult; allow more room for additional fish.
- South America
Blue acara
Andinoacara pulcher
Temp22–28°CpH6.5–8Size15 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank150 LRecommended group1Provide a base of at least 120 × 30 cm for a pair and feed varied, predominantly carnivorous foods.
Blue acara
Andinoacara pulcher
Lifespan estimate10 yrSchoolingSolo OKAggression3Provide a base of at least 120 × 30 cm for a pair and feed varied, predominantly carnivorous foods.
- Africa
Blue gularis
Fundulopanchax sjostedti
Temp22–26°CpH6–8Size13 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank100 LRecommended group2Blue gularis
Fundulopanchax sjostedti
- Africa
Blue lyretail
Fundulopanchax gardneri
Temp20–26°CpH6–7.5Size5.5 cmDietCarnivoreSwimAll levelsDifficultyModerateAdult tank60 LRecommended group3Manage male aggression with cover and sex ratio; offer live or frozen food and fit a lid.
Blue lyretail
Fundulopanchax gardneri
Lifespan estimate3 yrSchoolingPairsAggression3Manage male aggression with cover and sex ratio; offer live or frozen food and fit a lid.
- Asia
Bluefinned snakehead
Channa bleheri
Temp18–25°CpH6–7.5Size17 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank108 LRecommended group1Bluefinned snakehead
Channa bleheri
- Asia
Chocolate gourami
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
Temp26–31°CpH4–6.5Size5 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank54 LRecommended group6Chocolate gourami
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
- Asia
Clown loach
Chromobotia macracanthus
Temp24–30°CpH5–7Size40 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyModerateAdult tank648 LRecommended group5Plan for adult group space and hiding places; use a mature tank and a secure cover.
Clown loach
Chromobotia macracanthus
Lifespan estimate15 yrSchoolingYesAggression1Plan for adult group space and hiding places; use a mature tank and a secure cover.
- South America
Cockatoo cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Temp22–29°CpH6–8Size7.5 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyEasyAdult tank60 LRecommended group2Cockatoo cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
- Asia
Colored snakehead
Channa pulchra
Temp18–25°CpH6–7.5Size30 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyExpertAdult tank300 LRecommended group1Colored snakehead
Channa pulchra
- Asia
Crescent betta
Betta imbellis
Temp20–28°CpH5–7.5Size6 cmDietCarnivoreSwimTopDifficultyModerateAdult tank41 LRecommended group1Crescent betta
Betta imbellis
- Africa
Fasciatus Shell Dweller
Altolamprologus fasciatus
Temp24–27°CpH8–9Size15 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank150 LRecommended group2Fasciatus Shell Dweller
Altolamprologus fasciatus
- Asia
Finescale tigerfish
Datnioides microlepis
Temp20–28°CpH5.5–7.5Size50 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank500 LRecommended group1Finescale tigerfish
Datnioides microlepis
- Asia
Fire eel
Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
Temp24–28°CpH6–7Size100 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyModerateAdult tank500 LRecommended group1Fire eel
Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
- Asia
Galaxy betta
Betta splendens
Temp22–30°CpH6–8Size7 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank20 LRecommended group1Keep males separate; provide steady heat, gentle flow, surface access and a cover.
Galaxy betta
Betta splendens
Lifespan estimate3 yrSchoolingSolo OKAggression5High aggression — research tankmates carefully
Keep males separate; provide steady heat, gentle flow, surface access and a cover.
- Asia
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
Temp20–26°CpH4–7Size6.5 cmDietCarnivoreSwimTopDifficultyModerateAdult tank100 LRecommended group6Keep a group in a mature, stable tank with calm companions; offer small live or frozen foods daily.
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
Lifespan estimate7 yrSchoolingYesAggression1Keep a group in a mature, stable tank with calm companions; offer small live or frozen foods daily.
- Africa
Globe fish
Tetraodon lineatus
Temp24–26°CpH6.5–7.5Size43 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyExpertAdult tank450 LRecommended group1Keep a single fish alone; provide hard-shelled foods and avoid handling near its teeth.
Globe fish
Tetraodon lineatus
Lifespan estimate10 yrSchoolingSolo OKAggression5High aggression — research tankmates carefully
Keep a single fish alone; provide hard-shelled foods and avoid handling near its teeth.
- Africa
Gold Cap Caudopunctatus
Neolamprologus caudopunctatus
Temp23–25°CpH7.5–8.5Size6.5 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyEasyAdult tank80 LRecommended group2Provide sand, rock caves and adequate breeding territory.
Gold Cap Caudopunctatus
Neolamprologus caudopunctatus
Lifespan estimate6 yrSchoolingPairsAggression3Provide sand, rock caves and adequate breeding territory.
- Asia
Goldspotted snakehead
Channa aurantimaculata
Temp10–28°CpH6–8Size40 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyExpertAdult tank540 LRecommended group1Goldspotted snakehead
Channa aurantimaculata
- Africa
Gray bichir
Polypterus senegalus
Temp25–28°CpH6–8Size70 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyModerateAdult tank540 LRecommended group1Provide a long, broad aquarium, unrestricted surface access and a secure lid; smaller fish may be eaten.
Gray bichir
Polypterus senegalus
Lifespan estimate15 yrSchoolingSolo OKAggression3Provide a long, broad aquarium, unrestricted surface access and a secure lid; smaller fish may be eaten.
- South America
Greenstreaked eartheater
Biotodoma cupido
Temp23–28°CpH5–7Size11.7 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank300 LRecommended group5Greenstreaked eartheater
Biotodoma cupido
- Africa
Hump-head
Cyrtocara moorii
Temp25–29°CpH7.5–8.8Size25 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyModerateAdult tank250 LRecommended group4Hump-head
Cyrtocara moorii
- Asia
Indonesian snakehead
Channa micropeltes
Temp24–30°CpH6–8Size130 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyHardAdult tank1500 LRecommended group1Indonesian snakehead
Channa micropeltes
- Africa
Leleupi Cichlid
Neolamprologus leleupi
Temp23–27°CpH7.5–9Size10 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank70 LRecommended group2Leleupi Cichlid
Neolamprologus leleupi
- Africa
Livingstonii Cichlid
Nimbochromis livingstonii
Temp24–28°CpH7.6–8.8Size25 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank200 LRecommended group1Livingstonii Cichlid
Nimbochromis livingstonii
- Asia
Malabar pufferfish
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
Temp22–28°CpH6.8–8Size2.5 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyExpertAdult tank12.6 LRecommended group1Malabar pufferfish
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
- Africa
Malawi eyebiter
Dimidiochromis compressiceps
Temp23–28°CpH7.5–8.8Size25 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank250 LRecommended group4Malawi eyebiter
Dimidiochromis compressiceps
- South America
Mendezs Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma mendezi
Temp23–29°CpH4–6Size6 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyModerateAdult tank80 LRecommended group2Mendezs Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma mendezi
- Asia
Orange Fin Danio
Danio kyathit
Temp16–26°CpH6.5–7.5Size4.5 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyEasyAdult tank80 LRecommended group8Orange Fin Danio
Danio kyathit
- Asia
Peacock eel
Macrognathus siamensis
Temp23–28°CpH6–7.5Size30 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyModerateAdult tank150 LRecommended group1Peacock eel
Macrognathus siamensis
- Africa
Pearly calvus
Altolamprologus calvus
Temp24–27°CpH7.5–9Size13.8 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyModerateAdult tank150 LRecommended group2Provide rock retreats and separate territories for a colony.
Pearly calvus
Altolamprologus calvus
Lifespan estimate8 yrSchoolingPairsAggression3Provide rock retreats and separate territories for a colony.
- South America
Red Wolf Fish
Erythrinus erythrinus
Temp22–26°CpH5.5–7.5Size20 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyExpertAdult tank108 LRecommended group1Best kept singly; smaller fish are prey and conspecifics may fight lethally. Fit a secure cover.
Red Wolf Fish
Erythrinus erythrinus
SchoolingSolo OKAggression4High aggression — research tankmates carefully
Best kept singly; smaller fish are prey and conspecifics may fight lethally. Fit a secure cover.
- Asia
Scarlet badis
Dario dario
Temp18–26°CpH6.5–8.5Size2 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank41 LRecommended group2Scarlet badis
Dario dario
- Asia
Siamese fighting fish
Betta splendens
Temp22–30°CpH6–8Size7 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank20 LRecommended group1Keep males separate; provide steady heat, gentle flow, surface access and a cover.
Siamese fighting fish
Betta splendens
Lifespan estimate3 yrSchoolingSolo OKAggression5High aggression — research tankmates carefully
Keep males separate; provide steady heat, gentle flow, surface access and a cover.
- Asia
Silver Tiger fish
Datnioides polota
Temp20–28°CpH7.5–9Size30 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyHardAdult tank650 LRecommended group1Silver Tiger fish
Datnioides polota
- Asia
Small snakehead
Channa asiatica
Temp15–25°CpH6–8Size35 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyExpertAdult tank160 LRecommended group1Small snakehead
Channa asiatica
- Asia
Snakehead Betta
Betta channoides
Temp23–30°CpH4–6.5Size4 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank41 LRecommended group1Snakehead Betta
Betta channoides
- South America
South American freshwater stingray
Potamotrygon motoro
Temp24–28°CpH5–6Size50 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyHardAdult tank1000 LRecommended group1South American freshwater stingray
Potamotrygon motoro
- Asia
Striped panchax
Aplocheilus lineatus
Temp22–25°CpH6–7.5Size10 cmDietCarnivoreSwimTopDifficultyModerateAdult tank100 LRecommended group6Striped panchax
Aplocheilus lineatus
- South America
Umbrella cichlid
Apistogramma borellii
Temp20–26°CpH6–8Size6.5 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyModerateAdult tank60 LRecommended group2Umbrella cichlid
Apistogramma borellii
- Africa
Venustus Cichlid
Nimbochromis venustus
Temp24–28°CpH7.6–8.8Size25 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank200 LRecommended group1Venustus Cichlid
Nimbochromis venustus
- Asia
Walking snakehead
Channa orientalis
Temp16–24°CpH5–7.5Size10 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyModerateAdult tank80 LRecommended group1Walking snakehead
Channa orientalis
- Asia
Zebra Archerfish
Toxotes blythii
Temp25–28°CpH6.5–8Size15 cmDietCarnivoreSwimTopDifficultyModerateAdult tank350 LRecommended group3Zebra Archerfish
Toxotes blythii
- Asia
Zebra loach
Botia striata
Temp21–26°CpH6–7.5Size9 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyModerateAdult tank108 LRecommended group5Zebra loach
Botia striata
- South America
Zebra pleco
Hypancistrus zebra
Temp26–30°CpH6–7.5Size8 cmDietCarnivoreSwimBottomDifficultyModerateAdult tank80 LRecommended group1Zebra pleco
Hypancistrus zebra
- South and Southeast Asia (India, Thailand, Indonesia)
Zig-zag eel
Mastacembelus armatus
Temp24–28°CpH6–7Size91 cmDietCarnivoreSwimMiddleDifficultyModerateAdult tank500 LRecommended group1Zig-zag eel
Mastacembelus armatus