From shop oldeonthesquare. People can’t get enough of them! They’re sporting a torpedo-shaped body that’s usually olive green in color. Rainbow Sharks and Redtail Sharks. Killifish. Body color is dark olive, shading to brownish-yellow on the sides, with a … It has scattered black spots closer to its tail, and the males can get quite dark during spawning season While most freshwater aquarium sharks are bottom-dwellers, the Silver Apollo Shark likes to stick to the surface. The dorsal fin doesn’t grow with the fish either, making it look smaller into adulthood. Like most shrimp types, Blue Bolts have a few basics you need to cover. Written by. Thus, they can be kept with larger species that stay towards the top of the water column. The Red Tail Shark is aptly named for its striking red tail. They don’t do well with aggressive shrimp or larger fish that could eat them. Snowball Shrimp look similar to Ghost Shrimp. How to keep, breed, choose tank mates. They are bottom-dwellers, so you can keep them with fish species that stick towards the top of the water column. But, many fish will mistake them for food. Roseline Sharks are actually part of the barb family and are some of the smallest freshwater aquarium sharks you can get. Hardy plants and a series of hiding nooks crafted out of driftwood or rocks is a must. These barbels are used to navigate their environment and hunt down food. They do well on commercial shrimp foods. There are many different types of aquarium catfish out there. When she's not writing about fish you can find her hiking, swimming, and doing yoga. However, most are covered in shades of brown. When kept in groups, the fish will exhibit schooling behavior as well. Blue Velvet Shrimp. They are scavengers that eat algae. One requirement, however, is that they need to be kept in large groups. However, they are now considered to be critically endangered in the wild. They are filter feeders. Truth is, that muted tone is something that forms slowly as the fish gets older. Horizontal bands of yellow and tan are pretty common. Use a standard filter with sponges to avoid injuring the shrimp. The most common is green. They do best when kept with medium-sized fish. This list includes all of the best shrimp for freshwater aquariums, so you can quickly pick your favorites. That said, feeding can be a bit of a challenge. They’re quite active and will continually move to new spots as they feed. Snowball Shrimp have a milky look. In fact, these fish are notorious for eating plants. They don’t like to be around other fish. The fish are omnivores that will eat pretty much anything, so make sure to mix things up. Most aquarists will house them alongside other aggressive species that can handle the bullying nature of the Black Shark. As you can see from the information above, there are many expensive freshwater fish available on the market. The Chinese High-Fin Banded Shark has a very iconic look. The Vampire Shrimp also eats in a distinct way. Around 71 percent of the planet is covered by water, but more than 96 percent of that is made up of salt water in the form of oceans. If you have questions about another species of shrimp that we didn’t include on the list, don’t hesitate to ask us! Shirlie Sharpe. Freshwater sharks are some of our favorite fish! Scientifically known as Labeo cyclorhynchus, Harlequin Sharks are an interesting addition to freshwater tanks. You do have to be a bit careful with these shrimp when it comes to tank mates. In the wild, these fish are found throughout the Congo River Basin. They’re not great for those who don’t have a ton of experience caring for shrimp, though. Usually, the colors take the form of stripes. Many aquarists have experienced issues keeping these fish alone. When a large group of Amano Shrimp are introduced to an aquarium, they can eat large quantities of algae without making the water murky. Covered in shades of dark black and pure white, the Pinto Shrimp is a standout species. As such, they need to be kept in tanks with larger semi-aggressive species. The water can be as cool as 64.5 degrees to as high as 82.5 degrees. Aside from their color, these are very interesting looking freshwater sharks for your fish tank. Aggression is still possible, so you should always exercise caution. As a result, they’re regarded as species that only seasoned aquarists should keep. They … These shrimp are not algae eaters. You’ll need to find the right balance to keep the Violet Blushing Shark in good shape. This means filling the tank with plants, caves, and other decorations that the shrimp can use for shelter. These invertebrates were first developed in Germany. The cool features don’t stop there! They need stable temperatures between 68 and 78 degrees to stay healthy. Like all freshwater sharks, these fish have a pronounced dorsal fin. Native to Southeast Asia, Iridescent Sharks are a big commitment. Caudal Fin – The tail fin of fish. Because the shrimp are passive, they can be vulnerable to stronger tank mates. They do fine with other freshwater shrimp species as tank mates. Every single fin is colored red. When they eat, the shrimp will wave their arms in the water to catch tiny microorganisms and algae. This includes some Cichlid species. They’re easy to feed, too. Alison has been interested in fish and aquariums for over five years. The bodies are transparent, allowing you to see individual organs. Warm water fish like bass and panfish tend to hang on the edges of lakes and ponds where sunlight keeps temperatures up. We understand why everyone gravitates toward fish, but these little animals have a lot to offer as well! Use an efficient filtration system as well. Though, they do fine with other Panda Shrimp and some snails. Fish that have barbels include the catfish, the carp, the goatfish, the hagfish, the sturgeon, the zebrafish, the black dragonfish and some species of shark such as the sawshark. Not only do they get large, but these fish are known to live 20 years or more! The Black Shark can get very aggressive and predatory. They were created from the ever-popular Red Cherry Shrimp. Some color variations do exist, but most are going to look fairly similar. Ghost Shrimp are active creatures that will spend their day scavenging the tank for food. A catfish has smooth skin and a short pair of barbels that help the fish to taste and to feel. Red-Tailed Black Shark. They may even kill larger fish! CATFISH WHISKERS ARE HARMLESS. They are transparent like Ghost Shrimp. Some have even died when kept in solitude! Most will spend their day snacking on algae that grow on decor and plants. One thing they do need is a strong current. While some of them might be too large to consider for your setup at home, many of the smaller sharks on this list are totally viable. Red Rili Shrimp are a product of selective breeding. Shirlie Sharpe. However, no established at-home breeding technique has been found. However, it’s set far back on the body, putting it much closer to the tail. The shrimp can also eat vegetables like cucumbers or spinach. Not only do they require stable water conditions, but these invertebrates are fragile. Unlike other freshwater aquarium sharks, the Violet Blushing Shark is quite passive. It’s in the same family as carp, but catfish’s simpler skeletal structure makes it easier to fillet. When this happens, it will leave behind a near-pristine of its former self. Catfish gets its name from the barbels (fleshy filaments) hanging from its mouth, which look like cats’ whiskers. You’ll see stripes of red, black, and gold. If you’re wanting to create a community tank, there are a few species listed here that you may be able to include, with care, if you want more of a variety of fish. Speaking of which, the Silver Apollo Shark can be quite aggressive. They can adapt well to many environments. They are algae-eaters that will spend their time feeding on anything they can find at the bottom of the tank. From an appearance standpoint, these fish are one of the most shark-like species you can get for your aquarium. Blue Pearl Shrimp have healthy appetites for algae. They’re pretty easy to breed in captivity, leading to healthy populations around the world. Known for their vibrancy, the Blue Velvet Shrimp makes a beautiful addition to tanks big and small. The blue color and white color meet in the middle of the shrimp’s body to create a beautiful gradient. When she's not writing about fish you can find her hiking, swimming, and doing yoga. Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) Other Common Names: Fire Shrimp, Sakura Shrimp, Rili Shrimp. These sharks need a lot of food. That means you can’t keep them in groups or with other freshwater sharks. They will spend hours swimming around the environment. These are very territorial fish that are known to attack other creatures in the tank. That said, you should still avoid keeping these fish with smaller creatures that they can view as food. It looks like they’re waving at you! From an appearance standpoint, these freshwater aquarium sharks are stunning. However, they prefer live foods that they can hunt down. As a result, they do well in community tanks. Because of their size, they are often targets of attack. Please be aware of the terms and conditions regarding the pet fish for sale in our stores. On their head, the shrimp have bright orange eyes and long feelers for scavenging. Red Tail Shark. The Columbian Shark thrives on a high-protein diet of live and frozen food. The Roseline Shark is covered in several bright colors that look great against a natural backdrop. However, the color markings vary dramatically from specimen to specimen. They like temperatures between 72 and 79 degrees, standard pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5, and natural decor. A standard pH balance between 6.5 and 7.5 is good, too. Catfish are named for their barbel’s which resemble cat whiskers. It’s a stark contrast to the rest of the shark’s body, which is dark black. Best in large groups, grass shrimp are wonderful little invertebrates that can support your entire aquarium. As juveniles, they require brackish water to stay healthy. This is offset by some random splashes of red here and there. They can stay healthy in temperatures between 60 and 77 degrees, though somewhere in the middle is preferred. This type of shrimp is aptly named for its coloration. Among the most common freshwater catfish are corydoras (Greek for “helmet skin”), a small armored variety that commons in several variations. The shrimp can eat everything from plant detritus to phytoplankton. When the fish is swimming, the dorsal fin will usually lay relatively flat against their rounded body. Check out the Blue Tiger Shrimp. Not only that, but there needs to be some variety to ensure that they are getting all their nutrients. They’re found in tanks…, The 15 Best Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Catfish, Clown Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates…, Malaysian Trumpet Snail 101: Detailed Info & Care Tips, Bucktooth Tetra 101: Care, Feeding, Aggression, & More, Glowlight Tetra 101: Care, Tank Mates, Breeding & More, Lemon Tetra Care: Diet, Tank Mates, Size, Behavior…. It’s a highly active fish that will spend its time skimming the top of the waterline in search of food. These shrimp are omnivores. The interesting thing about the Chinese High-Fin Banded Shark is that those defining features fade once the fish gets bigger. Speaking of which, these aquarium shrimp need plenty of places to hide. You might see shrimp that are blue, gray, brown, or even pink. The stripes are found on their forked tail and fins. Because they spend most of their time at the bottom of the tank, they do well with sinking food such as pellets, but they also thrive on brine shrimp and blood worms. The color of the eggs is great for breeders, as it makes spotting them a cinch. Interestingly enough, these fish don’t need to have a diet built on pure protein. However, they prefer protein-based snacks like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and more. Learn about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process. Naturally found in Taiwan, these shrimp have been in the aquarium trade for several decades. The shrimp often changes colors multiple times throughout the year, adding some unique variety to your tank. Meanwhile, lower-grade specimens may feature red spots with a transparent base. Learn more. Aggressive behavior is common. However, unlike most fish, catfish do not have scales. The Crystal Red Shrimp has beautiful patches of vibrant red and crisp white. They are inbred very often, resulting in sensitive specimens that don’t tolerate poor water conditions. The Babaulti Shrimp is a beautiful freshwater species. There’s absolutely no concern with being stung by catfish whiskers, they’re not going to hurt you. Trust us, you’ll be ready to make a purchase by the time you’ve finished reading! Even with their aggressive behavior, Rainbow Sharks can be kept with other fish. We’ve been a huge fan of keeping shrimp for years. They will also venture to the bottom to find prey. Free swimming-space is a must for Silver Apollo Sharks. Red Tail Sharks have been a popular fish species in the aquarist community for quite … The Harlequin Shark is a bottom-dwelling fish that will spend most of its time in hiding. The gills are visible through the body, making it look like fish is blushing! To keep them healthy, you must check on the water frequently. instead of white, Red Rilis are transparent. Blue Pearl Shrimp are one of the newer additions to the trade. Like the Red Tail Shark, the Rainbow Sharks have a fiery red tail that stands out against a natural backdrop. For the most part, these sharks aren’t going to be a problem in terms of aggression. Even small amounts of ammonia and nitrates can be lethal! Violet Blushing Sharks get their name from their unique appearance. It’s not hard to see why this species got its name. The biggest mistake newer aquarists make with this species is filling the tank with too many decorations. You can watch the shrimp eating algae off of decorations. A Guide to Catchable Freshwater Fish in Connecticut Connecticut Fishing Not sure about your catch? Pin Share They’re quite beautiful. Thus, the Black Shark is recommended for tanks that are sparse in the plant department. However, the fish is known to live a very solitary life. Most of the time, you’ll see these shrimp grazing on plants and decorations at the bottom of the tank. 5 out of 5 stars. To make matters worse, breeding these fish in captivity is no easy task. They’re virtually defenseless and their color pattern often attracts hungry fish. Babaultis can tolerate a nice range of temperatures. But we hope this list helped introduce you to some species that caught your eye! These invertebrates are very passive and will spend most of their time searching the tank for food. To truly thrive, Harlequin Sharks need a lot of hiding places. In captivity, it offers a unique look that complements any aquarium. Another way that you can stave off predatory behavior is to keep the fish well-fed. Fish can be the perfect pet for children who are thrilled by the presence of colourful creatures. Catfish is a freshwater fish that’s often farmed and sold skinned because its scaleless skin can be difficult to remove. 130 most popular aquarium fishes. These eye-catching fish are absolute stunners! Freshwater aquarium shrimp are some of the most overlooked critters to include in your tank. That’s not all. There are many different types of aquarium catfish out there. Catfish are found primarily in freshwater environments of all kinds, with species on every continent except Antarctica. Next up, we have the eye-catching Blue Bolt Shrimp. The Columbian Shark has some strict care requirements. They’re covered in bright red. pH levels should stay somewhere in the range of 5.8 and 7.4. The shrimp are usually gray and transparent. It helps that they’re quite beautiful, too! NEW! The Cherry Shrimp certainly lives up to its name when it comes to appearance. However, it will also stand tall from time to time as the fish shows off. If you think you're an expert of all things angling, prove it by acing this quiz! The dorsal fin is quite large like other freshwater aquarium sharks. They feature the same bright red coloration. Also known as the White Pearl Shrimp, Snowball Shrimp are a great option if you want to get into breeding. As you might have guessed by their name, the dorsal fin is also very prominent. A dark horizontal line runs the length of the fish as well. The fins are quite large and fan-like as well, giving the fish a unique profile. As juveniles, the Iridescent Shark is covered in dark shiny skin that shines in the light. They’re omnivores, so they will eat anything that they can get their feelers on. This species breeds very quickly and in large numbers. They do well on pellets and commercial dry foods, too. Here’s a freshwater species that you might not have heard of before. The base color is dark blue. Updated 04/08/17. Though, they do require some stringent water conditions and a good diet to stay healthy. The Red Rili Shrimp is an omnivore. These are often found in rivers, streams, and deep lakes that are spring fed or cold with mountain runoff. Natural bottom-dwellers, the Indian Whisker Shrimp will spend most of its time scavenging for food. The shrimp gets its name from the bright white eggs, which look like tiny snowballs! But, that look only applies to younger juvenile fish. More exotic varieties may take on colors of bright red! You can, however, house them with some fish if you have enough room. Contrary to popular belief, these aren’t entirely freshwater sharks. Take a look! So, they’ll eat any food that they can find in the tank. We put together a complete list of the best freshwater sharks to keep in your aquarium. Want a freshwater aquarium shrimp with a more foreboding look? As their name would imply, these inverts are completely blue! They are relatively peaceful and get along well with a wide range of fish. Corydoras, or Corys as they are often called, range from 1 to 4 inches long and spend their time scurrying around the bottom of the tank cleaning up excess flake food and various other debris. Rainbow Sharks are natural omnivores. The fish will swim together and stay safe against other aggressive species in the tank. It’s possible and is done by some larger professional breeding facilities. Silver Apollo Sharks are also shoaling fish. But, they’ve already captivated aquarists in the United States and beyond. The inverts do best in a natural environment filled with plants, rocks, and driftwood. Many aquarists use Grass Shrimp as food for predatory fish as well. When kept in larger groups, the shrimp can make a noticeable difference in the overall cleanliness of the tank. In those cases, commercial shrimp food or sinking pellets work well. On the heads of the fish, you’ll notice that they have several pairs of long barbels. Most of the following freshwater fish are schooling fish, which should be kept in a species-only tank due to the small size of a 10-gallon tank. White Catfish, Grey on Top, Yellow Midsection, White Underbelly, Whiskers ... Freshwater Fish. The Violet Blushing Shark needs to have a lot of swimming space, too. The catfish whiskers can’t hurt you at all Freshwater catfish are incredible to eat (try fried catfish at any local freshwater fish restaurant = good stuff) The most common freshwater catfish is the “Channel Cat”. The creatures are naturally passive and will use those plants to hide out anytime they’re feeling threatened. Conclusion. These are predatory creatures that will hunt out smaller fish species. For these reasons, many aquarists do not keep these shrimp with fish. In fact, they’re one of the most popular…, Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. They are avid scavengers and constantly work to keep the tank clean. Now that you’ve seen the full list of popular freshwater aquarium sharks, it’s time to pick the ones you’re most interested in. Hardy and easy to care for, Babaulti Shrimp are perfect for beginners. Overall, Red Rili Shrimp are pretty easy to take care of. These freshwater “sharks” might seem like an odd group to start with, but you would be surprised at their janitorial skills. But, they are a bit bigger and have long feelers that look like whiskers! Whatever their base color is, the shrimp have dark zebra stripes that run vertically along the entire body. The interest in freshwater aquarium sharks has been growing rapidly in recent years. In fact, they are known to be very territorial against similar-looking species. For food, they will consume plant detritus and algae. So, don’t expect them to keep your tank clean. If you’re familiar with that species, the relationship with the Red Rili Shrimp is obvious. Found in Western Africa and South America, the Vampire Shrimp is a rare species with a lot to offer! In fact, they’re one of the most popular…, Ever since we got into the aquarium scene we’ve been on the lookout for different kinds of colorful…, The 15 Best Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Catfish, The 27 Most Colorful Freshwater Fish For Your Aquarium, Malaysian Trumpet Snail 101: Detailed Info & Care Tips, Bucktooth Tetra 101: Care, Feeding, Aggression, & More, Glowlight Tetra 101: Care, Tank Mates, Breeding & More, Lemon Tetra Care: Diet, Tank Mates, Size, Behavior…. In short, there are a lot of benefits you get when you include some in your aquarium. While they can start to view smaller critters as food when they get bigger, they tend to be respectful towards most fish. These fish look a bit unusual due to the shape of their mouths that looks a lot like the … The pH balance should be between 6.5 and 8. Chinese High-Fin Banded Sharks are a species that’s only viable for extremely large fish tanks or public aquarium installations. You may also find some subtle purple shading on the top of their shell. The snout of the fish is pointed and has some short whiskers. Florida Museum Fish Collection This searchable gallery includes 220 entries of Florida freshwater fishes, each with a live image, key characteristics for field identification and habitat description. In addition, Catfish vary in size and aggressiveness. In a heavily planted tank, the coloration of the shrimp makes them masters of camouflage. The main portion of the dorsal fin stands very tall. You see, there are many different types of freshwater shrimp to choose from. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, find quality aquatic life all backed by our 14-day Arrive Alive, Stay Alive®, Risk-Free Guarantee for a risk-free experience. Shirlie is a fish and aquarium lover with 16 years of experience writing on the topic of raising and keeping fish at home. They’re soft, pliable and touching them or having them touch you is no different than touching the whiskers on a dog. The Catfish is a well-known creature easily recognized by its whisker-like fleshy barbels. Demersal Fish – Fish that live on the bottom. The Cherry Shrimp is one of the best algae eaters that can help to keep your aquarium in good shape. For that reason, these inverts have become a popular staple in the aquarium hobby. The biggest is the level of transparency. Despite their somewhat intimidating looks, Bala Sharks are considered to be gentle giants. There are a few different variants out there. You can see some sheen on their bodies, but only if they are under some powerful lights. Don’t let their aggressiveness turn you off. The tail is usually covered in white. Plants, driftwood, and rocks are all important for making the fish feel comfortable. The fish are covered in a silvery-white color. You can provide commercial shrimp foods or blanched vegetables as snacks. Instead, their body may be naked or covered with bony plates for protection. If you look closely, you can see tiny hairs on its front appendages. This color is accompanied by black vertical stripes that resemble that of a tiger’s. But so is plenty of open swimming space! These are schooling fish that prefer to stay within the company of their own kind. They are related to the carp, characins, and minnows. This belongs to the cyprinodontiformes group, of which there are about 100 different species. 1. Many of us like to have a fish aquarium at home. Overall, Iridescent Sharks are not too fussy about their environments. Also known as the Madagascan rainbow fish, its scientific name is Bedotia geayi. You can also provide supplemental feedings of commercial foods and leaf litter. The Panda Shrimp is covered in thick bands of alternating black and white. If you have any questions about a species on this list, we’re more than happy to help you out. These iconic fish have been a staple of our relationship with the water for hundreds of years. The highest grade, which is also the priciest, is covered from head to tail in red. Sinking varieties are best. The A to Z Index of Common Names of Freshwater Fish. The good news is that these fish are very hardy. They eat algae around the clock. The areas of concern in regard to being “hurt” or “stung” are the dorsal and pectoral fins. These sharks are omnivores. These include multiple hiding spots, dense vegetation, and some algae! Throughout the day, they will chow down on algae they find throughout the fish tank. However, this can be a good thing when it comes to temperament. Feeding Harlequin Sharks isn’t too bad. Watching a freshwater shark swim around in your fish tank never gets old. In addition to algae, Amano Shrimp like varied diets.