Many are also neutral brown. They do well on commercial shrimp foods. Subtle differences between fish include the shape of the body-long vs. round, whiskers, shape of the mouth, and if there is a small fleshy lobe-like fin on the back near the tail. They eat algae around the clock. It doesn’t exhibit territorial behavior like you would see with other species. The grass carp is a herbivorous, freshwater fish species. From an appearance standpoint, these fish are one of the most shark-like species you can get for your aquarium. The Violet Blushing Shark needs to have a lot of swimming space, too. They feature the same bright red coloration. Best in large groups, grass shrimp are wonderful little invertebrates that can support your entire aquarium. However, the color markings vary dramatically from specimen to specimen. To minimize fighting, the Red Tail Shark needs plenty of space to call its own. Aggressive behavior is common. They will spend hours swimming around the environment. From an appearance standpoint, these freshwater aquarium sharks are stunning. Thus, they can be kept with larger species that stay towards the top of the water column. They can stay healthy in temperatures between 60 and 77 degrees, though somewhere in the middle is preferred. But, they’ve already captivated aquarists in the United States and beyond. The fish will swim together and stay safe against other aggressive species in the tank. They are named for their prominent barbels near their mouth, which resemble a cat's whiskers. Horizontal bands of yellow and tan are pretty common. The shrimp are usually gray and transparent. Not sure about your catch? If you think you're an expert of all things angling, prove it by acing this quiz! They tolerate standard warm water temperatures and can do fine in a generous range of pH levels. Feeding Harlequin Sharks isn’t too bad. Like most shark-like species, the dorsal fin of the Bala Shark is very prominent. CATFISH WHISKERS ARE HARMLESS. These barbels are used to navigate their environment and hunt down food. Updated 04/08/17. Caudal Peduncle – The narrow portion of a fish’s body immediately in front of the tail. There are about 2,500 species of catfish. Killifish. You must also supplement their snacking. The Flagfish, included in this gallery, is one of three freshwater species native only to Florida. Next up, we have the eye-catching Blue Bolt Shrimp. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around out there. Alison has been interested in fish and aquariums for over five years. A Guide to Catchable Freshwater Fish in Connecticut Connecticut Fishing Not sure about your catch? Also known as the Madagascan rainbow fish, its scientific name is Bedotia geayi. Red Tail Sharks have been a popular fish species in the aquarist community for quite … The Columbian Shark has some strict care requirements. They’re not great for those who don’t have a ton of experience caring for shrimp, though. The shrimp can also eat vegetables like cucumbers or spinach. In fact, they are known to be very territorial against similar-looking species. The fish do best when kept on a variable diet consisting of sinking pellets, blanched vegetables, and live or frozen foods. That means you can’t keep them in groups or with other freshwater sharks. Coloration can vary quite a bit. It looks like they’re waving at you! They are avid scavengers and constantly work to keep the tank clean. The fish are built for swimming. Catfishes live in freshwater on all the major continents and a few types live in oceans. They have that familiar catfish-like head complete with barbels. They are scavengers that eat algae. These shrimp can easily overpower more passive invertebrates. But first, you have to choose which ones you like. Conclusion. Use a standard filter with sponges to avoid injuring the shrimp. These little critters offer a number of benefits to your tank (and they’re surprisingly fun to watch). However, it will also stand tall from time to time as the fish shows off. You see, there are many different types of freshwater shrimp to choose from. However, they are now considered to be critically endangered in the wild. Interestingly enough, there are a few different color grades available. Grass carp have elongated, chubby, torpedo-shaped body forms. 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. These shrimp are not algae eaters. Thus, the Black Shark is recommended for tanks that are sparse in the plant department. Violet Blushing Sharks get their name from their unique appearance. Though, they do fine with other Panda Shrimp and some snails. These creatures come in all shapes, colors, and sizes! When they are comfortable in their habitat, you can find the shrimp grazing on plants and decor throughout the day. Many of us like to have a fish aquarium at home. Pinto Shrimp can be sensitive to changes in water quality. People can’t get enough of them! To make matters worse, breeding these fish in captivity is no easy task. Rainbow Sharks are natural omnivores. Unlike other freshwater aquarium sharks, the Violet Blushing Shark is quite passive. They’re soft, pliable and touching them or having them touch you is no different than touching the whiskers on a dog. You do have to be a bit careful with these shrimp when it comes to tank mates. The shrimp do best in temperatures between 62 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re quite beautiful. Scientists recognize over 30 different families within the group, with thousands of different species and more still … There are a few different variants out there. The Cherry Shrimp is one of the best algae eaters that can help to keep your aquarium in good shape. Large, small, peaceful, easy and hard to keep tropical freshwater fishes. They can adapt well to many environments. This belongs to the cyprinodontiformes group, of which there are about 100 different species. That said, feeding can be a bit of a challenge. This species breeds very quickly and in large numbers. But, there are some noticeable differences. Sometimes referred to as Ruby Sharks or Red-Finned Sharks, these creatures offer a nice pop of color to any freshwater tank. They don’t like to be around other fish. What freshwater fish are there? Catfish is a freshwater fish that’s often farmed and sold skinned because its scaleless skin can be difficult to remove. Plants, driftwood, and rocks are all important for making the fish feel comfortable. 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. Plenty of caves are recommended as well so that they have places to rest. Found in Western Africa and South America, the Vampire Shrimp is a rare species with a lot to offer! Speaking of which, these aquarium shrimp need plenty of places to hide. However, these fish also have bright red fins. For these reasons, many aquarists do not keep these shrimp with fish. It’s not hard to see why these fish are so revered. The shrimp gets its name from the bright white eggs, which look like tiny snowballs! The shrimp can eat everything from plant detritus to phytoplankton. When a large group of Amano Shrimp are introduced to an aquarium, they can eat large quantities of algae without making the water murky. Meanwhile, lower-grade specimens may feature red spots with a transparent base. These invertebrates are very passive and will spend most of their time searching the tank for food. Many aquarists use Grass Shrimp as food for predatory fish as well. The Harlequin Shark is a bottom-dwelling fish that will spend most of its time in hiding. Others go to the aquarium and enjoy watching a vast variety of fish apart from experiencing peace and serenity that the movements of these fishes offer. There’s absolutely no concern with being stung by catfish whiskers, they’re not going to hurt you. The fish are covered in a silvery-white color. The fish can live with other fish such as Silver Dollars. These shrimp are omnivores. They have big appetites and should be fed three times a day to support their growth. These iconic fish have been a staple of our relationship with the water for hundreds of years. They should not be kept with small fish species. The Overall, Red Rili Shrimp are pretty easy to take care of. Scientifically known as Labeo cyclorhynchus, Harlequin Sharks are an interesting addition to freshwater tanks. In addition to algae, Amano Shrimp like varied diets. These are often found in rivers, streams, and deep lakes that are spring fed or cold with mountain runoff. The dorsal fin doesn’t grow with the fish either, making it look smaller into adulthood. As a result, they do well in community tanks. They have longer lifespans than most shrimp, living up to five years in captivity. Alison has been interested in fish and aquariums for over five years. Throughout the day, they will chow down on algae they find throughout the fish tank. They do well on pellets and commercial dry foods, too. Freshwater aquarium shrimp are some of the most overlooked critters to include in your tank. The water can be as cool as 64.5 degrees to as high as 82.5 degrees. You might see shrimp that are blue, gray, brown, or even pink. Roseline Sharks can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Shop LiveAquaria® Freshwater Fish category for the finest selection of freshwater tropical aquarium fish. The red-tailed silverside. They live in fast-moving streams in the wild, so they are powerful swimmers. Meanwhile, the head has patches of different shades of blue. They have a large sail-like dorsal fin. When she's not writing about fish you can find her hiking, swimming, and doing yoga. These are schooling fish that prefer to stay within the company of their own kind. Columbian Sharks also tend to be problematic when kept with other fish. These are predatory creatures that will hunt out smaller fish species. 1. Please be aware of the terms and conditions regarding the pet fish for sale in our stores. Researchers place these fish in the taxonomic order Siluriformes. Aquarium Source is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Most aquarists will house them alongside other aggressive species that can handle the bullying nature of the Black Shark. Some of the largest freshwater fish kept as pets include oscars, discus, plecostomus, and even the common goldfish! Take a look! As juveniles, they require brackish water to stay healthy. The Cherry Shrimp certainly lives up to its name when it comes to appearance. The highest grade, which is also the priciest, is covered from head to tail in red. You can see some sheen on their bodies, but only if they are under some powerful lights. Like all freshwater sharks, these fish have a pronounced dorsal fin. Most of the time, you’ll see these shrimp grazing on plants and decorations at the bottom of the tank. In fact, these fish are notorious for eating plants. This fish... 2. When she's not writing about fish you can find her hiking, swimming, and doing yoga. Another way that you can stave off predatory behavior is to keep the fish well-fed. One interesting thing about the Bamboo Shrimp is that it molts every 45 to 65 days! They are bottom-dwellers, so you can keep them with fish species that stick towards the top of the water column. These include multiple hiding spots, dense vegetation, and some algae! 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…. Dark-colored spots run along the length of the body. Use an efficient filtration system as well. That’s not all. Interestingly enough, these fish don’t need to have a diet built on pure protein. On their head, the shrimp have bright orange eyes and long feelers for scavenging. some fish (often appearing similar to whiskers) which per-form a sensory function. When this happens, it will leave behind a near-pristine of its former self. They’re virtually defenseless and their color pattern often attracts hungry fish. Subtle differences between fish include the shape of the body-long vs. round, whiskers shape of the mouth, and if there is a small fleshy lobe-like fin on the back near the tail. Blue Pearl Shrimp are one of the newer additions to the trade. When kept in groups of four to six, the fish fair even better and will exhibit some playful behavior. This means filling the tank with plants, caves, and other decorations that the shrimp can use for shelter. They need stable temperatures between 68 and 78 degrees to stay healthy. 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”. Free swimming-space is a must for Silver Apollo Sharks. Blue Velvet Shrimp are efficient algae eaters. It helps that they’re quite beautiful, too! Though, they do require some stringent water conditions and a good diet to stay healthy. They like temperatures between 72 and 79 degrees, standard pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5, and natural decor. Keeping a well-maintained tank is crucial for these fish. Here’s a freshwater species that you might not have heard of before. Covered in shades of dark black and pure white, the Pinto Shrimp is a standout species. The bodies are transparent, allowing you to see individual organs. Patches of red can cover the head, tail, and legs. The most common is green. When kept in larger groups, the shrimp can make a noticeable difference in the overall cleanliness of the tank. Bartram’s bass are olive green to bronze with pale bellies that sometimes have a … Contrary to popular belief, these aren’t entirely freshwater sharks. Ghost Shrimp are active creatures that will spend their day scavenging the tank for food. Warm water fish like bass and panfish tend to hang on the edges of lakes and ponds where sunlight keeps temperatures up. Catfish are bottom feeders. NEW! Roseline Sharks are actually part of the barb family and are some of the smallest freshwater aquarium sharks you can get. These freshwater “sharks” might seem like an odd group to start with, but you would be surprised at their janitorial skills. Otocinclus Catfish – so called “dwarf sucker” or “otos” Otocinclus) Otocinclus Catfish are small fish, … The fish are naturally found in rivers and streams, so replicating that with a strong pump is essential. However, the fish is known to live a very solitary life. They are algae-eaters that will spend their time feeding on anything they can find at the bottom of the tank. In short, there are a lot of benefits you get when you include some in your aquarium. 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. Whatever their base color is, the shrimp have dark zebra stripes that run vertically along the entire body. They … They may even kill larger fish! Catfish are named for their barbel’s which resemble cat whiskers. Blue Bolt Shrimp also require good filtration. Typically, the primary color of the shark is going to be gray. Despite their somewhat intimidating looks, Bala Sharks are considered to be gentle giants. In the case of Roseline Sharks, the dorsal fin is accented with a vibrant fiery red stripe. The biggest mistake newer aquarists make with this species is filling the tank with too many decorations. Written by. Because the shrimp are passive, they can be vulnerable to stronger tank mates. However, no established at-home breeding technique has been found. While Ghost Shrimp are often used as a food source for larger predatory fish, these critters make great pets too! A to Z Index of Common Names of Freshwater Fish. The areas of concern in regard to being “hurt” or “stung” are the dorsal and pectoral fins. These decorative items will develop a nice film of algae that the shrimp can feed on. The appearance of the shrimp is its most exciting feature. They are relatively peaceful and get along well with a wide range of fish. In fish anatomy and turtle anatomy, a barbel is a slender, whiskerlike sensory organ near the mouth. As a result, they’re regarded as species that only seasoned aquarists should keep. They are related to the carp, characins, and minnows. For food, they will consume plant detritus and algae. The Vampire Shrimp also eats in a distinct way. This includes some Cichlid species. Babaultis can tolerate a nice range of temperatures. This color is accompanied by black vertical stripes that resemble that of a tiger’s. Here’s a small freshwater shrimp that is a product of selective breeding. Shirlie Sharpe. Bala Sharks are very active swimmers. A peaceful freshwater fish, originating from South America (The Amazon River in Brazil) is the Tiger Pleco. There are many different types of aquarium catfish out there. Hardy and easy to care for, Babaulti Shrimp are perfect for beginners. Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) Other Common Names: Fire Shrimp, Sakura Shrimp, Rili Shrimp. Some are large, some are small, but all of them are amazing! Elephantnose. Pair that color with the dark black shade of their body and you have a very intimidating-looking fish. Of course, this species also has that iconic shark profile that so many fish-keepers are after. They do fine with other freshwater shrimp species as tank mates. They are inbred very often, resulting in sensitive specimens that don’t tolerate poor water conditions. Like most shrimp types, Blue Bolts have a few basics you need to cover. Know which fish have "whiskers," eel-like bodies, or change color during spawning season? There are a few different color varieties in the trade. The gray color is complemented by impactful yellow and bright stripes. They’re sporting a torpedo-shaped body that’s usually olive green in color. Aggression is still possible, so you should always exercise caution. In fact, they’re one of the most popular…, Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. So, they’ll eat any food that they can find in the tank. As juveniles, the Iridescent Shark is covered in dark shiny skin that shines in the light. Pin Share The base color is dark blue. 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. Their natural habitat is densely planted forest streams. Many aquarists have experienced issues keeping these fish alone. 1. Native to Southeast Asia, the Bamboo Shrimp is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium shrimp you can find. The color of the eggs is great for breeders, as it makes spotting them a cinch. That said, you should still avoid keeping these fish with smaller creatures that they can view as food. It’s an interesting behavioral trait that’s not usually found in the wild. oldeonthesquare. These are very territorial fish that are known to attack other creatures in the tank. Aside from their color, these are very interesting looking freshwater sharks for your fish tank. However, they prefer protein-based snacks like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and more. Even small amounts of ammonia and nitrates can be lethal! Learn more. The blue color and white color meet in the middle of the shrimp’s body to create a beautiful gradient. They’re covered in bright red. Don’t let their aggressiveness turn you off. They are filter feeders. The tail is usually covered in white. One thing they do need is a strong current. Indian Whisker Shrimp are a unique type of aquarium shrimp that can exhibit some aggressive tendencies. These invertebrates were first developed in Germany. They were created from the Bee Shrimp. If you have questions about another species of shrimp that we didn’t include on the list, don’t hesitate to ask us! 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. To truly thrive, Harlequin Sharks need a lot of hiding places. Their bodies are typically covered in shades of black, gray, and silver. Even with their aggressive behavior, Rainbow Sharks can be kept with other fish. No matter what the shrimp looks like, this species is fun to watch. If you look closely, you can see tiny hairs on its front appendages. While you can still see their internal organs, you won’t be able to see finer details like you would with other see-through species. pH levels should stay somewhere in the range of 5.8 and 7.4. This species has colors of white and blue. (337) Red Tail Sharks have been a popular fish species in the aquarist community for quite some time. The Panda Shrimp is covered in thick bands of alternating black and white. Like the Red Tail Shark, the Rainbow Sharks have a fiery red tail that stands out against a natural backdrop. They’re quite active and will continually move to new spots as they feed. Truth is, that muted tone is something that forms slowly as the fish gets older. The snout of the fish is pointed and has some short whiskers. The Catfish is a well-known creature easily recognized by its whisker-like fleshy barbels. But, they are a bit bigger and have long feelers that look like whiskers! Known for their vibrancy, the Blue Velvet Shrimp makes a beautiful addition to tanks big and small. Red Tail Shark. It has scattered black spots closer to its tail, and the males can get quite dark during spawning season Here’s another wildly popular aquarium shrimp that’s worth checking out. A young Zebra Shovelnose will cost you about $200, while an adult one will cost more than a thousand bucks. They have a penchant for plant-based foods. Dorsal Fin – The fin running down the back of fish. Catfish gets its name from the barbels (fleshy filaments) hanging from its mouth, which look like cats’ whiskers. If you are looking for Best Nano Fish Freshwater And Fish With Whiskers Freshwate We put together a complete list of the best freshwater sharks to keep in your aquarium. As you might have guessed by their name, the dorsal fin is also very prominent. When you’re setting up their fish tank, you’ll need to add some marine salt to ensure that the specific gravity is between 1.005 and 1.010. Bass, Bartram's. These fish look a bit unusual due to the shape of their mouths that looks a lot like the … The biggest is the level of transparency. Technically speaking, they’re a color variant of the Pearl Shrimp. A catfish has smooth skin and a short pair of barbels that help the fish to taste and to feel. Aquarium Source is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Plus, they provide shelter from fish that might view them as food! These sharks are omnivores. 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. Originally found throughout Malaysia, these fish are very popular because of their forboding looks. Rainbow Sharks and Redtail Sharks. The semi-transparent body of the shrimp has a greenish-blue tint to it. White Catfish, Grey on Top, Yellow Midsection, White Underbelly, Whiskers ... Freshwater Fish. There are so many great types of freshwater aquarium shrimp that it can be hard to pick your favorites. A standard pH balance between 6.5 and 7.5 is good, too. Here’s a species that can be a big challenge to care for. Also known as Glass Shrimp, the entire body of the invertebrate is transparent. If you have any questions about a species on this list, we’re more than happy to help you out. Demersal Fish – Fish that live on the bottom. The Roseline Shark is covered in several bright colors that look great against a natural backdrop. If you’re familiar with that species, the relationship with the Red Rili Shrimp is obvious. Hardy plants and a series of hiding nooks crafted out of driftwood or rocks is a must. The gills are visible through the body, making it look like fish is blushing! There were originally found in freshwater lakes and swamps throughout Thailand. Caudal Fin – The tail fin of fish. The most prominent feature of the shark’s body is the gills. They’re omnivores, so they will eat anything that they can get their feelers on. They do best when kept in large groups. Shirlie Sharpe. In those cases, commercial shrimp food or sinking pellets work well. If a smaller tank is more your style, you can stock them with small schools of neon tetras, danios, guppies and cory catfish. Like other species, Blue Velvet Shrimp prefer environments with dense vegetation and natural hiding spots. When kept in groups, the fish will exhibit schooling behavior as well. Yellow Fish—A Feast for the Eyes. But so is plenty of open swimming space! Every single fin is colored red. Chinese High-Fin Banded Sharks are a species that’s only viable for extremely large fish tanks or public aquarium installations. The primary difference between Red Cherry Shrimp is the absence of white. The Black Shark is a large fish species with a semi-aggressive nature. Learn about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process. From spawning, it only takes as little as 30 days for the eggs to hatch. The fins are quite large and fan-like as well, giving the fish a unique profile. However, unlike most fish, catfish do not have scales. Learn more. Red Rili Shrimp are a product of selective breeding. They don’t actively eat algae like some types of shrimp species do. However, they prefer live foods that they can hunt down. Thanks to its striking coloration, the dorsal fin stands out when it is perked up at attention. As you can see from the information above, there are many expensive freshwater fish available on the market. The creatures are naturally passive and will use those plants to hide out anytime they’re feeling threatened. Known for their vibrancy, the Blue Velvet Shrimp makes a beautiful addition to … However, it’s set far back on the body, putting it much closer to the tail. To keep them healthy, you must check on the water frequently. The pH balance should be between 6.5 and 8. Freshwater fish that prefer cold water are typically related to salmon and are, therefore, referred to as salmonids. They may also require supplemental feeding. Adult Iridescent sharks are usually solid dark gray in color. Not only do they require stable water conditions, but these invertebrates are fragile. Blue Velvet Shrimp. For the most part, these sharks aren’t going to be a problem in terms of aggression. Freshwater sharks are some of our favorite fish! They are transparent like Ghost Shrimp. In the wild, these fish are found throughout the Congo River Basin. There’s something so neat about owning a shark, no matter what species it is. Blue Tiger Shrimp aren’t the easiest to care for. The color combination is quite stunning and stands out well in a natural tank setup. Speaking of which, the Silver Apollo Shark can be quite aggressive. Red-Tailed Black Shark. So, you’ll need to avoid smaller passive fish. Instead, their body may be naked or covered with bony plates for protection. How to keep, breed, choose tank mates. instead of white, Red Rilis are transparent. This type of shrimp is aptly named for its coloration. The Black Shark can get very aggressive and predatory. Preferred temperatures range from 72 degrees up to 79 degrees. The shrimp often changes colors multiple times throughout the year, adding some unique variety to your tank. However, this can be a good thing when it comes to temperament. They can be kept with a wide variety of fish without having to worry about aggressive behavior. From shop oldeonthesquare. As long as you have a fully cycled tank that’s within their preferred parameters, you should have no problem helping these inverts thrive. Because of their size, they are often targets of attack. To keep the shrimp alive, you need to pair them with passive species that stay out of their way. Silver Apollo Sharks are also shoaling fish. Also known as the White Pearl Shrimp, Snowball Shrimp are a great option if you want to get into breeding.