Tropical Fish

Catfish
Catfish species live inland or on coastal waters of every continent except Antarctica, with more than half of the species living in the Americas. They are predominately freshwater fish and are known as bottom dwellers.  Most catfish have a cylindrical shaped body with a flat belly and a flat head. Catfish feed by sucking rather than by biting. They have a mouth, which can expand to a very large size, and they use this to stick themselves onto the side of the aquarium glass. Catfish do not have scales, but some are mucus-covered or are covered in bony plates. Catfish come in all sizes, some have a maximum length of 12cm, while others are only 10mm in length. The largest species on record measures more than 2.5m and wighs in at over 220lb!

Characins
There are many thousand different species of characins worldwide. Piranha and Tetra’s are amongst the well-known ones. Characins can be found throughout South and Central America, and central Africa. The maximum size that a characin can grow to is 1.4 metres, whilst the smallest are less than 3cm in length.

Cichlids
Cichlids are freshwater fish that come in many shapes and sizes. They range from 2.5cm to 1m in length.   Three of the most well known species include angelfish, oscars, and discus. Many are herbivores, such as the Petrochromis, which eat algae and plants. Cichlids such as the Tilapia eat only organic matter. Do be aware that some cichlids are predatory, and eat little plant matter.  These type of cichlid like to feast on a variety of small animals, including other fish in the tank. The best-known predatory cichlid is of course, the piranha. 

Cyprinids
Cyprinids, such as barbs, sharks, danios and loaches are often kept in a community freshwater tank. Cyprinids come from many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The Giant Barb can grow upto 3m in length, whilst the smallest, Danionella translucida, is only 12mm in length.

DID YOU KNOW? 
The most famous cyprinid to be imported to Europe was the Goldfish, back in 1728. 

Labyrinth Fish
Siamese fighting fish, goramis and paradise fish are all types of labyrinth fish. They are called Labyrinth fish because they have a special organ that enables them to take oxygen directly from the air, and are often seen gulping fresh air from the surface of the aquarium. In general, most labyrinth fish are carnivorous, and like to small aquatic organisms.

Did you know?
Labyrinth fish are not born with functional labyrinth organs. They have to learn the skill!

Tip: Do not keep two male Siamese fighting fish together, as they will fight to the death!

Livebearers
Guppies, Swordtails, Mollies & Platys are all livebearers, and all give birth to live fish. Livebearers are recommended to the novice aquarist, as they are easy to keep, and easy to multiply! As the newborn fish are relatively large, compared to fry for instance, they have more chance of maturing in a community tank.  

Did you know?
That seahorses and pipefish are defined as livebearers, although in these cases, the males incubate the eggs!