The nine-spined stickleback represents one of those remarkable native species that once graced home aquariums far more frequently than today. While tropical fish dominate modern fishkeeping, our local waters harbor species that rival exotic imports in beauty and behavior. In my experience, few demonstrate this better than the nine-spined stickleback, whose breeding rituals offer displays as captivating as any fighting fish.
The Kerry tetra, also known as the purple emperor tetra (Inpaichthys kerri), is a small aquarium fish native to Brazil. It originates from the upper Madeira River basin—the largest tributary of the Amazon—inhabiting numerous streams and channels flowing through tropical forests. Thanks to its compact size, this species is perfectly suited for nano aquariums.
Guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) are members of the Poeciliidae family that have captured the hearts of aquarists worldwide. Native to Central and South America, these fish inhabit freshwater and brackish environments in Venezuela, Brazil, Guyana, and Trinidad. Thanks to their remarkable adaptability, guppies have successfully established populations on nearly every continent.
The underwater world captivates with its beauty. While not everyone can explore ocean depths through diving, anyone can bring a piece of that aquatic wonder into their home with an aquarium. Among all available fish species, goldfish remain the most attractive choice for aquarists worldwide.
The bicolor banjo catfish is a remarkable bottom-dwelling species that amazes aquarists with its exceptional camouflage abilities. This unusual aquarium inhabitant has earned the nickname “driftwood catfish” thanks to its unique cryptic coloration and habit of freezing motionless on the substrate, becoming virtually indistinguishable from a piece of bark.
Many aquarium enthusiasts dream of keeping beautiful fish without investing in extensive equipment like compressors and aerators. Let me introduce you to the betta fish, also known as the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens). These remarkable creatures belong to the labyrinth fish family, possessing a specialized labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air directly from the surface. This unique adaptation means you won’t need an air pump for your tank.
The swordtail fish (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a freshwater species from the Poeciliidae family. Native to Honduras, Mexico, and Guatemala, these vibrant fish inhabit rivers, lakes, and even marshy areas in the wild.
The Electric Blue Hap, also known as Ahli or Haplochromis ahli (Sciaenochromis fryeri), is a freshwater ray-finned fish from the Cichlidae family. This species is endemic to Lake Malawi in Africa, a lake renowned for its remarkable diversity of cichlid species. In nature, it typically inhabits depths of 10-40 meters, forming loosely distributed but quite numerous populations.
The banded gourami (Trichogaster fasciata) is a labyrinth fish from the Osphronemidae family, first described in 1801 by Bloch and Schneider. European aquarists became acquainted with this species in 1897, and it reached Russia in 1904.