If you’re eager to enhance your aquarium with some of the most captivating freshwater fish, you’ve come to the right place. I’m excited to share my top 26 picks that will transform your tank into a vibrant, diverse underwater world. Whether you’re just starting out or have been keeping fish for years, you’ll find useful advice and care tips here. Let’s explore some of the most colorful, unique, and intriguing fish to make your aquarium truly stand out.
I’ve categorized the list into three sections for easy reference: Most Colorful, Unique & Exotic, and Unexpected & Oddly Shaped.
Most Colorful
- Betta (Koi Galaxy Betta)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Temperament: Aggressive
- Diet: Carnivore
- Tank Size: 5 gal (19 l)
Koi bettas are stunning with their red, black, bule and white marbled patterns. They grow up to three inches (7.5 cm) and have flowing fins, making them a striking addition to any tank. Keep males alone or in groups of five or more females to prevent aggression. Not all bettas are aggressive, but some definitely are so be aware of this when selecting your new fish.
A well-planted tank is ideal for keeping the water quality parameters adequate and to provide resting spots which bettas use frequently. You’ll frequently find your betta floating about tall stems of densely packed plants, or hovering at the bottom amongst larger rocks or wood where the water movement is still.

If you select a smaller tank for a single betta, it is essential it has proper aeration from a air-stone and pump, or a small sponge filter to keep the water moving. Keep in mind bettas prefer gently flowing current and tire quickly if a hang-on-back filter is set to ‘high flow’ output. Check the water chemistry parameters often to ensure the harmful ammonia levels or pH don’t get out of control. Strictly monitor water quality when using small tanks as the parameters can change quickly.
Bettas prefer carnivore based food, though they’ll eat frozen or freeze-dried options such as blood worms, but will eat flakes too. Feed your betta frequently, it is recommended a varied diet at a an every other day to every two day interval.
They can live in a community tank with peaceful fish that do NOT have flowing fins or brightly colored, because some bettas (not all) might see this fish as other competitors for territory. Bottom-dwelling inhabitants like cory catfish, pleco species or freshwater shrimp are almost always a safe pairing. In all my years fishkeeping I’ve yet to see a betta attack a shrimp!
2. Discus (Symphysodon genus)
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Carnivore
- Tank Size: 75 gal (284 l)
- Size: 5-7 inches (13-18 cm)
Gently gliding in a wall of rainbow colors, the discus is undeniably a stunning fish. The colors and patterns vary widely, pushing them up on the list of a spectacular centerpiece fish!
They have strict water requirements, needing exceptionally soft water; a narrow, slightly acidic pH range; and a limited, warm temperature range. Nitrites and ammonia must be close to zero. Anything outside of these ranges can harm your fish.
These schooling fish grow between 5 and 7 inches (13 to 18 cm) in diameter and do best in a group – so you better get ready to commit to a large tank!
Buy and add them to the tank at the same time to reduce resource competition and always introduce your discus to the tank gradually. Discus-only tanks work well as other species can outcompete them for food, but thoughtful pairing them with other fish can also work.
3. Female Kribensis (Pelvicachromis kribensis)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet: Omnivore
- Tank Size: 20 gal (76 l)
Kribensis is a species where the female is more colorful than the male. With a base color of silver, white, or grey, they have black stripes running the length of the body and red-tipped fins. Females also have a prominent red spot on their abdomen and reach around three inches (7.6 cm) in length.
These fish have wonderfully interactive personalities. They are extremely hardy fish and can survive in a wide range of water pH, salinity, and hardness levels. While you can keep them as a single specimen, you will find they display brighter colors when kept in pairs.They are largely non-aggressive and somewhat shy, but when in a breeding pair, they can become territorial.

4. German Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) and Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Omnivore
- Tank Size: 20 gal (76 l)
These classic cichlids are ideal for the beginning aquarist. First, the German Ram is a stunning fish featuring blue, yellow, red, and orange colors, while the Bolivian Ram has a more subtle red/orange/yellow color with attractive, swept-back fins that are often outlined with red.




Both are small fish, maxing out around three inches (7.6 cm) in length, and both have a lifespan of around three to four years.
They are peaceful and excellent for community tanks. They need a heavily planted tank to keep stress levels down, hardy plants like Java fern, Anubias, and Amazon sword work well. Also consider adding wood elements for hiding spots and caves, several inches of rocky-sandy bottom substrate to dig within, and they enjoy extras like almond leaves. While German rams love to dig and uproot the very plants it needs, the Bolivian ram will not.
Cichlids in general are considered a hardy species, but with these two; the German ram is more sensitive to shifts in water conditions than the Bolivian.
5. “Electric Blue” Jack Dempsey Cichlid (Rocio octofasciata)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Temperament: Aggressive
- Diet: Omnivore
- Tank Size: 55 gal (208 l)
- Size: 12 inches (30 cm)
If you’re familiar with the popular Jack Dempsey fish, but what about the “electric blue” variety? True to its name, this fish flashes and glimmers a striking electric blue coloration that makes it a standout in any aquarium. It’s a visually stunning fish that adds a vibrant blue to your tank, immediately becoming the focal point.
Adult electric blue Jack Dempseys can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length, this will take on average 2 to 3 years. While they may look small and adorable as juveniles in the aquarium shop, it’s essential to be aware of their potential adult size. In my experience, they tend to be more peaceful than other cichlid species, but they are still predators and can become territorial, especially during spawning periods.

For the best results, keep them singly, in pairs, or with other Central or South American cichlids of a similar size. It’s crucial to maintain stable water temperatures, as significant fluctuations can be fatal for this species. With the right care and environment, electric blue Jack Dempseys can thrive and become a breathtaking addition to your aquatic community.
Electric Blue Jack Dempseys thrive in a well-planted tank, but there are some specifics to consider for their environment. They enjoy having plenty of hiding spots, so include rocks, caves, and driftwood in the aquascape. Hardy plants like Java fern, Anubias, and Amazon sword work well, as these fish may occasionally dig around. A sandy or fine gravel substrate is ideal, allowing them to forage naturally.
Ensure moderate water flow with stable temperatures between 76-82°F (24-28°C) and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Providing these conditions will help your Electric Blue Jack Dempsey feel right at home.
6. Cherry Barbs (Puntius titteya) & Gold Barb (Puntius semifasclolatus)
Cherry Barbs and Gold Barbs are one of my favorite choices for adding a splash of color and activity to a community tank. These small fish, measuring just one to two inches (2.5 to 5 cm), are truly captivating with their brilliant red bodies and even red eyes, or deep sunshine golden yellow. Cherry barbs are highlighted by a dark line running from the nose to the tail.
In my experience, cherry and gold barbs thrive best when kept in groups of at least six to ten. This schooling behavior not only makes them feel secure but also brings out the males’ vibrant colors as they compete for attention. Watching a group of cherry barbs dart around the tank is both calming and entertaining, especially when they showcase their bright red hues.


When setting up your tank, aim for a balance between planted areas and open swimming spaces. Cherry barbs appreciate the cover provided by plants but also need room to swim freely. I’ve found that they do exceptionally well in a tank with a mix of dense foliage and clear areas, where they can display their natural behaviors.
One of the reasons I love cherry barbs is their compatibility with other species. They are peaceful and get along well with small shrimp and long-finned fish, making them a great addition to a diverse community tank. Unlike some other species, cherry barbs are not fin-nippers, so you can enjoy their company without worrying about aggression.
Overall, cherry barbs are a delightful choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Their easy-going nature, combined with their striking appearance, makes them a joy to keep and observe in any freshwater setup.
7. Gourami and Dwarf Gourami
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Omnivore
- Tank Size: 20 gal (76 l)
- Size: 1.8 – 2.2 inches

In the wild, these freshwater fish thrive in heavily vegetated, oxygen-depleted waters using their labyrinth organ to help them breathe air at the water’s surface.
When young, both males and females are a light brown color to help them camouflage among decaying leaves. As they grow, the females become the more colorful of the two, sporting beautiful red and green stripes.
Their small adult size of around 1.8 to 2.2 inches (4.6 to 5.6 cm) means they can be kept in a modestly sized tank.
Pairing this fish with others can be tricky as they consider themselves rulers of the upper levels. Peaceful, slow-swimming, bottom-dwelling species are your best bet.

Gourami have been bred specifically to select the bright color variation and patterns. Be aware that with this extensive breeding, some Dwarf Gourami are weaker and not very hardy, so be sure to ask your source the breeding origin of the fish in consideration.

8. Threadfin Acara (Acarichthys heckelii)

- Difficulty: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Omnivore, with a heavy emphasis on meaty foods
- Tank Size: 90 gal (341 l)
- Size: 8 inches
The threadfin acara has a sleek body shape and endearing, oversized eyes. As this fish matures, so does its coloration, showing lovely blue-green dots and rainbow splashes of color on semi-transparent fins.

They are a peaceful cichlid species with plenty of personality. Threadfins can live in community tanks in groups, just pair them with species that are the same size or larger (8 inches, 20 cm).
The water should be meticulously cleaned and over-filtered to keep this species healthy.
These fish can be territorial during spawning and are constantly digging, so design your tank layout with this in mind.
Smaller tank sizes can increase stress for this species, resulting in an increased chance of aggression.
9. Apistogramma (genus)

- Difficulty: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet: Omnivore
- Tank Size: 20 gal (76 l)
- Size: 0.8-4 inches (2-10 cm)
There are over 90 species under the Apistogramma genus, each one more colorful than the last. In addition, they playfully interact with and recognize their keepers, making them even more endearing.
Apistos are dwarf cichlids, with a range of sizes from a diminutive 0.8 inches (2 cm) to a maximum of four inches (10 cm), depending on the species.
They have a semi-aggressive, territorial nature and should not be paired with peaceful species.
Keep them in pairs or groups of four in an appropriately sized tank for the best chance of a peaceful environment.
Decorations, rocks, plants, and a sandy bottom will encourage your cichlid’s natural behaviors.
10. Blue-Eyed Forktail or Furcata Rainbowfish

- Difficulty: Easy
- Temperament: Energetic and Curious
- Diet: Carnivore
- Tank Size: 10-20 gal (76 l)
- Size: 2 inches (5 cm)
If you are looking for a slightly uncommon fish that will energize your aquarium with active, playful antics then the forktail or furcata rainbowfish is it! First off they look hilariously adorable with the bright blue eyes, and electric yellow fins that sit ‘high’ on the body, not to mention the distinct fork tail. As this active fish dances around the ends of the fins look like they are waving yellow flags as they swim around.
This freshwater fish loves plants and plenty of room to explore. Keep the water temperature warm at 75-80°F and slightly alkaline pH above 7.0, but overall hardy to a range of water chemistry.
They do best in groups, and pair with many other species due to their non-aggressive nature. Like most rainbowfish, the females are less colorful than the males. When deciding on numbers, it’s best to either select a group of 3 males or a groupof 3 females and one male.
These fish have a big appetite and are not finicky at all! They love blood worms, daphnia, krill flakes and much more.
Unique & Exotic
1. Royal Farlowella Catfish (Sturisoma panamense)

- Difficulty: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Omnivore, with a heavy emphasis on vegetables
- Tank Size: 30 gal (114 l)
This first unique fish on the list looks like it came all the way from the time of dinosaurs! It has an elongated, ultra-thin body and eye-catching, pointed fins. What makes it look so cool is the scales look like it’s wearing armor.
They measure eight inches (20 cm) in length and have an eight to 10-year lifespan. These fish favor the cooler, highly oxygenated waters found in fast-flowing streams.
They are slightly shy, keeping active in the nighttime hours until they are comfortable with their surroundings. A group of three to five fish may increase their comfort.
The royal farlowella catfish is a peaceful bottom dweller, which makes them ideal for a community tank with species that stick to the middle and upper levels.
Make sure they have nutrition in the form of sinking pellets or spot feeding.
2. African Butterflyfish (Pantodon buchholzi)

- Difficulty: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet: Carnivore
- Tank Size: 40 gal (150 l)
For a fish with unique abilities, check out the African butterflyfish. This amazing species can leap into the air, spreading its pectoral fins and gliding to escape predators!
When those fins are spread, they have the appearance of butterfly wings, thus the name.
This five-inch-long fish (13 cm) needs a large, long tank to accommodate its activity. They stick to the upper levels of the tank and are known to jump, so keep the tank lid secure.
They tolerate a narrow range of pH levels, necessitating regular maintenance of conditions.
These predators are also picky eaters, favoring live prey. Do not pair them with smaller fish species or those occupying the upper tank levels.
3. Black Ghost Knife Fish (Apteronotus albifrons)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet: Carnivore
- Tank Size: 75 gal (284 l)

The Black Ghost Knife fish brings extra unusual shape and movement to your tank! Having no dorsal or caudal fins, they slip through the water using a rippling, veil-like fin that is almost the entire length of the fish. Stiff-bodied, so they look a little bit like a toothpick with wavy streamers on the bottom.
These fish are coal black with a true white stripe on the tail. As they age, many say the deep jet black does fade slightly into more of a deep gray color.

These nocturnal fish grow large, reaching around 20 inches (51 cm), they need a large aquarium with space to maneuver. You’ll often find them in the shops as juveniles only 4 inches, so in that case you have time to upgrade the tank size as they mature.
Black Ghost Knife Fish navigate their naturally murky waters using weak electric signals. This ability can make it difficult to keep two knife fish in the same tank as the conflicting fields cause stress. So this makes for a single highlight or feature specimen to keep.
They are micro predators, feeding mainly on insect larvae in the wild. If your specimen is wild-caught, you may need to train it to accept frozen foods, or freeze dried protein based ones.
4. Flowerhorn Cichlid (hybrid)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Temperament: Aggressive
- Diet: Omnivore
- Tank Size: 70 gal (265 l)

The flowerhorn cichlid is an attention-drawing fish with bright colors, an oversized nuchal hump, and chubby jowls.
Bred from the combination of the blood parrot cichlid and the red devil cichlid, these fish have an impressive lifespan of 11 to 12 years.
They are large fish, reaching anywhere from 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 cm) as adults, and need adequate space to move around.
They get by with minimal tank decorations and love to dig, so supply a sandy substrate and secure any plants or rocks.
They do well as a single specimen. If you add additional fish, know the flowerhorn’s tendency for territorial aggression and be prepared to rearrange your tank.
5. Marbled Hatchet Fish (Carnegiella strigata)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Carnivore
- Tank Size: 20 gal (76 l)

The hatchet fish has a unique shape with a downward extending belly resembling the keel of a ship. What’s not to love about these fish! The marbled name comes from the unique stripe pattern which kind of looks like marbled rye bread.
This cool top-dwelling fish has powerful pectoral muscles that allow it to leap out of the water and skim the surface to escape predators. As such, keep the tank lid secure.
The marbled hatchet reaches around 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) in length and has a yellow/green and olive marbled color pattern.
There is a more common Hatchet fish species which are slightly more yellow on their back and do not have the marbled stripes, but the shape of this fish is what makes it cool.

When you first bring them home, they may be nervous and refuse to eat, but once established, they are hardy and voracious eaters.
They stick to the water surface and rarely descend. Pair them with peaceful bottom-dwelling fish in a heavily planted habitat, including a few floating plants.
6. Elephant Nose Fish (Gnathonemus petersii)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful, with mild territorial behavior
- Diet: Carnivore
- Tank Size: 50 gal (189 l)

The instantly notable feature of the Elephant Nose Fish is, you guessed it, its prominent Schnauzenorgan – a mobile, highly sensitive organ that permits electro-location.
Their nose emits and analyzes a weak electric signal, which allows them to perceive objects in the murky waters of their native habitat.
Color does vary from fish to fish and the overall health can dictate color vibrancy too. They are a dark body with lighter striped patterns that pop. Some Elephant fish are quite dark, almost black and others have brighter yellow/blue highlights on the top of the head. All will have some sort of light stripe on the tail end of the body.

Expect your elephant nose fish to reach nine inches (23 cm) in length when fully grown.
A larger tank will allow for reduced territorial aggression and more opportunities to place objects and plants in the environment for your fish to explore.
Take particular care with water conditions for this fish and do not stretch these parameters when pairing them with other species in a community tank.
7. Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Omnivore
- Tank Size: 50 gal (189 l)

The hillstream loach looks more like an ocean-dwelling stingray than a freshwater fish.

Streamlined and hugging the substrate, their fins flare out sideways like fans. Their body features a pattern mimicking light on the stream’s bed.
They have a long lifespan of eight to 10 years and reach a maximum of two to three inches (5 to 8 cm) in length.
You may be surprised by the recommended tank size for such a small fish. They need a strong current flow to replicate their natural waters, which is difficult to achieve in a small tank.
Hillstream loaches are most comfortable in a group of three to four individuals. Pair them with fish that favor similarly cool water conditions.
8. Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Omnivore
- Tank Size: 30 gal (114 l)

How about a transparent catfish to add a dash of “WOW” to your tank? These unique natives to Thailand are not your typical, bottom-dwelling catfish.
You will find these active swimmers happily exploring the middle levels as well.
These fish are not tiny, either. At their adult length between four to six inches (10 to 15 cm), you will have no trouble seeing them.
Glass catfish have a long, eight-year lifespan and are healthiest when kept in a group of at least five.

They have a narrow range of water parameter tolerance. Strict monitoring and maintenance of tank conditions is required.
They are excellent in a community tank with other peaceful fish of equivalent size.
9. Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Temperament: Aggressive
- Diet: Carnivore. Predator
- Tank Size: 10 gal (38 l)

The plump, big-eyed pea puffer certainly wins in the “adorable” category. This tiny fish buzzes through the water using almost invisible fins.
While they only reach around an inch and a half (3.8 cm) in length, you can get away with a smaller tank.
Still, a larger tank gives this active swimmer a little space to roam and allows the addition of plants and hiding places to create a comfortable environment and reduce stress.
This tiny predator needs a steady supply of frozen and fresh meaty foods.
They can also be quite aggressive for their size. Place them in a single species tank or pair them with fast swimming, shorter finned fish.
10. Paradise Threadfin (Polynemus paradiseus)
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Carnivore
- Tank Size: 120 gal (454 l)
- Size: 6-12 inches

The paradise threadfin is both a freshwater and marine species.
They are active swimmers that inhabit coastal areas of the Eastern Indian Ocean and Western Pacific and regularly return to freshwater for breeding.
These fish reach between 6.7 to 12 inches (17 to 30 cm) in length and have highly elongated, wispy appendages that they use to navigate their environment. In their native waters, locals harvest them for consumption.
They are quite sensitive to shifts in water parameters and are best for those aquarists with experience in maintaining steady conditions.
They need alkaline pH levels, warm water, and zero levels of both ammonia and nitrites.
11. Amazon Leaffish

- Difficulty: Expert
- Temperament: Shy and Hides
- Diet: Carnivore. Ambush predator
- Tank Size: 30 gal ( l)
- Size: 4-5 inches
Leaffish have evolved to be incredible camoflouged freshwater fish earning a spot on the list for extremely unique display fish. They are ambush predators that mimic a dead, floating leaf, waiting to swallow their prey whole.
Overall they are peaceful with any fish larger than a meal size, but can show stress with more aggressive fish that would pick and bite at them. Although they can be moderately hardy when it comes to water parameters, where they become expert level is the difficulty in feeding live foods and insects, and ensuring they actually eat (other aggressive feeding fish will beat them to it and they starve).
Your tank should be densly planted for the leaffish to thrive, with temperatures at 78-82°F
Unexpected & Oddly Shaped
1. Ropefish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Carnivore
- Tank Size: 50 gal (189 l)

Ropefish rank high on the list of coolest fish! Long and snake-like, the Ropefish hardly looks like a “fish” at all. Their coloration and body shape help them blend into the densely vegetated, slow-moving waterways from which they hail. Now this fish might be perfect for you or a little too weird – and that’s ok.
What is notable about Ropefish is their face. They have a comical, almost smiling demeanor that some people just cant get enough!

These fish are highly adaptable and tolerate both fresh and brackish water. On top of that, they have both gills and lungs, making them incredibly hardy in a range of water conditions.
As a bottom dwelling fish, they scan the substrate for bites to eat, scooting along in long sweeping eel-like movement. Ropefish need a cave to hide, but will definitely be out and about exploring the tank.
They reach up to two feet (61 cm) in length when fully grown, so plan ahead with a sizable tank once they reach adulthood.
If you are looking for a unique fish that will stick around for a long time, the Ropefish will not disappoint. With excellent care, they can live anywhere from 15 to 20 years!
2. Bichir (Polypterus delhezi) or (Polypterus senegalus)

- Difficulty: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful (but aggressive toward their own kind)
- Diet: Carnivore
- Tank Size: 100 gal (379 l)
There is no denying the appeal of the prehistoric-looking bichir. There are several varieties, with P. delhezi and P. senegalus being popular for home aquariums.

These nocturnal carnivores are incredibly hardy fish and hail from shallow, muddy rivers in Africa. They get along well with other species but do not enjoy having others of their kind in the same tank.
Depending on the species, they range in size from 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm). They need a long tank with sufficient space for swimming.
They also need access to the water surface to breathe from time to time. In doing so, be aware they can jump, so a tight-fitting lid is required.
3. Stingrays (Potamotrygon genus)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Carnivore
- Tank Size: 250 gal (946 l)

There are a variety of freshwater stingrays under the Potamotrygon genus that are popular for home aquariums.
They range from 30 to 36 inches (76 to 91 cm) in diameter and feature striking patterns in brown, olive, or black.
You will need a significant tank size with ample floor space and a robust filtration system to provide the best environment for this fish. They do not tolerate shifts in water parameters well.
The scaleless ray has a poisonous stinger but is peaceful in nature, with only slight aggression from the male during breeding times.
Avoid keeping different species under the same genus together, as they can produce unwanted hybrids.
4. Vampire Tetra (Hydrocyon scomberoides)

- Difficulty: Moderate
- Temperament: Aggressive
- Diet: Carnivore
- Tank Size: 500 gal (1893 l)
If the name “vampire tetra” did not catch your attention, how about the fact that this monster eats piranhas in the wild? Interested now?
This fish is built for speed and hunting, with a sleek body, upturned mouth, and huge fangs.

While they reach up to four feet in length in the wild, in a home aquarium, they stay around 12 inches (30 cm). Still a sizable fish and substantial investment in tank size and a filtration system!
The vampire tetra can be trained to accept frozen foods but prefer live prey.
Note as well that for such a large fish, the vampire tetra has an oddly short lifespan of only 12 months.
6. Kuhli Loach (Pangio cuneovirgata)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Omnivore
- Tank Size: 10 gal (38 l)
There are multiple species under the Pangio genus that go by the name “kuhli loach.” Of these, P. cuneovirgata is one of the smallest.
They have the same saddle-like stripes and long, elegant shape, just in a more compact, two-inch (5 cm) size.
When frightened, their instinct is to rapidly bury themselves under the sand, so a soft substrate is needed to protect them from injury.
Make sure your tank is well established before adding your kuhli, and cover the filter intakes to prevent these curious fish from becoming trapped.
Kuhli are peaceful fish that make great tank mates. They show higher activity levels when kept in a minimum group of three.
Closing Thoughts
With so many aquarium fish from which to choose, building and stocking your dream tank is easy!
As always, do your reading, talk to your local fish store, and visit online forums to make sure you are providing the best environment for your cool freshwater fish.