Archives: Species

Tetras are represented by several families in the larger Characiform family. While the name tetra often invokes such small and colorful species as the ever popular neon tetra, much larger species such as the Piranhas can also be found in the characif...

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The family Labridae, containing all the wrasses is a highly diverse group that has captivated ichthyologists and aquarists alike. With 600 or more species distributed across over 80 genera, it is no wonder wrasses have become a mainstay in the aquari...

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Triggerfish, often referred to as Triggers, are members of the Balistidae family, encompassing approximately 12 genera and 40 species. Triggerfish are a commonly kept aquarium species due to their inquisitive personality, large size and interesting p...

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Surgeonfishes and tangs are members of the Acanthuridae family, encompassing approximately 6 genera and 86 species. Surgeonfishes are a commonly kept aquarium species due to their algae eating habits, bold personality and attractive appearance. The Y...

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Squirrelfish and Soldierfish are members of the Holocentridae family. The Soldierfishes are placed in the Myripristinae subfamily, whereas the Squirrelfish can be found in the Holocentrinae subfamily. Squirrelfishes are often kept in marine aquariums...

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Seahorses are one of the most instantly recognizable groups of aquarium fish. With prehensile tails, eyes that move independently of each other, and a long tube-like snout, there is no mistaking a seahorse! There are approximately 54 species of seaho...

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Pufferfish are members of the Tetraodontidae family, closely related to the triggerfishes, filefishes and boxfishes. Like their cousins the triggerfish, Pufferfish are well known for their bold personality and playful antics. In fact many aquarists r...

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Lionfish and Scorpionfish are members of the Scorpaenidae family, with over 22 genera and hundreds of species, this is a large family. Members of the Scorpaenidae family tend to eat just about anything that can fit in their mouth, so they are best su...

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Jawfishes are members of the Opistognathidae family, encompassing only 3 genera. Jawfish are a commonly kept group of fishes due to their funny antics, relatively small size and ease of care. The Yellowheaded Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons) is one ...

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Hogfish are wrasses of the specialized subfamily, Bodianus. Bodianus contains approximately 45 species. Hogfishes are a commonly kept group of fishes due to their bright colors, bold personalities and ease of care. The Spanish Hogfish  (Bodianus ruf...

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Hawkfish are members of the Cirrhitidae family, which contains approximately 12 genera. Hawkfish are a commonly kept group of fishes due to their bold personalities, relative ease of care and bright coloration. The Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatu...

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Grunts and Sweetlips are member of the Haemulidae family, which encompasses 19 genera and 133 species. The Oriental Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus orientalis) is one of the most commonly sold grunt species. Other popular species in the aquarium hobby incl...

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Groupers are members of the large subfamily Epinephelinae which contains over 16. Groupers are a commonly kept group of marine fishes due to their large size and personalities. The size of these fish, coupled with the patterns and colors of some grou...

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Filefish are members of the Monacanthidae family, which contains approximately 27 genera and 102 species. They are very closely related to pufferfish and triggerfish. Filefish are a commonly kept group of fishes due to their fascinating behaviors, ea...

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Eels are members of the Muraenidae family, which contains approximately 15 genera and 0ver 200 species. Eels are a commonly kept group of fishes due to their unique looks, interesting behavior and general ease of care. The Snowflake Moray Eel (Echidn...

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Dragonets are members of the Callionymidae family, which contains approximately 19 genera and 139 species. Dragonets are a highly sought after and commonly kept group of fishes due to their interesting behaviors, small size and unique coloring and pa...

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Dottybacks are members of the Pseudochromidae family, encompassing approximately 32 genera and 150 species. Dottybacks are a commonly kept aquarium species due to their outgoing personalities, relatively small size and vast array of colors and patter...

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Dartfishes are members of the Ptereleotrinae subfamily, encompassing seven genera.  Dartfishes are a commonly kept aquarium species due to their small size, amenable personalities and bright coloration. The Common Fire Fish (Nemateleotris magnifica)...

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Damsels are members of the Pomacentridae family, encompassing 29 genera and 385 species. Damsels are a commonly kept group of fishes due to their extremely hardy nature, low cost and bright coloration. The Blue Devil Damsel (Chrysiptera cyanea) is on...

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The cardinalfishes are excellent aquarium inhabitants, often remaining relatively small and peaceful. As a general rule, they can be kept in groups, are considered reef safe and adapt well to captivity. Perhaps one of the most well-known members of t...

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The Butterflyfishes of the family Chaetodontidae are iconic marine aquarium fishes. Being medium to large, laterally compressed fish, often with highly ornate patterning, they are a beautiful addition to any aquarium. They are a fairly diverse group ...

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Boxfish, cowfish and trunkfishes are all members of the Ostraciidae family. They are very unique in appearance and unlikely to ne confused with any other species! Their characteristic shape, seemingly awkward swimming style, and very animated looks h...

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The blennies are an extremely diverse group of fish with over a hundred genera, representing many hundreds of species. They can be found in marine, freshwater and brackish water. Perhaps best recognized by aquarium perennial favorites such as the Law...

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Batfish are a unique group of fishes containing only five species, all within the genus Platax. Batfish are prized in aquariums for their showy size and personalities. Being such large fish, they are frequently found on display at public aquariums wh...

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The term basslet is used in the aquarium hobby to indicate members of several different families including Grammatidae, Serranidae and occasionally some of the smaller members of Plesiopidae. Basslets are a commonly kept group of fishes due to their ...

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Anthias are members of the Serranidae family, which encompasses over 65 genera and 450 species. Anthias are a commonly kept aquarium species due to their bright colors and brilliant patterns, shoaling habits and their willingness to spend the day act...

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Anglerfish and Frogfish are very unique fish with an amazing ability to blend into their environment. Due to their highly predatory nature, they are often best kept alone, and for this reason are not seen in reef tanks, or tanks with small fish. Howe...

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Large marine angelfish in the family Pomacanthidae are highly iconic and recognized reef fishes. There are seven genera, encompassing approximately eighty-five species. These include such species as the gorgeous Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperat...

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