Blue Velvet Tiger Barb

Puntius tetrazona var. Blue Velvet

Tank Mates

Active and fast swimming community fish like Zebra Danios, Cories, Loaches, Platies and Rad-tailed sharks.

Avoid slowing moving, long finned fish like Bettas, Guppies, Gouramis, dwarf shrimps and small snails..

Notes

Fin Nippers!  They may also nip at slower moving fish or fish with long-flowing fins.  Shy, timid and slow community fish may not get to eat.

Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Tank Mates

Neon Tetras, Zebra Danios, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Dwarf Gourami, Angelfish and Guppies, Zebra Loaches, Yoyo Loaches and Otocinclus:

Notes

Aggressive or territorial species or large fish with big mouths such as cichlids.

Pethia padamya

Tank Mates

Active and fast swimming community fish like Zebra Danios, Cories, Loaches, Platies and Rad-tailed sharks.

Avoid slowing moving, long finned fish like Bettas, Guppies, Gouramis, dwarf shrimps and small snails.

Notes

The Odessa Barb can be aggressive with other Odessas in the same tank, particularly the males exerting dominance.  They may also nip at slower moving fish or fish with long-flowing fins, such as Guppies, Angelfish, Betta fish, Goldfish, Gourami and small snails.

Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Dwarf Gourami, Angelfish, Guppies, Loaches, Otocinclus, dwarf shrimp and snails

Notes

Black Neon Tetras are slightly larger than Neon Tetras and are great beginner fish.  The reason is because they can tolerate both acidic and low alkaline water conditions. This makes them hardier than Cardinal Tetras and a bit easier to keep.  General rule is 2 gallons per fish. 10 Gallon tank at a minimum, but push for 20 or more for healthy and happy fish. Avoid aggressive or territorial species or large fish with big mouths.  Black Neon Tetras are generally more confident and you'll find them swimming near the top than hiding.

Melanotaenia lacustris

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

 Cherry Barbs, Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Dwarf Gouramis, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Guppies, Plecos, Dwarf Corydoras, Loaches, Otocinclus and even Dwarf Shrimp.

Notes

Also known as Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish or Blue Rainbowfish, Turquoise Rainbowfish are simlar Boesemani Rainbowfish and are peaceful middle-top dwellers with small mouths.  They do well in a community with many nano fish including cherry barbs.  Minimize plant and decoration density and aim for 48" long tank to give them ample swimming space.

Hyphessobrycon amandae

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Dwarf Gourami, Angelfish, Guppies, Loaches, Otocinclus, dwarf shrimp and snails

Notes

Ember Tetras are very active and social beginner fish.  They schoal in large groups and can tolerate both acidic and low alkaline water conditions. Compare to Neon Tetras, they're smaller in comparison, approximately 1” max.  You’ll find them in almost every local fish store including commercial big box retailers.  You can keep a small community in a 5 gallon tank, but push for 10 or more to see their active behavior. Avoid aggressive or territorial species or large fish with big mouths.