Tiger Barb

Puntigrus tetrazona

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.

Nematobrycon palmeri var. amphiloxus black

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

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

Care

Black Emperor Tetras are relatively hardy fish. Keep in large groups to minimize male aggression.  They’re able to reach 2” in size, males having blue eyes and females green.  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.

Glossolepis incisus

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 New Guinea Rainbowfish, Red Rainbowfish are larger than the Boesemani and require hard water parameters.  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.

Megalamphodus megalopterus

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

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

Notes

Black Phantom Tetras often have an iridescent color around the black spot on their body.  They can have an orange to red fin, but their dorsal and anal fin are often transparent to black.  You can keep them in a 10 gallon tank, but push for a 20 gallon with larger groups. Avoid aggressive or territorial species or large fish with big mouths.

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.

Aphyocharax anisitsi

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

Most nano fish and peaceful dwarf cichlids including but not limited to:  Cherry Barbs, Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Dwarf Gourami, Guppies, Plecos, Dwarf Corydoras, Loaches, Otocinclus

Notes

German Blue Rams are popular for their super vibrant colors.  They're a smaller and peaceful cichlid, but require tight water parameters and need a lot of space when housing more than one.