Tankably
@tankably.bsky.social
Tankably is your comprehensive resource for creating and maintaining beautiful aquatic environments. Access our database of aquatic life, utilize tools to perfect your tank setup, and share your creations with a passionate community.
https://tankably.com
https://tankably.com
Named for Peruvian aquarium-fish exporter Martin Mortenthaler, Nannostomus mortenthaleri is a coral-red pencilfish from blackwater tributaries of Peru’s Nanay and possibly Tigre Rivers, where males spar and display vivid courtship colors in shoals.
Nannostomus mortenthaleri | Tankably
The Coral Red Pencilfish is a small, brightly colored shoaling species from South America, known for its active presence in the upper aquarium levels.
tankably.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:46 AM
Named for Peruvian aquarium-fish exporter Martin Mortenthaler, Nannostomus mortenthaleri is a coral-red pencilfish from blackwater tributaries of Peru’s Nanay and possibly Tigre Rivers, where males spar and display vivid courtship colors in shoals.
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis, the lemon tetra, was introduced to aquariums as early as 1932 and is now a long‑established favorite, forming peaceful mid‑water shoals and displaying vivid lemon‑yellow hues when well fed on a varied omnivorous diet.
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis | Tankably
A peaceful and hardy shoaling fish from South America, the Lemon Tetra is an excellent choice for beginner aquarists due to its adaptable nature and sma...
tankably.com
January 26, 2026 at 7:41 AM
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis, the lemon tetra, was introduced to aquariums as early as 1932 and is now a long‑established favorite, forming peaceful mid‑water shoals and displaying vivid lemon‑yellow hues when well fed on a varied omnivorous diet.
Notropis volucellus, the mimic shiner, is a schooling cyprinid that favors clear pools over sandy or gravel substrates in streams and quiet lake margins, feeding heavily on Daphnia, small crustaceans, insects, algae, and other invertebrates.
Notropis volucellus | Tankably
The Mimic Shiner is an active, schooling fish native to North America, known for its lively presence and peaceful nature in freshwater community aquariu...
tankably.com
January 20, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Notropis volucellus, the mimic shiner, is a schooling cyprinid that favors clear pools over sandy or gravel substrates in streams and quiet lake margins, feeding heavily on Daphnia, small crustaceans, insects, algae, and other invertebrates.
Myleus argenteus, often confused with other silver dollar relatives, is a peaceful South American schooling fish that favors mid to upper water levels, dim conditions, and soft, slightly acidic water in densely planted, sheltered river habitats.
Myleus argenteus | Tankably
The Hard-bellied Silver Dollar is a large, schooling fish from South America known for its striking disc-like shape and active, fast-swimming nature.
tankably.com
January 16, 2026 at 8:02 AM
Myleus argenteus, often confused with other silver dollar relatives, is a peaceful South American schooling fish that favors mid to upper water levels, dim conditions, and soft, slightly acidic water in densely planted, sheltered river habitats.
Hemigrammus rodwayi is known as a peaceful South American shoaling fish whose shimmering gold sheen actually comes from guanine secreted in response to skin parasites in the wild, meaning captive-bred specimens are often more silvery than gold.
Hemigrammus rodwayi | Tankably
The Rodway's Tetra is a small, active, and peaceful shoaling fish from South America, making it a popular choice for community aquariums with similar-si...
tankably.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:06 AM
Hemigrammus rodwayi is known as a peaceful South American shoaling fish whose shimmering gold sheen actually comes from guanine secreted in response to skin parasites in the wild, meaning captive-bred specimens are often more silvery than gold.
The rummy-nose tetra (Petitella bleheri), native to the Amazon Basin, is famed for its bright red nose that intensifies in healthy, calm fish. Its synchronized schooling and shimmering silver body make it a favorite among aquarists worldwide.
Petitella bleheri | Tankably
The Rummy-nose Tetra is a small, active, and social freshwater fish from South America, known for its tight schooling behavior and peaceful temperament.
tankably.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:37 PM
The rummy-nose tetra (Petitella bleheri), native to the Amazon Basin, is famed for its bright red nose that intensifies in healthy, calm fish. Its synchronized schooling and shimmering silver body make it a favorite among aquarists worldwide.
The Austrolebias affinis inhabits Uruguay's Negro River basin in temporary pools that dry annually. Eggs enter diapause in peat substrate, resisting months of drought until rains return. IUCN lists it vulnerable from agricultural habitat loss.
Austrolebias affinis | Tankably
Known as the Affinis Pearlfish, this carnivorous South American species is a fascinating but short-lived addition for aquarists with some experience.
tankably.com
December 30, 2025 at 9:26 AM
The Austrolebias affinis inhabits Uruguay's Negro River basin in temporary pools that dry annually. Eggs enter diapause in peat substrate, resisting months of drought until rains return. IUCN lists it vulnerable from agricultural habitat loss.
Epiplatys annulatus, the clown killi, hails from shallow West African swamps and forest streams, where it cruises the surface in small groups, displaying bold banded “ring” patterns and vibrant tails while performing elaborate courtship dances.
Epiplatys annulatus | Tankably
A small and engaging shoaling fish from Africa, the Clown Killifish is a great choice for nano aquariums with its unique surface-dwelling behavior.
tankably.com
December 29, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Epiplatys annulatus, the clown killi, hails from shallow West African swamps and forest streams, where it cruises the surface in small groups, displaying bold banded “ring” patterns and vibrant tails while performing elaborate courtship dances.
Danio rerio, or zebrafish, is a tropical freshwater cyprinid from South Asia whose striped body, transparent embryos, and rapid external development have made it a premier vertebrate model for genetic researches in modern biomedical science.
Danio rerio | Tankably
The Zebrafish is a highly active and hardy freshwater species, making it an excellent and popular choice for both new and experienced aquarium enthusias...
tankably.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Danio rerio, or zebrafish, is a tropical freshwater cyprinid from South Asia whose striped body, transparent embryos, and rapid external development have made it a premier vertebrate model for genetic researches in modern biomedical science.
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, a native to the Orinoco Llanos savannas of Venezuela and Colombia, thrives in warm, soft, acidic waters and forms monogamous pairs that clean a flat stone, lay adhesive eggs, then both parents fan and herd the fry.
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi | Tankably
The Ram Cichlid is a small, brilliantly colored fish from South America, known for its engaging personality and tendency to form dedicated pairs in the...
tankably.com
December 17, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, a native to the Orinoco Llanos savannas of Venezuela and Colombia, thrives in warm, soft, acidic waters and forms monogamous pairs that clean a flat stone, lay adhesive eggs, then both parents fan and herd the fry.
Adinoacara rivulatus, known as the green terror cichlid, is a South American species from fast-flowing coastal rivers of Peru and Ecuador. Males often show vivid metallic green and orange on their heads and fins when guarding their territory.
Acestridium colombiense | Tankably
The Green Whiptail Catfish is a fascinating, peaceful fish that looks just like a tiny green twig.
tankably.com
December 12, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Adinoacara rivulatus, known as the green terror cichlid, is a South American species from fast-flowing coastal rivers of Peru and Ecuador. Males often show vivid metallic green and orange on their heads and fins when guarding their territory.
Adinoacara rivulatus, known as the green terror cichlid, is a South American species from fast-flowing coastal rivers of Peru and Ecuador. Males often show vivid metallic green and orange on their heads and fins when guarding their territory.
Adinoacara rivulatus | Tankably
The Green Terror Cichlid, which also goes by the names Gold Saum or White Saum, is a beautiful and charismatic fish from South America.
tankably.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Adinoacara rivulatus, known as the green terror cichlid, is a South American species from fast-flowing coastal rivers of Peru and Ecuador. Males often show vivid metallic green and orange on their heads and fins when guarding their territory.
Betta imbellis, the peaceful or crescent betta, hails from slow Asian waters. Males build bubble nests among leaf litter, and wild forms display shimmering blue-green cheeks with dark bodies, unlike many domesticated bettas in flooded forests.
Betta imbellis | Tankably
Known as the Peaceful Betta, this small, captivating fish from Southeast Asia is a great alternative to its more aggressive relatives for a community ta...
tankably.com
December 10, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Betta imbellis, the peaceful or crescent betta, hails from slow Asian waters. Males build bubble nests among leaf litter, and wild forms display shimmering blue-green cheeks with dark bodies, unlike many domesticated bettas in flooded forests.
Caridina multidentata, known as the Amano shrimp, is a legendary algae eater in planted aquariums. Introduced to aquascaping by Takashi Amano, it thrives in groups, needs stable, clean water, and its larvae require brackish water to develop.
Caridina multidentata | Tankably
Known as one of the most effective algae-eating shrimp in the aquarium hobby, this hardy crustacean is a peaceful and active addition to community tanks.
tankably.com
December 9, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Caridina multidentata, known as the Amano shrimp, is a legendary algae eater in planted aquariums. Introduced to aquascaping by Takashi Amano, it thrives in groups, needs stable, clean water, and its larvae require brackish water to develop.
The West African Atya gabonensis goes by many names, including African fan shrimp and vampire shrimp, but is actually peaceful and shy, waving its feathery “fans” in fast currents at night to filter plankton and fine particles from the water.
Atya gabonensis | Tankably
The Gabon Fan Shrimp, also known as the Vampire or African Filter Shrimp, is a large and peaceful crustacean perfect for a community tank with the right...
tankably.com
December 8, 2025 at 12:34 PM
The West African Atya gabonensis goes by many names, including African fan shrimp and vampire shrimp, but is actually peaceful and shy, waving its feathery “fans” in fast currents at night to filter plankton and fine particles from the water.
Marisa cornuarietis, the ramshorn snail, is omnivorous and devours aquatic plants, algae and other snails’ eggs. It is sometimes introduced in regions to control weed growth and disease‑carrying snails. Its appetite reshapes aquatic habitats.
Marisa cornuarietis | Tankably
The Giant Ramshorn Snail is not a true ramshorn but a type of apple snail, which explains its impressive size.
tankably.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Marisa cornuarietis, the ramshorn snail, is omnivorous and devours aquatic plants, algae and other snails’ eggs. It is sometimes introduced in regions to control weed growth and disease‑carrying snails. Its appetite reshapes aquatic habitats.
Brochis robineae, the banner-tail cory, is named for Robine Schwartz and famed for its unique horizontally striped caudal fin; it hails from Brazil's upper Rio Negro, spawns in Corydoras "T" position with adhesive eggs, and thrives in shoals.
Brochis robineae | Tankably
Robine's Cory is an active and social bottom-dwelling fish from South America, making a dynamic and interesting addition for aquarists of moderate exper...
tankably.com
December 3, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Brochis robineae, the banner-tail cory, is named for Robine Schwartz and famed for its unique horizontally striped caudal fin; it hails from Brazil's upper Rio Negro, spawns in Corydoras "T" position with adhesive eggs, and thrives in shoals.
Thorichthys ellioti, a Central American cichlid, flashes blue-green spots and a red belly during courtship. It often sifts sand for food and guards eggs in shallow pits, with both parents fiercely defending fry against intruders in the wild.
Thorichthys ellioti | Tankably
The Ellioti Cichlid is a vibrant and moderately active freshwater fish known for its territorial nature and interesting social interactions in aquariums.
tankably.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Thorichthys ellioti, a Central American cichlid, flashes blue-green spots and a red belly during courtship. It often sifts sand for food and guards eggs in shallow pits, with both parents fiercely defending fry against intruders in the wild.
The species name 'aenea' comes from Latin for bronze, likely referring to a metallic sheen; Osteogaster aenea is known mainly from taxonomic records, showing how many freshwater fishes remain almost invisible outside scientific literature today.
Osteogaster aenea | Tankably
The Bronze Corydoras is a peaceful, schooling bottom-dweller, making it an excellent and hardy addition for community freshwater aquariums of all levels.
tankably.com
November 29, 2025 at 4:35 PM
The species name 'aenea' comes from Latin for bronze, likely referring to a metallic sheen; Osteogaster aenea is known mainly from taxonomic records, showing how many freshwater fishes remain almost invisible outside scientific literature today.
Laetacara dorsigera, the redbreast acara, is a peaceful South American cichlid from slow, plant-rich waters. Males intensify their crimson chest and fin colors when courting or guarding eggs, and devoted pairs often share parenting duties too.
Laetacara dorsigera | Tankably
Originating from South America, this peaceful dwarf cichlid is a rewarding choice for aquarists looking for a fish with personality and interesting beha...
tankably.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Laetacara dorsigera, the redbreast acara, is a peaceful South American cichlid from slow, plant-rich waters. Males intensify their crimson chest and fin colors when courting or guarding eggs, and devoted pairs often share parenting duties too.
Geophagus steindachneri, the humphead earth eater, is a South American cichlid that sifts sand through its gills for food. Males grow a bright red nuchal hump and perform mouthbrooding, guarding eggs and fry inside their mouths for extra safety.
Geophagus steindachneri | Tankably
An engaging eartheating cichlid from South America, this fish is famed for its unique sand-sifting behavior and distinct appearance in mature males.
tankably.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Geophagus steindachneri, the humphead earth eater, is a South American cichlid that sifts sand through its gills for food. Males grow a bright red nuchal hump and perform mouthbrooding, guarding eggs and fry inside their mouths for extra safety.
Caridina caerulea is a peaceful shrimp native to Sulawesi’s Lake Matano. Did you know it breeds by carrying eggs under the female’s abdomen, hatching tiny larvae that require stable water with minimal fluctuations?
Caridina caerulea | Tankably
This small, shoaling crustacean originates from the ancient lakes of Sulawesi, Indonesia, and is known for its moderate activity and peaceful nature.
tankably.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Caridina caerulea is a peaceful shrimp native to Sulawesi’s Lake Matano. Did you know it breeds by carrying eggs under the female’s abdomen, hatching tiny larvae that require stable water with minimal fluctuations?
Thorichthys passionis, the yellow firemouth cichlid, is a Central American river fish from Mexico and Guatemala that defends sandy territories, fans eggs on vertical surfaces, and constantly sifts substrate for food in warm, alkaline waters.
Thorichthys passionis | Tankably
The Black-chin cichlid, also known as the Passionis cichlid, is a vibrant freshwater fish from Central America that brings moderate activity to an aquar...
tankably.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Thorichthys passionis, the yellow firemouth cichlid, is a Central American river fish from Mexico and Guatemala that defends sandy territories, fans eggs on vertical surfaces, and constantly sifts substrate for food in warm, alkaline waters.
Acanthurus sohal, the sohal tang, is a bold Red Sea reef fish known for its striking blue-and-white stripes, razor-sharp caudal spine, intense territorial aggression, and nonstop algae-grazing that helps keep coral reefs clean and resilient.
Acanthurus sohal | Tankably
Native to the Red Sea, the Sohal Surgeonfish is a very active and territorial herbivore that requires a substantial aquarium with a strong water current...
tankably.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Acanthurus sohal, the sohal tang, is a bold Red Sea reef fish known for its striking blue-and-white stripes, razor-sharp caudal spine, intense territorial aggression, and nonstop algae-grazing that helps keep coral reefs clean and resilient.
Caridina dennerli, Cardinal Sulawesi shrimp, thrives in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Lake Matano, Indonesia. Its vivid red body with white spots and sapphire eyes make it a prized yet delicate species requiring pristine, stable conditions.
Caridina dennerli | Tankably
The Cardinal Shrimp is a delicate and vibrant crustacean from Indonesia, renowned for its active grazing behavior and specific environmental requirements.
tankably.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Caridina dennerli, Cardinal Sulawesi shrimp, thrives in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Lake Matano, Indonesia. Its vivid red body with white spots and sapphire eyes make it a prized yet delicate species requiring pristine, stable conditions.