Aquarium Species Care Directory

The Flowerhorn Cichlid is a man-made hybrid fish known for its vibrant colors and the prominent 'kok' or nuchal hump on its head. Highly intelligent and interactive, these 'water puppies' are a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts in Kerala and worldwide.

The Oscar is renowned as one of the most highly intelligent and personable cichlids in the aquarium hobby. Known for their puppy-like behavior, they frequently interact with their owners, beg for food, and display distinct moods. Popular strains include Tiger Oscar, Red Oscar, Albino, and Lemon Oscar.

Angelfish are the 'supermodels' of the aquarium. With their tall, graceful fins and arrowhead shape, they bring elegance to any tank. While peaceful when young, they are still cichlids and can be territorial during breeding.

African Cichlids are the saltwater-fish equivalents of freshwater. Known for their electric colors and complex social structures, they are a favorite among high-end hobbyists.

Guppies are the world's most popular aquarium fish, beloved for their infinite color patterns and ease of breeding. In Kerala, guppy breeding is a massive hobby, with high-end strains like Full Red, Blue Grass, and Dumbo Ear being highly sought after.

Mollies are versatile and hardy livebearers. Available in Black, Sailfin, and Balloon varieties, they are famous for their ability to live in both freshwater and brackish water. They are excellent algae eaters and very active swimmers.

Platies are the perfect beginner fish. Compact, colorful, and peaceful, they come in endless color variations like Sunset, Mickey Mouse, and Tuxedo. They are extremely social and thrive in groups.

Swordtails are named for the long, sword-like extension on the lower tail fin of the males. They are fast, energetic swimmers that add a lot of movement to an aquarium.

Bettas are iconic for their long, flowing fins and fierce territorial nature. Known as the 'Jewels of the Orient,' they are available in stunning forms like Halfmoon, Crowntail, and Plakat. They are one of the few fish that can breathe air from the surface.

The Arowana is the ultimate symbol of wealth and luck in the aquarium world. Known as 'Dragon Fish' for their large metallic scales and majestic swimming style, they are powerful predators that dominate the top of the water column.

The Arapaima is one of the world's largest freshwater fish. This 'Amazonian Giant' is only for extreme hobbyists with massive custom ponds. They are air-breathers and can grow to incredible sizes.

Freshwater Stingrays are the crown jewels of monster fish keeping. From the Motorro to the Black Diamond, these rays are known for their graceful movement and intelligence. They require massive tanks and pristine water.

The Giant Gourami is a massive, long-lived fish that becomes incredibly tame. Known for their high intelligence, they often recognize their owners and can be taught to eat from the hand.

Peacock Bass are high-energy predators known for their explosive strikes and beautiful colors. They are only for experienced monster fish keepers with huge setups.

The Red Tail Catfish is one of the most recognizable and beloved monster fish. However, they grow to enormous sizes and should only be kept in large custom ponds or massive tanks.

The Alligator Gar is a 'living fossil' with a snout full of needle-like teeth. They are massive, prehistoric predators that can grow to several feet long. Only for the most dedicated keepers with enormous custom ponds.

Wolf Fish are some of the most aggressive and powerful predators in the hobby. Known for their bone-crushing jaws and fierce temperament, they are the 'bad boys' of the aquarium world.

Goldfish are the oldest kept hobby fish. Modern 'Fancy' varieties like Oranda, Ranchu, and Butterfly Telescopes are bred for their unique body shapes and head growths (wen). They are cold-water fish with huge personalities.

Koi are the 'Living Jewels' of outdoor ponds. Capable of growing over 3 feet long and living for 50+ years, they are a lifelong commitment. In Kerala, Koi ponds are a popular feature in luxury homes and resorts.

The State Fish of Kerala, Karimeen is iconic to the backwaters. While famous as a delicacy, it is also a fascinating aquarium fish (Green Chromide). It is a highly intelligent cichlid with beautiful iridescent spots.

The 'King of the Aquarium,' Discus are breathtakingly beautiful but demand perfect water conditions. They are disk-shaped cichlids known for their complex patterns and social hierarchy.

Channa are prehistoric-looking predators with a cult following. From the small, colorful Channa Bleheri to the massive Channa Micropeltes, they are known for their intelligence and 'lurk-and-strike' hunting style.

Tilapia is the backbone of Kerala's aquaculture. Fast-growing and incredibly hardy, they are the perfect choice for biofloc systems and backyard farm ponds. Gift Tilapia is a popular high-yield strain used locally.

Blood Parrots are popular hybrids known for their round bodies and 'smiling' mouths. They are shy, quirky, and full of personality. They are often kept in community tanks with other semi-aggressive fish.

The 'King of Lake Tanganyika,' the Frontosa is a majestic, deep-water cichlid known for its distinct blue and white stripes and impressive nuchal hump.

Plecos are the armored cleaning crew of the aquarium. From the common pleco that grows to 2 feet, to the beautiful dwarf Zebra Pleco (L046), they are famous for their suckermouths and algae-eating abilities.