The more I got into freshwater fish and plants, the more species I learned of that would make really interesting and beautiful tank inhabitants. Here are some of the fish I haven’t yet had the opportunity to care for, along with some of their basic requirements. In no particular order:

Furcata Rainbow

aka Forktail Blue Eye Rainbow, (Pseudomugil furcatus )

 reach around 2″

prefer tanks densely planted with shady areas

pH 6.0 to 8.0, temp 75 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit

best kept in large groups

peaceful

Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbow

aka Gertrude’s Blue-Eye, (Pseudomugil gertrudae )

reach about 1.5″

like densely planted tanks with driftwood, floating plants to break up light

wide pH range, prefer around 6.0 to 7.0

temperature between 73 and 86 degree Fahrenheit

best kept in groups

Peacock Gudgeon

aka Peacock Goby, (Tateurndina ocellicauda )

reach about 2.5″

15+ gallon tank

temperature 72 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit

pH of 6.5 to 7.8

prefer tanks with lots of cover

peaceful

Boesmani Rainbow

aka Boeseman’s Rainbowfish, (Melanotaenia boesemani )

reach about 3″

30+ gallon tank

temperature of 72 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit

pH 6.5 to 8.0

prefer planted tanks with lots of swimming room

like being in groups

peaceful

Rainbow Darter

(Etheostoma caeruleum )

reach about 2.5″

very sensitive to water conditions

North-American native fish!

prefer rocky substrates and water with a decent current

temperature 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit

African Butterflyfish

(Pantodon buchholzi )

reach around 4″

need 30″ gallons

75 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit

pH close to 7.0

floats just below water’s surface

aggressive