AquaWorld USA: Discover Our Diverse Aquatic Inhabitants!
Welcome to AquaWorld USA's comprehensive guide to the fascinating world of aquatic life. Whether you're a seasoned aquarist or just starting your journey, choosing the right fish and invertebrates is crucial for a thriving aquarium. Our detailed catalog provides essential information to help you make informed decisions, ensuring the health and happiness of your underwater companions. Explore species from vibrant freshwater communities to exotic marine ecosystems, and learn about their unique needs, behaviors, and compatibility.
Understanding the specific requirements of each species—from water parameters and diet to social structures and environmental enrichment—is fundamental to successful aquascaping. Dive into our extensive resources to discover new favorites and master the art of aquatic care. We are committed to fostering responsible pet ownership and supporting the well-being of all aquatic inhabitants.
Explore Our Aquatic Catalog
Neon Tetras
These vibrant, schooling fish are a staple for many freshwater aquariums. Known for their striking blue and red stripes, they prefer soft, acidic water and thrive in planted tanks.
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Clownfish
Famous for their symbiotic relationship with anemones, Clownfish are charismatic marine inhabitants. They are relatively hardy and make excellent additions to reef tanks.
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Betta Fish
Known as Siamese Fighting Fish, Bettas are prized for their stunning colors and elaborate fins. They require warm, clean water and can be housed alone or in carefully selected community tanks.
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Red Cherry Shrimp
These small, colorful invertebrates are excellent algae eaters and add a dynamic element to planted freshwater tanks. They are peaceful and relatively easy to care for.
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Blue Tang
A popular marine fish known for its striking blue and yellow coloration. Blue Tangs require large tanks with plenty of swimming space and rockwork for grazing.
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African Cichlids
Known for their vibrant colors and complex social behaviors, African Cichlids require specific water parameters and often aggressive tank mates. Research is key for these beauties.
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Hermit Crabs
These fascinating marine scavengers are essential for a clean-up crew in saltwater tanks. They come in various sizes and require readily available empty shells for growth.
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Anubias Nana
A popular and hardy aquatic plant perfect for beginners. Anubias Nana can be attached to driftwood or rocks and thrives in low-light conditions, providing excellent cover for fish.
Learn MoreDetailed Species Information
Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)
Betta fish, scientifically known as Betta splendens, are renowned for their incredible beauty and diverse fin types. Native to shallow waters of Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Cambodia, they are labyrinth fish, meaning they can breathe atmospheric oxygen directly from the surface using a specialized organ. This adaptation allows them to survive in oxygen-poor environments.
Adult Bettas typically reach a size of 2.5 to 3 inches (6-8 cm), excluding finnage. Their lifespan can range from 3 to 5 years with proper care. They are known for their territorial nature, especially males, which is why they are often housed individually.
Care Requirements:
- Water Parameters: Temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C), pH 6.5-7.5, GH 3-12 dGH.
- Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons for a single Betta. Larger tanks are always better.
- Filtration: Gentle filtration is essential; strong currents can stress Bettas.
- Diet: Carnivorous. High-quality Betta pellets, frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp.
- Compatibility: Generally solitary. Can be housed with peaceful, non-fin-nipping species in larger tanks (10+ gallons) with ample hiding spots. Avoid other male Bettas and fish with long flowing fins.
- Environment: Heavily planted tanks with floating plants, caves, and smooth decorations provide comfort and enrichment.
Special Consideration: While often sold in small cups, Bettas require proper heated and filtered aquariums to thrive and display their full potential.
Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor)
The Bubble Tip Anemone is one of the most popular and recognizable anemones in the marine aquarium hobby, largely due to its association with various species of Clownfish. Originating from the Indo-Pacific, these anemones are characterized by their "bubble-like" tips on their tentacles, though these can vary depending on lighting, water flow, and host clownfish presence.
These anemones can grow quite large, often reaching 12 inches (30 cm) or more in diameter when fully expanded. They can live for many years, sometimes decades, in a well-maintained reef system.
Care Requirements:
- Water Parameters: Temperature 72-78°F (22-26°C), pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.023-1.026.
- Lighting: High-intensity lighting (Metal Halide, T5s, or strong LEDs) is crucial for their photosynthetic needs.
- Water Flow: Moderate to strong, turbulent water flow.
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons, but 50 gallons+ is recommended to provide stability and space for growth.
- Diet: Primarily photosynthetic, but benefits from supplemental feeding of small meaty foods like mysis shrimp, chopped fish, or squid 2-3 times a week.
- Compatibility: Best kept with host clownfish. Can sting other corals and invertebrates, so ample space is required.
Special Consideration: Anemones require mature, stable aquariums. They can move around the tank, potentially stinging other inhabitants or getting sucked into powerheads.
Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
The Neon Tetra is a small, dazzling freshwater fish originating from the clearwater and blackwater streams of the Amazon basin in South America. Famous for its iridescent blue and red lateral stripe, this schooling fish adds a vibrant splash of color to any community aquarium. Their peaceful nature and relatively easy care make them a favorite among both novice and experienced aquarists.
These tiny fish typically grow to about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in length and have a lifespan of 3-5 years. They are best kept in groups of six or more to encourage natural schooling behavior and reduce stress.
Care Requirements:
- Water Parameters: Temperature 72-78°F (22-26°C), pH 6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral), soft water (GH 1-5 dGH).
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a small school. Larger tanks are preferred for bigger schools.
- Filtration: Good quality filtration with gentle flow.
- Diet: Omnivorous. High-quality flake food, micro pellets, supplemented with frozen or live daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.
- Compatibility: Excellent for community tanks with other peaceful, small fish like other tetras, rasboras, dwarf gouramis, and corydoras. Avoid larger, aggressive fish.
- Environment: Densely planted tanks with dark substrate and driftwood or caves to provide hiding spots and diffuse lighting.
Special Consideration: Neon Tetras are sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters. Acclimate them slowly and maintain stable water quality.