Cyprinids
Originating in Europe, Asia, Africa and America this family has a wide choice of hardy, colourful and moderate fish. Barbs are very active fish and are very tough creatures. Cyprinids have one unique feature: they have no teeth in their jaws, instead they grind up their food using teeth in their necks.

Extremely hardy little fish, its naughty behaviour rules it out of the community tank unless kept in a larger group (6+) then some of the fin-nipping behaviour is avoided, as the fish keep themselves occupied, but it can be kept with most other barbs and rasboras. It can be found in several varities from all green to albino white.

Usually kept as a novelty fish in the aquarium, these fish are loners. They can be aggressive towards others of the same species, one sometimes ripping another's fins to shreds, but will normally leave the other occupants of the aquarium alone. The males are slimmer and show a black edge on the anal fin.

The bala shark is a very popular fish, but they can be a problem, simply because they can become very large. Its a peaceful fish, which can be kept with smaller tankmates. The species can be a jumper, so make sure the tank has a lid, and the fish can make audible sounds.

Nice looking fish, a sort of orange/brown colour. Males tend to be larger, and the colours can be more intense. Would do best in a school.

A popular fish, with a striking red/black contrast, very attractive. It tends to be a loner, as its territorial and could be aggresive especially with its own species. Needs a lot of space to tolerate other tankmates.

Although many Barbs will mix well with other fast swimming fish, any other slow moving and long tailed fish may well be nipped constantly. Watch out!! The Ruby Barb makes a dramatic change in colour when its breeding time. The body becomes very black-red colour, where the head looks more of a deep purple hue. It has stripes across its body.

A variation from the original Tiger barb, it has a dark green body, with splashes of orange on the face and on fins. The females are less colourful.

The Pearl Danio usually keeps to the upper levels, where it is constantly looking for food. It is therefore a good idea to keep the lid firmly closed, so they can't jump out.

The Rosy Barb is a hardy and colourful fish. Its very ready to breed, and mature males change to a deep pink colour when they get a bit randy.

This fish is covered in alternating horizontal stripes of dark blue and silver. The fish is very hardy, and is often an exciting fish as they are very active.

This is a mostly silver fish, with black patches on the caudal fin. It can grow to a very big size, so it should have plenty of space in which to swim around. It is a very active fish.

This is a peaceful fish, but is territorial and will defend its space. Its a good algae eater, but does not eat Thread algae.