Exotic Freshwater Fish for Your Aquarium

As its name indicates, this fish has black and white stripes similar to a zebra. It is a species endemic to Brazil, is territorial and loves hiding places.

While the Brazilian government currently bans the export of this fish, breeders in the US sell these at high prices, reaching up to $1800.

A South American fish capable of communicating with electric impulses, the Black Ghost Knifefish has an almost eerie presence. Even its name comes from the indigenous people of its home region, who believed that the spirits of the departed lived in these fish.

The price of these fish may vary greatly, from as low as $20 to as high as $90.

A Chinese fish that requires an oxygen-rich environment to survive, this loach needs a bit of care. A little experience with handling fish will help in this regard.

These fish cost between $11.99 and $19.99.

One of the few puffers that can be reared as an ornamental fish, the Pea Puffer should be kept on its own as it can start a fight with others of its species as well.

A single specimen costs between $3 and $15.

A native of West and Central Africa, the Elephantnose Fish certainly stands out. Its “nose” is actually an extension of its mouth which it uses to protect itself as well as hunt for food. 

These cost between $24.99 and $69.99.

Originally bred in Malaysia, the Flowerhorn Cichlid has spread to most of the rest of Asia, parts of Europe, and the United States. Its bright colors and unique hump make it stand out, but its aggressive nature means it should be kept on its own.

This fish is on the expensive side, reaching up to $300.

A carnivorous top-dwelling fish, the Freshwater Butterflyfish is carnivorous and is quite aggressive, attacking even its own kind.

These fish cost around $20-$40.

A rare Japanese breed of goldfish that typically comes in a red and white color, the Izumo Nankin is seldom seen out of Japan as there are restrictions on its exportation.

A domesticated version of the Amur Carp, the colorful Koi is often kept in large ponds. They are very hardy, capable of withstanding disease, and have even been reported to have lived as long as 200 years, though those instances are rare.

However, they are very expensive, starting at about $400 and reaching up to $15,000.

A long fish with a peaceful disposition, almost all Rope Fish that are kept in aquaria are wild specimens. This issue hasn’t been so far, but it might become one.

Currently, its price range is between $15 and $38.

African Cichlids come in a diverse range of varieties. However, all of them are known to be aggressive and not play well with others at all.

These fish cost between $8.99 and $30.

Even by cichlid standards, the Wolf Cichlid is known to have quite the personality. However, for more experienced enthusiasts willing to take on a challenge, these fish can be quite rewarding as they live for a long time and are pretty smart.

A single specimen can cost between $26.99 and $139.99, though the latter is rare.

Discus fish are among the most popular among pet keepers as their unique colors and appearance have nearly universal appeal. But they can be too much for a beginner, so only experienced owners should get one.

These fish are expensive, reaching over $150.

While various species of Arowana can be kept as pets, their aggressive nature and tendency to eat any fish smaller than them limit the number of people who can support them.

They are also quite expensive, with certain specimens selling upwards of $900.

A lot of space is needed to house a Freshwater Stingray, which is a requirement most people will not be able to fulfill. They also have a stinger that can cause injury while handling them. However, they are generally peaceful, and there have been no recorded cases of death from a pet stingray.

These fish costs about $400, and certain US States do not allow private individuals to keep them.

A form of Cichlid that cannot be found in the wild, the Red Texas Cichlid is quite aggressive and requires a lot of space as it can be territorial.

The prices of this fish can vary greatly, from as low as $19.99 to as high as $150.

Snakeheads are one of the most durable fish out there, capable of living out of water for up to four days as long as they are wet. But they are aggressive and will attack anything else in their tank smaller than them.

These fish cost about $40.

This predatory fish that usually lives in the Amazon is a highly aggressive pet that will attack and devour any fish smaller than it in its tank. Best to leave this one to the experts.

Since handling and shipping this fish is difficult, it can be expensive, reaching up to $150.