Discus (Breeding Pair) are among the most stunning and rewarding freshwater fish to keep, especially when paired for breeding. Known for their vibrant colors, graceful movement, and intelligent behavior, a bonded pair of Discus can thrive in a well-maintained, stress-free environment. Breeding pairs require stable water conditions, high-quality food, and a quiet space to establish and protect their spawn.

• Temperature: 82–88°F

• pH: 6.0–6.8

• Hardness: 1–8 dGH (soft water preferred)

• Temperament: Generally peaceful but territorial when breeding

• Recommended Group Size: Sold as a bonded pair; best kept without additional tankmates during spawning

• Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons for a breeding pair

• Diet: Hikari Discus Bio-Gold, Fluval Bug Bites Color Enhancing Formula, and frozen bloodworms or beef heart blend for conditioning and breeding success

Brichardi Cichlids are elegant and peaceful African cichlids from Lake Tanganyika, easily recognized by their long flowing tail and fin extensions. Known as “Princess of Burundi,” they are one of the few cichlid species that display cooperative breeding behaviors, with offspring helping care for younger fry. They thrive in rocky setups with plenty of caves and territory structure.

• Temperature: 74–80°F

• pH: 7.8–9.0 — Adapted to Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful to moderately territorial, especially when breeding

• Recommended Group Size: In pairs or small colonies

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (larger for colonies)

• Max Size: 4 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula, Hikari Cichlid Excel, supplemented with frozen brine shrimp, mysis, or krill

Bridle Shiners are delicate, silvery native North American minnows with a subtle horizontal stripe and graceful swimming behavior. Often found in slow-moving, vegetated waters, they make excellent additions to coolwater or biotope tanks focused on native species. Due to their sensitive nature, they do best in mature, well-maintained aquariums.

• Temperature: 64–74°F

• pH: 6.5–7.8 — Adapted to Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 4–12 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful and social

• Recommended Group Size: 6 or more (schooling species)

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

• Max Size: 2–2.5 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Formula, Hikari Micro Pellets, crushed flakes, frozen daphnia, and baby brine shrimp

Bumblebee Cichlids are bold and striking Mbuna from Lake Malawi, named for their black-and-yellow banded coloration. As juveniles, they display bright bumblebee patterns that may shift as they mature. These cichlids are highly territorial and aggressive, especially with similarly colored species, and require rock-heavy aquariums with clearly defined territories.

• Temperature: 75–82°F

• pH: 7.8–8.6 — Adapted to Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperament: Aggressive and territorial

• Recommended Group Size: One male with 4+ females or in a carefully managed Mbuna tank

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

• Max Size: 6 inches

• Diet: Hikari Cichlid Excel, Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula, supplemented with spirulina-based flakes, veggie pellets, and blanched greens (avoid high-protein or meaty foods to prevent bloat)