Clown Loaches are colorful and social bottom-dwellers from Southeast Asia, famous for their orange and black stripes and playful behavior. As juveniles, they are active and best kept in groups. Though small when sold, they grow large over time and require a long-term plan for a spacious tank.

• Temperature: 77–86°F

• pH: 6.5–7.5 (Adapted to Tallahassee tap water)

• Hardness: 5–15 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful and social; best with other community or semi-aggressive fish

• Recommended Group Size: 3 or more (preferably 5+)

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (larger as they grow)

• Max Size: Up to 12 inches (slow growers)

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Bottom Feeder Formula, Hikari sinking wafers, Hikari frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp

Cobalt Blue Mbuna are striking rock-dwelling cichlids from Lake Malawi, known for their vibrant solid blue coloration and bold personalities. As typical Mbuna, they are territorial and require a well-structured aquarium with plenty of rocks and hiding spots. These fish do best with other robust African cichlids in a carefully stocked tank.

• Temperature: 75–80°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 an all-male Mbuna tank

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

• Max Size: 5 inches

• Diet: Hikari Cichlid Excel, Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula, supplemented with spirulina-based flakes, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables (avoid high-protein foods to prevent bloat)

Common Whiptail Catfish are slender, peaceful bottom-dwellers with long, whip-like tails and a calm temperament. They thrive in well-oxygenated tanks with sandy substrate and driftwood, where they can graze on biofilm and hide among decor.

• Temperature: 72–79°F

• pH: 6.8–7.6 (Adapted to Tallahassee tap water)

• Hardness: 4–12 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful and shy

• Recommended Group Size: 1 or small group

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

• Max Size: 5–6 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Bottom Feeder Formula, Hikari Sinking Wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and occasional frozen foods like bloodworms

Common Whiptail Catfish are peaceful South American catfish known for their slender, armored bodies and long, graceful tail extensions. They are gentle bottom dwellers that do well in community aquariums with soft substrate and plenty of driftwood or leaf litter to mimic their natural environment.

• Temperature: 72–79°F

• pH: 6.5–7.5 (Adapted to Tallahassee tap water)

• Hardness: 4–12 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful; shy and non-aggressive

• Recommended Group Size: Singly or in groups of 3+

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

• Max Size: 5–6 inches

• Diet: Sinking algae wafers, Fluval Bug Bites Bottom Feeder Formula, blanched vegetables (like zucchini or spinach), and occasional frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp

Congo Tetras are stunning, peaceful schooling fish known for their shimmering rainbow-like coloration and flowing, iridescent fins. Native to the Congo River Basin, they add movement and elegance to medium to large community aquariums and thrive in well-planted tanks with soft lighting.

• Temperature: 73–82°F

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

• Hardness: 4–15 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful and active

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

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

• Max Size: 3.5–4 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Formula, Hikari Micro Pellets, high-quality flakes, and frozen foods like bloodworms and daphnia