Four-Line Pictus Catfish are energetic and sleek bottom dwellers, recognized by the four distinct horizontal lines running along their silver bodies. These active swimmers are nocturnal scavengers that do best in larger aquariums with hiding spots and plenty of open swimming space.

• Temperature: 74–80°F

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

• Hardness: 4–15 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful but predatory toward small fish

• Recommended Group Size: 1 or small group (if tank is large)

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

• Max Size: 6–7 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Bottom Feeder Formula, Hikari Sinking Carnivore Pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and chopped earthworms

Frontosa Cichlids are majestic and slow-growing African cichlids known for their bold bands, large nuchal humps, and calm temperament. Native to Lake Tanganyika, they prefer deep, rocky environments and stable water conditions. Though generally peaceful for their size, they may eat smaller tank mates and are best housed with other large, compatible African cichlids.

• Temperature: 74–80°F

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

• Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful but predatory toward small fish

• Recommended Group Size: Groups of 5 or more or as a bonded pair

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (larger for groups)

• Max Size: 10–12 inches

• Diet: Hikari Cichlid Gold, NorthFin Cichlid Formula, Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula, supplemented with frozen krill, shrimp, or silversides

Gar are long, torpedo-shaped predatory fish with armored scales and toothy jaws, often kept in monster fish setups. Native to North America, they need very large aquariums or indoor ponds and are only suitable for experienced aquarists with predator-safe tankmates.

• Temperature: 72–82°F

• pH: 6.8–7.8 (Adapted to Tallahassee tap water)

• Hardness: 8–20 dGH

• Temperament: Predatory; peaceful toward tankmates too large to eat

• Recommended Group Size: Singly or with other large, non-aggressive fish

• Minimum Tank Size: 180+ gallons (larger preferred as they grow)

• Max Size: 24–36 inches (species dependent)

• Diet: Hikari frozen silversides, shrimp, whitefish, and other meaty foods; may accept Fluval Bug Bites Carnivore Formula or Hikari Massivore Delite as juveniles

German Red Peacock Cichlids are a stunning line-bred Aulonocara variant known for their vibrant red-orange bodies and subtle blue facial highlights. Peaceful by African cichlid standards, they do well in mixed peacock or haplochromine setups and thrive in aquariums with open swimming space and sandy substrates.

• Temperature: 75–82°F

• pH: 7.6–8.4 — Adapted to Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive (males may be territorial)

• Recommended Group Size: 1 male with 2–4 females or species-only groups

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

• Max Size: 5 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula, Hikari Cichlid Gold, and occasional frozen brine shrimp or krill for color enhancement

Giant Danios are fast-swimming, active schooling fish with shimmering blue and gold coloration. They thrive in larger community aquariums with plenty of swimming space and are best kept in groups. Their energy and size make them excellent dither fish for larger tankmates.

• Temperature: 72–78°F

• pH: 6.8–7.8 (Adapted to Tallahassee tap water)

• Hardness: 5–15 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful but very active

• Recommended Group Size: 6 or more

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

• Max Size: 4–5 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Formula, Hikari Micro Pellets, quality flakes, and frozen foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms