Balloon Blue Rams are a selectively bred variant of the German Blue Ram with a shorter, rounder body and vivid electric blue coloration. They are peaceful, personable dwarf cichlids that thrive in well-maintained, planted aquariums with stable water parameters and low aggression tankmates.

• Temperature: 78–84°F

• pH: 6.5–7.6 — Adapted to Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 5–12 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-territorial (especially during spawning)

• Recommended Group Size: Singly or in bonded pairs

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

• Max Size: 2.5 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula, Hikari Micro Pellets, and frozen bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp

Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis), also known as Wood Shrimp or Flower Shrimp, are peaceful filter feeders with fan-like appendages used to catch microscopic food from the water. They range in color from reddish-brown to tan with a lighter stripe down the back. Ideal for mature, well-filtered aquariums with good water flow, they thrive when provided with suspended food particles in the current.

• Temperature: 72–82°F
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: 3–10 dGH
• Temperament: Peaceful and shy
• Recommended Group Size: Can be kept singly or in peaceful groups
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Diet: Fine suspended foods like Hikari First Bites, crushed flakes, microcrustaceans, and other powdered or liquid invertebrate foods

Banded Leporinus are sleek, torpedo-shaped fish with bold black and yellow vertical stripes that resemble a bumblebee pattern. Native to South America, they are strong swimmers with semi-aggressive tendencies and are best housed in large aquariums with plenty of open space and secure lids, as they are known jumpers.

• Temperature: 72–82°F

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

• Hardness: 5–15 dGH

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; may nip fins or harass smaller/slower fish

• Recommended Group Size: Best kept singly or in larger groups to reduce aggression

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons

• Max Size: 10–12 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Formula, Hikari Cichlid Excel, supplemented with algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein-rich frozen foods like bloodworms or krill

Betta (Male), also known as Siamese Fighting Fish, are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish due to their vibrant colors, flowing fins, and unique personalities. These labyrinth fish breathe air from the surface and prefer calm waters. Best housed alone or with very peaceful tankmates that won't nip their fins.

• Temperature: 76–82°F

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Hardness: 4–12 dGH

• Temperament: Aggressive toward other males, semi-aggressive overall

• Recommended Group Size: Kept singly (one per tank), or with compatible species in a community setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons

• Diet: Hikari Betta Bio-Gold, Fluval Bug Bites Betta Formula, and frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp

Female Bettas are colorful and expressive labyrinth fish known for their shorter fins and more peaceful nature compared to males. While still territorial at times, they are often suitable for carefully selected community setups or peaceful female-only groups called sororities.

• Temperature: 76–82°F

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

• Hardness: 5–15 dGH

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; more peaceful than males

• Recommended Group Size: Alone, or 4+ in a sorority with space and cover

• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons (per fish)

• Max Size: 2.5–3 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Betta Formula, Hikari Betta Bio-Gold, frozen bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp

Mokelembembe Bichirs are rare and prehistoric-looking fish known for their armored bodies, primitive lung-like breathing, and unique movement. They are bottom-dwelling predators that prefer dimly lit aquariums with plenty of hiding spots. While generally peaceful, they may eat much smaller tank mates. A secure lid is essential, as bichirs are escape artists.

• Temperature: 75–82°F

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

• Hardness: 5–20 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful toward similar-sized fish, predatory toward small fish

• Recommended Group Size: Alone or with other large, peaceful species

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

• Max Size: 14–16 inches

• Diet: Carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, krill, cut seafood, and live or frozen feeder options (avoid feeder fish with disease risk)

Black Kuhli Loach are slender, eel-like bottom dwellers known for their peaceful temperament and shy behavior. They thrive in soft, sandy substrates with plenty of hiding places such as caves, driftwood, or dense plants. Most active at night, they are excellent scavengers and do best in established, well-maintained aquariums.

• Temperature: 74–80°F

• pH: 6.0–7.0

• Hardness: 3–10 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful and shy

• Recommended Group Size: 5 or more

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

• Diet: Sinking foods like Hikari Sinking Wafers, Fluval Bug Bites Bottom Feeder Formula, and frozen bloodworms or daphnia

Assorted Mollies are hardy, livebearing fish with diverse coloration and graceful movement. They’re peaceful, adaptable, and ideal for community tanks. Mollies can thrive in freshwater or slightly brackish conditions and are great algae grazers in planted setups.

• Temperature: 75–80°F

• pH: 7.0–8.5 (Adapted to Tallahassee tap water)

• Hardness: 10–25 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful and social

• Recommended Group Size: 3 or more

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

• Max Size: 3–4 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Formula, Hikari Fancy Guppy or Micro Pellets, spirulina flakes, algae wafers, and occasional frozen foods