Utlimate fish list - Freshwater predators

[Nicolasa13]

Introduction

Hello everyone, hope you are doing well !
It's been several years now since I dived into the world of predatory fishes, and I regularly continued searching for new species to keep.
I even ended up going through the whole list of species recorded on fishbase (spent quite a few evenings on this tbh).
Some say I'm crazy, I think I'm even worse

Whatever the truth is, I wanted to write down the results of my research as, in my opinion, the best part of knowledge is when you share it.
The goal is to list as many predators as possible (or dwarf versions of them) so that people can discover new species and have an overview of what is available for them.

Understanding taxonomy

As I'll be using species classification instead of just making a simple list, let’s quickly refresh our minds.

Taxonomy in biology is used to talk about the classification of every living being in a tree-like manner, where species are organized in groups which can themselves be part of higher-level groups. The basic hierarchy is as following (with the highest level being on the far left) :

Domain > Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species

Additional subdivisions can eventually be used to increase granularity. For instance, a Phylum can contain Subphylums, which can contain Infraphylums, which can contain Superclasses, which can contain Classes.

Each group must have a unique name throughout the whole taxonomy hierarchy, apart from the Species which only have to be unique in the Genus group it is in.
For instance, Phractolaemus ansorgii and Microctenopoma ansorgii have the same Species name, but not the same Genus name.

The combination of Genus and Species like my example above gives the scientifical name of a living being. It can sometimes happen that two living beings are considered as Subspecies of a same Species, instead of being considered as two distinct ones. In this case, we put the Subspecies name just after the Species one in the scientifical name. For instance, Polypterus senegalus senegalus and Polypterus senegalus meridionalis are two subspecies of Polypterus senegalus.

It’s important to note that some species classification can differ from one scientific community to another, although the General taxonomy structure stays the same.

The place of fishes in taxonomy

Before diving into the list, here is where fishes stand in the species classification, beginning with the highest level :

Domain : Eukaria (organisms whose cells possess a membrane-bound nucleus, as opposed to Bacteria and Archaea)
---Kingdom : Animalia (animals, as opposed to plants and mushrooms)
------Subkingdom : Bilateria (organisms with a bilateral symmetry)
---------Infrakingdom : Deuterostomia (organisms whose anus forms before the mouth during embryonic stage. Science can be quite funny sometimes )
------------Phylum : Chordata (organisms possessing a notochord during their life, or at least part of it, which is a basic version of endoskeleton)
---------------Subphylum : Vertebrata (vertebrates, which means organisms possessing a spine)
------------------Infraphylum : Agnata (jawless vertebrates such as lampreys and hagfishes, which are not available in the trade)
------------------Infraphylum : Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates)
---------------------Superclass : Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes such as sharks, rays and chimeras, the latest not available in the trade)
---------------------Superclass : Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fishes such as lungfishes and coelacanths, the latest not available in the trade)
---------------------Superclass : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
------------------------Class : Chondrostei (sturgeons and paddlefishes)
------------------------Class : Cladistei (bichirs and the ropefish)
------------------------Class : Holostei (gars and the bowfin)
------------------------Class : Teleostei (the rest of the fishes, which means more than 95% of known species)

The list

I'll be listing Orders which contain freshwater predators, as well as their Families if necessary.

Acanthuriformes
A quite diverse Order with a lot of popular marine species high in color.

• Lobotidae : This Family contains the well-known Datnioides, or tiger perches.

Amiiformes
This Order only contains a single species, the ancient fish called bowfin (Amia calva).

Anabantiformes
The labyrinth fishes. Their name comes from the special organ they possess which enables them to breathe air at the surface.

• Anabantidae : This Family contains some well-known ambush predators such as the bush fishes (Ctenopoma) and their dwarf version (Microctenopoma), as well as the climbing perches (Anabas).
• Badidae : The small and cute micro predators of the Badis and Dario Genera display beautiful colors but are hard to wean off live food.
• Channidae : My personal favorites, the snake heads (Channa) display awesome colors and behavior, but are unfortunately banned in some countries as they are invasive species. There are also the African snakeheads (Parachanna) which are less common in the trade.
• Nandidae : The Asian leaf fishes (Nandus) can be hard to keep because of their specific water parameters and feeding needs.
• Osphronemidae : Aside from the well-known fighting fishes and gouramies, including the giant version of the latter (Osphronemus), this Family also contains the pike heads (Luciocephalus). These fishes can be hard to keep because of their specific water parameters and feeding needs.

Anguilliformes
The true eels. Depending on circumstances, you will either find species of this Order in a fish tank or in your dish.

• Anguillidae : You may find eels on rare occasions in the trade. These fishes grow huge and are skilled escape artists.
• Muraenidae : Only a few non-marine species of morays are available in the trade. You will most likely find the Gymnothorax tile, a brackish species, and Gymnothorax polyuranodon, the only true freshwater moray.

Batrachoidiformes
The toad fishes. Please be cautious as they are venomous, even though being stinged by the species listed below is usually more painful than dangerous (unless you are allergic).

• Batrachoididae : You can sometimes come by species like Allenbatrachus grunniens, a brackish water fish, and Thalassophryne amazonica, which can live in pure freshwater and stays quite small.

Beloniformes
The needle fishes. Interestingly this Order also contains the amazing flying fishes.

• Belonidae : Species in this Family are sometimes called gar fishes, although not being related to the gars from the Lepisosteiformes Order. While most of these species live in marine water, some Genera like Xenentodon and Potamorrhaphis live in fresh water.
• Zenarchopteridae : The well-known half beaks, which look like a dwarf version of the Belonidae.

Centrarchiformes
This Order is kind of a mixed bag, and sometimes absorbed into the Perciformes order.

• Centrarchidae : This Family contains the sun fishes such as the Lepomis Genus, as well as the huge largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). These are mostly cold water species that are invasive, and may not be available in your country.
• Elassomatidae : The pygmy sun fishes are basically dwarf versions of the Centrarchidae sun fishes.
• Percichthyidae : You may find cods (Maccullochella) on rare occasions in the trade. These fishes grow huge and live in more temperate waters.
• Sinipercidae : You may find Chinese perches on rare occasions in the trade. These fishes are surprisingly curious and interactive with their owner.
• Terapontidae : You may find grunters (Hephaestus) and the brackish water Terapon genus on rare occasions in the trade.

Ceratodontiformes
The lung fishes. The ancient fishes of this Order are well-known in the trade and are all predators. They all need huge tanks to keep them.

Characiformes
This huge and diverse order contains plenty of popular fishes in the trade.

• Acestrorhamphidae : You may find species of the Oligosarcus Genus on rare occasions in the trade. These fishes closely resemble freshwater barracudas (Acestrorhynchus)
• Acestrorhynchidae : The freshwater barracudas (Acestrorhynchus) are often found in the trade, but there are also lesser-known species such as the micro predators Gnathocharax steindachneri and Lonchogenys ilisha, as well as the rare Roestes Genus whose species closely look like the vampire fishes from the Cynodontidae Family.
• Alestidae : This Family contains the well-known tiger fishes (Hydrocynus). These species grow big and are very powerful.
• Bryconidae : This Family contains the huge golden dorado (Salminus brasiliensis), as well as the smaller Brycon Genus. All these fishes are very powerful and need a lot of space to swim.
• Chalceidae : The tucan fishes are very easy to feed predators, useful as dither fishes for pickier species such as freshwater barracudas and vampire fishes.
• Characidae : The most well-known species of this family is the bucktooth tetra (Exodon paradoxus), but there are also other rare species you could find such as the Charax, Roeboides, Cynopotamus or Galeocharax Genera. Some of these fishes have specialized teeth to eat scales, even if they also accept insects and small fish.
• Crenuchidae : The darter fishes such as Crenuchus spilurus and Poecilocharax weitzmani are small ambush predators. They can be hard to keep because of their specific water parameters needs.
• Ctenoluciidae : The pike characins are easy to find and keep. As they are medium to large species and live in groups, they still need quite a big tank to keep.
• Cynodontidae : The well-known vampire fishes can be hard to wean off live food, and grow quite big so they need a lot of space.
• Distichodontidae : You may find species such as Belonophago tinanti, Ichthyborus ornatus and Phago loricatus on rare occasions in the trade. The fishes of this Family have specialized teeth to eat fins, even if they also accept insects.
• Erythrinidae : The well-known wolf fishes of this Family are common in the trade, from the smaller red wolf fish (Erythrinus erythrinus) to the bigger Hoplias Genus. These species have very powerful jaws, so caution is required.
• Hepsetidae : The african pikes are occasionally available in the trade, especially Hepsetus odoe. It is quite similar to the freshwater barracudas, but bigger and more powerful.
• Lebiasinidae : Amongst the pencil fishes, you may find the predatory Lebiasina multimaculata on rare occasions in the trade.
• Serrasalmidae : The well-known Family containing the piranhas. The Pygocentrus and Serrasalmus Genera are regularly available in the trade, while the wimple piranha (Catoprion mento), the lobe toothed piranha (Pygopristis denticulata) and the Pristobrycon Genus are rarer.

Cichliformes
The well-known cichlid Order is huge and contains plenty of interesting fishes such as the Parachromis Genus, peacock bass (Cichla) pike cichlids (Crenicichla and other related Genera), oscars (Astronotus), and many more.

Cypriniformes

• Danionidae : the trout’s taxonomy is quite a mess, and species are often mixed up between Genera. You are more likely to find fishes from the Opsarius Genus, and on rarer occasions from the Barilius, Opsaridium or Raiamas Genera.
• Xenocyprididae : The bigger bad guys, with the well-known yellow cheeks (Elopichthys bambusa), and the rarer Chanodichthys erythropterus and Macrochirichthys macrochirus. There are also smaller Genera such as Opsariichthys and Zacco which often suffer from being mixed up with the Danionidae species. Most fishes from this Family live in cold water.

Cyprinodontiformes
The toothcarps. Many of these fishes are live bearers, which means they don’t lay eggs.

• Aplocheilidae : The killi fishes of the Aplocheilus Genus are the smallest pike-like fishes you can come by in the trade, offering interesting hunting behavior and easy maintenance.
• Poeciliidae : In the Family of fancy fishes such as guppies and sword tails, the top minnow (Belonesox belizanus) is the “ugly duckling”, which makes him the coolest of them with his pike-like face. He can be hard to find in the trade, however.

Elopiformes
The tarpons. The size and power of these fishes make them well-known in the fishing sport.

• Megalopidae : There are two species in this Family, the Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) and the smaller Indo-Pacific tarpon (Megalops cyprinoides). These fishes grow huge and need brackish water to thrive in the long term.

Gobiiformes
The gobies. Most of these ambush predators are marine species, but some live in freshwater or brackish water.

• Butidae : You will mostly find the crazy fish (Butis butis), but there are also rarer species such as the barred gudgeon (Bostrychus zonatus), the Gangetic sleeper (Odonteleotris macrodon), or the huge marble goby (Oxyeleotris marmorata). Most of these fishes need brackish water.
• Eleotridae : You can sometimes see in the trade several beautiful species of micro predators like Dormitator maculatus and Tateurndina ocellicauda, but on rare occasions, you could also find species of the bigger Eleotris Genus.
• Gobiidae : Amongst the most popular species in this huge Family are the tiny bumblebee gobies (Brachygobius) and the dragon goby (gobioides broussonnetii), the latter having very sharp teeth and a fearsome look, but only a small throat.
• Odontobutidae : You may find species such as the dark sleeper (Odontobutis obscurus) on rare occasions in the trade.
• Oxudercidae : The peculiar mudskippers, able to breathe air and crawl out of the water.

Gymnotiformes
The knife fishes of the New World are all predators, with some well-known species such as the black ghost knife fish (Apteronotus albifrons) and the electric eel (Electrophorus electricus).

Lepisosteiformes
The gars. The ancient fishes of this Order are well-known in the trade and are all predators. They all need huge tanks to keep them.

Myliobatiformes
The stingrays. These cartilaginous fishes are closely related to sharks.

• Potamotrygonidae : The only Family containing freshwater species, with very beautiful ones such as the black diamond ray (Potamotrygon leopoldi). These fishes grow big and are messy eaters.

Osteoglossiformes
The bony tongues. These ancient are well known in the trade, and often sought after by oddball lovers.

• Arapaimidae : This Family contains the Arapaima gigas, one of the biggest freshwater fish, as well as the African arowana (Heterotis niloticus). These fishes need huge tanks to keep them.
• Gymnarchidae : There is only one species in this Family, the aba knife (Gymnarchus niloticus). This fish grows huge and is very aggressive.
• Notopteridae : Only the knife fishes of Africa and Asia are classified here, while the American ones are in the Gymnotiformes Order. You will find several species going from the small brown knife fish (Xenomystus nigri) to the huge clown knife fish (Chitala ornata), as well as the unusual reticulated knife fish (Papyrocranus afer).
• Osteoglossidae : The well-known arowanas, with the Osteoglossum Genus native from America, and the Scleropages Genus native from Asia and Australia which is banned in several countries. These fishes all grow huge.
• Pantodontidae : This Family contains only one species, the freshwater butterfly fish (Pantodon buchholzi), which is way more manageable than the other fishes of this Order due to his small size.

Perciformes
The perch-like fishes. The classification under this Order can differ quite a lot depending on the scientific community, and is kind of a mixed bag.

• Ambassidae : The glass perchlets are small fishes that are generally kept in freshwater like the Parambassis Genus, and sometimes in brackish water like the Gymnochanda Genus.
• Centropomidae : You may find snooks on rare occasions in the trade. These brackish water fishes grow huge and are very powerful.
• Gasterosteidae : You may find species such as the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) on rare occasions in the trade. It is an invasive fish so it might not be available in your country.
• Latidae : You may find species such as the barramundi (Lates calcarifer) on rare occasions in the trade. These fishes grow huge and are very powerful.
• Percidae : You may find species such as the European perch (Perca fluviatilis) on rare occasions in the trade. It is an invasive fish so it might not be available in your country.
• Polycentridae : The Amazon leaf fish (Monocirrhus polyacanthus) and African leaf fish (Polycentropsis abbreviata) can be hard to keep because of their specific water parameters and feeding needs.
• Polynemidae : You may find paradise fishes (Polynemus) on rare occasions in the trade. These brackish water fishes have pectoral fins transformed into filaments to find their food.
• Sciaenidae : You may find croakers on rare occasions in the trade. These fishes need brackish water to thrive in the long term.
• Tetrarogidae : You may find the leaf goblin fish (Neovespicula depressifrons) on rare occasions in the trade. As for all scorpion fishes, this brackish water species can inflict a painful string.
• Toxotes : Most archer fishes need brackish water to thrive in the long term, but some species such as Toxotes blythii can be maintained in pure freshwater.

Polypteriformes
The ancient fishes of this Order, the bichirs and the rope fish, are well-known in the trade and are all predators.

Siluriformes
The cat fishes. The species of this huge Order come in a wide variety of shapes and forms.

• Akysidae : the tiny Asian bumblebee cat fishes (Akysis) are regularly available in the trade, while the larger Acrochordonichthys rugosus is less common.
• Amblycipitidae : You may find species of the Amblyceps Genus on rare occasions in the trade.
• Ariidae : Only the Ariopsis seemanni of the sea cat fishes Family is commonly found in the trade. The youngsters can be kept in freshwater, but they will need more and more salt as they grow to adulthood.
• Auchenipteridae : The driftwood cat fishes are a well-known Family with some often available species such as the small Auchenipterichthys coracoideus and jaguar cat fish (Liosomadoras oncinus), as well as the infamous gulper cat fish (Asterophysus batrachus). These fishes use to hide during the day and come hunt at night, but can be trained to come out if you put them with other cat fishes such as Pimelodus pictus.
• Auchenoglanididae : While less predatory than other Families of cat fishes, species such as Notoglanidium macrostoma and Parauchenoglanis punctatus should not be trusted with small fishes.
• Bagridae : The Asian long-whiskered cat fishes contain well-known species such as the huge and aggressive Hemibagrus Genus, and the smaller and popular Mystus Genus.
• Callichthyidae : While less predatory than other cat fishes, species such as the widely available Megalechis thoracata should not be trusted with small fishes.
• Cetopsidae : You may find the blue whale cat fish (Cetopsis coecutiens) on rare occasions in the trade. These nasty animals will rip apart anything they will encounter, even your own fingers if let the chance, and must be kept in a species only tank.
• Chacidae : The Chaca chaca is occasionally found in the trade. It is quite and inactif fish, standing completely still until a prey comes by. As it has a very large mouth, it is not to be trusted with other tank mates.
• Clariidae : You will often find the well-known Clarias batrachus in the trade, but there are also rarer species such as Gymnallabes typus, which has a slender eel-like body.
• Claroteidae : You may find species such as the small Phyllonemus typus or the huge Clarotes laticeps on rare occasions in the trade.
• Heptapteridae : You will most likely find micro predator species of the Brachyrhamdia Genus in the trade, and on rarer occasions Genera such as Pimelodella, Rhamdia or Goeldiella.
• Heteropneustidae : You may find the stinging cat fish (Heteropneustes fossilis) on rare occasions in the trade. A very hardy but dangerous species due to its venomous sting, so caution is required.
• Horabagridae : You may occasionally find Horabagrus brachysoma in the trade, and on some rarer occasions species of the Pseudeutropius Genus, which look kind of like tiny sharks.
• Ictaluridae : The bull head cat fishes such as the Ameiurus Genus are native to North America and are highly invasive. It is thus unlikely that you will find them in the trade outside this region.
• Malapteruridae : You may find electric cat fishes on rare occasions in the trade. These species are dangerous due to the electric discharge they can deliver, so caution is required.
• Pangasiidae : You can easily find species of the Pangasius and Pangasianodon in the trade. They are highly south after due to their shark-shaped body but grow huge.
• Pimelodidae : The American long-whiskered cat fishes is a popular family with well-known species ranging to the small Pimelodus pictus to the huge red tail cat fish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus). Most fishes of this family grow big and need appropriate tanks to keep them.
• Pseudopimelodidae : The tiny Microglanis Genus is the most regularly available of the American bumblebee cat fishes, but you might also find on rarer occasions larger species from the Batrochoglanis or Cephalosilurus Genera.
• Schilbeidae : The African glass cat fish (Parailia pellucida) is the only species you will often find in the trade, while those from the Pachypterus or the large Schilbe Genera are much rarer.
• Siluridae : This Family contains several popular species, ranging from the tiny glass cat fishes (Kryptopterus) to the giant wels cat fish (Silurus glanis) and Wallago Genus, while also containing more medium-sized species from the Ompok Genus.
• Sisoridae : The most popular species of this Family is the huge goonch cat fish (Bagarius bagarius), as well as the smaller but still big crocodile cat fish (Bagarius suchus). Their impressive teeth can deliver a nasty bite, so caution is required.

Synbranchiformes
The spiny eels. Not to be confused with the true eels od the Anguilliformes Order.

• Indostomidae : The sticklebacks (Indostomus) look like tiny pipe fishes, and are the only species of this Family. They are hard to wean of live food.
• Mastacembelidae : You will often find these well-known fishes in the trade, with the Macrognathus Genus staying smaller than the Mastacembelus one.
• Synbranchidae : You may on rare occasions find swamp eels, such as Monopterus albus and Monopterus marmoratus. These two species grow huge.

Syngnathiformes
This Order contain sea horses, pipe fishes, trumpet fishes and many others. Most of them are marine species.

• Syngnathidae : the Microphis Genus is notable amongst the Family for containing freshwater and brackish water pipe fishes. These fishes are hard to wean off live food.

Tetraodontiformes
The puffer fishes. Did you know that these cute oddballs possess in their organs and skin a powerful neurotoxin ? Better avoid eating them.

• Tetraodontidae : The only Family containing freshwater (and some brackish) species, with well-known ones going from the tiny Carinotetraodon Genus to the big Tetraodon MBU.

Ending words

And that’s all for this thread. If you have made it up to here, thank you and congrats!
The content is very likely to be updated with your comments and information I will gather in the future.
I want to thank the whole MFK community for being awesome as always, and wish you a nice fishy day !

External links :
https://fishbase.org
https://itis.gov