Native Fish

Shop Native Aquarium Fish by Type

Australia has an enormous variety of freshwater fish living in rivers, creeks, wetlands, billabongs, lakes and coastal waterways. Each species has its own adult size, social behaviour and water requirements, so native fish should not all be treated the same.

Australian Rainbowfish

Rainbowfish are among the most popular Australian native fish for home aquariums. They are known for their active swimming behaviour, natural colour and impressive appearance when maintained in suitable groups.

Our range may include Crimson Spotted Rainbowfish, Murray River Rainbowfish, Eastern Rainbowfish, Goyder River Rainbowfish, Turquoise Rainbowfish, Neon Rainbowfish and other species or geographic varieties.

Many rainbowfish become more colourful as they mature, particularly healthy males maintained in an appropriate group. Most require open swimming space and should be housed in an aquarium that accommodates their adult size.

Shop Australian rainbowfish.

Pacific Blue-eyes and Other Blue-eyes

Blue-eyes are small native fish named for the distinctive reflective colour around their eyes. Their compact size and active behaviour make many species attractive choices for planted aquariums.

They are generally social fish and should be kept in an appropriately sized group. Fine-leaved plants, floating cover and open swimming areas can help create a suitable environment.

Our range may include the Pacific Blue-eye and other blue-eye species when available.

Australian Gudgeons

Australian gudgeons can add interesting behaviour and colour to a native aquarium. Species such as Empire Gudgeons can become particularly striking as they mature.

Care requirements differ considerably between gudgeon species. Check the adult size, diet and temperament of the particular fish before adding it to a community aquarium.

Why Keep Australian Native Fish?

• Create a distinctive Australian freshwater aquarium
• Choose from colourful schooling and community species
• Discover fish adapted to a wide range of natural Australian habitats
• Combine compatible species with live plants and natural aquascaping
• Enjoy active swimming, courtship and group behaviour
• Support interest in Australia’s freshwater biodiversity

Australian native fish can suit both new and experienced aquarists, but suitability depends on the individual species. Some are adaptable community fish, while others require specialised water conditions, larger aquariums or carefully selected tank mates.

Choosing the Right Native Fish

Before buying Australian native fish, consider how large the species will become and whether its care requirements suit your aquarium.

Check the following information on each product page:

• Expected adult size
• Minimum aquarium size
• Recommended group size
• Temperature range
• Preferred pH and hardness
• Diet and feeding behaviour
• Temperament and swimming activity
• Compatibility with existing fish

Do not choose a fish based only on its size at the time of purchase. Juvenile native fish may require a much larger aquarium as they grow.

Aquarium Size and Group Requirements

Aquarium size depends on the adult size and activity level of the species. Small blue-eyes may suit relatively compact planted tanks, while larger or highly active rainbowfish require more swimming length.

Many rainbowfish and blue-eyes are social species. They generally display more confident behaviour and stronger colour when maintained in a suitable group.

The correct group size depends on:

• The species being kept
• Its adult size
• The aquarium’s length and volume
• Filtration and water quality
• The number and size of other inhabitants

If you are planning a new setup, explore our aquariums and complete fish tanks.

Water Conditions for Australian Native Fish

Australian freshwater environments vary enormously. There is no single temperature, pH or hardness range suitable for every native species.

Many commonly kept rainbowfish are adaptable when maintained in clean, stable water. However, fish from tropical northern waterways may have different requirements from species found in cooler southern habitats.

Research the individual species and avoid making sudden changes to water chemistry. Stable conditions and reliable aquarium maintenance are usually more important than repeatedly adjusting the water to chase an exact number.

Use suitable aquarium test kits to monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH. New fish should only be introduced to a fully cycled aquarium.

Creating an Australian Native Aquarium

A thoughtfully designed native aquarium can combine open swimming space with plant cover and natural structure.

Depending on the fish being kept, a suitable setup may include:

• Open areas for active swimming
• Live aquarium plants
• Floating or fine-leaved plant cover
• Driftwood and natural rock
• Sand or natural-coloured aquarium substrate
• Reliable mechanical and biological filtration
• A secure aquarium lid

Plants provide shelter, shaded areas, visual barriers and potential spawning sites. Leave enough open water for schooling species to swim comfortably.

Browse our live aquarium plants, aquascaping supplies and aquarium filtration to complete your native fish setup.

Feeding Australian Native Aquarium Fish

Diet varies between species. Many commonly kept native fish accept quality flakes, appropriately sized pellets and selected frozen or live foods.

Suitable foods may include:

• Quality native fish pellets
• Fine flakes and micro pellets
• Insect-based fish foods
• Frozen brine shrimp or daphnia
• Small live foods
• Species-appropriate vegetable matter

Choose a food size that the fish can swallow easily. A varied diet can support healthy growth, condition and colour, but avoid overfeeding and remove uneaten food before it affects water quality.

Browse our native fish food and tropical fish food ranges.

Native Fish Tank Mates

Many smaller Australian native fish can live with peaceful community species of a similar size. Compatibility still depends on adult size, temperament, water requirements and the amount of available swimming space.

Potential tank mates may include:

• Other compatible Australian native fish
• Peaceful rainbowfish of a suitable size
• Corydoras
• Small peaceful tetras
• Selected gouramis
• Peaceful catfish

Avoid combining small native fish with large predatory species or persistent fin nippers. Do not assume two species are compatible simply because they are both Australian natives.

Tiny shrimp, fish fry, eggs and other very small animals may be eaten by otherwise peaceful fish.

Keeping Native Fish in Outdoor Ponds

Some Australian native fish can be maintained in secure outdoor ponds where the local climate and seasonal water temperatures are suitable. This does not make every native fish appropriate for every Australian pond.

Outdoor setups should provide protection from predators and must prevent fish from escaping during heavy rain, flooding or overflow.

Do not assume aquarium fish are automatically compatible with frogs, tadpoles or other pond wildlife. Fish may consume eggs, larvae or smaller animals.

Never release aquarium fish into drains, dams, creeks or natural waterways. This applies even to Australian native species. Released fish may spread disease or interfere with genetically distinct local populations.

Buy Australian Native Fish on the Sunshine Coast

Shop for Australian native aquarium fish through Aquaholics Online on the Sunshine Coast. Our livestock range changes with supplier availability, season and the condition of incoming fish.

You can browse the current selection online or visit our Sunshine Coast aquarium store for local assistance. If you are unsure which native fish will suit your aquarium, compare the adult size, group requirements and water conditions before ordering.

Customers outside the Sunshine Coast can order live fish for delivery to eligible Australian locations. Availability, weather, regional biosecurity restrictions and the current shipping schedule may affect delivery options.

Review our live fish and plant shipping information before placing your order.

Browse the Australian native fish available above and create a colourful, active aquarium with species suited to your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Australian native fish?

You can buy Australian native fish online from Aquaholics Online or visit our Sunshine Coast aquarium store. Available species change regularly, and live-fish delivery is offered to eligible Australian locations.

Which Australian native fish can be kept in aquariums?

Popular native aquarium fish include rainbowfish, blue-eyes and gudgeons. Suitability depends on the species, adult size, aquarium dimensions, water conditions and existing tank inhabitants.

Are Australian native fish suitable for beginners?

Some native species are adaptable and suitable for newer fishkeepers, while others have specialised requirements. Research the particular species rather than assuming all Australian native fish need the same care.

Do Australian native fish need to be kept in groups?

Many rainbowfish and blue-eyes are social and display more natural behaviour when kept in suitable groups. The recommended number varies according to the species and available aquarium space.

Do Australian native fish need a heater?

This depends on the species and the temperatures inside the aquarium. Native fish come from different Australian climates, so check the recommended temperature for each species before deciding whether a heater is required.

What do Australian native fish eat?

Diet varies by species. Many commonly kept native fish accept quality pellets, flakes and appropriately sized frozen or live foods. Check the individual product description for species-specific feeding guidance.

Can Australian native fish live with other community fish?

Many smaller native species can live with peaceful community fish when their adult size, temperament and water requirements are compatible. Avoid large predators and aggressive or persistent fin-nipping species.

Can Australian native fish live with aquarium plants?

Yes. Many smaller native species are excellent choices for planted aquariums. Plants provide shelter and potential spawning sites, but active species still need sufficient open swimming space.

Do you deliver Australian native fish Australia-wide?

Aquaholics Online delivers live fish to eligible Australian locations. Delivery remains subject to livestock availability, weather, regional restrictions and the current live-fish shipping schedule.