Native Fish

Shop Australian native freshwater fish online at Aquaholics Online.

Australia is home to an incredible variety of freshwater fish, from colourful Rainbowfish and tiny Blue Eyes to Gudgeons and larger native species.

Native fish can create a distinctive Australian aquarium and are increasingly popular with fishkeepers looking for colourful, active species that are different from the traditional tropical community fish found in most aquariums.

Our range may include Australian Rainbowfish, Blue Eyes, Gudgeons and other native freshwater species depending on availability.

Australian Native Fish for Aquariums

Australian freshwater fish come from an enormous variety of habitats, including rivers, creeks, wetlands, billabongs and lakes.

Because these environments vary considerably across the country, native fish should not all be treated as having the same aquarium requirements.

Depending on the species, important considerations include:

• Adult size
• Aquarium size
• Water temperature
• pH and hardness
• Swimming space
• Group size
• Diet
• Temperament
• Tank mate compatibility

Always check the requirements of the individual species before adding it to your aquarium.

Australian Rainbowfish

Rainbowfish are among Australia's most popular native aquarium fish.

They are known for their colour, active swimming behaviour and impressive appearance when maintained in suitable groups.

Depending on availability, our range may include species and locality varieties such as:

• Crimson Spotted Rainbowfish
• Murray River Rainbowfish
• Eastern Rainbowfish
• Goyder River Rainbowfish
• Turquoise Rainbowfish
• Neon Rainbowfish
• Threadfin Rainbowfish

Many Rainbowfish become increasingly colourful as they mature, particularly healthy adult males.

Blue Eyes

Blue Eyes are small Australian and New Guinea native fish named for the distinctive blue colour around their eyes.

Their compact size and active behaviour make some species particularly attractive in planted or smaller freshwater aquariums.

They are generally social fish and often look best when kept in suitable groups.

Gudgeons

Australian Gudgeons are another interesting group of native freshwater fish.

Species such as Empire Gudgeons can display striking colouration and make attractive additions to appropriately sized native or community-style aquariums.

Care requirements vary, so always consider the adult size and temperament of the individual species.

Choosing Native Fish for Your Aquarium

Before purchasing Australian native fish, consider the environment you want to create.

A suitable setup may include:

• Open swimming areas
• Live aquarium plants
• Driftwood
• Rocks
• Suitable substrate
• Reliable filtration
• Good water circulation

Some native species thrive in heavily planted aquariums, while larger or more active fish may require considerably more open swimming space.

Aquarium Size

Aquarium size depends heavily on the native species being kept.

Small Blue Eyes may suit relatively compact planted aquariums, while larger Rainbowfish require more swimming room.

Some Australian native species can grow much larger and require substantial aquariums.

Always choose an aquarium based on the fish's expected adult size rather than its size when purchased.

Keeping Native Fish in Groups

Many Australian Rainbowfish and Blue Eyes are naturally social and generally display their best behaviour when kept in suitable groups.

Keeping a group can also produce a much more impressive visual effect as the fish move together through the aquarium.

The appropriate number depends on:

• Species
• Adult size
• Aquarium dimensions
• Filtration
• Other tank inhabitants

Water Conditions

Australia's freshwater environments vary enormously, so there is no single set of water parameters suitable for every native fish.

Many commonly kept Australian Rainbowfish are relatively adaptable when maintained in clean, stable water.

The individual species' natural range should still be considered when determining appropriate:

• Temperature
• pH
• Water hardness

Stable conditions and good water quality are usually more important than continually adjusting water chemistry.

Feeding Australian Native Fish

Diet varies between species, although many commonly kept Rainbowfish and other native aquarium fish are omnivorous.

Suitable foods can include:

• Quality tropical or native fish pellets
• Flakes
• Insect-based foods
• Frozen foods
• Small live foods
• Species-appropriate vegetable matter

A varied diet can help support healthy growth, condition and colouration.

Choose food sizes that are appropriate for the fish being kept.

Australian Native Fish & Live Plants

Many Australian native fish look fantastic in planted aquariums.

Live plants can provide:

• Shelter
• Natural structure
• Shaded areas
• Spawning sites
• Visual barriers

Planted tanks can work especially well for smaller Rainbowfish, Blue Eyes and Gudgeons.

Leave enough open swimming space for active schooling species.

Filtration & Water Quality

Reliable filtration is important for maintaining healthy native fish.

Good mechanical and biological filtration helps remove waste and maintain stable water conditions.

Regular water changes should also form part of normal aquarium maintenance.

Active Rainbowfish often appreciate well-oxygenated water and good circulation, provided there are still calmer areas where required.

Tank Mates

Tank mate suitability depends on the native species being kept.

Many smaller Rainbowfish can coexist with other peaceful community fish of a similar size.

Possible tank mates may include:

• Other compatible Rainbowfish
• Corydoras
• Peaceful Tetras
• Bristlenose Catfish
• Suitable Gouramis

• Other peaceful native fish

Avoid combining small native fish with large predatory species.

Always consider adult size, temperament and water requirements before mixing fish.

Creating an Australian Native Aquarium

A dedicated Australian native aquarium can be a great alternative to a traditional tropical community tank.

You can create a natural-looking setup using:

• Native fish
• Live plants
• Driftwood
• Rock
• Sand or natural-coloured substrate
• Open swimming areas

A carefully designed native aquarium can showcase Australian freshwater species while creating an attractive aquascape in its own right.

Buy Australian Native Fish Online

Aquaholics Online stocks a changing range of Australian native freshwater fish.

Because we are dealing with live livestock, individual species, locality varieties and sizes can vary throughout the year.

Browse the current range above to see which Australian native fish are available now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Australian native fish can be kept in aquariums?

Popular Australian aquarium species include Rainbowfish, Blue Eyes and Gudgeons, along with a variety of other native freshwater fish. Suitability depends on the species and aquarium size.

Are Australian Rainbowfish good community fish?

Many Rainbowfish are peaceful and can work well in suitable community aquariums. Choose tank mates with compatible adult size, temperament and water requirements.

Do Rainbowfish need to be kept in groups?

Most Rainbowfish are social fish and generally display more natural behaviour and colour when maintained in suitable groups.

What do Australian native fish eat?

Diet varies by species. Many commonly kept native aquarium fish accept quality pellets, flakes and appropriate frozen or live foods.

Can Australian native fish live with aquarium plants?

Yes. Many smaller native species are excellent additions to planted aquariums. Leave sufficient open swimming space for active species.

Do Australian native fish need a heater?

This depends on the species and local conditions. Native fish originate from different climates across Australia, so temperature requirements should be checked for each species.

Can Rainbowfish live with Corydoras?

Many Rainbowfish can coexist with Corydoras when aquarium size, water conditions and temperature suit both species.

How big do Australian Rainbowfish grow?

Adult size varies considerably by species. Some remain relatively small, while others become significantly larger and need more swimming space.

Are native fish suitable for beginners?

Some Australian native species are hardy and suitable for newer aquarists, while others have more specialised requirements. Always research the particular species before purchasing.

Do you ship Australian native fish Australia-wide?

Aquaholics Online ships live fish to eligible Australian locations, subject to livestock availability, regional restrictions and applicable biosecurity requirements.