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Taxonomy Archive

Hard-Water Tolerant Fish Care Guides & Tips

Aquarium fish that thrive in alkaline, hard water environments, including livebearers and rift lake cichlids.

Profiles 24
Beginner 8
Peaceful 14
African Cichlid Min 55 Gal
advanced Care Freshwater

African Cichlid

Pseudocrenilabrinae (Mbuna, Peacock, Haplochromis)

Temperament: aggressive

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Congo Tetra Min 30 Gal
intermediate Care Freshwater

Congo Tetra

Phenacogrammus interruptus

Temperament: peaceful

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Elephant Nose Fish Min 55 Gal
advanced Care Freshwater

Elephant Nose Fish

Gnathonemus petersii

Temperament: Peaceful with other species, but territorial with its own kind

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Guppy Min 10 Gal
beginner Care Freshwater

Guppy

Poecilia reticulata

Temperament: peaceful

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Molly Min 20 Gal
beginner Care Freshwater

Molly

Poecilia sphenops (primary); P. latipinna; P. velifera; P. mexicana

Temperament: peaceful

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Platy Min 10 Gal
beginner Care Freshwater

Platy

Xiphophorus maculatus

Temperament: peaceful

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Rope Fish Min 55 Gal
intermediate Care Freshwater

Rope Fish

Erpetoichthys calabaricus

Temperament: peaceful

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Shell Dweller Min 10 Gal
intermediate Care Freshwater

Shell Dweller

Neolamprologus multifasciatus

Temperament: aggressive

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Swordtail Min 20 Gal
beginner Care Freshwater

Swordtail

Xiphophorus hellerii

Temperament: peaceful

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X-Ray Tetra Min 15 Gal
beginner Care Freshwater

X-Ray Tetra

Pristella maxillaris

Temperament: peaceful

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Planning a Hard-Water Tolerant Aquarium?

Validate water volume, calculate stocking density, and test bioload before introducing new species to your aquarium.

Tank Volume Calculator → Take Compatibility Quiz