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PetMall Encyclopedia

Fish Breed Encyclopedia

Browse published fish breed profiles curated by the PetMall editorial desk.

35 breeds available

Angelfish

Beginner Friendly
Verified NZ Status

Angelfish is a medium fish originating from South America. PetMall has an official-source NZ status note for this listing; follow the listed MPI, DOC, EPA, and local council conditions before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 10-15 years.

Size
medium
Lifespan
10-15 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Archerfish

Verified NZ Status

Archerfish is a medium fish originating from Indo-Pacific. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 5-10 years.

Size
medium
Lifespan
5-10 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
brackish
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Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)

Beginner Friendly
Verified NZ Status

Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish) is a small fish originating from Southeast Asia. PetMall has an official-source NZ status note for this listing; follow the listed MPI, DOC, EPA, and local council conditions before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 2-5 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
2-5 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
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Black Moor Goldfish

Verified NZ Status

Black Moor Goldfish is a small fish originating from China. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 10-15 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
10-15 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Blue Acara

Verified NZ Status

Blue Acara is a medium fish originating from South America. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 7-10 years.

Size
medium
Lifespan
7-10 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
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Blue Tang

Verified NZ Status

Blue Tang is a medium fish originating from Indo-Pacific. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 8-20 years.

Size
medium
Lifespan
8-20 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
saltwater
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Bristlenose Pleco

Verified NZ Status

Bristlenose Pleco is a small fish originating from South America. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 12-15 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
12-15 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Cardinal Tetra

Beginner Friendly
Verified NZ Status

Cardinal Tetra is a small fish originating from South America. PetMall has an official-source NZ status note for this listing; follow the listed MPI, DOC, EPA, and local council conditions before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 4-5 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
4-5 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Cherry Barb

Verified NZ Status

Cherry Barb is a small fish originating from Sri Lanka. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 4-6 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
4-6 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Clownfish (Nemo Fish)

Verified NZ Status

Clownfish (Nemo Fish) is a small fish originating from Indo-Pacific. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 6-10 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
6-10 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
saltwater
View profile

Corydoras Catfish

Verified NZ Status

Corydoras Catfish is a small fish originating from South America. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 5-10 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
5-10 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Discus

Verified NZ Status

Discus is a medium fish originating from Amazon River. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 10-15 years.

Size
medium
Lifespan
10-15 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Dwarf Gourami

Verified NZ Status

Dwarf Gourami is a small fish originating from South Asia. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 4-6 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
4-6 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Electric Eel

Verified NZ Status

Electric Eel is a large fish originating from South America. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 10-22 years.

Size
large
Lifespan
10-22 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
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Fancy Goldfish

Verified NZ Status

Fancy Goldfish is a small fish originating from China. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 10-15 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
10-15 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Fire Eel

Verified NZ Status

Fire Eel is a large fish originating from Southeast Asia. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 10-18 years.

Size
large
Lifespan
10-18 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Flowerhorn Cichlid

Verified NZ Status

Flowerhorn Cichlid is a medium fish originating from Hybrid. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 10-12 years.

Size
medium
Lifespan
10-12 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Frontosa Cichlid

Verified NZ Status

Frontosa Cichlid is a large fish originating from Lake Tanganyika. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 15-25 years.

Size
large
Lifespan
15-25 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Goldfish

Beginner Friendly
Verified NZ Status

Goldfish is a small fish originating from China. PetMall has an official-source NZ status note for this listing; follow the listed MPI, DOC, EPA, and local council conditions before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 10-15 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
10-15 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Guppy

Beginner Friendly
Verified NZ Status

Guppy is a small fish originating from South America. PetMall has an official-source NZ status note for this listing; follow the listed MPI, DOC, EPA, and local council conditions before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 1-3 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
1-3 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Harlequin Rasbora

Verified NZ Status

Harlequin Rasbora is a small fish originating from Southeast Asia. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 5-8 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
5-8 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Koi Carp

Restricted in NZ

Koi Carp is a large fish originating from Japan. This animal has verified NZ restriction or pest context; check MPI, DOC, EPA, and local council rules before keeping, moving, breeding, selling, or sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 25-35 years.

Size
large
Lifespan
25-35 years
Care Focus
Best managed in species-appropriate pond setups with careful stocking and water-quality planning.
Water
pond
View profile

Molly

Verified NZ Status

Molly is a small fish originating from Central America. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 3-5 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
3-5 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Neon Tetra

Beginner Friendly
Verified NZ Status

Neon Tetra is a small fish originating from South America. PetMall has an official-source NZ status note for this listing; follow the listed MPI, DOC, EPA, and local council conditions before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 5-10 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
5-10 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Oscar Fish

Verified NZ Status

Oscar Fish is a large fish originating from South America. PetMall has an official-source NZ status note for this listing; follow the listed MPI, DOC, EPA, and local council conditions before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 10-15 years.

Size
large
Lifespan
10-15 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Paradise Fish

Verified NZ Status

Paradise Fish is a small fish originating from East Asia. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 6-8 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
6-8 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Peacock Cichlid

Verified NZ Status

Peacock Cichlid is a medium fish originating from East Africa. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 8-15 years.

Size
medium
Lifespan
8-15 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Pearl Gourami

Verified NZ Status

Pearl Gourami is a small fish originating from Southeast Asia. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 4-5 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
4-5 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Platy

Verified NZ Status

Platy is a small fish originating from Central America. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 2-4 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
2-4 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Rainbowfish

Verified NZ Status

Rainbowfish is a small fish originating from Australia/New Guinea. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 5-8 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
5-8 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Red-tailed Black Shark

Verified NZ Status

Red-tailed Black Shark is a small fish originating from Thailand. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 5-8 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
5-8 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Rope Fish

Verified NZ Status

Rope Fish is a medium fish originating from West Africa. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 15-18 years.

Size
medium
Lifespan
15-18 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Swordtail

Verified NZ Status

Swordtail is a small fish originating from Central America. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 3-5 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
3-5 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Tiger Barb

Verified NZ Status

Tiger Barb is a small fish originating from Southeast Asia. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 5-7 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
5-7 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile

Zebra Danio

Verified NZ Status

Zebra Danio is a small fish originating from South Asia. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 2-5 years.

Size
small
Lifespan
2-5 years
Care Focus
Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
Water
freshwater
View profile