Did you know there are well over 30,000 different species of tropical fish identified? This number continues to rise as more species are discovered.
This article will give you a list of our 7 favourite tropical fish beginning with the letter D.
Some you may have heard of, whilst some I am sure you won’t as they are more unusual. We are using their common names, as who actually uses their scientific names when popping into the local pet shop?! I have included the scientific names as well though for the nerdy types.
For the purpose of variation (and because, quite frankly, some of these letters were hard to research!), we may have included some saltwater fish as well. These are clearly marked, as rule number 1 in the world of fishkeeping is that you can’t mix your freshwater fish with your saltwater fish.
Tropical Fish that Start with the Letter D.
- Dwarf Loach
- Dalmatian Molly
- Discus
- Dwarf Pencilfish
- Deep Angelfish
- Domino Damselfish (saltwater)
- Devil Lionfish (saltwater)
Dwarf Loach.
Scientific name: Ambastaia sidthimunki.
The very striking Dwarf Loach grows to around 2 inches and originates from the muddy lakes of Asia, mainly northern India and Northern Thailand.
The Dwarf Loach is a very active species. They are best kept in small groups and are a great addition to a community tank. A happy and thriving male will display lovely colouring which looks like a black chain on a bronze background.
This species is peaceful and social, and they like to hang out at the bottom of the tank, mooching around the substrate for food.
Dalmatian Molly.
Scientific name: Poecilia latipinna.
The most distinctive thing about this molly fish is their dalmatian like markings, hence their name.
I have a Dalmatian Molly and she is my favourite out of the whole tank. Her colouring is lovely and she is quite the character. The other fish know she is the boss without her having to do anything to show it!
These sociable fish hail from around Mexico, and grow to around 4 inches.
They love nothing better than a good old swim, so your tank needs to have plenty of space, especially around the top and middle of the tank.
Discus.
Scientific name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus.
I think it’s pretty obvious where Discus fish get their name from…that’s right-their disc like shape!
The Discus fish a popular choice among fishkeepers, due to their amazing colours. They need a tall tank through due to their shape, and the fact they can grow up to 8 inches. The males are much more colourful. They really do stand out in a tank.
They are happiest kept in a group but in a single species tank. They are a placid species and are social in their groups.
Discus can be susceptible to illness, so regular water changes are essential, plus adequate filtration and good quality food.
Dwarf Pencilfish.
Scientific name: Nannostomus marginatus.
The slender Dwarf Pencilfish are a shoaling species so needs to be kept in a group of at least 6.
They originate from South America and only grow to about an inch.
They look stunning in a well lit tank as they shimmer under the lights. The males are brighter in colour. The females are easy to spot as they are duller and rounder in their shape.
This species are peaceful and sociable. They like to have a good swim around the middle and top of the tank.
Deep Angelfish.
Scientific name: Pterophyllum altum.
This breed of angelfish can grow to nearly double the size of the traditional angelfish. In the right conditions, they can grow up to 10 inches.
They originate from South America, mainly Colombia and Venezuela.
They look like a more chiselled version of the angelfish. They are taller, and have sharper looking fins.
They are best kept in a group but in a single species tank. It needs to be a deep tank due to their shape.
Deep Angelfish are peaceful but can be territorial if they don’t have sufficient space.
Domino Damselfish (saltwater).
Scientific name: Dascyllus trimaculatus.
Damselfish in general are popular additions to a marine tank, as they are both beautiful to look at, and are a hardy group.
They grow to around 2 inches and originate from The Pacific.
I think it is quite obvious where they get their name from-they have white circular markings on a black background. The markings are more vivid in the younger fish. As they get older, the spots fade and they start to turn greyer.
The Domino Damselfish starts off as very peaceful and sociable when introduced to a tank.
They can becomes territorial and display bullying behaviour when comfortable in what they can consider as their tank only, so this must be kept an eye on.
Devil Lionfish (saltwater).
Scientific name: Pterois miles.
Lionfish are stunning to look at but painful to touch!
They come equipped with venom in their spikes which can make you quite ill if they get you. They are used more as protection than as a weapon. This species is quite a placid fish, and is tolerant more of its own kind than others.
The Devil Lionfish hails from the Red Sea and can grow up to 12 inches. They need a lot of space due to how big they can be when you include the large fins.
This species is a nocturnal fish so tends to hide away during the day, then come out to play when all is dark and quiet.
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Tropical Fish that Start with A
