Freshwater Fish, Cichlids & Specialty Species
From vibrant African cichlids and show-quality discus to rare axolotls and jumbo bettas — The Barrier Reef offers the most diverse freshwater selection in South Florida. Visit our Boca Raton showroom to see it all in person.
Cichlids
The most colorful, intelligent, and personality-packed freshwater fish you can own.
Cichlids are our hottest-selling category — and for good reason. These stunning fish bring unmatched color, drama, and personality to any freshwater aquarium. At The Barrier Reef, we carry one of the largest cichlid selections in South Florida, hand-picked from trusted breeders for vibrant color, robust health, and exceptional genetics.
African Cichlids
Electric Blue Haps, OB Peacocks, Yellow Labs, Red Zebras, Demasoni, Frontosa
Lake Malawi & Lake Tanganyika
South American Cichlids
Oscars, Green Terrors, Jack Dempseys, Severums, Geophagus, Pike Cichlids
Amazon Basin & South America
Dwarf Cichlids
German Blue Rams, Bolivian Rams, Apistogramma Cacatuoides, Apistogramma Agassizii
Perfect for planted community tanks
Angelfish
Silver, Marble, Koi, Platinum, Black Lace, and Altum varieties
Classic freshwater elegance
Our Complete Freshwater Collection
Cichlids are just the beginning. We stock hundreds of freshwater species, from popular community fish to rare collector specimens. New arrivals come in weekly, so there's always something new to discover.
Discus Fish
The 'King of the Aquarium.' We carry stunning varieties in turquoise, red pigeon, leopard, and golden patterns. Hand-selected for color and health.
Jumbo Bettas
Our specialty! These oversized bettas feature flowing fins and brilliant colors that dwarf standard bettas. A must-see when you visit.
Fancy Goldfish
Premium Orandas, Ranchus, Ryukins, and Telescope varieties. Our goldfish tank is one of the most popular displays in the store.
Axolotls
These adorable Mexican walking fish come in leucistic, wild-type, golden, and melanoid varieties. We provide complete care guidance for these unique pets.
Community Fish
Tetras, Rasboras, Guppies, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, and Danios — perfect for peaceful community aquariums of all sizes.
Catfish & Plecos
Corydoras, Bristlenose Plecos, Otocinclus, and specialty catfish species. Essential cleanup crew for any freshwater aquarium.
Shrimp & Invertebrates
Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp, Nerite Snails, and Mystery Snails for planted tanks and nano setups.
Freshwater Specialties You Won't Find Anywhere Else
Discus Tank
Our dedicated discus display features some of the most vibrant specimens in South Florida. We carry turquoise, red pigeon, leopard, golden, and snakeskin varieties — all hand-selected for exceptional color and pattern.
Axolotl Corner
These fascinating Mexican walking fish have become one of our most popular attractions. We carry leucistic (pink), wild-type, golden, and melanoid axolotls, plus all the supplies you need for proper axolotl care.
Jumbo Betta Gallery
Our jumbo bettas are a sight to behold — significantly larger than standard bettas with dramatic flowing fins in every color imaginable. These premium specimens are sourced from top breeders and are a Barrier Reef specialty.
Aquatic Plants & Aquascaping Supplies
Our aquatic plant department is one of the most comprehensive in Palm Beach County. We carry a wide selection of easy-care and advanced aquatic plants, including Java Fern, Anubias, Amazon Swords, Cryptocoryne, Bucephalandra, and demanding carpeting plants like Monte Carlo and Dwarf Baby Tears.
We also stock everything you need for a successful planted tank: premium substrates from ADA and Fluval, CO2 injection systems, specialized LED lighting, liquid fertilizers, and hardscape materials including driftwood and dragon stone.
Whether you're creating your first planted nano tank or designing an elaborate Nature Aquarium, our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right plants and equipment for your goals.
Ask About Plants
Explore Our Freshwater Department
New freshwater fish, cichlids, plants, and specialty species arrive weekly. Visit our Boca Raton store to browse the full selection and get expert advice from our team.