WE' VE MOVED! 📍 New Location: 6622 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL. 60707
WE' VE MOVED! 📍 New Location: 6622 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL. 60707
Freshwater Plants Are Now Available Online
Shop live aquarium plants from home, plus an expanded dry goods inventory featuring new All-For-Reef and Tropic Marin products for freshwater and reef systems.
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Aquarium Essentials from Brands You Trust
Shop the aquarium products our team trusts for dependable results in freshwater and saltwater systems. Big Fish Aquarium’s online dry goods inventory now includes an expanded selection of Tropic Marin products, including All-For-Reef dosing solutions, reef salts, trace elements, supplements, and professional water testing. You’ll also find fish food, water treatments, bacteria, medications, and everyday aquarium essentials from trusted brands like Fritz Aquatics and Ocean Nutrition. Whether you’re maintaining a freshwater aquarium or managing a full reef system, you can now find more of what your tank needs online.
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Now In Stock: Explore Our Latest General Livestock Arrivals
The Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus), also known as the Hippo Tang or Regal Tang, is a powerhouse addition to any large marine reef aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring a vibrant royal blue body accented by bold black markings and a brilliant yellow tail, this active swimmer is a master of the "open water" era of reef keeping—serving as a natural biological control for various types of nuisance algae. It is a dedicated grazer of the rockwork, making it a functional cornerstone of a healthy reef ecosystem.
This hardy tang thrives in established systems with massive horizontal swimming space and robust water movement. While generally peaceful toward other species, its bold personality and constant movement make it a standout centerpiece for large displays. To ensure long-term health, provide a varied diet heavy on marine-based seaweed and algae, supplemented with high-quality frozen Mysis and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp. Ensure your aquarium maintains high oxygen levels and stable water parameters, as this species is particularly sensitive to fluctuations in its environment.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (Peaceful with non-tangs)
Minimum Tank Size: 125–180 Gallons
Diet: Herbivore / Omnivore
Reef Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 10–12 Inches
Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 to 8.4, sg 1.023 to 1.025
Husbandry Notes
The Blue Tang is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "unparalleled color" and active grazing. Its specialized behavior of wedging itself into rockwork to sleep or when startled adds a layer of kinetic interaction to the reef structure that few other large-scale species can match. In the context of modern reef keeping, it is widely considered an essential "utility centerpiece" for maintaining a clean and vibrant rockscape. For maximum success, provide an environment with high-capacity filtration and a steady supply of dried seaweed (Nori) to facilitate its high metabolic needs and immune health.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Pure Red Line Crystal Shrimp (Caridina sp.) is a powerhouse addition to any freshwater aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring an intense, opaque white body contrasted by brilliant crimson bands, this high-grade Bee Shrimp is a master of the "Answering Machine" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological control for biofilm and microscopic organic matter. It is a dedicated micro-scavenger, making it a functional cornerstone of a healthy, high-end freshwater ecosystem.
This specialized shrimp thrives in established systems with stable, soft water parameters and active substrates. While peaceful and exceptionally community-friendly with other non-predatory tank mates, they are prized for their genetic purity and social grazing habits. To ensure long-term health, provide an environment with mosses and specialized leaf litter to support natural biofilm production, supplementing their diet with mineral-rich shrimp foods.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual invertebrate you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 5-10 Gallons
Diet: Omnivore/Biofilm Eater
Max Size: 1.2 Inches
Water Conditions: 68 to 74°F, gH 4 to 6, kH 0 to 1, pH 6.0 to 6.8
Husbandry Notes
The Pure Red Line Crystal Shrimp is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "visual prestige" and biological stability in specialized Caridina setups. Its constant foraging and social interaction add a layer of kinetic energy to the aquarium floor that few other invertebrates can match. In the context of modern freshwater keeping, it is widely considered an essential "utility invertebrate" for managing micro-environments. For maximum success, ensure the tank is fully matured with stable TDS levels and provide a mineral-rich environment to facilitate successful molting.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery from our Chicago-area facility to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these invertebrates from our facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Apogon Nematoptera - Pajama Cardinal is a spectacular centerpiece for the modern reef aquarium, known for its brilliant coloration and sophisticated social behavior. Characterized by a greenish-yellow face, a bold black vertical mid-section band, and a posterior body adorned with striking orange polka dots, this species is a masterclass in reef aesthetics. In the "Answering Machine" era of saltwater husbandry, the Pajama Cardinal is highly prized for its peaceful temperament and its ability to cohabit beautifully with other peaceful reef residents.
Unlike many other cardinalfish species, the Pajama Cardinal is a diurnal-leaning nocturnal species that prefers to hang suspended in the water column in small groups. They are exceptionally active swimmers that occupy the middle levels of the water column, providing a constant display of color and unique, synchronized movement.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 3.5 Inches
Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 to 8.4, sg 1.020 to 1.025
Husbandry Notes
The Pajama Cardinal is an ideal candidate for a community reef tank. While they do not require a sand bed for sleeping, they do require plenty of live rock with caves and crevices to feel secure during the day. They are high-metabolism fish and should be fed a varied diet of frozen meaty foods—such as mysis and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp—at least twice daily. To see their best behavior, it is recommended to keep them in small schools. They are notoriously hardy and adjust well to captive life, making them a staple for any stable reef system.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Albino Bushynose Pleco (Ancistrus temminckii / Ancistrus sp.) is a powerhouse addition to any nano, planted, or community aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring an eye-catching, pale-yellow to golden-peach body and distinctive pinkish-red albino eyes, this unique armored catfish is a master of the "green algae management" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological focal point for the glass, hardscape, and substrate. It is a dedicated and exceptionally industrious grazer, making it a functional cornerstone of a pristine freshwater ecosystem.
This exceptionally hardy pleco thrives in mature, established systems decorated with natural driftwood branches, smooth river rocks, and plenty of cave structures. Unlike common plecos that grow far too large for standard home aquariums, its compact size and peaceful demeanor make it an outstanding roommate for most community setups. To ensure long-term health, provide a varied diet consisting of high-quality spirulina-rich sinking wafers, specialized veggie rounds, and fresh blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber. Ensure your aquarium contains natural driftwood, as munching on the wood is an essential biological requirement that aids their digestive process.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful (Territorial with other male plecos)
Minimum Tank Size: 20–30 Gallons
Diet: Herbivore / Omnivore (Heavy focus on algae and plant matter)
Plant Compatible: Yes (Rarely bothers healthy, broad-leafed plants)
Max Size: 4–5 Inches
Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, KH 4 to 12, pH 6.5 to 7.6
Husbandry Notes
The Albino Bushynose Pleco is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "effortless algae control" and a vibrant pop of golden-yellow warmth on the bottom levels of the tank. Their specialized mouthparts act as a powerful rasping tool, allowing them to tirelessly scour green dust algae, diatoms, and biofilm from your glass and hardscape without damaging your layout. As they mature, males develop elaborate, soft, branching tentacles (or "bristles") on their snouts, adding a fascinating, prehistoric visual dynamic to the tank. For maximum success, utilize moderate filtration to handle their continuous waste production, and provide at least one snug cave or hollow log per individual so they can rest securely during daytime hours.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your premium livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these active bottom-dwellers from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus) is a powerhouse addition to any marine reef aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring a striking silvery-white body adorned with three vertical copper-orange bands and a prominent eyespot, this Medium specimen is a master of the "Answering Machine" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological control for nuisance Aiptasia anemones. It is a dedicated hunter of small invertebrates and pests, making it a functional cornerstone of a healthy reef ecosystem.
This sophisticated butterflyfish thrives in established systems with plenty of live rock and open swimming room. While generally reef-compatible with caution, its primary role in many specialized setups is the management of glass anemones that can otherwise overwhelm corals. To ensure long-term health, provide a varied diet of frozen Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and clams on the half-shell to encourage its natural picking behavior.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Moderate to Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 75 Gallons
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Compatible: Yes (With Caution)
Size Variant: Medium
Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 to 8.4, sg 1.020 to 1.025
Husbandry Notes
The Copperband Butterflyfish is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "biological pest management" with a high-end visual profile. Its elongated snout allows it to reach into tight crevices, adding a layer of kinetic utility to the reef that few other species can match. In the context of modern reef keeping, it is widely considered an essential "utility fish" for Aiptasia control. For maximum success, introduce this fish to a mature aquarium and ensure it is not housed with aggressive tank mates that may out-compete it for food during the acclimation phase.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery from our Chicago-area facility to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from our facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Rainbow Shiner (Notropis chrosomus) is a powerhouse addition to any temperate, hillstream, or high-flow community aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring a mind-blowing, ultra-saturated color profile that shifts from a shimmering translucent silver-gold to an electric, glowing neon pink and metallic blue along their lateral lines, this active schooling fish is a master of the "temperate centerpiece" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological focal point for the upper-to-mid water column. It is a dedicated, high-frequency swimmer, making it a functional cornerstone of a dynamic freshwater ecosystem.
This exceptionally hardy, North American native fish thrives in mature, established systems with clear water, high oxygenation, and moderate-to-strong water flow that replicates their natural stream habitats. While completely peaceful and an ideal choice for active community setups, its bold personality and fast-paced energy mean it should be kept in schools of six or more to showcase its natural dither behaviors. To ensure long-term health and unlock their most brilliant color displays, provide a premium, varied diet consisting of high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and regular treats of frozen cyclops, daphnia, or baby brine shrimp. Ensure your aquarium features a secure, tight-fitting lid, as these high-energy surface swimmers are enthusiastic jumpers.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive. Coloration is highly dependent on age and social hierarchy, with mature males exhibiting the most breathtaking, glowing transformations during spawning periods.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful (Active, schooling dither fish)
Minimum Tank Size: 20–30 Gallons (Long tanks preferred)
Diet: Omnivore
Plant Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 2.5–3 Inches
Water Conditions: 55 to 72°F (Does not require a tropical heater), KH 4 to 12, pH 6.5 to 7.8
Husbandry Notes
The Rainbow Shiner is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "unrivaled kinetic color" and high-energy surface movement without the need for high tropical heat. Their specialized schooling behaviors add a layer of complex, flashing motion to the upper levels of the aquarium, creating a beautiful contrast against hardscape-heavy river manifold setups or lush sub-tropical aquascapes. In the context of modern freshwater keeping, they are widely considered the ultimate "native showpiece" group for creating an environment that rivals the intense color saturation of a saltwater marine reef. For maximum success, keep them in a sub-tropical or unheated setup with an oversized powerhead or wavemaker, as high oxygen levels and consistent current are essential for facilitating their inherent social confidence and flashing color displays.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your premium livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these active fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Platinum Koi Kohaku Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a powerhouse addition to any nano, planted, or community aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring an exquisite color profile that mirrors the iconic Kohaku pattern of prize pond koi, this highly refined strain showcases a striking, iridescent platinum-white body contrasted by a brilliant, fire-orange head and matching orange tail fin. It is a master of the "showpiece nano" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological focal point for the upper-to-mid water column. It is a dedicated, highly active swimmer, making it a functional cornerstone of a dynamic freshwater ecosystem.
This exceptionally hardy fish thrives in mature, established systems with plenty of live plants, gentle-to-moderate water flow, and slightly hard water to support their mineral requirements. While entirely peaceful and an ideal choice for active community setups, its curious personality and fast-paced energy make it a joy to observe as it tirelessly cruises the middle and upper levels of the tank. To ensure long-term health and vibrant color displays, provide a premium, varied diet consisting of high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and regular treats of frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, or cyclops. Ensure your aquarium features plenty of plant cover, which provides security for females and critical hiding spaces for any fry that appear.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful (Active, schooling community fish)
Minimum Tank Size: 5–10 Gallons
Diet: Omnivore
Plant Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 1.5–2 Inches
Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, KH 4 to 12, pH 7.0 to 8.2
Husbandry Notes
The Platinum Koi Kohaku Guppy is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "unrivaled geometric color" and high-energy movement in a compact setup. Their specialized, high-contrast patterning adds a layer of bold graphic texture to the aquarium that beautifully contrasts against lush green foliage or dark aquascaping substrates. In the context of modern freshwater keeping, they are widely considered the ultimate "micro-showpiece" strain for adding both instant visual warmth and constant kinetic motion to a layout. For maximum success, keep them in groups with a ratio of two females to every male to diffuse natural breeding pursuit and facilitate their inherent social confidence.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your premium livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these active fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Amphiprion Ocellaris - False Percula Clown (Tank Bred) is a spectacular centerpiece for the modern reef aquarium, known for its brilliant coloration and sophisticated social behavior. Characterized by a vibrant orange body and three strikingly white vertical bands outlined in thin black margins, this species is a masterclass in reef aesthetics. In the "Answering Machine" era of saltwater husbandry, the False Percula Clown is highly prized for its peaceful temperament, legendary hardiness, and its ability to cohabit beautifully with other peaceful reef residents and hosting anemones.
Unlike many wild-caught species, these Tank Bred specimens are acclimated to aquarium life from day one, making them more resilient and environmentally sustainable. They are active swimmers that typically hover near their chosen territory or host, providing a constant display of color and classic movement that has made them the most iconic fish in the hobby.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 3.5 Inches
Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 to 8.4, sg 1.020 to 1.025
Husbandry Notes
The False Percula Clown is an ideal candidate for any community reef tank or nano setup. While they are famous for their symbiotic relationship with anemones like the Bubble Tip (Entacmaea quadricolor), they do not require one to thrive and will often host in corals or specific rockwork. They are high-metabolism fish and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality pellets, flakes, and frozen meaty foods—such as mysis and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp—at least twice daily. Being tank-bred, they are generally less aggressive and more social than their wild counterparts, but only one pair should be kept per tank unless the system is large enough to support multiple territories.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
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