Fish Species Starting with N
Browse all aquarium fish species with scientific names beginning with "N". Each profile includes care requirements, water parameters, tank size recommendations, and compatibility information for freshwater, marine, and brackish species.
In the letter 'N', you will find a diverse assortment of aquarium fish, including popular community species and striking ornamentals. Notable examples are the Golden pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi), known for its peaceful nature, and the vibrant Firefish (Nemateleotris magnifica), which adds a splash of color to reef tanks. The Emperor tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) offers a unique beauty that makes it a favored choice among aquarists.
4 species found
Golden pencilfish
Nannostomus beckfordi
Beckford's pencilfish is that sleek little "stick with fins" that likes to hang in the upper half of the tank at a slight angle and flash a crisp dark stripe. Keep a proper group and you'll see males do these tiny sparring/display moments (no real damage) and the whole school just looks super classy over dark substrate and plants.
Firefish (Fire Goby / Fire Dartfish)
Nemateleotris magnifica
This is that little "hover-and-dart" reef fish with the yellow face and the white-to-red fade that looks like it was airbrushed on. It'll pick a bolt-hole in the rockwork, hang in the water column facing the current, and do that cute little flag-flick with the tall first dorsal fin when it's feeling bold.
Emperor tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
Emperor tetras are those classy little Colombian characins with the dark horizontal stripe and the males' awesome trident/lyretail look. Keep a decent-sized group and you'll see the males do their little posturing displays without really hurting each other, especially in a planted tank with some shade.
Poso halfbeak
Nomorhamphus celebensis
This is a cool little Sulawesi halfbeak that spends most of its time cruising the surface and picking food right off the top. They do best in a small group with lots of surface cover (floating plants are perfect), and they really reward you if you keep the water clean and stable. Also worth knowing: a lot of info online mixes up their exact habitat, and that can lead people to keep them too warm.