Are you thinking about getting an aquarium for your home? Are you confused about what types of Aquarium fish to get? If yes, this article gives you all the information you need. We have curated the list of a variety of aquarium fish for novice and skilled aquarists, from small and large to easy and hard. However, before you get an aquarium into your home and mix different fish, it is necessary to do proper research to ensure they have the same compatibility and environmental parameters.
The interest of people in an Aquarium is growing exponentially. Let us go through this article to know everything about the different types of Aquarium fish. Read on!
What is an Aquarium fish?
An Aquarium is a place of life that comes in different sizes where aquatic plants or animals are displayed with at least one transparent side. And the fish found in the Aquarium is referred to as Aquarium fish. The chemist Robert Warrington fully developed the Aquarium principle in 1850. Many hobbyists keep small Aquariums at home. Many cities have large Aquariums that display large aquatic animals, including penguins, dolphins, otters, seals, whales, sharks, and many more.
Different Types of Aquarium Freshwater Fishes:
We have presented you with the list of some of the popular Types of Aquarium freshwater fishes:
1. Guppies:
The guppies are perhaps the most popular freshwater aquarium fish called million fish or rainbow fish. These fishes can survive for over a week without being fed, making them the hardiest aquarium fish. Guppies are happy with brine shrimp, blood worms, Daphnia or even regular fish flakes because they are not very selective in the diet. You can easily choose the one that suits your style because these lovely aquarium fish come in various beautiful colour combinations.
However, remember that guppies love to reproduce. Therefore, it is best to keep male and female guppies separate unless you intend to rear them for breeding purposes.
Scientific name: Poecilia reticulata.
Life span: Two to three years.
Size: Two inches.
Care level: Easy.
Temperament: Peaceful.
Minimum Tank Size: Five galleons.
Tank conditions:
- Temperature – 24 to 30 degrees Celsius.
- PH levels – 6.8 to 7.6
2. Mickey Mouse Platey:
Platy is a freshwater fish that can be a good choice in an aquarium, originating from Southern Mexico and the east coast of Central America. The Mickey mouse platy are non-aggressive fishes and fit well with other species because of their friendly nature. The platies will eat most of the different flakes or even frozen live foods because they are not very demanding for feeding.
These fishes are available in various colours and sizes because of selective breeding over the years. However, the creamy golden-white body and the black tail is the prominent feature of the Mickey mouse platey, and it is very suitable for beginners.
Scientific name: Xiphophorus maculatus.
Life span: Five years.
Size: One to two inches.
Care level: Easy.
Temperament: Very peaceful.
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons.
Tank conditions:
- Temperature – 70 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
- PH – 7.0 to 8.2
3. Red-Tailed Shark:
The red-tailed shark is an ornamental fish for an aquarium that makes for an impressive addition. These species are deep black fish with a dazzling bright red tail and are native to Thailand. The red-tailed sharks require a tank of 55 gallons with rocks, caves, tropical plants along with a well-maintained temperature and water conditions. Because of the elaborate setup, this fish is not suitable for beginners. This fish eats a variety of fish flakes and live prey.
Scientific name: Epalzeorhynchosbicolor.
Life span: Six years.
Size: Six inches.
Care level: Intermediate.
Temperament: Aggressive when kept with other fish.
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons.
Tank conditions:
- Temperature – 22 to 26 degrees centigrade.
- PH – 6.0 to 8.0
See More: Types of Jellyfish with Pictures
4. Koi:
Many of us are aware of the popular koi fish in many Aquariums in shopping malls, certain offices, restaurants, whether you have been to Japan or not. Koi fish can be kept indoors with a capacity of at least 30 gallons, though these fish are suited for outdoor pools. But since Koi fish tend to jump out from the top, make sure the tank is covered.
Koi fish feed on insects, small bugs, plants and the algae found at the bottom of the tank. These fish consume people’s food, such as lettuce, cereal, shrimp, rice, etc. Since Koi fish can grow a massive size of 36 inches, you will require a large Aquarium tank to maintain it.
Scientific name: Cyprinus rubrofuscus.
Life span: 50 years.
Size: 36 inches.
Care level: Intermediate.
Temperament: Peaceful.
Minimum Tank Size: 29 gallons.
Tank conditions:
- Temperature – 18 to 24 degrees Centigrade.
- PH – 7.5 to 8.
5. Neon Tetra:
Neon Tetra is a beautiful and small fish that grows up to 3 cm. This fish features bright colours such as iridescent orange stripes over a shiny silver body. It is native to the natural water channels of South America. Despite their miniature size, the colour of their body makes them easy to spot even in blackwater streams. Neon Tetra fish prefer to stay in a group and are friendly. These fish school together in a vibrant wave and are excellent community fish.
Even the essential fish flakes can be fed to these fishes, and they stay healthy because of their simple diet. Similar species are the cardinal or the red neon tetra black neon tetra.
Common Names: Neon tetra, neon fish
Scientific name: Paracheirodoninnesi.
Life span: Five years.
Size: Four cm.
Care level: Easy.
Temperament: Extremely peaceful.
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons.
Tank conditions:
- Temperature – 72 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
- PH – 6.0 to 8.0
6. Tiger Barb:
Tiger barb is an aggressive aquarium fish because it doesn’t play well with community tanks. Although it is an easy fish to take care of, it is not for everyone. If you want to get a tiger barb, make sure your tank has lots of room to swim and are in more aggressive level tanks. They can be mildly aggressive at times and swim at incredibly high speeds.
Tiger barbs eat most types of fish because they are omnivorous and prefer slightly acidic water conditions. These fishes tend to nip fishes like gold dishes because of their flowing fins or feathery tails.
Scientific name: Barbustetrazona.
Life span: Six years.
Size: Three inches.
Care level: Easy to moderate.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive.
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons.
Tank conditions:
- Temperature – 77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
- PH – 6.0 to 8.0
7. Pea Puffer:
Pea Puffer is a mighty member of the pufferfish family, which is small and is a newer addition to the Aquarium hobby. For the long-term survival of these fish, a proper diet and an environment is the key. Therefore it is not suitable for early hobbyists or beginners. The Pea puffer can be feisty and aggressive to other species and their kind. So don’t underestimate their small size. Brine shrimp and bloodworms are included in the diet of the pea pufferfish.
Scientific name: Carinotetraodon travancoricus.
Life span: Four years.
Size: One to One and a half inches.
Care level: Intermediate.
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons.
Temperament: Fiesty and aggressive.
Tank conditions:
- Temperature – 74 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
- PH – 7.0 to 8.0
8. Black Molly:
Black Molly can thrive in fresh and saltwater fish tanks provided there is a gradual adjustment in the PH level, making them the hardiest Aquarium fish. This can live in a community tank peacefully because they are passive fish. It is one of the popular choices for new fishkeeping hobbyists because of its ability to thrive in neutral, salty and brackish water. If you don’t wish them to multiply in numbers, buy Black Mollies of the same gender. Otherwise, for every make molly, you can buy three female mollies.
Ensure sufficient vegetation in the tank where the baby black mollies can hide because the adult mollies can prey on the younger ones.
Scientific name: Poeciliasphenops.
Life span: Three years.
Size: Six to 15 cm.
Care level: Easy.
Temperament: Peaceful.
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons.
Tank conditions:
- Temperature – 70 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
- PH – 7.0 to 8.5
See More: Different Dolphin Varieties
9. GoldFish:
The Goldfish is yet another freshwater fish added to an Aquarium in various breeds, colours, sizes and shapes. From an ornamental viewpoint, there is no denying that Goldfish are the most common and renowned species among aquarists. These fishes are easy to keep and are generally low-maintenance.
There is no need to add more fish species because the Goldfish can be kept on their own, adding pretentious beauty to the tank. Common Goldfish, the lion head goldfish, the telescope goldfish, the veitail and the pompom are celebrated goldfishes.
Scientific name: Carassius auratus.
Life span: 10 to 15 years.
Size: 6 to 14 inches.
Care level: Easy.
Temperament: Peaceful.
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons.
Tank conditions:
- Temperature – 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- PH – 7.0 to 8.4
10. Betta Fish:
Betta fish is a colourful aquarium fish and is the most common pet species of fish, they come in a variety of tail shapes and a variety of colours. The male bettas should be kept away from other male bettas because of their aggressive nature. Not all, but some female bettas can get along in groups. Many people place a centrepiece for tables by preparing a small betta bowl. These fishes can be raised on frozen fish foods or flakes, but they prefer live foods. Betta fish are an all-time favourite among experts and beginners alike.
Scientific name: Betta splendens.
Life span: Two to three years.
Size: Three inches.
Care level: Easy.
Temperament: Aggressive.
Minimum Tank Size: Two gallons.
Tank conditions:
- Temperature – 76 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
- PH – 6.8 to 7.5
5 Best Saltwater Aquarium Fish Types:
Compared to a freshwater Aquarium, it is a little tougher to maintain a saltwater Aquarium. However, by filling your tank with saltwater aquarium fish, you can make it easier on yourself.
11. Clownfish:
Clownfish are one of the beautiful and popular saltwater aquarium fish mainly because of the movie “Finding Nemo” by Disney. These fishes are easy to take care of, and it is also easy to feed them. Compared to the wild-caught ones, tank raised clownfish are more colourful and hardy. Clownfish make for an exciting addition to a beginner’s saltwater aquarium because they don’t hide as much as their tank mates and are active.
Quick Info: Very hardy, easy to keep
Scientific name: Amphiprioninae.
Life span: Three to five years.
Size: 4.3 inches.
Care level: Easy.
Temperament: Peaceful.
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons.
Tank conditions:
- Temperature – 24 to 27 degrees centigrade.
- PH – 8.0 to 8.4
12. Cardinalfish:
Cardinalfish are available in different varieties, such as Bangaii Cardinal and Pajama Cardinal; it is also a unique looking choice for an Aquarium. The Cardinal fishes are the most active at night and keep to themselves. Make sure you give them live plants and rocks to explore so that they have plenty of places to hide during the day. These inexpensive and hardy fish feed on finely chopped meaty preparations along with vitamin-enriched brine or Mysis shrimp.
Scientific name: Apogonidae
Life span: Five years.
Size: 5 to 20 cm.
Care level: Easy to moderate.
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-aggressive.
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons.
Tank conditions:
- Temperature – 73 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit.
- PH – 4.6 to 6.2
Read: Types of Fountains
13. Clown Goby:
Clown Goby is an inexpensive and hardy addition to your saltwater Aquarium that comes in many vibrant colours. It is best to keep clown Goby with other docile species to fight among themselves. However, they get along with other fish species. Clown Goby fish’s diet includes chopped mollusc flesh, chopped crustacean flesh, fish frenzy, Mysis shrimp, cyclops. But Clown Goby might nip at the smaller polyps, so be careful to place it with SPS corals.
Scientific name: Gobiodon.
Life span: Two to six years.
Size: Four cm.
Care level: Easy.
Temperament: Peaceful.
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons.
Tank conditions:
- Temperature –72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
- PH – 8.1 to 8.4
14. Coral Beauty Angelfish:
The coral beauty angelfish is an excellent addition because they are colourful and hardy, especially if you want to start with a giant saltwater Aquarium. These fishes need a lot of live rock for grazing and hiding places, though coral beauties don’t require coral in an Aquarium. Coral Beauty Angelfish stay in small schools, but they can also do fine individually.
Scientific name: Centropygebispinosa.
Life span: 10 to 15 years in nature.
Size: Four inches.
Care level: Easy.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive.
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons.
Tank conditions:
- Temperature –72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
- PH –8.1 to 8.4
15. Lawnmower Blenny:
The Lawnmower Blenny is an inexpensive, hardy, peaceful and active fish, making it an excellent option for beginner aquarists. In addition, the Blenny family adds visual appeal to any saltwater aquarium with their mottled tan colour, large eyes, and typical body shape. This fish eats the algae in your tank, keeping it clean.
The Lawnmower Blenny is peaceful towards other tank mates unless similar in shape or appearance. Therefore, placing an individual Blenny or two as mated pain in an enormous Aquarium can be an option. However, these fishes are known to nip small-polyped stony coral and lam mantles; therefore, caution when placing them with corals.
Scientific name: Salarias fasciatus.
Life span: Two to four years.
Size: 14 cm.
Care level: Easy to moderate.
Temperament: Peaceful.
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons.
Tank conditions:
- Temperature –72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
- PH – 8.1 to 8.4
Interesting facts about Aquarium Fish Species:
Here are some interesting information and facts about Aquarium fish species:
- Goldfish grind food with teeth that help present at the back of their mouths.
- Some fish protect themselves by floating at the top of the tank, playing dead, which can be an intelligent way.
- Fish were in existence even before Dinosaurs, and there are about 300 fish species.
- The weight of a clownfish is about nine ounces.
- The tongue, lips and body of fish have taste buds. For example, there are about 175,000 taste buds on a giant catfish.
- There are more than 1,000 shark species and more than 1,300 cichlids types.
- Some fish, including many cichlids, carry the eggs in their mouth until they are hatched, hence the name mouth breeders.
- The fastest fish in the ocean is considered Sailfish, which can swim at about 70 mph of speed.
- Fishes can get prey even when it is not within their reach because of their ability to protrude their jaws.
See More: Different Types of Rats & Mouse
Fishkeeping or maintaining an aquarium can be an enjoyable experience once you pick the size of your Aquarium and what types of Aquarium fish you want to add. Go through this article to know everything about the different types of Aquarium fishes and which can be a great addition to your tank. Don’t forget to let us know if you found this article helpful!
FAQ:
1. What is an anadromous fish?
A fish born in freshwater moves from freshwater to saltwater and then returns to freshwater to reproduce called anadromous fish. An example is Salmon.
2. What is a catadromous fish?
A fish born in saltwater spent most of their lives in freshwater and then returned to saltwater to reproduce are called catadromous fish. An example is an American eel.
3. How many species of fish are there?
According to science, there are approximately 35,500 species of fish. However, there are many species yet to be discovered and described.
4. What are the five biggest fish?
One of the largest fish species in the ocean is the tiger shark. Here is the list of the other giant fishes:
- Whale shark.
- Basking shark.
- Great white shark.
- Tiger shark.
- Giant oceanic manta ray.
5. Which is the world’s smallest fish?
The dwarf minnow of the genus Paedocypris is the smallest fish in the world that lives in the murky blackwaters of the peat swamp forests of Southeast Asia.
Disclaimer:
The content we have presented in this article is based on research. The website is not responsible for the authenticity and accuracy of the information.
