If you're considering getting a freshwater aquarium or looking to add some new members to your tank, this is definitely a great idea! Freshwater aquariums are not only aesthetically pleasing but also a very relaxing hobby. Now, let's delve into 20 of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish , learning about their personalities, care tips, and why they're so popular.
1. Betta fish: The beauty of a lone wolf
Siamese fighting fish are known for their vibrant colors and elegant fins. However, they have one notable characteristic—they don't like to associate with other males (and often fight). They are perfect for small aquariums and are easy to care for.
Care tips : Prepare at least a 5-liter aquarium and maintain the water temperature between 25-27℃. Add some aquatic plants so they have a place to play and explore.
Fun fact : Betta fish have a special respiratory organ called the labyrinth organ, which allows them to draw air directly from the water surface, enabling them to survive in water with low oxygen levels.
2. Moonfish: Social butterfly
Moonfish are gentle and perfect for beginner fishkeepers. They come in a variety of colors, from sunset orange to vibrant red, and can instantly enliven your aquarium.
Care tips : It is recommended to keep them in groups of 3-5, which is suitable for community tanks. They are not picky eaters and can eat fish food or commercial fish pellets.
Fun fact : Moonfish are viviparous fish, giving birth directly to their young, so you can sometimes be pleasantly surprised to find new life!
3. Neon Fish: Glowing Little Sprites
Neon tetras may be small, but they are the brightest stars in the aquarium. Their shimmering blue and red stripes resemble miniature neon lights. They look best when kept in groups (at least 6).
Care tips : They prefer dimly lit aquariums filled with aquatic plants, with water temperatures maintained between 22-24℃. They are suitable for keeping with other fish that have a mild temperament.
Fun fact : Their vibrant colors help them blend into the natural environment of the Amazon River, where they are bathed in light and shadow.
4. Guppies: The performers in the tank
Guppies are popular for their vibrant colors, lively swimming style, and low maintenance requirements. Even better, they reproduce incredibly quickly, and your aquarium might soon become a "guppy nursery"!
Care tips : Provide them with mixed hiding places and open swimming areas. It is recommended to keep them in groups of 3 or more.
Fun fact : Guppies are very adaptable and can survive in various water conditions.
5. Goldfish: The King of Classics
Goldfish are not only a favorite among novice fish keepers, but also the "royalty" of ornamental fish. From the long-tailed goldfish with its flowing tail to the resilient comet goldfish, there's always one that suits your taste.
Care tips : Goldfish need a large aquarium (at least 75 liters), and the water temperature should be maintained between 18-24℃. Overfeeding can easily lead to health problems, so feed them in moderation.
Fun fact : With proper care, goldfish can live for more than 10 years and can even recognize their owners!
6. Longfin Zebrafish: A Vigorous Swimmer
Longfin zebrafish are known for their distinctive stripes and beautiful long fins. They are lively and active, making them perfect for adding energy to your aquarium.
Care tips : They thrive in cooler water temperatures (18-24℃) and are more active when kept in groups. The aquarium needs to provide ample swimming space.
Fun fact : Zebrafish were among the first fish species used in genetic research.
7. Jack Dempsey: The Tough Guy of the Water
Named after the famous boxer, the Jack Dempsey fish is brightly colored and imposing. They are somewhat territorial and not suitable for everyone, but their captivating blue-green sheen makes them a favorite among challengers.
Keeping tips : A large aquarium (at least 190 liters) is needed, and they should be provided with hidden space to mark their territory.
Fun fact : Their colors become more vibrant when they are breeding or in good condition.
8. Discus fish: The aristocracy of the water
Discus fish are known for their elegant shape and rich color variations. Although they are demanding in terms of water quality, they are definitely the centerpiece of any aquarium.
Care tips : Maintain water temperature between 28-30℃ and ensure clear water. Discus fish are best suited to a single, peaceful species.
Fun fact : The discus fish is known for its unique parenting method—the fry attach themselves to their parents to obtain nutrients.
9. Cherry Tetra: A ruby-red fast swimmer
Cherry tetras add vibrancy to your aquarium with their bright red color. They are gentle and suitable for keeping with other small fish.
Care tips : Plant some aquatic plants in the aquarium to provide them with hiding places. It is recommended to keep them in groups of 6 or more.
Fun fact : Male cherry tetras become more brightly colored when attracting mates.
10. Baiyunshan Fish: Cute little cold-water fish
White cloud mountain fish are one of the stars of cold-water aquariums and are also known as good neighbors to goldfish. Their elegant colors and shimmering scales are pleasing to the eye.
Keeping tips : Maintain the water temperature between 16-22℃, and keep them in groups for the best results.
Fun fact : Because of their beauty and affordability, they are jokingly called "the people's version of neon tetras".
11. Zebra Cat: A Friendly Cleaner
Zebra cats, also known as "Corydoras," are among the most diligent cleaners in aquariums. They live at the bottom of the tank, searching for food scraps, and are very suitable for peaceful mixed-species environments.
Care tips : It is recommended to keep them in groups, with 4 or more to make them feel more secure. Use soft substrate to avoid damaging their sensitive barbels. The ideal water temperature is 22-26℃.
Fun fact : Zebra cats often wag their bodies when they're happy, making it look like they're "twisting and dancing"!
12. Angelfish: The Elegant Protagonist
Angelfish, with their triangular fins and elegant swimming posture, often become the visual focus of aquariums. Their graceful movements add a sense of dynamism to the entire aquarium.
Care tips : They need a relatively tall aquarium with enough space to swim freely. The suitable water temperature is 25-29℃, and they are suitable for keeping with gentle fish.
Fun fact : Angelfish are a type of cichlid, and they exhibit strong parental care behavior when breeding.
13. Oscar Fish: The Wise Giant
Oscar fish are known for their high intelligence and ability to interact with their owners. They are large, outgoing, and are undeniable stars in aquariums.
Care tips : A single Oscar fish requires a large aquarium of at least 208 liters (55 gallons) and a powerful filtration system to handle its food scraps.
Fun fact : Oscar fish can recognize their owners and can even learn some tricks, such as jumping up to catch food!
14. Swordtail: A cool swimming champion
Swordtails are named for their sword-shaped tail fins. They are colorful and lively, making them a perfect choice for beginners and bringing vitality to the aquarium.
Maintenance tips : Group rearing yields the best results; it is recommended to use an aquarium with abundant vegetation and ample swimming space. The suitable water temperature is 22-28℃.
Fun fact : Swordtails can change sex under certain conditions; this is a survival mechanism they employ in the wild!
15. Molly: A star fish with exceptional adaptability
Molly fish come in a variety of species, with diverse colors and shapes, making them a representative of fish that are both beautiful and easy to keep. They are not only highly adaptable but can also live in slightly brackish water.
Maintenance tips : Provide an aquarium with a capacity of at least 76 liters (20 gallons), maintain the water temperature at 24-27°C, and feed the fish regularly with food containing vegetables.
Fun fact : Molly fish can give birth to 20-100 live fish at a time, which can make your aquarium very lively!
16. Dartfish: A dazzling rare choice
Dartfish are like living works of art, attracting people's attention with their vibrant colors and diverse varieties.
Care tips : Many harpoons are best suited for monoculture tanks because their unique behavior can lead to conflicts with other fish. The ideal water temperature is 22-24℃.
Fun fact : Some harpoon species have short lifespans, but their eggs can survive in dry environments and hatch when the rainy season arrives.
17. Rainbow Fish: A vibrant school of colorful fish
Rainbow fish get their name from their shimmering scales, which sparkle like a rainbow in the light. They are gentle and well-suited for keeping in groups.
Maintenance tips : It is recommended to keep 6 or more fish in a group and provide ample swimming space. The suitable water temperature is 23-26℃.
Fun fact : Rainbow fish become even more colorful as they mature, especially during courtship when they are dazzling.
18. Tetra: The perfect choice for beginners
The Harlequin tetra is known for its black and orange body coloration and is an ideal choice for beginners. They are gentle, hardy, and very easy to keep.
Care tips : Keeping 8 or more fish together will better showcase their vitality. An aquarium with abundant vegetation is closer to their natural habitat, and the suitable water temperature is 22-26℃.
Fun fact : The harlequin tetra originates from Southeast Asia and particularly enjoys living in environments with dense vegetation.
19. Bolivian King Kong: A gentle cichlid
Bolivian gorillas are gentle cichlids with a soft yellow and blue appearance that is both unique and not overly flashy.
Care guidelines : It is recommended to keep them in pairs or small groups, providing an aquarium of at least 76 liters (20 gallons) and some hiding places. The suitable water temperature is 23-26℃.
Fun fact : They may be a little shy at first, but once they get used to their environment, they will show their playful nature.
20. Polka-dot Stingray: A rare and exotic treasure
If you're looking for something unique, the polka-dot stingray is a rare luxury choice for your aquarium. Its black and white spotted pattern is visually striking.
Care guidelines : Requires a large aquarium of at least 473 liters (125 gallons) and ensures clean water. Spotted stingrays are suitable for experienced keepers.
Fun fact : Spotted stingrays can not only recognize their owners, but also interact with people, making them amazing ornamental fish!
It is a dangerous freshwater species. Sometimes people keep it as a pet in aquariums. This starfish is popular for its deadly venom and captivating white speckled appearance. It can reach a total length of 40 centimeters.
Why are these fish worth having in your aquarium?
Freshwater fish are not just pets, but living "aquatic art." Whether you appreciate the elegance of angelfish, the playfulness of guppies, or the nobility of discus fish, these fish can add endless charm to your aquarium.
Ready to create your dream aquarium? Choose your favorite fish, ensure they are suited to their environment, and then enjoy this tranquil and colorful underwater world!
