20 Best Pet Fish For Aquarium

1. Betta Fish

Betta fish, or Siamese fighting fish, have been bred for their bright colors and beautiful fluted fins. These species are very rugged and you have everything to gain if this is your first time. They do well in smaller tanks and don't need any filtration that is complex; but, just like before, you must do at least weekly water changes to ensure they remain healthy. 

Bettafish, however, can be territorial and potentially aggressive, particularly in males. If considering a community situation best kept in separate tanks or with very peaceful species, they have lots of personality and interact with their owners, following them all around the tank and flaring those fins during feeding. Given proper care, a Betta can provide you with 3-5 years of color and life in your aquarium.

2. Neon Tetra

Neon Tetras make wonderful, peaceful fish for community tanks. Even in larger tanks, one may not lose sight of its bright blue and red stripes. They are schooling fish, so they do their best in groups and will school together making for a stunning exhibition as frontrunners. Caring for Cherry Shrimp Cherry shrimp are relatively easy to care for; they only require a clean tank, stable water temperature, and a soft filtering system.

The most important thing about having a Neon Tetra is good water in which to live. They need soft, slightly acidic water and can be stressed by rapid changes in their environment. Although small, gouramis act as swimmers and enjoy tanks containing enough plants to hide away. They are also noted for their long aquarium life up to 5 years if given good care.

3. Guppy

Guppies are a wonderfully colorful and beautifully active community species and they are low maintenance and very hardy so they will thrive in multiple water conditions making them perfect for any new owner. They are also super easy to breed, too. They are suited to community tanks and are peaceful with other species.

One of the characteristics that makes guppies interesting is their wide variety of colors, combined with a variable color on those fins. Once wild, guppies have been selectively bred and re-bred to introduce a wide range of colors and patterns from guppy sleeve-style tails to ones with metallic scales. 

Guppies are small and require both flake food along with live or frozen foods since they tend to swim all over the tank reaching from the top, and middle level of the aquarium. Given a little care, guppies last up to 2-3 years and their prolific breeding keeps an active aquarium ongoing.

4. Angelfish

Angelfish are a mainstay in the aquarium hobby with their elegant, triangular-shaped bodies and flowing fins. They are available in a range of colors and patterns from silver to marbled. Angelfish are easy fish to care for, but they do grow up to 6 inches in height so your tank will need some adequate size. So essentially they like a well-planted tank, with vertical space to swim and extend their fins.

Although usually peace-loving, angelfish can be quite territorial during the breeding months. They are best suited in a community tank with other fish of a similar size or temperament. Angelfish look beautiful and elegant when combined with other types of fish in a community tank as they swim effortlessly up and down. If well taken care of, they can live for a maximum of 10 years hence giving it importance as an investment to any aquarium enthusiast.

5. Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras Catfish, generally just called Corys, are small bottom-dwelling tank cleaners. These peaceful community fish are social and do their best in groups, found foraging on the bottom of a tank. Their size range and robustness mean that they appeal to both small aquariums and typically larger fish, with a similarly diverse appetite for tank mates.

Corydoras are also popular due to their quirky behavior, such as "winking" at you from the gravel or playing with each other in schools. Very easy to look after as long as you have a soft substrate so as not to damage their barbels and various hiding places.

They have an eclectic diet, they can live up to 5 years provided a diet of sinking pellets and some elements of life foods. They bring both form and function which adds the aesthetic bit that makes your aquarium better!

6. Molly Fish

Molly fish are also very common in freshwater tanks and they too can survive well amidst different changes. This fish comes in several different color variations, including black, white orange, and spot varieties. One of the most beautiful things about caring for them is that mollies are lifebearers which means they have their young in a form, very interesting if you like fish breeding.

Mollies are peaceful and low-maintenance fish that get along well with most others, though they do best in slightly brackish (fresh/saltwater) water. You can do this by sprinkling a little aquarium salt in their tank. These active swimmers require tanks with ample room for swimming, in addition to plants and decorations that they can hide among. Mollyfish have the potential to live anywhere between 3-5 years of age, making them a lively source in any aquarium when properly cared for.

7. Zebra Danio

Zebra Danios are very hardy, active fish that can be used for cycling and centered in your aquarium themes. These fish have the appearance of horizontal stripes that run from the head to their tails.

They are the schooling fish who become most active when groups of at least six dart around the tank in a lively and coordinated way. They are not especially picky when it comes to demanding perfect water conditions, so they become low maintenance.

Zebra Danios are so sturdy it is 1 of the factors they make such a great initial fish to maintain. They are pretty adaptable to temperature and water parameter swings, which makes them one of the best fish for new tanks or ones that may be a little out of balance. Their lifespan is 2–5 years In the Aquarium, and they are great fish that will bring life to any aquarium.

8. Platy Fish

Platy fish are small, brightly colored, and very low-maintenance which is why they have become one of the first choices among beginners as well as long-time aquarists. They are available in more colors than not and some even claim that their temperament is the most peaceful of any crayfish. 

Platies, well they are lifebearers (like Guppies and Mollies) which means that the adult females give birth to baby parties ready and fully formed. They are very social and will be happy to live in community tanks with other peaceful species.

Active swimmers do their best in a densely planted tank with hiding places and open swimming areas. For this reason, the plates are very versatile and will survive in almost any water but they most like to have their water slightly alkaline.

If they have a varied diet and are provided with regular upkeep, they can live between 3–5 years which isn't bad at all and will bring some color & life to your aquarium.

9. Oscar Fish

Oscar fish are smart and personable, often very curious interacting with their owners in ways that other species may not. This increased size and messy eating habits have led to the widespread requirement for large tanks with powerful filtration. Oscars are not permitted for beginners as they can be slightly more difficult to care for, but all the more so crowd pleaser once you get the beauty and knack that comes with keeping the Oscars.

The behavior of Oscar fish is, by far, one of the most interesting aspects when it comes to keeping them. They also know their owners and can usually be pets. They are big on moving the decorations in their tanks too. Enjoy the Oscars as they will keep you busy over time by constantly changing things.

Nevertheless, they can also be assertive and are great housed with other large souled fish. Given enough care, the Oscars can live 10-15 years and are one of the hardest working fish in keeping with a busy tank, a potential centerpiece for your aquarium.

10. Discus Fish

The discus fish is frequently crowned the king of freshwater aquariums on account of its beautiful and almost disk shaped body as well as its bright color. Due to their requirement for highly clean water, these invertebrates are difficult for the novice aquarist and the most suitable biotops should be arranged by someone who has experience in caring for aquariums. They are social and need to be made few, in groups where they will showcase the entirety of their behavior.

The discus tank is kept with water of specific quality and temperature, and fed accordingly. They like warm, soft, and mildly acidic water, so make sure to change their water regularly. They breed in a very peculiar way; they are egg layers and the parents from both pairs secrete, through mucus on their skin, special nourishment substances to feed the fry. Given the correct care, Discus fish build a level of trust to live at their advanced age of 10 years or more, providing a relaxing and beautiful touch to any aquarium.

11. Cherry Barb

Cherry Barbs are suitable for community tanks as they are not too aggressive and they are given their name by the red belly that shows on males, and which brightens during courtship. They are schooling fish, so it's better to keep them as 6 where you love their playful and active behavior. These fish are relatively simple to maintain so they make an ideal option for people who have never had a pet before.

Cherry Barbs are highly praised for the eye-catching red coloring that is very much appreciated in tanks with many green plants. They are also capable of withstanding a wide range of water parameters and can adapt to various conditions, but they do best in slightly acidic waters full of vegetation and hiding spaces. Cherry Barbs have a life span of 5 – 7 years and are best kept in tanks with minimal stress.

12. Rainbowfish

Rainbowfish display vibrant and iridescent colors to shimmer and reflect in the light as they swim, a bright spectacle for your aquarium. They originate from Australia, New Guinea, and Madagascar, so require well-kept tanks with fresh clean water where they thrive. Rainbowfish are peaceful fish that do with both their kind, and others that share the same tank size. They like to move around together so keeping them in schools can bring out some amazing colours!

Rainbowfish also need well-oxygenated, slightly alkaline water, voracious swimmers need plenty of open space but also appreciate plants and hiding places. Rainbowfish are also noted for being a very long-lived species, with some individuals reaching the age of 5-8 years. Their beautiful colors and playful nature make them an entertaining addition to any tank if they are utilized as the centerpiece of a suitable community.

13. Bristlenose Pleco

These small, hardy fish are perfect for fish keepers who want to clean their tanks every few months. They are great algae eaters and spend most of their time on the bottom of your tank grazing for rocks, scraping against glass plants, or even fake decorations to get food. Bristlenose Plecos are generally peaceful fish and can be kept with a wide variety of tank mates so do well in most community setups.

Unique to the Bristlenose Pleco is a set of bristles that line its nose as it grows and this feature becomes all the more pronounced in males. At the end of the day, these are fairly easy fish to take care of, aside from having hidey holes and a diet including algae wafers + veggies. They live as long as 5 years, and since they are an excellent method of algae control in your home aquarium, that makes these little guys useful pets too.

14. Swordtail

Swordtail is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium industry that we have grown to know due to its level of similarity with newly developed koi varieties, like Mike Snaden. Male swordtails are identified by their long tailfins, generally forked or lyretail, dependent on differing breed variations. 

They are alert and hardy animals who bring their natural habits into a home setup, which is well-received by experienced as well as beginner aquarists. The impressive range of colors available with swordtails will surely add a much-needed glimpse to your aquarium.

Swordtails are lifebearers and if you have a male/female combination of Swordtail fish then pretty shortly you might find yourself with baby fish that no one asked for. They are great community fish that, while males can be a bit territorial, do not attack other members of the tank.

Swordtails ideally need an aquarium with lots of room to swim and places to hide, but once you meet their basic needs they can survive for 3-5 years and will liven up your tank.

15. Clown loach

One of the most recognizable large freshwater species, clown loaches have striking orange bodies and thick black stripes. Where they will showcase their social side and should be housed in groups, demonstrating playful behaviors ranging from ‘dancing’ to playing dead. Clown loachs are another bottom-dweller and can be utilized in the control of snails.

Clown loaches, however, can get 12 inches, and they need a big tank with lots of nooks and crannies. They are hyper-aware of water quality but do prefer soft, slightly acidic water that has a constant temperature.

They are timid, large fish but they can be kept with other big and equally non-aggressive companions. If properly cared for, they can live up to 10 years and will be a longer-term and enjoyable addition to your aquarium.

16. Dwarf Gourami

Dwarf Gouramis are quirky, attractive little fish that come in a variety of iridescent colors and have a peaceful personality. They like to keep in a well-planted tank with lots of hiding places and they need to have some plants like water wisteria included.

If kept in a community tank, they mix well with other peaceful fish as Dwarf Gouramis are social creatures. They do their best in a low to medium current with calm waters and as such can usually be seen gently browsing around the tank.

They are hardy fish in general, but due to a few of their common health issues, one should always ensure proper water quality. With care,, these fish will live 3-4 years and make the perfect addition to your tank, adding both beauty as well as peace.

17. Tiger Barb

Tiger Barbs are a manageable, active type of fish with distinct stripes that look like those on the tiger. An active and playful community of fish can often be seen chasing each other down all sides of the tank. The school of tiger barbs will form a natural structure for their pecking order and community interactions can be fun to watch.

That said, Tiger Barbs are also known to fin-nip and need quick-swimming or equally active companions. They do their best when kept in a well-decorated tank with lots of open swimming rooms and ornaments for them to investigate.

Tiger Barbs are strong swimmers and can survive in almost any water condition, which makes them perfect for both novices to advanced fish breeders. Living around 5-7 years, they can be a very energetic and colorful addition to your tank.

18. Electric Blue Acara

Electric Blue Acara is an unbelievably beautiful freshwater fish with dazzling blue coloration and a friendly temperament. These are very peaceful and easy fish to maintain, so yes they are perfect fish to keep. They are peaceful cichlids and can be kept in a community tank with other non-aggressive fish.

These fish are like a moderately planted tank with numerous hiding spots and do well in slightly acidic to neutral water. Electric Blue Acara are likewise recognized for being intelligent and could emerge as quite interactive with their owners. They are quite hardy and can live for 8-10 years under proper care as well so they will be a great long-term aquarium addition.

19. Kuhli Loach

Kuhli Loaches are small eel-like fish with long and slender bodies that give it a good chance of hiding if your tank has fine rocks for decoration. These fish are non-aggressive and will spend the majority of their time buried in the sub-straight or hiding under plants. It is nocturnal, you will see more of it during the night (still when off because he's active and not hiding) by day tends to be a little hidden even if kept with no lights on.

These little guys are also best kept in groups with have a soft-sanded bottom tank for their delicate bodies. Provided plenty of hiding places, with a diet consisting mainly of sinking pellets and live or frozen foods, they are relatively undemanding. They have a life expectancy of up to 10 years, making for what can be an interesting and exotic addition to your aquarium.

20. Pea Puffer

Pea Puffers, or Dwarf Puffers as some people may know them, are small freshwater pufferfish with a lot of personality. With their larger eyes, round bodies, and inquisitive personalities these fish are quite striking with size aside. They should only be kept in species-only tanks unless housed with very peaceful, quick community fish as they can nip at the fins of slower-moving tank mates.

They are omnivorous and require a heavily planted tank with plenty of hiding spots, feeding on frozen live food such as bloodworms or snails. Even though they're tiny, Pea Puffers are pretty active and smart and in fact, when well cared for they can be interactive with their people and environment. With the right care, Pea Puffers can bring 4 5 years of entertainment and a perspective unlike any other to your aquarist life.