Aquariums can give a color and serenity to any place. Moreover, fishkeeping can be one of the most exciting and rewarding hobbies. However, proper selection of the type of fish is very necessary for a home aquarium so as to have a lovely peaceful aquatic environment. Here are ten of the most popular species, from beginner-friendly varieties to the ones possessing breathtaking and colorful appearance:
1. Betta Fish (Betta splendens)
Known for their bright colors and flowing fins, betta fish are the favorite of most aquarium hobbyists. Betta fish are relatively low maintenance but do have specific needs.
- Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
- Temperament: Aggressive males can be kept with other males if the tank is large enough, but can be kept with peaceful tankmates in larger tanks.
- Care Level: Easy to moderate; betta fish do not appreciate strong currents, so these should be avoided.
2. Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
Neon Tetras are tiny peace-loving fish that are relatively undemanding, hence can be ideal for the inexperienced aquarist. Such fish are highly visible in terms of their blue and red stripes.
- Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum
- Temperament: Peaceful; they love the company of at least 6 or more.
- Care Level: Easy; they fit well in community tanks filled with other non-aggressive fish.
3. Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
Guppies are brightly colored, fairly strong fish, very impressive for their color and pattern. This is a prolific breed for breeder, so in case you do not want to breed; the best idea would be to have just males in an aquarium.
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful; absolutely safe for community tanks.
- Care Level: Easy; it survives various water conditions.
4. Angelfish (Pterophyllum)
Angelfish are tall, triangular-finned fish, very elegant in any aquarium. They can grow relatively big; thus, a spacious aquarium is recommended.
- Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum.
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive; they thrive with other medium to large peaceful fish.
- Care Level: Moderate; they prefer slightly acidic water and stable conditions.
5. Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras spp.)
Corydoras are small, peaceful bottom-dwellers that keep the tank clean by scavenging for food particles. They thrive in groups and display charming social behaviors.
- Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons.
- Temperament: Peaceful; good for community tanks.
- Care Level: Easy; they require soft substrate to avoid damaging their barbels.
6. Molly Fish (Poecilia sphenops)
Mollies are quite robust, flexible fish. They can be found in black, silver, and dalmatian color forms. They are livebearers; that is, they give birth to free-swimming fry.
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
- Peaceful, can be with other community fish.
- Easy; slightly brackish water but may survive in freshwater
7. Discus Fish (Symphysodon)
The Discus fish is bright, like a neon disc. This species is relatively demanding, requiring steadier water conditions than most freshwater species.
- Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful, but they will be best in species-only tanks or with non-aggressive tank mates.
- Care Level: Difficult; the requirements for very clean, warm water.
8. Zebra Danio (Danio rerio)
Very active, hardy and have horizontal stripes crossing them. Fabulous in community tanks and do amazing with schools.
- Tank size: 10 gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful; they can be perfectly combined with other active community fish.
- Care level: Easy; they are also easy to adapt to lots of water conditions.
Oscars are large fish that have interactive personalities and can recognize owners, so they can even learn some simple tricks. However, they require a spacious tank because of their size and temperament.
- Minimum tank size: 55 gallons
- Temperament: Aggressive; keep it alone or with other big, sturdy fish.
- Care Level: Moderate; it requires a powerful filter for it to handle its waste output.
Swordtails are brightly colored fish with a characteristic tail fin. They are docile, non-demanding, and, thus, very suitable as first fish.
- Tank Capacity: 15 gallons as a minimum
- Temperament: Peaceful; keep in community tanks.
- Level of Care: Easy: they are livebearers, so the likelihood is the fish will breed in this tank if you have the males and females in a tank together.
Conclusion:
Setup begins with the right kind of fish for your configuration, be it Betta, or your playful Guppy or a majestic Oscar. As you research the needs of various varieties of fish, you find some compatible fish, their minimum tank requirements, which actually is a very important detail about creating a beautiful balanced aquarium that you will find it easy to enjoy long.
FAQs (frequently-asked questions)
Not necessarily. Some species are aggressive, such as the Betta fish and Oscars, and others are very specific, such as Discus fish. Research compatibility before placing multiple species in one tank.
Guppies, Neon Tetras, and Zebra Danios are good fish for beginners. They are relatively hardy and easy to care for.
Change the water regularly, use a good filter, and do not overfeed.
Allow about one inch of fish per gallon of water, but use some judgment on each species’ size and tank requirements for more accurate stocking.
Most fish thrive on once or twice-daily feedings. Overfeeding should be avoided as it leads to poor water quality.
