What Fish Are Good in Aquariums?

For a beginner aquarium hobbyist, figuring out which fish to learn about can be a headache because there are so many different kinds of aquarium-friendly fish available to you.

  1. Freshwater Versus Saltwater

    • Both freshwater and saltwater aquariums have a plethora of aquatic life available to them. However, living conditions vary greatly between the two types of fish tanks. Freshwater fish are ordinarily very hardy fish and are ideal for hobbyists who live busy lifestyles. Saltwater aquariums require a high level of attention, and saltwater fish have a tendency to die under the slightest environmental disturbance. However, saltwater fish are also some of the most vibrant in color and attitude.

    Community Freshwater Fish

    • If you want to enjoy a thriving community of fish, some of the best species are mollies, tetras, goldfish, and gourami fish. Kissing gourami fish are pink and luminescent in appearance, and when paired they enjoy facing one another, appearing to be locked in a kiss.

    Aggressive Community Fish

    • Some of the most interesting fish are aggressive breeds that fall under the cichlid classification. Many cichlid fish cannot be introduced to a community tank, but can be raised in a community of similar fish successfully. Convict cichlids are electric blue with black zebra-like stripes and are great for a community tank of 60 gallons or larger. They can be paired with Oscar cichlids and Green Terror cichlids if introduced while all the tankmates are young.

    Schooling Fish

    • Some fish do well in groups of a dozen or more and provide entertaining views of flowing, choreographed movement in your tank. Angel Fish are sought after for their varied assortment of colors both natural and synthetic, as well as their long, flowing veil-like fins and tails. Other fish that form colorful schools, like the discus, are expensive but very worth the investment.

    Living Tank Cleaners

    • Nature provided the oceans, rivers and lakes with animals that survive entirely off of algae, moss and other impurities in the water. Aquatic life like the Plecostomous (sucker fish) attach to the glass and gravel of the aquarium and keep algae from building up. Incorporating snails and crayfish with your aquatic life can keep your tank extra clean.

    Breeding

    • Certain species of fish are known for their breeding habits and their effects on aquariums. Unless your hobby is breeding and selling fish, avoid these fertile egg bearers. Fish like goldfish, convict cichlids and guppies lay as much as 10,000 eggs every laying cycle.