Shimmering scales, bright colors, complete and utter silence except for the soft gurgle of bubbles in a tank — only an aquarium filled with radiant fish can bring so much tranquility and peace into a household.
But what kind of fish are the most beautiful for an aquarium? For gorgeous red and orange shades, you can’t go wrong with the discus and gourami breeds. For bright blues, the zebra danios and the neon tetras will light up a tank. But these are just a few of the many beautiful fish for your aquarium.
When keeping a freshwater tank, several fish types are known for their colorful exteriors.
Despite the ease of keeping fish as pets, there is a lot more to their care and upkeep than a beautiful aquarium. To learn more about different types of fish, how to look after them, and the typical costs associated with tank maintenance, keep reading.
Freshwater Fish
Worldwide, there are thousands of species of freshwater fish. These are fish that live in lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Despite these water bodies only making up three percent of the world’s water supply, half of all fish species come from freshwater sources.
There are so many fish that pet owners can choose from, making it difficult to decide which ones to get and which ones can live together. When choosing fish, it’s also essential to consider the time and money commitment required for their upkeep.
It’s also essential to note that some types of freshwater fish have been threatened by overfishing, pollution, and loss of habitat, so any pet fish bought should be done so with consideration of the fish’s conservation status.
Beginner Fish
Taking care of fish is not as simple as it looks.” Below are a few durable, beautiful fish for beginner aquarists.
Goldfish
As one of the most common pet fish, a goldfish is one of the easiest pets to keep. With a bright and gleaming orange exterior, goldfish are a favorite of young pet owners and are often a starter pet for many.
Goldfish are a type of domesticated carp, originally from China, and only through years of breeding did they gain their bright colors. They are not found in the wild.
Despite many people thinking that you can keep goldfish in a bowl, this is not the case. Goldfish can grow larger and require an oxygenated tank. They also produce a lot of waste matter that can be detrimental to their health if they live in the contaminated water for long periods.
Betta
Betta fish, also known as Siamese Fighting Fish, is another colorful addition to any tank.
Their iridescent coloring and melodramatic flared tails make them one of the most beautiful. With stunning red and blue coloring, betta fish are often perceived as starter pets for aquariums, although this isn’t the case.
However, their reputation as fighting fish holds true, which is why you should generally keep them in separate tanks. Bred in Asia, betta fish grow in small, slow-moving bodies of water like marshes and streams.
Betta fish are not difficult to look after but often require bigger tanks with a lot of accessories to remain healthy and happy. Betta fish prefer their solitude but also need mental stimulation, so a tank with lots of plants, “caves,” and other hiding places is ideal for them (source).
Price range: An average betta fish costs less than $5, though rare breeds can cost between $20-$30.
Angelfish
Angelfish are given the name for a reason. Their graceful swimming and bright colors are often reasons why many pet owners add angelfish to their aquariums.
Native to South America, angelfish are found in slow-moving streams near dimly lit areas. These shy fish prefer quiet and calm spaces, so any aquarium that houses them should be large and filled with a multitude of plants to mimic the cover of trees.
Angelfish thrive in slightly warmer water and require big tanks for their size and growth. They are generally peaceful fish, but they can be aggressive at times.
Prince range: Angelfish usually cost less than $15 for normally bred fish, but specialized breeds and colors can cost up to $50.
Guppies
With their diminutive size and flashy silver scales, guppies provide a sparkle to any tank. They can be found in other colors, too. However, despite their cute name and size, guppies are the rabbits of the fish world.
With males and females in a tank, guppies will breed incessantly. Guppies are not incestuous unless absolutely necessary. Guppies can even act as “wingfish” to their siblings to help them mate with other fish.
Guppies are generally easy to care for, surviving on basic fish food, though the addition of live food is always positive. In general, you’ll need to feed them twice a day. Newborn and young guppies need to be kept away from adult fish until they grow to an appropriate size.
Prince range: Guppies cost approximately $7.50.
Molly Fish
Molly fish, or “Mollies,” are small, shiny fish, often silver in color. They also appear in black and yellows, and there are approximately 39 species of molly fish. Mollies are great for beginners due to their hardiness and ability to live among other fish.
Mollies can live for up to five years if well cared for. While it is not suggested, they can survive in a range of water types, although they prefer temperatures of 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
They are very active community fish and do well in schools as long as the females are the dominant group — the males can harass them if there are too many.
Price range: Mollies cost less than $10 and you can find them in many pet shops. Rarer breeds will cost more.
Zebra Danios
For some stripy beauty, you cannot go wrong with zebra danios. The perfect beginner fish, zebra danios are also known as striped danios or zebrafish. They most often come with blue and white stripes but can also be found in a range of colors, including hot pink.
Zebra danios are quite hardy and can live for up to five years. With their diminutive size (two inches), they are active and social fish that thrive in a variety of conditions. They hail from the rivers of India and Nepal and require slightly warm water to thrive.
Scientists have even bred glow-in-the-dark versions of danios that you can find in a range of neon colors. Pet owners would need a black light to show them off in these conditions.
Price range: Normal zebra danios cost about $5, but Glo-Morph breeds are usually priced around $6-$10.
Intermediate Fish
Once you’ve gained some experience with fish, you should be able to look after others with more specialized needs.” Below are a few breeds that require a bit more care.
Neon Tetras
Hailing from rivers in Brazil and Peru, the bright neon tetras developed their vivid colors to identify each other in dark waters. The sociable and active fish are usually found in schools.
Since neon tetras are used to living in the water underneath thick canopies, they prefer dim tanks with a lot of foliage and hiding space. Driftwood is also useful in creating more shade for them, along with river substrate at the bottom of the tank.
Neon tetras are not difficult fish to look after, but they require a very specific water temperature (70°F to 81°F) and pH balance (below 7.0 but above 6.0) to keep them healthy. Therefore, these colorful fish require the attention of more experienced owners.
Price range: Neon Tetras are usually sold for less than $5.
Pearl Gourami
This shimmering, mottled fish is one of the most beautiful in the gourami breed. They are relatively large (about 4.5 inches), and their spotted coloring and feathered fins make them an alluring addition to any tank.
They are known for being “talkative” fish, as they can vocalize sounds. They are not very difficult to look after, but they require extra attention due to their varied diet and water requirements. Gouramis prefer soft and acidic water, which requires a careful balancing of pH levels.
They are omnivores, so they require a range of nutrients. You can feed them with a combination of fish food and small frozen treats. They also need portions of fresh vegetables like lettuce and spinach.
Price range: Pearl gouramis are a slightly rarer breed in the gourami species but will usually cost between $10-$12.
Expert Fish
The fish below are for serious aquarists. They require specialized care. But it pays off, as these fish are both beautiful and intelligent.
Oscar
An Oscar fish is considered one of the most intelligent fish in the world. Their mix of dark and bright colors makes them a striking fish for any aquarium, and you can even teach them to do tricks.
Oscars are carnivorous fish and, therefore, require a lot of maintenance. They need a varied diet, including a lot of worms, shrimp, and cichlid pellets. While they don’t generally eat other fish, they will if another fish is significantly smaller.
Tanks also have to be very large, as these fish grow very quickly and can reach up to 12 to 14 inches in length once they reach maturity. They also release a lot of waste, which means you have to cycle tanks and clean them far more regularly.
These fish are also known for their strong personalities, and pet owners have reported that they are comparable to having a dog or cat.
Price Range: Oscars usually cost around $13, but rarer breeds like lemon Oscars will cost more.
Discus
This gorgeous, colorful fish is often called the king of the fish tank. Their beauty and rich colors have given them that title, and discus fish are often the focus of many aquariums.
Originating from the Amazon River, they have a flat body but a rounded shape — hence the name discus — and they come in a range of colors that can be mixed. They also come in a single solid color.
The difficulty of owning discus fish comes from their tropical natures. They require warm water between 82 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and, due to their social natures and waste production, they also require frequent water changes and very specific pH levels — between 6.0 and 7.0.
Discus fish are omnivores and require a range of plant matter and live food. They will happily eat worms and shrimp, frozen or live, and normal fish food flakes.
Prince range: Discus fish are relatively expensive and cost between $20-$25. Rarer breeds cost much more, up to $100.
Combining Fish in a Tank
Fish, like all types of pets, are predisposed to certain levels of sociability. Some fish work well in a tank with others, while others can be aggressive and should never be housed with other fish.
Goldfish do well with other similar-sized fish, and you can easily place them together in a community tank with other peaceful fish. Mollies are an example of a peaceful fish that goldfish can get along with.
Bettas, on the other hand, are generally quite aggressive. You should not keep them with other types of fish, but they can do well in small groups with other bettas, as long as there is only one male and multiple females.
Angelfish, despite their names, are far from angelic. They are not inherently aggressive, but if they are placed in a tank with a fish small enough to eat, they most definitely will do so. Even if angelfish grow up with other species, their quick growth usually means they will be the biggest in the tank.
Oscars do well in their own cliques, and you should only keep them with other oscars. They are another fish that is likely to eat smaller breeds, so most professional aquarists will insist that you keep oscars in a single species tank.
Both the danio and discus fish are very social and do well in schools. Danio fish especially need companionship and should be housed with at least four other danios. They are likely to become sad when kept in isolation, making them prone to sickness and disease.
Discus fish do well with their own species and some other tropical fish. Their high-temperature water requirements usually limit the type of fish they can live with. Tetras are one of the few exceptions that can live with discus fish.
Gouramis are generally peaceful fish but can be aggressive towards other male gouramis, so aquarists suggest that you keep them only with females.
Starting a New Fish Tank
Having a fish as a pet might seem simple, but a lot of fish require specialized equipment and careful attention to maintain.
Specific fish require certain temperatures to thrive and even specific pH levels and water types — hard and soft. Therefore, it is essential that you consider the type of fish you want and what is best for them.
If you are planning to have a community tank — multiple breeds of fish housed together — then you need to think about their specific temperaments and whether they are capable of living harmoniously.
Location
Before you even begin to buy any supplies, you need to ensure that your home has a safe and stable place to put the aquarium. Tanks, once filled with water, become incredibly heavy, so location is important.
You can place your tank on cabinets or any solid, stable surface. You should put them out of high-traffic areas of the home to minimize the chance of accidental knocks that could be fatal for your fish.
When choosing a location, you also need to think about a power source. Preferably, there should be one nearby to provide power for filters, heaters, and light sources if needed. Avoid a power source directly behind the tank to minimize the chances of accidental spills on an electrical outlet.
Finally, the location is also about proper lighting. Keeping your aquarium near a window, but not directly in front of it, will help fish work with day and night changes. Some fish do require artificial lighting, especially if you want to mimic moonlight or need light for live plants in the tank to grow.
Tank lights should not be kept on continuously and should preferably be on a timer that will switch off automatically at night. Keep fish tanks away from televisions and sound systems, as the vibrations can disturb and cause stress for the fish.
Items Needed
Besides the tank, which will be discussed in more detail below, you will need a few other items to start a brand-new aquarium.
- Filters and Cartridges
- Gravel and Substrate
- Water Test Kit
- Air Pump
- Aquarium Vacuum
- Small Net
- 5–Gallon Container
- Food
- Heater
Filters and Cartridges: The most important part of any tank is the filter. Fish cannot live in a bowl where water is not filtered continuously. Preferably, it should be strong enough to filter the volume of water approximately three to five times an hour. You can use smaller filters for smaller tanks.
External filters are usually bigger and stronger and are required for large tanks. Filters have become advanced over time, and you can even program some using apps to change water flows and provide information about the pH and bacteria levels in the water.
When choosing a filter, ensure that the pipes are small enough to keep your fish safe. Smaller fish risk being sucked into the filter, and if that is a concern, an air-driven sponge filter is a safer option.
Filters require cartridges, so it would be helpful to have a few extra on hand at all times for easy changes.
Gravel and Substrate: Next, you’ll need gravel and substrate. All tanks should have some gravel at the bottom to mimic original habitats and promote the growth of bacteria in the tank. Fish eat the bacteria for essential nutrients. You should avoid substrates like limestone.
Sand is also useful to have, especially if you have shy fish who like to dig and hide. Gravel can hurt their fins, so sand is a safer hiding place.
Water Test Kit: If you do not have a technologically advanced filter, then testing water will have to be done manually using a water test kit. Especially for fish that need very specific water conditions, testing kits allow owners to test for pH levels, ammonia, and nitrate — both released from fish feces.
Air Pump: Depending on the type of filter you have, you may need an air pump, which continually oxygenates the water.
Vacuum: While a little dust on your carpet may not harm you, fish require a clean tank, including clean gravel. The easiest way to remove debris and faeces is by using an aquarium vacuum.
Net: When cleaning the tank, you will have to remove your fish. A small net is best for a fuss-free experience.
5-Gallon Container: When changing water, having a five-gallon container is also useful for removing and adding water to the tank.
Food: The final part of your fish-care arsenal is food. Food should generally be bought in bulk, taking note of the requirements for your specific fish.
Fish should generally be fed twice a day with a mix of food required for them, including live or frozen treats. A lot of fish food has color-enhancing nutrients added, which will help maintain their gorgeous colors.
Heater: There are some other items you may need to buy when housing specific types of fish. Tropical fish require warmer water, for example, so a heater is a significant part of the tank setup.
Types of Fish Tanks
After choosing the fish you want to care for, you need to think about the tank size. A general rule is three gallons of water for every inch of fish. Fish are active and require a habitat closest to their natural one, including a lot of space to move around.
The general rule is the bigger the tank the better. Most beginner tanks come in sizes between 10 to 20 gallons.
Upkeep
When starting a new tank, ensure that you wash the gravel first to lessen the water’s cloudiness. Water also has to be treated before being added to the tank as most tap water is chlorinated, which is not healthy for fish. A dechlorinating agent will treat the water.
You should not add fish to a new aquarium without giving them a chance to acclimate to the change in temperature and possibly the water type.
The best method to introduce new fish is by inserting the sealed bag with the fish into the tank for about 15 minutes. Next, add some of the tank water into the bag, about a quarter of the bag, and dip the bag into the tank again for 15 minutes.
Repeat twice more, and finally, you can introduce your fish to their new home. Once your fish are settled, there are several points to note to keep them healthy and happy.
As mentioned before, fish should be fed twice a day. You should also be sure to check water pH levels daily for one month, after the initial setup, and then weekly after that.
You should replace twenty-five percent of your aquarium water once a month. This helps to keep the tank clean, and it will keep nitrate levels low as well.
Fish are intelligent creatures with unique personalities, so watch and get to know your fish. If you notice a change in activity or appetite, there might be something wrong.
Common Fish Care Issues
A fish is not eating or is lethargic — The fish might be getting sick. It should be removed from the tank and placed in a smaller one for observation. This also prevents the spreading of disease. If there is no change, then the fish should be taken to the vet.
A fish’s fins or tail is looking ragged or torn — The fish is getting attacked by another, usually bigger, fish. Watch your tank to monitor the behavior and remove the culprit fish. The fish may also be digging into substrate or gravel, which damages the delicate fins, so add sand to the tank.
The new fish tank has become cloudy — If cloudiness happens at the beginning of a new tank, this is normal and due to bacteria in the tank. The water filter will take care of it, along with the water treatment.
An established fish tank becomes cloudy — This can happen for several reasons. If you introduced new fish, they are probably creating a lot of waste. Do not cycle the water but monitor the fish and add in live plants to help balance the growth of bacteria.
If you have overfed your fish, then the excess food often creates cloudiness due to the release of bacteria. Fish should only be fed one or two times a day, depending on the breed, and all food should be gone in two minutes or less.
As long as ammonia and nitrite levels are at zero, a cloudy tank is not a cause for concern and should self-correct in 24 hours.
Final Thoughts
There is a wide, almost overwhelming, variety of fish to choose from. Studies have shown that owning fish often creates feelings of relaxation and has a positive effect on mental health and anxiety.
I have gone over some of the most beautiful fish for an aquarium but there are many more varieties to choose from.
Fish, like any other pet, require time and care. They are not decorative items, and their beauty is just another reason to appreciate these small and complex creatures. They rely on us, and when choosing your next fish, make sure that you can give them the love they need.
