The 80 Best Freshwater Fish For Your Home Aquarium

If you are new to the hobby of keeping fish in a home aquarium, you may be wondering what the best fish for home aquariums are. There are many different types of fish that can be kept in an aquarium, and each has its own unique set of care requirements.

No matter what type of fish you decide to keep in your home aquarium, be sure to do your research and make sure that you are prepared to provide the proper care for your new pet.

Fish can be a great addition to any home, and they can provide you with hours of enjoyment. Choose the best fish for home aquariums that fits your individual needs and lifestyle, and you will be sure to have a happy and healthy fish for years to come.

Here’s the scoop on the 80 best freshwater fish for a home aquarium!

How To Decide What Fish To Get For Your Home Aquarium?

When you are choosing fish for your home aquarium, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration.

First, you need to decide what type of fish you would like to keep. There are many different types of fish available, and each has its own unique set of care requirements. Do some research and decide what type of fish would be best for your individual needs and lifestyle.

Once you have decided what type of fish you would like to keep, you need to consider the size of your aquarium.

Different types of fish require different amounts of space, and you need to make sure that your aquarium is large enough to accommodate the fish that you choose. If you have bigger fish you made need a 10-gallon tank or larger while more juvenile fish require smaller tanks.

You also need to consider the other fish that you will be keeping in your community tank. Some fish are not compatible with others, and you need to make sure that all of the fish in your aquarium can coexist peacefully.

These are all important factors to look into when making your small schools of fish. If you are just starting out then it might be easier to get fish with a peaceful temperament so they will work well with different species of fish. For this reason, Betta Splendens would not be a good choice due to their aggressive natures.

80 Best Freshwater Fish For Your Home Aquarium

1. Beta Fish

Betta fish are one of the most beautiful freshwater fish. They’re also known as Siamese fighting fish. It is important to note that this is not a peaceful species of fish. Most beta fish, especially male bettas have an aggressive nature.

These aggressive fish are native to Southeast Asia and can grow up to three inches long. Bettas come in a variety of colors including blue, green, red, and purple.

Care Requirements: Betta fish are relatively easy to take care of. Due to them being small fish, they don’t require a lot of space and can live in a small tank. Bettas do best in water that is between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to keep their tank clean by doing regular water changes.

2. Goldfish

Goldfish are one of the most popular freshwater fish and the easiest fish to take care of. They’re a type of carp and they’re native to China.

Goldfish come in a variety of colors including orange, white, black, and yellow. They can grow up to 18 inches long but most goldfish only grow to be about 12 inches long.

Care Requirements: Goldfish are relatively easy to take care of. They don’t require a lot of space and can live in a small bowl or fish tank.

Goldfish do best in water that is between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to keep their tank clean by doing regular water changes. 

Not only are they peaceful fish but they are also available at the pet store! There are many different types of goldfish for you to choose from!

3. Calico Goldfish

This type of Goldfish is characterized by its black, white, and orange coloration. They’re native to China and they can grow up to 18 inches long.

Calico Goldfish is one of the most popular freshwater fish and a great choice for your tank!

4. Wakin Goldfish

They’re native to China and they can grow up to 18 inches long. Wakin Goldfish is one of the most popular freshwater fish and are characterized by their black and white coloration.

5. Black Wakin Goldfish

These fish are from the same family as the Wakin Goldfish and grow to be the same size.

6. Comet Goldfish

Comet goldfish are a type of Goldfish that is characterized by their long, slender bodies and their bright orange coloration.

They’re native to North America and they can grow up to 12 inches long.

7. Shubunkin Goldfish

This type of Goldfish is characterized by its calico coloration. They’re native to Japan and they can grow up to 18 inches long.

8. Oranda Goldfish

This fish is bright orange and known for its “hoods” or head growth. They’re native to China and they can grow up to 18 inches long.

9. Ryukin Goldfish

They’re native to China and they can grow up to 18 inches long. Ryukin Goldfish are a type of Goldfish that is characterized by their bright orange coloration and their humpbacked bodies.

10. Fantail Goldfish

This type of Goldfish is similar to the rest of its family except they have forked tails to go with their bright orange color.

11. Telescope Goldfish

These fish are known for their bulging eyes and long, slender bodies. They can grow up to 12 inches long.

12. Neon Tetras

These fish are a type of freshwater fish that is native to South America. They’re one of the most popular fish for home aquariums.

Neon Tetras are very small, only growing to be about an inch long. These fish come in bright colors, with a blue body and red fins.

Care Requirements: Neon Tetras are relatively easy to take care of. They don’t require a lot of space and can live in a small bowl or fish tank. Neon Tetras do best in water that is between 74 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s important to keep their tank clean by doing regular water changes. Neon Tetras are a peaceful community fish making them a good choice for any tank size. They are usually available at pet or fish stores as well.

There are many different types of Neon Tetras that you can get for your aquarium!

13. Black Neon Tetra

The Black Neon Tetra is a type of freshwater fish that is native to South America. They’re similar to neon tetras but they have a black body with blue fins.

Black Neon Tetras only grow to be the small size of one inch long. These fish make great tank mates because of their easy-going nature.

14. Glow Neon Tetra

The Glow Neon Tetra is a type of freshwater fish that is native to South America. They’re similar to Neon Tetras but they have a glowing body of vibrant colors with blue fins.

Glow Neon Tetras are smaller fish, only growing to be about an inch long. These fish are sure to liven up any tank with their many different colors.

15. Green Neon Tetra

The Green Neon Tetra is a type of freshwater fish that has a green body with blue fins. They are a great freshwater aquarium fish because they only grow to be about an inch long.

16. Rummy Nose Tetra

They’re characterized by their red noses and black bodies. Rummy Nose Tetras can grow to be about two inches long.

Care Requirements: Rummy Nose Tetras are relatively easy to take care of. They don’t require a lot of space and can live in a small bowl or fish tank.

Rummy nose tetras do best in water that is between 74 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to keep their tank clean by doing regular water changes.

17. Rasbora

The Rasbora is a type of freshwater fish that is native to Southeast Asia. They’re a popular fish for home aquariums.

Rasboras are small, only growing to be about two inches long. They come in a variety of colors including red, green, blue, and black.

18. Dwarf Gourami

They’re a popular choice for home aquariums because they’re brightly colored and relatively easy to take care of. Dwarf Gouramis are a type of freshwater fish that is native to Southeast Asia.

They can grow to be about four inches long and are usually green or blue with orange stripes.

Care Requirements: They don’t require a lot of space and can live in a small bowl or fish tank. Dwarf Gouramis do best in water that is between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

19. Discus Fish

The Discus Fish is a type of freshwater fish that is native to the Amazon River Basin. They’re a popular choice for home aquariums because they’re brightly colored and relatively easy to take care of.

Discus fish can grow to be about eight inches long. They’re usually green or blue with orange stripes.

Care Requirements: Discus Fish do best in water that is between 82 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to keep their tank clean by doing regular water changes.

20. Angelfish

They’re a popular choice for home aquariums because they’re brightly colored and relatively easy to take care of. Angelfish are a type of freshwater fish that is native to the Amazon River Basin.

This beautiful fish can grow to be about eight inches long. They’re usually green or blue with orange stripes.

Care Requirements: Angelfish do best in water that is between 82 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a good idea to get some aquatic plants for a tank with this active fish in it.

21. Half Black Angelfish

The Half Black Angelfish is a type of freshwater fish that is native to the Amazon River Basin.

They’re similar to regular Angelfish but they have a black body with blue fins. Half Black Angelfish are very small, only growing to be about four inches long.

22. Black Veil Tail Angelfish

They’re similar to regular Angelfish but they have a black body with blue fins.

23. Marbled Angelfish

The Marbled Angelfish is a type of freshwater fish that is similar to regular Angelfish but they have a marbled body with blue fins. Marbled Angelfish are very small, only growing to be about four inches long.

24. Koi Fish

The Koi fish is a type of freshwater fish that is native to Japan. They can grow to be about three feet long.

They’re usually orange, white, or black with orange or white fins.

Care Requirements: Koi fish are relatively easy to take care of. They don’t require a lot of space and can live in a small pond or fish tank. Koi fish do best in cold water that is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

25. Corydoras Catfish

This type of freshwater fish is native to South America.

Cory Catfish can grow to be about four inches long. They’re usually brown or black with white spots.

Care Requirements: Corydoras catfish do best in water that is between 74 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to keep their tank clean by doing regular water changes.

26. Glass Catfish

The Glass Catfish is a type of freshwater fish that is native to South America. Glass Catfish can grow to be about four inches long. These fish do best in water that is between 74 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

27. Kuhli Loach

This freshwater fish is native to Southeast Asia. They are usually four inches long with brown or black with white spots. Kuhli loaches do best in water that is between 74 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

28. Zebra Danios

This popular choice can grow to be about two inches long. They’re usually silver with black stripes. Zebra Danios do best in water that is between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

29. Celestial Pearl Danios

These fish are similar to the Zebra Danios and have the same care instructions. For this reason, they would be good tank mates!

30. Cherry Barbs

This fish comes from Sri Lanka. They’re a popular choice for home aquariums because they help keep the tank clean.

Cherry Barbs can grow to be about two inches long. They are red or orange with black stripes and like the water to be between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

31. Neons

These fish can be silver or gold with black stripes.

They don’t require a lot of space and can live in a small bowl or fish tank. Neons do best in water that is between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

32. Cardinal Tetras

They grow to be two inches long and are silver or gold with red stripes.

33. Platies

This type of freshwater fish is native to Central America. Platies can grow to be about three inches long. They’re usually silver or gold with black stripes.

34. Mollies

Also from Central America, Mollies grow to be about four inches long. They’re usually silver or gold with black stripes.

35. Pearl Gourami

The Pearl Gourami is native to Southeast Asia. They’re a popular choice for home aquariums and grow to be about six inches long. They’re usually pink or white with black stripes.

36. Brine Shrimp

Next up on our list of the best fish for a home aquarium is the Brine Shrimp. This type of freshwater shrimp is native to salt lakes in the Western United States.

Brine Shrimp can grow to be about two inches long. They’re usually clear with red eyes.

37. Algae Eaters

This type of fish is one of the best fish for a home aquarium because they help to keep the tank clean.

Algae Eaters are a type of freshwater fish that is native to Asia. They are about six inches long and are black or brown with white spots.

Algae Eaters do best in water that is between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit but are relatively low maintenance.

38. Loaches

Another great fish choice are Loaches which are a type of freshwater fish that are native to East Asia. Loaches can grow to be about eight inches long and are brown with white spots.

39. Harlequin Rasbora

This fish from Southeast Asia can grow to be about two inches long. They’re usually red or orange with black spots.

40. White Cloud Mountain Minnows

These fish can grow to be about two inches long and are usually silver or white with black stripes.

41. Tiger Barbs

These fish are green or brown with black stripes and grow to be two inches long. The water should be between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

42. Guppies

This type of freshwater fish are native to South America. They can grow to be about two inches long. They’re usually brightly colored with long fins.

43. Red Mosiac Guppy

The Red Mosaic Guppy is a type of freshwater fish that is native to South America. They’re a popular choice for home aquariums because they’re relatively easy to take care of and they only grow to be about two inches long.

44. Black Glass Guppy

The Black Glass Guppy are usually black with long fins.

45. Rainbowfish

These fish are native to Australia. They grow to be four inches long. They’re usually brightly colored with long fins.

46. Swordtails

This fish comes from Central and South America. Swordtails are relatively easy to take care of. They don’t require a lot of space and can live in a small bowl or fish tank.

Swordtails do best in water that is between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

47. Killifish

This fish choice is native to Africa. They’re a popular choice for home aquariums because they work will in a tank with other fish.

48. Corydoras Catfish

Hailing from South America, these fish can grow to be about four inches long. They’re usually brown or black with white spots.

49. Plecos

Next on our list of the 80 best fish for an at home aquarium are Plecos. This South American fish can grow to be 12 inches long. They are usually brown or black with white spots.

50. Oscar Fish

These fish are typically orange and black and can be extremely aggressive.

For this reason, they are more popular for a larger aquarium. A larger tank gives more aggressive fish or a large fish more room to swim around and lessons their hostility.

51. Dwarf Sucker Fish

The Dwarf Sucker Fish is a type of freshwater fish that is native to Africa. They are brown and white have long tails and grow to be about four inches long.

52. Pictus Catfish

The Pictus Catfish is from South America. They are brown and white and have long barbels. Additionally, they grow to be about eight inches long.

53. Bristlenose Pleco

The Bristlenose Pleco grows to be about six inches long. They are another good choice for a home aquarium because they are easy to take care of.

54. Albino Corydoras Catfish

These fish are white with red eyes and grow to be four inches long.

55. Rainbow Shark

The Rainbow Shark is a type of freshwater fish that is native to Southeast Asia. They are black and white with red fins. They grow to be about 12 inches long.

56. Redtail Black Shark

Another option on our list of the best fish for a home aquarium is the Redtail Black Shark. They are black with a red tail and grow to be eight inches long.

57. Sparkling Gourami

This fish is native to Southeast Asia. They are silver with black spots and grow to be six inches long.

58. Clown Loach

The Clown Loach is a type of freshwater fish that is native to Southeast Asia. They are orange and black and have a striped pattern. They grow to be about 12 inches long.

59. Kuhli Loach

Their brown and white striped pattern make them a interesting fish to have in your home aquarium. They grow to be about four inches long.

60. Dojo Loach

The Dojo Loach is a type of freshwater fish that is native to East Asia. They grow to be about 12 inches long.

61. Banded Leporinus

From South America, these fish are black and white with yellow stripes. Additionally, they grow to be eight inches long.

62. Cichlid Fish

The Cichlid Fish is a type of freshwater fish that is native to Africa. They are brightly colored and come in a variety of patterns and colors. They grow to be about six inches long.

63. Convict Cichlid

The Convict Cichlid is a type of freshwater fish that is native to Central America. They are black and white with vertical bars.

64. African Cichlid

This brightly colored fish comes in a variety of patterns and colors. They grow to be about six inches long.

65. Cory Convict

This fish is native to Central America. They are black and white with vertical bars. They are a great choice for a home aquarium because they only grow to be four inches.

66. Lionhead Cichlid

The Lionhead Cichlid is orange and black with a mane-like growth around their head. They grow to be about eight inches long.

67. Red Oscar

This freshwater fish is native to South America and grows to be 12 inches long. It is red and black with a patch of orange on its’ tail.

68. Firemouth Cichlid

The Firemouth Cichlid grows to be eight inches long and is native to Central America.

69.Managuense Cichlid

The Managuense Cichlid is a fish from Central America. They are blue and black with a patch of orange on their tail.

70. Red Devil Cichlid

These fish is red and black with a patch of orange on their tail. They grow to be about eight inches long.

71. Midas Cichlid

The Midas Cichlid is a type of freshwater fish that is native to Central America. They are yellow and grow to be about 12 inches long.

72. Green Terror

This South American fish is green and black with vertical bars. They grow to be about eight inches long.

73. Blood Parrot

The Blood Parrot is a type of freshwater fish that is native to Central America. They are red and black with vertical bars. They grow to be about four inches long.

74. Jack Dempsy

This fish is black and white with vertical bars and grows to be about eight inches long.

75. Pictus Catfish

The Pictus Catfish is a type of freshwater fish that is native to South America. They are brown and white with spots and grows to be four inches long.

76. Red Texas Cichlid

This Central American fish is red and black with vertical bars. They grow to be about eight inches long.

77. Black Ghost Knife

The Black Ghost Knife is a type of freshwater fish that is native to South America. They are black and silver with a stripe down their middle.

They grow to be about eight inches long. But, they can get up to two feet long.

78. Royal Pleco

Royal Plecos are native to South America and grow to be eight inches long. They are brown and white with black spots.

79. Apistogramma Dwarf Cichlid

The Apistogramma Dwarf Cichlid is a type of freshwater fish that is native to South America. They are brightly colored and come in a variety of patterns and colors. They grow to be about four inches long.

80. Red Hook Silver Dollar

Red Hook Silver Dollar fish are native to South America. They are silver with a red stripe down their middle. They grow to be about two inches long.

Setting Up A Home Aquarium

When setting up a home aquarium, it is important to remember a few key things to create a healthy environment for your fish.

First, you’ll need to choose the right size tank for your space and fish.

For this, you should look into the water parameters of the different tanks and how much room your fish species need. Large schools of fish or hardy fish may need a large tank while smaller fish may not.

Second, be sure to include plenty of hiding places and plants in your aquarium. Many pet fish love live plants in their tank because it gives them places to hide.

Additionally, it assists with the nitrogen cycle and helps to keep the environment functioning.

Third, don’t overcrowd your tank, this will lead to stress and illness in your fish. Don’t add too many larger fish or gallons of water into your natural habitat.

Finally, be sure to perform regular water changes and maintain proper filtration. This will ensure that your water quality is suitable for your fish.

Caring For A Home Aquarium

It is important to check the water conditions regularly! You want to make sure that there isn’t too much fish food or fish flakes floating around in the water.

If you use live foods you want to make sure that they are getting eaten. You don’t want insect larvae sitting around your tank.

The best way to keep your aquarium healthy is to make sure it has clean water and no fish waste.

Fish waste can be lessened by making sure not to add excess food into the tank. It also helped to get some bottom dwellers to help you to clean up the bottom of the tank.

The most important thing to remember is that there are differences in how you take care of a saltwater fish and a freshwater tank. You should never put these types in a tank together. Saltwater fish will need saltwater tanks and freshwater fish will need freshwater tanks.

Don’t worry most aquariums will come with an aquarium kit to help you figure everything out! This kit will differ based on if you have tropical freshwater fish, tropical fish, or freshwater fish but it will tell you the exact gallon of water to fill the tank to based on these facts.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and thriving home aquarium! Good luck with your new fish family!

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