If you’re ready to transform your living space into a vibrant underwater world, you’re in the right spot! Aquariums are like little ecosystems that can really liven up any room – not to mention the calming benefits of watching fish swim.

From shimmering scales to lively personalities, the right fish can add color and character to your tank. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned aquarist, exploring popular fish species can lead you to find the perfect aquatic friends for your home.

Get ready to dive into our list of 20 star species guaranteed to make your aquarium a more beautiful and lively place to be. Don’t miss out on discovering our favorite #9!

1. Betta Fish

Betta fish are tiny powerhouses in the aquarium world! Known for their fierce personalities and vibrant colors, they come in shades ranging from electric blue to fiery red.

These fish thrive in smaller tanks and can be kept solo or with peaceful tank mates. Their flowing fins and charismatic behavior, like flaring and bubble nesting, make them captivating to watch.

A few tips for keeping Bettas:
– Ensure they have a minimum of 5 gallons of water.
– Maintain a warm environment with a heater.
– Avoid keeping them with aggressive species.

Their beauty and unique traits make Betta fish a top choice for aquarium enthusiasts!

Product Recommendations:
• Betta fish tank heater
• Betta fish food pellets
• aquarium plants for Betta fish

2. Neon Tetra

Neon Tetras are like the perfect little jewels for your tank! Their striking blue and red stripes stand out against lush green plants, creating a stunning visual.

These fish are small and peaceful, making them ideal for community tanks. They prefer to be in schools, so it’s best to keep at least six together to help them feel secure.

Keep in mind:
– They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral pH.
– A planted tank provides them with a safe haven.
– Avoid aggressive fish that may see them as snacks.

With their shimmering beauty, Neon Tetras are a colorful addition that brightens up any aquarium!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium plants kit
• Neon Tetra food
• pH testing kit

3. Goldfish

Don’t underestimate the classic goldfish! With their lovely golden hue and delightful personalities, they are often a beloved choice for first-time aquarists.

Goldfish come in various shapes and sizes, from fancy varieties with flowing fins to regular single-tail types. They are quite hardy, making them suitable for beginners.

Here are some tips for goldfish care:
– Provide at least 20 gallons of water per fish.
– Regular water changes are crucial for their health.
– Keep an eye on water quality to prevent disease.

Goldfish can grow quite large and live for years, often surprising owners with their long lifespan!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium water test kit
• Goldfish-specific pellets
• Decorative aquarium gravel

4. Guppy

Guppies are the lively, colorful companions you’ll love! Known for their playful antics and myriad colors, these fish are perfect for beginners.

Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live fry instead of laying eggs, which can be a fun experience for aquarists. They thrive in groups, so plan on keeping at least five or six together for the best social dynamics.

They are easy to care for:
– They do well in various water conditions.
– Provide plenty of plants for cover and swimming space.
– Keep an eye on males and females to avoid overpopulation.

With their endless color variations, Guppies can create a lively and dynamic display in your aquarium!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium plant kit
• Fish food flakes for livebearers
• Water conditioner for aquarium fish

5. Zebra Danio

Zebra Danios are the energetic athletes of the fish world! With their striking horizontal stripes, they are both attractive and hardy, making them perfect for beginners.

These fish are very social and thrive in groups, adding liveliness to your tank. They are also quite resilient, adapting well to different water conditions.

for keeping Zebra Danios:
– Aim for a school of at least five to six fish.
– They enjoy a well-planted tank with open swimming space.
– Be cautious when mixing with very small fish to prevent them from being seen as potential snacks.

Their playful nature and unique appearance make Zebra Danios a rockstar addition to any aquarium!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium plants assortment
• Fish food flakes for active swimmers
• Water conditioner for optimal fish health

6. Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras Catfish are the gentle bottom dwellers that bring charm to your aquarium! With their adorable whiskered faces and peaceful demeanor, they are perfect tank mates for various species.

These fish are social and love to be in groups, often seen scavenging the tank floor together. They help keep the substrate clean by eating leftover food.

Here’s how to care for them:
– Keep at least four or five together for companionship.
– Provide a soft substrate to protect their delicate whiskers.
– They enjoy hiding spots, so include plants and decorations.

With their quirky behavior and friendly nature, Corydoras make a delightful addition to any aquatic community!

Product Recommendations:
• Corydoras Catfish Food Pellets
• Aquarium Gravel for Bottom Dwellers
• Decorative Aquarium Plants

7. Angelfish

Angelfish are the stunning royalty of the aquarium! With their elegant fins and majestic shape, they stand out as focal points in any tank.

These fish do best in a well-maintained community aquarium with plenty of space to swim. Angelfish have unique personalities and can be quite territorial, especially during breeding.

Key care tips:
– Provide at least a 30-gallon tank for adults.
– Ensure there are plenty of hiding spots and vertical space for swimming.
– Be cautious with smaller fish as they may see them as food.

Their dazzling beauty and distinctive grace make Angelfish a favorite for many aquarists!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium plants for angelfish
• 30-gallon aquarium tank
• aquarium heater with adjustable temperature control

8. Swordtail

Swordtails are known for their unique tail shape and vibrant colors! These lively fish are friendly, making them ideal for community tanks.

Swordtails are livebearers, similar to Guppies, and come in a variety of colors. They are active swimmers and enjoy having space to explore.

Some tips for their care include:
– Keep a balanced male-to-female ratio to prevent aggression.
– Provide plenty of plants and swimming space.
– Ensure stable water parameters for their well-being.

Their energetic nature and striking appearance can light up your aquarium!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium plant kit
• Fish tank water test kit
• Aquarium heater

9. Cherry Shrimp

Now here’s something a bit different! Cherry Shrimp are small, colorful crustaceans that add a unique touch to your aquarium. Not only do they brighten up the tank with their brilliant red color, but they also help with algae control.

They are peaceful and do well in community tanks with small fish. These shrimp thrive in planted tanks where they can find hiding spots.

Care tips:
– Keep them in groups of at least five or six.
– Ensure stable water conditions with lower nitrate levels.
– Provide plenty of plants and decorations to encourage natural behaviors.

With their vibrant colors and beneficial cleaning habits, Cherry Shrimp are a fun and practical choice for any aquarium!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium plant substrate
• Shrimp food pellets
• Water test kit

10. Platies

Platies are colorful, hardy little fish perfect for any aquarium enthusiast! They come in various colors and patterns, bringing a splash of joy to your tank.

These fish are friendly and easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners. They thrive in groups and can adapt to a range of water conditions.

Here are a few Platy care tips:
– Keep them in schools of at least six.
– Ensure a varied diet with both flakes and algae-based foods.
– Provide hiding spots and plants for security.

Their cheerful disposition and vibrant colors make Platies a lovely addition to your aquatic collection!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium plants for fish tanks
• High-quality fish flakes for tropical fish
• Algae wafers for herbivorous fish

11. Discus

Discus fish are the showstopper of any aquarium! Renowned for their stunning round shape and vibrant colors, these fish can often be the centerpiece of your tank.

While they are more challenging to care for than other species, dedicated aquarists often find them worth the effort. They prefer slightly warmer water and a well-maintained environment.

for caring for Discus include:
– Provide a minimum of 50 gallons of water for a pair.
– Maintain consistent water quality, as they are sensitive to changes.
– Offer a diet rich in protein and high-quality flakes.

With patience and the right conditions, Discus can thrive and become a stunning feature in your aquarium!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium water test kit
• High-quality fish food pellets
• Aquarium heater with adjustable temperature settings

12. Mollies

Mollies are versatile and colorful fish that bring diversity to your tank! They come in various colors and patterns, making them an eye-catching addition.

These fish are livebearers and can adapt to both freshwater and brackish environments. They thrive in groups and are generally peaceful, making them great community fish.

Care tips for Mollies:
– Provide at least a 20-gallon tank for a small school.
– Ensure a varied diet rich in both plant and protein sources.
– Be cautious of overpopulation as they breed readily.

With their mix of beauty and adaptability, Mollies make a fantastic choice for any aquarium!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium water test kit
• High-quality fish food pellets
• Aquarium plants for decoration

13. Rainbowfish

Rainbowfish bring a splash of color and movement to your aquarium! With their iridescent scales, they create a vibrant display in any setup.

These fish are social and do best in schools, so it’s best to keep at least 6 to 8 together. They are peaceful and thrive in a community tank.

Here’s how to care for Rainbowfish:
– Provide plenty of swimming space and plants.
– Keep the water clean and well-filtered.
– Ensure a varied diet for optimal health.

Their cheerful demeanor and striking colors make Rainbowfish a delightful addition to your underwater paradise!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium plants for fish tanks
• High-quality aquarium water filter
• Nutritional fish flakes for tropical fish

14. Freshwater Angelfish

Freshwater Angelfish are stunning and elegant fish that demand attention! With their graceful fins and unique shapes, they are truly a sight to behold.

These fish have specific care requirements and do best in larger tanks with plenty of swimming space. They can be a bit territorial, especially during breeding, so keep an eye on tank dynamics.

Care tips for Freshwater Angelfish:
– Provide at least a 30-gallon tank for a pair.
– Offer a variety of hiding spots and plants.
– Ensure water quality is consistently high.

With proper care, Freshwater Angelfish can thrive and add a touch of elegance to your tank!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium water test kit
• Aquarium heater
• Live aquarium plants

15. Koi

Koi are colorful fish often associated with ponds, but they can also be kept in large aquariums! With their majestic size and vibrant patterns, they offer a unique aesthetic.

These beautiful fish are social creatures and enjoy company, so it’s best to keep them in groups. Koi require a spacious environment to swim comfortably.

Care tips include:
– A large tank or pond is essential, ideally over 100 gallons.
– Ensure filtration is strong enough for their waste.
– Provide a diet rich in nutrients for healthy growth.

Their stunning beauty and friendly nature make Koi a cherished addition to any aquatic setup!

Product Recommendations:
• Koi fish food pellets
• aquarium water filter system
• decorative pond ornaments for aquariums

16. Clownfish

Clownfish are the adorable stars of many aquariums! With their striking orange and black stripes, they are instantly recognizable and incredibly popular.

These fish have a symbiotic relationship with anemones in the wild, but they can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium. They are gentle and can be kept in community tanks.

Care tips for Clownfish:
– Provide at least a 20-gallon tank for a pair.
– Ensure there are hiding spots with rocks and plants.
– They thrive on a varied diet of both flakes and frozen foods.

Clownfish are not just cute; they’re also fascinating to watch as they dart around their environment!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium starter kit
• Marine fish food flakes
• Live rock for aquariums

17. Gourami

Gouramis add a touch of tranquility to any aquarium! With their lovely shapes and calming colors, they are often a great choice for community tanks.

These fish are relatively peaceful and come in various types, such as Dwarf Gouramis and Pearl Gouramis. They appreciate a well-planted environment.

Care tips include:
– Provide a minimum of 10 gallons of water for a single fish.
– Ensure stable water conditions for their health.
– Keep them with compatible tank mates to avoid aggression.

With their gentle demeanor and unique appearance, Gouramis can create a serene ambiance in your tank!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium Plant Pack for Gouramis
• Water Conditioner for Freshwater Fish
• LED Aquarium Lighting for Vibrant Colors

18. Australian Rainbowfish

Australian Rainbowfish bring vibrant colors and a lively presence to any aquarium! With their shimmering scales, they are both beautiful and energetic.

These fish thrive in schools, so keeping them in groups of five or more is essential for their happiness. They are hardy and adapt to various water conditions.

Here’s how to care for them:
– Provide plenty of swimming space and plants.
– Keep water quality high to prevent diseases.
– Offer a varied diet for optimal health.

Their lively nature and shimmering colors make Australian Rainbowfish a standout choice for aquarists!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium water test kits
• High-quality fish food flakes
• Live aquatic plants for aquariums

19. Bolivian Ram

Bolivian Rams are beautiful, colorful fish that add character to any aquarium! With their vibrant colors and interesting behaviors, they are a favorite among aquarists.

These fish are relatively peaceful and thrive in pairs or small groups. They appreciate a well-planted environment and hiding spots.

Key care tips include:
– Provide at least a 20-gallon tank for a pair.
– Maintain stable water conditions for their health.
– Feed a varied diet for their nutritional needs.

Their charm and beauty make Bolivian Rams a delightful addition to many aquariums!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium plants kit
• Fish food variety pack
• Water test kit

20. Plecostomus

Plecostomus, or ‘plecos,’ are the algae-eating heroes of the aquarium! With their distinctive shape and tough exterior, they are an essential part of maintaining tank cleanliness.

These fish are often sold at a young age but can grow quite large, so make sure you have ample space. They prefer hiding spots and will appreciate a tank rich in plants and decorations.

Care tips for Plecos:
– Provide a spacious aquarium with at least 75 gallons for adults.
– Ensure a varied diet that includes algae wafers and fresh vegetables.
– Regular water changes are vital for their health.

With their hard-working nature and unique appearance, Plecostomus are valuable additions to your aquarium!

Product Recommendations:
• Aquarium algae wafers
• aquarium plant decorations
• water test kit for aquariums

Conclusion

With so many amazing fish species to choose from, your aquarium can become a vibrant underwater haven! Each fish brings its own charm, colors, and interesting behaviors.

Whether you prefer the elegance of an Angelfish, the playfulness of Guppies, or the beauty of Cherry Shrimp, there’s a perfect fish for every aquarist.

Take your time to research, consider the needs of each species, and you’ll create a thriving aquatic environment that brings you joy for years to come!