15 Best Aquarium Fish to Keep as Pets

Keeping an aquarium is an art and a science that brings a slice of the underwater world into your home. Picking the right fish for your aquarium might seem daunting, but luckily, we are here to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, these 15 species offer something for everyone, ensuring a captivating and thriving underwater environment.

Betta Fish

Betta fish are a charming addition to any aquarium because of their flowing fins and rich colors. These creatures can thrive in smaller tanks, but keeping them entertained is vital. Due to their territorial tendencies, bettas are best kept solo or in a carefully designed community tank.

Platy Fish

Platies are colorful and effortless to breed, making them an easy pick for beginners and experienced aquarists. These gentle creatures blossom in community tanks and come in a variety of shades and patterns. Platies are livebearers, and their fry can quickly populate a tank if both genders are present. They are also very adaptable, thriving in a range of water conditions.

Neon Tetra

These tiny, friendly pets have shimmering blue and red stripes that add vibrancy to any aquarium. Loved for their mesmerizing schooling behavior, they swim in perfect harmony and prefer slightly acidic water. Adding plants and hiding spots makes them feel secure and allows them to display their most striking colors.

Goldfish

These timeless beauties are revered for their hardiness and long lifespans, thriving for decades with proper care. Their impressive size and waste production necessitate a spacious tank with adequate filtration. Dazzling colors and flowing fins make them the stars of larger aquariums. A varied diet and regular maintenance are essential for their well-being.

Angelfish

Graceful additions to any tank, angelfish have a unique triangular body and elegant fins. They flourish in larger tanks and do well in small groups. These little ones flourish in well-planted environments with ample vertical space. However, be mindful of their semi-aggressive temperament, as they can become territorial during breeding.

Zebra Danio

These energetic animals add a lively touch with their distinctive black and white stripes. They are remarkably hardy and thrive in schools, making them ideal for community tanks. Their adaptability makes them perfect for beginners. Interestingly, their genetic similarity to humans makes them valuable in scientific research.

Guppy

Guppies are a burst of energy and color, and they are a joy to watch as they zip around the tank. These hardy creatures come in a dazzling array of patterns and hues, creating a unique display in every aquarium. Be prepared for a population boom if you keep both males and females together. Providing ample hiding spots helps manage their numbers and protects the fry.

Discus Fish

Captivating aquarists with their stunning, disc-shaped bodies and vibrant shades, discus fish are a sight to behold. However, their sensitivity to water parameters makes them best suited for experienced aquarists who can maintain pristine water conditions. They prosper in calm, well-planted tanks with minimal current. Their complex social interactions and breeding behaviors make them a fascinating species for seasoned hobbyists.

Cherry Barb

Little and calm, Cherry Barbs have a striking red hue that adds color to any aquarium. A tank with ample plants and hiding spots is ideal for these active swimmers. They prosper in schools and are effortless to care for, bringing a lively presence to any community tank.

Molly Fish

Mollies are versatile charmers, coming in various colors and body shapes. This adaptability makes them a favorite among hobbyists. Livebearers and relatively easy to care for, they’re perfect for beginners. Mollies thrive in a range of water conditions, including slightly brackish environments. Their mild temperament makes them ideal for community tanks.

Swordtail

Swordtails have a distinctive sword-like extension on their tail, making them an exciting addition to your aquarium. Hardy and adaptable to various water conditions, these pets are known to interact freely with other fish, making them the best aquarium residents. On the other hand, swordtails are active swimmers and appreciate a tank with plenty of space to explore.

Dwarf Gourami

These tiny, colorful fish are known for their generally chill vibe and ease of care. They prefer well-planted tanks with ample hiding spots and gentle filtration. Their labyrinth organ makes them unique, allowing them to breathe air from the surface. That said, Dwarf Gourami need a calm environment to thrive due to their shy disposition.

Oscar Fish

This bunch are the intelligent giants of the aquarium world. Large and capable of recognizing their owners, they can even learn tricks! These territorial animals require a spacious tank and are best kept alone or with other large fish. Oscars have a strong personality and can be pretty interactive, making them a favorite for aquarists who enjoy engaging with their pets.

Ram Cichlid

For the cichlid enthusiast, Ram Cichlids offer a striking and relatively tranquil alternative. These little creatures require good water quality and a well-planted environment to flourish. Rams are captivating and known for their elaborate mating dances and dedicated parental care. They prefer warm water with a slight acidity, mimicking their natural habitat.

Corydoras Catfish

These endearing bottom-dwellers act as nature’s cleaning crew, diligently scavenging for leftover food and debris. Their friendly nature, charming appearance, small size, and whisker-like barbels make them a delightful addition. A well-planted tank with a soft substrate protects their delicate barbels while keeping them in groups of six or more, allowing them to showcase their innate schooling behavior.