In this post, we’ll be checking out 50 of the best freshwater aquarium fish species and hopefully, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
So you are looking to get into fishkeeping through freshwater aquariums…
First, congratulations! Fishkeeping is a fascinating and very rewarding hobby. I have been raising fish for many years and I still learn new things every day.
Second, I can tell you that you’re on the right way. Many people walk into pet stores without prior knowledge and buy fish they aren’t prepared to keep – only for them to die days later.
In this post, I’ll show you some of the best freshwater aquarium fish species available to both beginners and advanced hobbysts. Take the opportunity to get to know each one of them and their main features and needs.
Check the quick links below to search for fish faster if you prefer!
Top 50 Best Freshwater Aquarium Fish Species
Below, I will try to separate the species by care levels. So this should help you in your search for the ideal fish.
1. Freshwater Fish Species For Aquarium (Beginner Level)
1.1 Cory Catfish (Corydoras)
- Care Level: Easy / Moderate;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 10 gallons for a 4 or 5 fish;
If you’ve read some of the other articles on this blog, you’ll have noticed that Corydoras are perfect for beginners and experienced hobbysts.
These little fish live at the bottom of the tank and prefer to be in the company of others of their kind. Furthermore, corydoras survive in a wide range of water conditions, and get along well with almost all species.
The Cory Catfish are schooling fish, they should be kept in groups of at least 4 or 5 individuals. They’re also not picky eaters and should do well on a good mix of bottom fish feed and freeze-dried food.
Because of their docile nature, I recommend that you keep corydoras with other peaceful species such as tetras, mollies, plecos, and danios.
1.2 Guppy
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 10 gallons for a 1 male and 3 females;
Guppies are one of the most popular fish in the fishkeeping world – and for a good reason! Their hardy nature, vibrant colors, and ease of care make them a great choice even for beginners to the hobby.
Due to their small size, guppies do very well even in small tanks – 10 gallons is more than enough to raise them. That said, they’re also known to breed extremely easily. Therefore, 1 male and 3 females can become 40 fish in a short time.
In terms of care, guppies are very easy to care for. As long as the tank is set up correctly and you feed them high quality food, raising a healthy school of guppies shouldn’t be a problem.
1.3 Molly
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 20 gallons for a 1 male and 3 females;
Like Guppies, Mollies are hardy viviparous and easy to care for, in addition to reproducing very easily. However, they tend to get a little bigger than guppies and need a little more space.
Mollies are omnivorous fish, so they will eat just about anything you put in the tank. Therefore, flake food and live or frozen foods are the best options for these fish. They’re also available in a multiple colors, so you should find the color that best suits your tank.
1.4 Platy Fish
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 15 gallons for a 1 male and 3 females;
One of the most resistant fish in the fishkeeping, the Platy has a huge variety of colors and styles. The species prefers harder waters, so although it’s hardy, you may have trouble keeping it in soft water.
Just like the Molly, the Platy is a very easy fish to breed and one of the best fish to start, both in terms of breeding and care. The fry, for example, are born as miniatures of their parents, but they must have an appropriate place to hide, as adults can easily eat them.
1.5 Swordtail Fish
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 20 gallons for a 1 male and 3 females;
Often grouped with Guppies and Mollies, the Swordtail Fish is the last viviparous on the list – but with a unique twist. Males of the species are equipped with an interesting “sword” protruding from their tails, giving it its name. This unique trait makes it a great asset to any community tanks.
Like guppies and mollies, Swordtail are easy to breed and thrive in a wide variety of environments. If kept in groups it will reproduce very quickly.
1.6 Kuhli Loach
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 20 gallons for a one fish;
If you’re looking for a different fish, the Kuhli Loach may be the ideal freshwater species. Although it resembles eels, it isn’t actually part of their family.
The Kuhli Loach is usually more active at night, so don’t expect to see much of it during the day. However, she can become a little more active during the day if she is in the company of at least 3 or 4 other individuals of her species.
Another reason Kuhli Loaches are perfect for beginner is because they remain small, reaching up to a maximum of 12 centimeters in length.
1.7 Betta Fish
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 5 gallons for a one fish;
Even if you’ve never had an fish tank before, chances are you’ve heard of Betta fish. These popular freshwater aquarium fish species are famous for their vibrant colors, versatility, and feisty personality.
Despite the common belief that betta fish can live in an small tank, you should never put them in this type of environment. The small betta tank isn’t only cruel, but can also significantly reduce its lifespan.
Feeding betta fish is a very easy task as there’re many feeds available for this little guy. In addition, it also accepts live, freeze-dried foods and even some vegetables.
1.8 Zebrafish
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 10 gallons for 6 fish;
The Zebrafish is one of the most recommended freshwater aquarium fish species for beginners in the hobby. This fish is highly valued for its amazing colors and for being very active and easy to care for.
Keeping a group of 6 or more fish in the tank will provide all the entertainment they need. However, because they’re fast and lively fish, you will need a tank with at least 10 gallons for them to stay healthy and safe.
1.9 Sparkling Gourami
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 5 gallons for one fish;
A very colorful and resistant species, the Sparkling Gourami is an excellent fish for those looking for their first species to breed. In addition to being easy to care for and extremely adaptable, the Sparkling makes an excellent “centerpiece” for any environment due to its striking colors and unique personality.
You can keep the Sparkling Gourami in an 5 gallon tank. This fish has a very peaceful nature, but can become territorial if placed in environments with other fish. Be careful!
1.10 Goldfish
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 30 gallons for one fish;
Like the Betta Fish, the Goldfish are among the main species of freshwater aquarium fish. Much to the surprise of hobbysts, this fish comes in a very distinct formats as well as different colors (many of which are very easy to care for).
As much as this fish needs a good-sized tank to live in, Goldfish is easy to care for and does well in a wide variety of conditions, making it a perfect fish for those just starting out in the hobby. In addition, Goldfish also do well on a simple flake food diet, so there is no need for a special diet for this fish.
1.11 Convict Cichlid
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Agressive;
- Fish Tank Size: 52 gallons for one couple;
In my opinion, the Convict Cichlid is one of the best cichlids for beginners. If you have any interest in breeding fish in your tank, this species is definitely the one to look for. As long as your tank is stable and you have a couple, chances are they will reproduce without any major problems.
Be warned, though – as he’s a cichlid species, the Convict Cichlid isn’t always friendly with his tankmates (especially when they’re spawning or tending to their young). Therefore, if you decide to breed these fish, avoid putting any other species with them.
1.12 African Cichlids
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Semi-agressive;
- Fish Tank Size: 20 gallons for one fish;
The “African Cichlid” term includes a ton of different cichlid species (over 1,200) – some of the most popular being Electric Yellow Cichlid, Flavescent Peacock and Zebra Shelldweller.
Overall, African cichlids tend to be very colorful, hardy and prolific. As with most cichlids, they can also be aggressive, so you should be very careful when choosing your tank mates.
1.13 Red Cherry Shrimp
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 5 gallons for one group;
The Red Cherry Shrimp isn’t technically a fish, but it’s interesting nonetheless! Small, colorful and easy to care for, this little shrimp is very popular and ideal for beginners.
While most shrimp are especially sensitive to water conditions, the Red Cherry Shrimp was bred to be a hardy animal. In addition, it can be kept in small environments, although it should only live with others of its kind, as it can easily be eaten by larger fish.
1.14 Cherry Barb
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 20 gallons for 5 fish;
If you are looking for a colorful fish, the Cherry Barb might be the ideal choice. Such a fish isn’t only attractive and energetic, but also very easy to care.
Although considered a peaceful fish, the Cherry Barb can become a bit aggressive when kept with other aggressive species. But in general, he’s a great animal for those who are looking for a fish to start breeding and who need liveliness inside the tank.
1.15 Tiger Barb
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Semi-agressive;
- Fish Tank Size: 15 gallons for 6 fish;
The Tiger Barb is a very energetic fish and famous for its orange and black striped pattern. In my opinion, this species is one of the most fun to keep in an tank, as it never stops moving. Just be a little careful when putting him with fish that have long fins, as he loves to nibble on them.
As an omnivorous species, the Tiger Barb should be fed a mixture of flake feed and live food (Brine Shrimp or bloodworms). Also, he will love to live in densely planted tanks.
1.16 Pearl Gourami
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Semi-agressive;
- Fish Tank Size: 34 gallons for some fish;
The Pearl Gourami is a fish that works wonderfully in community tanks, as long as there are no other similar species.
Like the Bettas, the Pearl Gourami has an organ called Labyrinthe, which allows it to breathe surface air. So make sure the tank has open areas at the top so he can get air whenever he wants to, or else he could start to suffocate.
In addition, this fish is quite easy to feed, isn’t at all fussy about water parameters, and doesn’t require as much maintenance as many other freshwater species.
The Pearl Gourami has a unique and beautiful appearance, and will look great in just about any tank you place it in.
1.17 Killifish
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 10 gallons for a couple;
Although there are hundreds of killifish species, here we’ll cover some aspects common to all of them. Most of them that you can find for sale fall into this category and general care, as the sensitive ones are usually only sold online.
The Killifish is considered to be a hardy fish, and although it’s prone to jumping out of the tank from time to time, it’s still ideal for beginners.
In general, killifish species are very colorful, such as the Blue Lyretail, but there are countless others with even more striking colors than the one mentioned.
Unlike the other fish on this list, the Killifish only does well in a dedicated tank. It’s considered a skittish fish and a bit difficult to feed, so a community tank may not be the best home for it.
1.18 Boesemani Rainbowfish
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 26 gallons for 6 fish;
The Boesemani Rainbowfish is a very colorful fish considered ideal for large community tank.
These amazing schooling fish are very active, which can make the other fish in the tank feel more secure in their presence. In addition, the species is considered easy to care and very resistant.
The Boesemani Rainbowfish loves to live in densely planted tanks.
1.19 Angelfish
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Semi-agressive;
- Fish Tank Size: 20 gallons for one couple;
The Angelfish is often overlooked, for absolutely no good reason. Many people are surprised to discover that these wonderful animals come in a wide variety of colors.
One aspect that draws the attention of the Angelfish is that it’s very similar to the Betta fish in terms of its levels of aggression. As a cichlid, he has a somewhat difficult temperament to deal with.
As long as you’ve researched the top ways to deal with fish aggression, you’ll be good to go.
Cichlids, despite their potentially aggressive nature, are typically great beginner fish. They are hardy, strong, imposing and live for many years.
1.20 Firemouth Cichlid
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Semi-agressive;
- Fish Tank Size: 26 gallons for one couple;
The Firemouth Cichlid is a really impressive and hardy fish, perfect for beginners. It’s a very striking species with iridescent colors, bringing a lot of beauty to the tank.
In addition, the species thrives in a variety of water conditions, and therefore nothing needs to be done to provide a special environment.
Like other cichlids, it can get a little aggressive, especially when it’s breeding season. As long as you choose the right tankmates for the Firemouth Cichlid, the aggressions won’t last long.
1.21 Pictus Catfish
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 66 gallons for 6 fish;
The Pictus Catfish is one of the many species of freshwater aquarium fish ideal for a beginner. It has an all gray body with black spots, in addition to its famous wattles.
This fish will form beautiful groups, but you will need a large tank to keep them all together. Additionally, they’re considered peaceful fish and ideal for community tanks as long as there are enough decorations for everyone to hide under.
As much as it’s a catfish, the Pictus doesn’t spend all its time at the bottom of the tank. He can also swim in the mid-region frequently.
1.22 Featherfin Catfish
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 10 gallons for 4 or 5 fish;
Having a fish upside down in the tank is a very bad sign, right? Stay calm, the Featherfin Catfish swims almost exclusively in this position. He also normally rests upside down on decorations and lives most of his life that way.
The species has very large eyes and barbels, as well as fins with a very different shape. The Featherfin Catfish has a yellowish pattern, with various shades of brown and brown, similar to a lizard. He usually does well in groups of 3 or 4 individuals and is a great peaceful fish for community tanks.
1.23 Celestial Pearl Danio
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 5 gallons for 6 fish;
The Celestial Pearl Danio is a rather small schooling fish. The species prefers planted tanks, as it can be a little skittish, and the plants provide natural hiding places, in addition to highlighting its coloration.
Celestial Pearl Danio’s body is gray with white spots and orange and red fins. Like other schooling fish, he needs to be in the company of 6 other individuals to feel comfortable.
Feeding and general maintenance is not a chore for these little ones, and they’re not fussy about care.
1.24 White Cloud Mountain Minnow
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 5 gallons for 6 fish;
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a very adorable and attractive little fish. Although it’s a recent species in the hobby, it has become very popular in a short time due to its lively and peaceful nature, along with its white body and reddish fins.
In terms of hardiness, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is perhaps one of the toughest fish on this list. It can adapt to different parameters of water, food, group (although it needs to be at least six), tankmates, etc.
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow isn’t fussy at all and is great for a beginner fishkeeper!
1.25 Gold Barb
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 20 gallons for 5 fish;
The Gold Barb is a fairly large and showy schooling fish, featuring a golden body with black spots and bright red fins. A planted tank is the best possible home for this fish, as it ends up highlighting its beautiful colors even more.
In general, the Gold Barb isn’t an aggressive fish, but if it isn’t in a group, it can attack other species in the tank. Fortunately, to resolve this just add a group of 5 fish and he will live happily.
1.26 Rosy Barb
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 20 gallons for 4 fish;
As much as the Rosy Barb can be considered a big fish, it isn’t usually very agitated or aggressive with its tank mates.
The species takes its name from its reddish coloration and iridescent scales, which reflect a soft pink color.
Keeping a group of these fish is key to success, as they tend to bite the fins of their tank mates if left alone.
In general, the Rosy Barb is a very resistant, in addition to not being demanding in terms of food. In addition, he also does well in community tanks that have peaceful fish.
1.27 Apistogramma Cacatuoides
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Semi-agressive;
- Fish Tank Size: 20 gallons for one couple;
The Apistogramma Cacatuoides is a very intelligent cichlid and has extremely striking colors. The species is often used as a centerpiece in community tanks due to its beautiful colors.
While its body is tan/gray in color with a horizontal black stripe, its fins are black, speckled with orange, red, and yellow.
The Apisto Cacatua likes well-decorated tanks that contain many caves and hiding places.
Regarding care, these fish aren’t very demanding in any other respect and they do very well both in community environments and just for their species.
1.28 Jack Dempsey Cichlid
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Agressive;
- Fish Tank Size: 52 gallons for one fish;
Jack Dempsey Cichlid is considered to be a very aggressive cichlid, yet it can still be successfully kept by a beginner. The species is extremely beautiful, its dark body speckled with shiny scales, changing with every movement it makes.
The hobbyist should keep in mind that aggressive fish require more care and maintenance than peaceful species, so a Jack Dempsey Cichlid will require much more care than the other fish on this list.
In addition, these fish need large tanks, more expensive food and powerful filtration.
1.29 Odessa Barb
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 26 gallons for 6 fish;
The Odessa Barb is a silver-bodied fish with a horizontal red stripe running from head to tail. Its scales appear perfectly outlined in black, and its sheen makes some of them even appear white.
A school of these fish looks fantastic, and there are no similar barbs or tetras that can replace them. The Odessa Barb is a very peaceful and hardy fish, but it likes to live in densely planted tanks.
This species rarely has problems with their tankmates unless they are placed with very aggressive fish.
Overall, the Odessa Barb is a very hardy fish and will survive any mistakes a beginner can make once they set up their first tank.
1.30 Diamond Tetra
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 15 gallons for 6 fish;
The Diamond Tetra is an extremely beautiful fish, with a silver color and very shiny scales. The species has a slight reddish tinge around the eyes, in addition, its body resembles precious stones.
This fish thrives in soft water, although it can tolerate different environments. As long as its water parameters are within the tolerated range, you should be able to keep it in your tank without much difficulty.
The Diamond Tetra is a peaceful schooling fish and can interact well with most other fish. Other than that, he’s easy to feed, doesn’t tend to eat a lot and doesn’t stop his companions from eating.
1.31 Cardinal Tetra
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 15 gallons for 6 fish;
The Cardinal Tetra is an alternative to Neon Tetra. In some regions, Neon have become much weaker – whether due to genetics or poor care, they aren’t as healthy as they once were.
On the other hand, the Cardinal Tetra is a newer fish in the hobby but is very similar in color. The species has an all-silver body with a thick blue horizontal stripe in the middle of it and a red stripe that occupies its lower half.
The shades of red and blue are almost identical to the Neon Tetra, and the main differences between these two fish is that the Cardinal Tetra gets a little bigger and the red stripe only goes halfway down its body.
1.32 Black Tetra
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 20 gallons for 8 fish;
The Black Tetra is an easy fish to care and undemanding in terms of care. The species is not usually demanding when it comes to food or decorations in the tank.
Because they are fish that prefer to live in groups, you will need to keep at least 8 specimens in the tank so that they can feel happy and healthy.
1.33 Bloodfin Tetra
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 15 gallons for 6 fish;
The Bloodfin Tetra is a peaceful fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6 specimens. Its unique and striking coloring makes it an excellent choice for community tanks.
Additionally, the species is hardy and doesn’t have many care requirements, and can thrive in most conditions, although it prefers softer waters.
As long as you perform frequent partial water changes, he will happily spend his time with his tank mates.
1.34 Red Eye Tetra
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 15 gallons for 5 fish;
The Red Eye Tetra is a fish with a silver body and a red ring around its eyes, as well as two vertical stripes on its tail, one white and one red. Although it has a simple appearance, once it’s in a school, its red eyes will stand out in a unique way!
This fish prefers to live in the company of other peaceful species, as it will be unable to defend itself against aggressive fish. In addition, he likes tanks with many decorations, as this way they feel safer and more protected.
Similar to the other schooling fish on this list, the Red Eye Tetra can live happily in community tanks.
Overall, they’re hardy, undemanding, and peaceful, which means there’s little chance you’ll get into trouble when raising them.
1.35 Otocinclus Catfish
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 10 gallons for 5 fish;
The Otocinclus Catfish is known to be one of the biggest algae eaters in the world. The species is considered very peaceful and ideal for beginners, and can be placed with many other fish in community tanks.
As an undemanding fish, it will tolerate a wide range of water conditions. If you keep it in good condition, you can have a fish with a lifespan of around 6 years.
The Otocinclus Catfish spends most of its time at the bottom of the tank or on the surface of decorations, plants and glass.
1.36 Paradise Fish
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Agressive;
- Fish Tank Size: 26 gallons for one male and two females;
While the Paradise Fish is extremely colorful and interesting to have in an tank, the hobbyist needs to be aware of its aggressiveness levels. The species doesn’t usually tolerate any other fish in its tank, as long as they’re other females.
Like Bettas, the Paradise Fish has an organ called the Labyrinthe, which allows it to breathe surface air. Therefore, it’s interesting that the tank has open areas so that it can withdraw air from the atmosphere from time to time.
Feeding the Paradise Fish isn’t a very difficult task, as it will readily accept flake food, live and freeze-dried food.
1.37 Yoyo Loach
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 26 gallons for 5 fish;
The Yoyo Loach is a very active, friendly and hardy fish to keep in an tank. If you’re looking for species that inhabit the bottom region and that can live in community tanks, this little guy is ideal for you!
This fish has an elongated, slender body, silvery blue in color with small dark and light bands that often resemble the letters Y and O; which gives them the name “yoyo”.
Yoyo Loach is a kind of shoal and likes to live in the company of at least 5 other fish. In addition, your tank should contain dim lighting and efficient filtration.
1.38 Ember Tetra
- Care Level: Easy;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 15 gallons for 10 fish;
If you’re looking for freshwater fish species for tanks that can be used in small spaces, Ember Tetra may be your choice!
These fish don’t exceed 2 centimeters in length, they exhibit an orange / reddish color that can bring a lot of beauty to your tank.
Overall, Ember Tetra is a peaceful, active and very playful fish. In addition, due to the ease of care, it is ideal for beginner aquarists who are looking for a first fish to breed.
2. Intermediate Level
Below, check out the fish with a level of care considered moderate by most hobbyists:
2.1 Neon Tetra
- Care Level: Moderate;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 10 gallons for 8 fish;
The Neon Tetra is a small and very active fish, known for its vibrant colors and its behavior of always swimming in schools. If you want to set up a live tank with a very natural look, this little guy is the perfect choice.
Generally speaking, the Neon Tetra is considered an easy fish to care, but it needs excellent water conditions to thrive. Therefore, if you have an tank with parameters that do not fluctuate, then you will not have problems with creating them.
2.2 Pleco
- Care Level: Easy / Moderate. Requires large tanks to live;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 100 gallons for one fish;
The Common Pleco is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish in the hobby. Despite being a very peaceful fish, it still tends to get very large and needs space to stay comfortable.
The species is considered easy to care, but due to their requirements regarding tank size, filtration system, i put them on the list of fish for aquarists who already have a certain amount of knowledge in the fishkeeping.
The Common Pleco will spend most of its time scouring the tank substrate and glass in search of food.
2.3 Oscar Fish
- Care Level: Easy / Moderate. Requires large aquarium to live;
- Behavior: Agressive;
- Fish Tank Size: 26 gallons for one fish;
If you’re on the looking for an Oscar fish, know that he’s a big commitment you’re going to make, as his lifespan and personality are quite similar to that of a dog.
Oscars can learn, for example, to recognize their owner and usually respond positively, with some going so far as to allow their owners to pet them.
If you are able to provide the necessary space and food, this fish will live for many years in your tank.
2.4 Clown Loach
- Care Level: Easy / Moderate;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 70 gallons for one group;
The Clown Loach is famous for its yellowish body and black stripes, which make a huge impact in the tank. He’s a fussy fish and needs to be kept in groups so there’s no way for them to blend into the background.
Many people get these fish to control snail infestations, but you need to make sure you have space to house them. Clown loaches will not survive in small tanks. On the contrary, he needs large environments that contain many hiding places so he can hide and get rid of stress.
During the day, the Clown Loach is usually quite active, unlike most other loaches. As long as you can manage your tank space, you should have no trouble caring for this fish.
2.5 Harlequin Rasbora
- Care Level: Moderate;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 10 gallons for 10 fish;
The Harlequin Rasbora is a wonderful and relatively hardy schooling fish. It fits well in community tanks and can adapt to a variety of water conditions.
In addition, the species is very beautiful, with a reddish body with a large pork chop like black mark on its side.
Many people find problems to raise these fish. However, they aren’t skittish and will not exhibit any behavioral problems as long as they are in large groups.
2.6 Common Hatchetfish
- Care Level: Moderate;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 15 gallons for 6 fish;
The Common Hatchetfish is a beautiful species with a very unusual shape and striking colors. This fish spends all its time in small groups swimming just below the surface of the water.
When placed with other small fish, they’re wonderful community dwellers, and their activities often encourage other fish to come out of hiding.
As long as you keep the Nitrate levels low and the water a little soft, you should have no trouble creating them. However, remember that Common Hatchetfish love to jump, so be careful with the tank lid!
2.7 Texas Cichlid
- Care Level: Moderate;
- Behavior: Agressive;
- Fish Tank Size: 50 gallons for one fish;
The Texas Cichlid is the most aggressive fish on our list; the same rules about aggression as listed for Jack Dempsey Cichlid apply. Both fish must be placed with mates of similar temperament and size for the tank to be successful. However, during the breeding period, this fish will try to kill anyone who crosses its path.
This species is considered to be very territorial, so it’s important to provide multiple hiding places in the tank. He will claim one or several of these hiding places as his territory and will spend most of his time around these decorations. As long as your tank mates don’t mess with your territory, all is well.
2.8 Midas Cichlid
- Care Level: Moderate;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 126 gallons for one couple;
The Midas Cichlid is a relatively large fish that is easy to care, but needs large spaces to thrive.
The species likes tanks with fine sand substrates for digging and plenty of hiding places. However, the hobbyist also needs to make sure that there are open areas for the fish to swim freely.
You can keep the Midas Cichlid both alone and in pairs, but remember that the tank needs to be very large to support them.
2.9 Rainbow Shark
- Care Level: Moderate;
- Behavior: Semi-agressive;
- Fish Tank Size: 40 gallons for one fish;
The Rainbow Shark is a fairly common fish, although it’s not that easy to breed due to its maintenance requirements.
Tank decorations for these fish are a must, as they are semi-aggressive and territorial, and need spaces to claim. Without any decorations, they will claim the entire tank, which can cause serious aggression problems for any fish in their range.
In general, the Rainbow Shark is a very active fish, resistant and has a very interesting personality, in addition to its beautiful coloration.
2.10 Glass Catfish
- Care Level: Moderate;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 30 gallons for 6 fish;
The Glass Catfish is an incredibly unique fish with a very different appearance. The species is all transparent, although it might scare some people, most find it really fascinating.
These fish lives better in groups of at least 6 individuals and love planted tanks. Additionally, they have a skittish nature and without an adequate amount of hiding places they will be constantly stressed, especially in community tanks.
Glass Catfish are sensitive to water parameters fluctuations, in particularly hardness and pH, so be sure to acclimate the fish slowly to avoid any shocks.
2.11 Severum Cichlid
- Care Level: Moderate;
- Behavior: Peaceful;
- Fish Tank Size: 44 gallons for one fish;
The Severum Cichlid is a very popular fish in the fishkeeping world. Although considered ideal for all levels of hobbyists, it’s still important to know that he tends to get big and that his needs change a lot as he grows.
Generally speaking, this fish is easy to care since that the aquarist already has some experience in the hobby, as it needs large spaces to thrive. Additionally, it does well in both freshwater and brackish water environments.
3. Advanced Level
Below, check out the fish with a level of care considered advanced by most hobbyists:
3.1 Discus Fish
- Care Level: Difficult;
- Behavior: Semi-Agressive;
- Fish Tank Size: 50 gallons for 5 fish;
The Discus Fish is considered by many to be the “King of Aquariums”, in addition to having the reputation of being a difficult fish to care.
If you decide to keep these fish in an tank, be sure to perform frequent partial water changes to keep nitrate levels very low. The diet of these fish is basically composed of proteins and, therefore, they produce a lot of waste.
As long as you provide a large tank, proper food, and a group of at least five fish, you should have no trouble keeping them.
3.2 German Blue Ram
- Care Level: Moderate / Difficult;
- Behavior: Semi-Agressive;
- Fish Tank Size: 20 gallons for one couple;
The German Blue Ram is a small and very interesting cichlid to have in an tank. The species usually does well in small tanks and prefers to live in pairs or small groups.
These fish are considered to be picky eaters, so providing a high quality kibble along with live and freeze-dried foods is the best way to keep them healthy and happy.
Even though they are a small fish, German Blue Ram have a very interesting personality and aren’t afraid to show off to other fish. Watching them interact with each other and their tank mates is both intriguing and hilarious.
I have never met anyone who regretted having this little guy in their tank, although I have to admit that he is only recommended for hobbyists who already have a good experience in fishkeeping.
What did you think of the list of the best freshwater fish species for the aquarium? Would you add any other species? Tell us here in the comments!
