6 Most Popular Freshwater Fish for Your Tropical Aquarium

Reliablecounter Team

About 12.5 million fish enthusiasts in the US keep freshwater fish in their aquarium because tropical fish are easy to care for. As per health practitioners, keeping colorful fish in your aquarium can help various health benefits such as controlling your heart rate, reducing stress, and lowering your blood pressure. Moreover, it is easy to adopt the hobby of fishkeeping instead of keeping other pet animals.

Taking care of fish is easier than nourishing and nurturing other pet animals. However, before starting the hobby of fishkeeping, know the size, temperament and care level of the fish so that you can take care of the freshwater fish breeds. Also, collect the necessary things like right-sized aquarium, fishnet, small gravels, substrates and aquatic plants for ornamenting the fish tank.

Now, let’s know about the features and care level of some common or popular freshwater fish which are often kept in a tropical aquarium.

1.     Goldfish

Key Features:

  • Origin: China and Japan
  • Size: 14” (35.56 cm)
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Tank Size: 20 gallons

When fishkeepers think about freshwater fish, the first name comes in their mind is Goldfish. Not only for the golden color and beautiful pattern, but Goldfish is also famous for its passive nature and good luck charm which is believed by many fishkeepers in Asian countries.

Goldfish is a social and active schooling fish, so you can keep it with other peaceful aquatic species. Moreover, you can also keep 2-4 different types of Goldfish like Bubble-Eye Goldfish, Shubunkin Goldfish, Comet Goldfish, etc. together in a tank. Just provide an eco-friendly natural environment to the fish.

2.     Betta Fish

Key Features:

  • Origin: South Asia
  • Size: 3” (7.6 cm)
  • Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
  • Diet: Insectivore
  • Tank Size: 5 gallons

If you are finding a gorgeous ornamental fish for your tank, then definitely Betta Fish is the first preference of fishkeepers because of its stunning flower-shaped fins and tail. You will find Bettas in various colors such as red, green, blue, yellow, purple, etc. You will also find various types of Betta Fish such as Giant Betta, Rosetail Betta, Crowntail Betta, Half-Sun Betta, etc.

Bettas have a very short lifespan of 2-4 years, so know about its care level for petting this fish. Never keep this fish with peaceful or large fish breeds.

3.     Guppy Fish

Key Features:

  • Origin: Central America
  • Size: 0.6-2.4” (1.5-6 cm)
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Tank Size: 10-20 gallon

If you are finding to adorn your fish tank with little adorable schooling fish, then keep a school of Guppies in your aquarium. This popular freshwater fish is often found in small streams, warm springs, canal, and large ponds. Beginner aquarists like petting this fish because of its hardy and social nature. Like Goldfish and Betta Fish, there are various guppies found in tropical water such as Sword Guppy, Roundtail Guppy, Double Sword Guppy, and Pintail Guppy.

4.     Molly Fish

Key Features:

  • Origin: South and North America
  • Size: 4.5” (11 cm)
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Tank Size: 15 gallons

The shining body colors of Molly Fish bring glow in the water of an aquarium. The graceful appearance of this fish makes it popular for fishkeepers. It is also a schooling fish like Guppy and prefers swimming with a school of Mollies.

Keep this fish with active swimmers because it is an active swimmer which cannot live with slow-swimmer breeds. Try to keep lots of aquatic plants in the tank of this fish because it cannot live without thick vegetation.

5.     Angelfish

Key Features:

  • Origin: South America
  • Size: 6” (15 cm)
  • Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Tank Size: 20 gallons

Usually, this freshwater fish is found in the flood plains, slow-moving streams, and swamps. The silver-colored body and black bars of this fish adorn the water of the aquarium. You will also get this fish in purple and pink colors. The fins of this fish are just like an imaginary angel, so it is known as Angel Fish. Moreover, this fish can live in both freshwater and marine water. The arrowhead-shaped wide body of this fish is clubbed with triangular snout which supports the dorsal fin and trailing pectoral fin.

6.     Gourami Fish

Key Features:

  • Origin: Asia
  • Size: 4-5” (10-12 cm)
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Tank Size: 30 gallons

Similarly, to Angelfish, Gourami Fish is also a popular fish that can live in both saltwater and freshwater. The bright looks of this hardy fish admire the aquarists. Not only one, but there are also different types of Gouramis like Pearl Gourami, Honey Gourami, Sparkling Gourami, Dwarf Gourami, etc.

All these popular freshwater fish admire the fishkeepers by their nature and charm. You just need to know about the care guides, features and other factors that help in keeping these tropical fish in aquarium. Fishkeeping is an amazing hobby if you really know how to take care of your little finned-friends.