11 Freshwater Fish That Will Beautify Your Home Aquarium

If you love nature and all its creations, then you certainly will have had a thought or two about having an aquarium. Fish make great pets even for beginners because they are resilient and can withstand a harsh environment. They do not require vigilant care, and mostly, they get along with other fish as well. The right choice of fish will fit into a small tank and add life to your room in a snap. Of course, depending on the sizes and types of fish, the requirements for the aquarium (its temperature and size, for example) may vary. Read this article to get a fair idea about the best fish for your aquarium and how you can take care of them.

11 Best Fish for Home Aquariums That Are Easy to Take Care of

Beginners and experienced fish-keepers alike would love to have colourful fish in their aquarium. Mentioned below are some types of fishes suitable for a home aquarium:

1. Danios

This fish is a hardy freshwater fish that can be owned by beginners. Because of their resilience, they are perfect for people with little time or have no experience in setting up a tank. These fish can survive a range of water conditions. They are super fun to watch and are generally quite active. They survive well on fish flakes. Zebra and Giant Danio are good varieties to start with.

2. Guppy

The guppy is one of the most colourful freshwater fish that you can lay your hands on. They can be found in a spectrum of colours. The important thing to remember about guppies is that they breed rapidly. If you have a small tank with both male and female fish, you may soon find yourself running out of space. Guppies feed on fish flakes but also enjoy frozen shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Guppies can, however, go for days without food and hence, are easy to take care of.

3. White Cloud Mountain Minnow

This is a very tiny fish and will fit right in if you have a small beginner’s tank. It is also very low-maintenance and is not demanding in any way. The Mountain Minnow is docile and does not attack the young ones in the tank. The minnow, however, does prefer to swim in a school. So, you might have to get a few of them together so that they are happy. They survive well in cold water and consume fish flakes.

4. Betta

The betta is not exactly a beginner’s fish due to its aggressive nature (It is also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish). You should know, however, that the betta is aggressive only towards other betta. It is safe then, to have a single fish in your tank. It is a stunning fish with long and colourful fins. The betta is uncomplicated as far as care is concerned. They eat any food like bloodworms, fish flakes, and brine shrimp. Live food is also something that the betta would look forward to. Be aware that if you have any other fish that nips, the betta could be in danger because of its long fins.

5. Cory Catfish

The cory catfish lives in peace and dwells harmoniously with any other fish. You have almost up to 150 species of cory you can choose from. They are aggressive eaters and help to keep the tank clean. They eat algae and vegetative matter at the bottom of the tank. They also eat insect larvae, fish flakes, and bloodworms. The cory catfish has a lifespan of about 20 years and loves to be in groups of 3-4 at least.

6. Dwarf Gourami

The dwarf gourami can exist in tanks that have an oxygen deficit. They come to the surface to breathe. It is a peaceful species which can dwell well with other species of fish. Any floating food works well with the gourami. The male of the species is always brighter.

7. Cherry Barb

This is a tiny and peaceful fish that will feel at home in your beginner’s tank, just as soon as they settle into space. You might want to get a few because they swim in a school. The male is brightly coloured. They are simple to maintain and feed. Keep live plants to entertain your cherry barb.

8. Black Molly

The black molly is the most beautiful fish you can have in a tank. Its deep black has an alluring feel to it. The fish can be moved from one tank to another and yet feel at home. However, be cautious when they breed because mollies tend to eat their young.

9. Bristlenose Catfish

This is a slightly larger fish and can reach 15cm in length. It is a low-maintenance, yet interesting looking fish. The fish will also help keep the tank clean by eating algae and epibioses. Due to its size, you may want a slightly large tank to give it room to play.

10. Kuhli Loach

This is an eel-like fish which adapts to water change very effortlessly. They are bottom feeders who eat spare food that has dropped to the tank’s bottom. They get along well with other small fish.

11. African Cichlids

This species includes beautiful fish like the peacock cichlids, zebra cichlids, and the yellow cichlids. They are hardy fish but are also prolific breeders. They can also be a bit aggressive. They require a tank size of 20 gallons to settle well.

Tips to Choose Fish for Home Aquarium

Here are a few pointers when you go shopping for fish:

• Make sure to avoid the male and female of the same species or you might just end up becoming a breeder.
• Do not pick fish that are hostile towards their juvenile.
• Buy the right-sized tank to ensure that your fish are comfortable and have enough space.
• Make sure that you pick fish that are active and swimming well.
• Understand the water conditions that different fish require. Do not mix fish that thrive in cold water with fish that need warm water.

FAQs

Some frequently asked questions regarding aquarium fish are listed below:

1. What Type of Fish Can Live Well Together in a Tank?

Most of the species that we have mentioned, like gourami, danios, cory catfish, mollies, and loaches can live in harmony in a tank.

2. How Many Fish Can I Have in an Aquarium?

The thumb rule to determine the number of fish that your tank may safely hold is the famous ‘fish per gallon’ rule. Classically, a well-maintained tank should handle one inch of fish for every gallon of water. This converts to a gram of fish in every four litres of water.

Although maintaining fish is much easier than having a dog or a cat as a pet, it still requires diligence and some hard work. Picking up the right tank and equipment is crucial to successfully keep fish thriving. If you intend to lay gravel, rinse it before adding it to your tank. Put in a mix of live and fake plants to keep the interest of the fish. Change the water in the tank every week or bi-weekly to ensure that your fish do not fall ill. Although the thought of having an aquarium can be pleasing, make sure you are ready to put in the required work for the sake of your brightly-coloured aquatic friends.

Also Read:

Effective Tips on How to Clean Fish Tank
List of Low Maintenance Pets
Effective Ways for Maintaining Your Vacuum Cleaner