15 Coolest Aquarium Fish to Liven Up Your Tank

Are you looking to add some life and color to your home? Aquariums are a popular choice, with over 11 million American households keeping fish as pets.1 

Studies have shown that interacting with fish in aquariums can provide psychological and physiological benefits, such as reduced stress and improved mood.2 

Fishkeeping has also seen a surge in interest during the pandemic years as people sought out engaging hobbies to enjoy at home. Here are 15 of the coolest fish species to consider for your tank.

1. Betta Fish

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Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are one of the most popular and colorful freshwater aquarium fish. They come in a wide variety of stunning colors and fin types, from the classic veil tail to the flowy half-moon. 

Male bettas are known for their aggressive nature towards other males, so it’s best to keep them solo or with peaceful tank mates.

Bettas are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners. They can thrive in a 5-gallon tank with a heater and live plants. 

With proper care, these vibrant beauties can live up to 5 years and provide endless entertainment with their curious personalities.

2. Discus Fish

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Discus fish are often considered the “kings of the aquarium” due to their striking colors and unique disc-shaped bodies. These cichlids come in an array of cool patterns, spots, and stripes, with shades of green, red, brown, and blue. 

Discus are not recommended for beginners, as they require pristine water conditions and a spacious tank of at least 55 gallons.

As a shoaling species, discus should be kept in groups of 3-5 in a heavily planted aquarium with open swimming areas. They can live up to 10 years and grow to an impressive 6.5-8 inches in length. 

While challenging to keep, the stunning beauty of discus fish is well worth the effort for experienced aquarists.

3. Neon Tetra

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Neon tetras are a staple in the freshwater aquarium hobby, known for their iridescent blue and red stripes that seem to glow under aquarium lighting. These small, peaceful fish are native to the Amazon River basin and do best in schools of at least 6 individuals. 

They are hardy and adaptable, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists.

Neon tetras typically reach a size of 1.5 inches and can live up to 5 years. They thrive in well-planted tanks with subdued lighting and soft, slightly acidic water. 

When kept in schools, neon tetras create a dazzling display that adds a pop of color to any community aquarium.

4. Guppy

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Guppies are another cornerstone of the freshwater aquarium hobby, known for their incredible variety of colors, patterns, and fin types.

These live-bearing fish are prolific breeders, and a single female can give birth to hundreds of fry. Guppies are very hardy and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for beginners.

Guppies prefer slightly alkaline water and do well in tanks of at least 10 gallons. They are peaceful community fish that can be kept with other non-aggressive species. Guppies typically reach a size of 1.5-2.5 inches and can live up to 3 years.

5. White Cloud Mountain Minnow

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White cloud mountain minnows are small, hardy fish that do not require tropical temperatures, making them a great choice for unheated tanks. 

These peaceful fish are often added to aquascaped tanks, where the focus is on the plants rather than the fish. White clouds are shoaling fish that should be kept in groups of at least 6.

White cloud mountain minnows typically reach a size of 1.5 inches and can live up to 5 years. They prefer cooler water temperatures between 64-72°F and do well in planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots. 

When kept in schools, white clouds create a shimmering display that adds movement and interest to any aquarium.

6. Angelfish

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Angelfish are graceful and elegant cichlids that add a touch of class to any aquarium. These South American natives come in a variety of colors and patterns, from classic silver to striking koi. 

Angelfish are peaceful community fish that do well with other non-aggressive species, but they can be territorial towards their own kind.

Angelfish requires a spacious tank of at least 30 gallons with plenty of vertical swimming space. They are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods.

Angelfish can grow up to 6 inches in length and live up to 10 years.

7. Platy

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Platies are another popular live-bearing fish that come in a rainbow of colors and patterns. Similar to guppies, platies are prolific breeders and can quickly overpopulate a tank if not managed properly. 

They are peaceful community fish that do well with other non-aggressive species.

Platies prefer slightly alkaline water and do well in tanks of at least 10 gallons. They are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods.

Platies typically reach a size of 2-3 inches and can live up to 3 years with proper care.

8. Harlequin Rasbora

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Harlequin rasboras are small, peaceful fish that are known for their striking red and black coloration. These Southeast Asian natives are shoaling fish that should be kept in groups of at least 6. 

Harlequin rasboras are hardy and adaptable, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists.

Harlequin rasboras typically reach a size of 2 inches and can live up to 5 years. They prefer slightly acidic water and do well in planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots.

7. Cherry Barb

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Cherry barbs are a small, peaceful species that add a pop of bright red color to any aquarium. Males are more intensely colored than females, with deep red bodies and fins.

These hardy fish are native to Sri Lanka and prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.Cherry barbs are omnivores and will eat most commercial foods, but also enjoy live or frozen foods as treats.

10. Kuhli Loach

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Kuhli loaches are unique, eel-like fish that add a quirky touch to any aquarium. These Southeast Asian natives are peaceful bottom-dwellers that do best in groups of at least 3. 

Kuhli loaches are nocturnal and prefer dimly lit tanks with plenty of hiding spots.

They typically reach a size of 3-4 inches and can live up to 10 years. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water and a sandy substrate they can burrow into.

Kuhli loaches are scavengers and will help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food and detritus.

11. Zebra Danio

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Zebra danios are hardy, active fish that are known for their distinctive striped pattern. These Asian natives are also shoaling fish that should be kept in groups of at least 6. 

This fish is very adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists.

They typically reach a size of 2 inches and can live up to 5 years with proper care. They prefer neutral to slightly alkaline water and do well in tanks with plenty of swimming space.

12. Dwarf Gourami

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Dwarf gouramis are colorful, peaceful fish that add a touch of elegance to any aquarium. These Asian natives come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, and honey. 

Male dwarf gouramis can be territorial towards each other, so it’s best to keep only one male per tank.

These fish typically reach a size of 3-4 inches and can live up to 5 years with proper care. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water and do well in planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots.

Dwarf gouramis are labyrinth fish and require access to the water’s surface to breathe air.

13. Rummynose Tetra

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Rummynose tetras are a striking species known for their unique red and white coloration. These fish have a silvery body with a bright red nose and tail.

Native to South America, rummynose tetras prefer soft, slightly acidic water with a pH between 5.5-7.0. Rummynose tetras are peaceful schooling fish that do best in groups of six or more. They make great additions to planted tanks or peaceful community tanks.

14. Panda Corydoras

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Panda corydoras are small, peaceful catfish that are known for their distinctive black-and-white coloration. They are bottom-dwellers and require a sandy substrate they can sift through for food.

They prefer neutral to slightly acidic water and do well in planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots. They are scavengers and will help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food and detritus.

15. Cardinal Tetra

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Cardinal tetras are small, peaceful fish that are known for their stunning blue and red coloration. They are sensitive to water conditions and require pristine, well-oxygenated water to thrive.

They typically reach a size of 2 inches and can live up to 5 years with proper care. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water and do well in heavily planted tanks with subdued lighting.

The world of aquarium fish is vast and diverse, offering endless possibilities for creating a stunning and unique display. From the vibrant colors of neon tetras and guppies to the regal beauty of discus, there’s a perfect fish for every aquarium enthusiast.

Source:

  1. Forbes
  2. National Library of Medicine
davin
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.