TOP-20 popular aquarium fish: from bright guppies to impressive predators

You’re not alone if you’ve ever peered into an aquarium and been astounded by the vibrant fish swimming around. You can get a peek of a colorful underwater world in your living room with an aquarium. However, selecting which fish to add to your tank can be overwhelming due to the abundance of available species. Making an informed decision can be more satisfying and easier when you know which fish are in style and fit for your setup, regardless of your level of experience as an aquarist.

We’ll examine the top 20 aquarium fish in this guide, which includes everything from tiny, vibrant guppies to larger, more impressive predators. Every fish on this list adds something special to the tank, whether it’s vibrant colors, intriguing behaviors, or particular maintenance requirements. There is something for everyone here, whether your preference is for a calm community tank or a more dynamic setup with a little bit of excitement.

We’ll look at a variety of fish that are prized for their aesthetic appeal, resilience, and ability to coexist with other species. This synopsis will assist you in comprehending their traits, ideal aquarium settings, and what makes them unique in the aquarium hobby. Now let’s get going and explore the fascinating and varied world of aquarium fish!

Parameters for choosing aquarium fish

Prior to selecting aquarium fish, there are several factors to take into account. The dimensions of the aquarium, the kind of water (freshwater or saltwater), the degree of maintenance required, and the specifications for water parameters (pH, temperature, and hardness) must all be ascertained.

TOP-20 popular aquarium fish

Fish for Beginner Aquarists

Poecilia reticulata is the guppy. One of the most common fish kept in aquariums are guppies. Their vivid colors and lively demeanor set them apart. Guppies can breed quickly and require little maintenance.

Betta splendens, betta. Bettas, sometimes referred to as Siamese fighters, are stunning fish with vivid colors and fins. They need little maintenance and can live in tiny aquariums.

Xiphophorus maculatus pecilli. Pecilli are distinguished by their vibrant hues and lively movements. They get along well with other calm fish and are rather unassuming.

Paracheirodon innesi, or neon. Small, vibrant fish called neons grab all the attention in an aquarium. They need clean, low-ammonia water because they are typically found in schools.

Xiphophorus hellerii, the swordtail. The colorful colors and elongated lower fins of swordtails set them apart. They need only minimal attention and are easily reproduced.

Fish for an average level of maintenance

Poecilia sphenops, or mollies. Fish that come in a range of shapes and colors are called mollies. They can survive in a range of environments and are calm.

The trichogaster trichopterus, or sailfish. Gurami, another name for sailfish, are distinguished by their striking colors and fins. Stable water parameters and cautious handling are necessary for them.

Colisa lalia, or gourami. The body shape of gourami is elongated and they have vibrant colors. Although they are not very fancy fish, they do need clean water with a certain pH.

Melanotaenia boesemani, or rainbow fish. Rainbow fish are striking because of their vivid stripes and range of hues. They need clean water and a large aquarium.

Carrying a sword. As was previously mentioned, swordsman fish are common additions to intermediate aquariums.

Fish for advanced aquarists

Symphysodon spp. discosome. Fish called discosomas are big and vibrant. They need large, well-filtered tanks with frequent water changes.

Pterophyllum scalare, an angel. Angels have beautiful fins and a graceful body form. They need clean water and careful attention.

Tanichthys albonubes, a cardinal. Fish called cardinals are calm and have vivid red colors. They work great in aquariums that have greenery.

Ricardo Danio. Fish called Danio rerio are small and have vivid stripes. They need a large aquarium with floating plants because they are social and active animals.

Aequidens pulcher, or Acara. Large cichlids with eye-catching colors are called acaras. Underwater shelters and roomy tanks with a good filter are necessary for them.

Fish for specialized aquariums

Depending on the aquarist’s preferences, you can keep different kinds of fish in specialized aquariums.

Aquarium fish that hunt prey. This includes fish that need large tanks and specific diets, like cichlids, oscars, and arowanas.

Fish from the reef. Clownfish, surgeonfish, and angelfish are examples of reef fish with vibrant colors and shapes. They need specific care and a marine aquarium.

Cichlid fish. Fish such as discos, acaras, and cichlids are all included in the broad category of cichlids. Big tanks and calm tankmates are necessary for them.

And the hybrids of swordtails. Experienced aquarists may find swordtails and their hybrids to be an interesting variety of colorful fish.

Unusual fish from Africa and South America. These include fish that need specific conditions, like archosetra, piranha, and arapaima.

Comparison chart of popular fish

Fish	Description
Guppy	Bright colors, active behavior, unpretentious
Betta	Beautiful fins, bright colors, unpretentiousness
Platies	Colorful colors, active, good combination with other fish
Neon	Small, bright fish, form schools, require clean water
Swordtail	Elongated lower fins, colorful colors, reproduction
Molyenesia	Bright colors, various shapes, peaceful
Sailfish	Beautiful fins, unique colors, demanding
Gourami	Bright colors, elongated body shape, unpretentious
Rainbow fish	Bright stripes, variety of colors, spacious aquarium
Swordtail	Elongated lower fins, colorful colors, moderate care
Disco	Large, colorful cichlids, spacious aquarium
Angel	Graceful body shape, elegant fins, demanding
Cardinal	Peaceful, bright red colors, well suited for vegetation
Danio rerio	Small, striped fish, active, require spacious aquarium
Acara	Large cichlids, attractive colors, spacious aquarium
Discosoma	Large and colorful cichlids, spacious aquarium
Predatory aquarium fish	Oscars, arowanas, cichlazomas, etc., require large aquariums and special nutrition
Reef fish	Clowns, surgeonfish, angelfish, etc., require a marine aquarium and specialized care
Cichlids	Discosomes, acaras, cichlazomas, etc., spacious aquarium, peaceful neighbors
Swordtails and their hybrids	A variety of colorful fish, require specialized conditions of maintenance
Exotic fish	Aropaima, piranha, archosetra, etc., require specialized conditions of maintenance

Important elements of caring for aquarium fish include providing the right diet, maintaining ideal conditions in the tank, giving regular care, and keeping an eye on the water’s parameters.

Kindly take note! Fish health and wellbeing are influenced by a number of factors, including regular feeding, keeping the aquarium clean, controlling temperature, and maintaining effective filtration.

The top 20 popular species of aquarium fish are highlighted in this article, which delves into their colorful and lively world and includes everything from striking and formidable predators to colorful and lively guppies. We’ll go over the special traits and maintenance needs of each fish, offering a thorough how-to for novices and seasoned hobbyists alike to help them build a vibrant and eye-catching aquarium. This collection includes a wide range of options to improve your underwater environment, whether you’re searching for vibrant, eye-catching additions or formidable aquatic predators.

Diseases and prevention

Aquarium fish are susceptible to a number of illnesses, including algae, fusarium, and ichthyoptosis. Regular fish monitoring, keeping the aquarium from becoming overcrowded, feeding the fish well, and maintaining the ideal water conditions will all help keep fish healthy and prevent disease.

1. Guppy	Small, colorful fish that are easy to care for and breed.
2. Betta	Known for their vibrant colors and flowing fins; males are particularly aggressive.
3. Neon Tetra	Small and peaceful with a striking blue and red coloration.
4. Swordtail	Recognizable by their long, sword-like tail fins; hardy and active.
5. Molly	Available in various colors, these fish are hardy and adaptable.
6. Corydoras Catfish	Bottom-dwelling fish that help clean up the tank; friendly and social.
7. Zebra Danio	Small and active fish with horizontal stripes; great for beginners.
8. Angelfish	Elegant and majestic with triangular bodies; they need a bit more space.
9. Rainbowfish	Brightly colored with a variety of hues; peaceful and lively.
10. Discus	Large, round fish with a calm demeanor; require stable conditions.
11. Pufferfish	Unique and interesting with the ability to inflate when threatened.
12. Clownfish	Famous for their bright orange color and association with sea anemones.
13. Gourami	Peaceful fish with a range of colors and interesting body shapes.
14. Oscar	Large and intelligent; known for their distinct personalities and need for space.
15. Severum	Robust fish with a pleasing color palette; requires a sizable tank.
16. Rainbow Shark	Not a true shark but has a shark-like appearance; can be territorial.
17. Blue Ram Cichlid	Small and colorful cichlid with a peaceful nature.
18. Cherry Barb	Small and vibrant with a reddish color; peaceful and easy to keep.
19. Kuhli Loach	Elusive and eel-like; great for keeping the bottom of the tank clean.
20. Rainbow Cichlid	Colorful and hardy; they can adapt to a range of water conditions.

Examining the top 20 aquarium fish in popularity reveals a world of colorful and varied choices for hobbyists of all skill levels. There is something for everyone, from the dazzling guppies that add a pop of color to any tank to the more fearsome predators that add excitement. The fish on this list all have their own distinct personalities and charms, so it should be easy to choose the right one for your aquarium.

The diversity of species on this list guarantees that you’ll find something to suit your space and lifestyle, whether you’re drawn to the merry antics of schooling fish or the calm elegance of solitary swimmers. Keep in mind that maintaining a healthy and vibrant aquatic environment depends on proper care and consideration of the fish’s habitat when you think about adding new fish to your aquarium.

The dynamic beauty and complex interactions of the aquarium’s inhabitants are ultimately what make aquarium keeping so enjoyable. Selecting one of these top 20 well-liked aquarium fish will improve your tank experience overall rather than just adding a new feature. Now jump in, take a look around, and relish the colorful underwater environment that is waiting for you!

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