Red fish are an excellent option if you want to give your aquarium a burst of vivid color. Their vivid colors can make your tank an amazing visual treat by striking a striking contrast with green plants and other colorful species.
Red fish are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and temperaments to suit the tastes of any aquarist. Regardless of your preference for calm swimmers or vibrant, active fish, there’s a red species that will blend right in with the surroundings of your aquarium.
We’ll look at a few of the best vivid red fish that will add life in this post.
Swordtail
Numerous hybrids with varying colors, habits, and sizes were inferred by breeders. Classic red swordtails, which are produced by crossing Heller’s swordtails with pecilia, are perfect for community aquariums.
Other man-made shapes are equally important:
- red-eyed Rubies;
- red striped Santa Clauses.
Because this breed jumps, a lid must be placed on the aquarium. Any type of soil will work. Snags made of wood are thought to be the best decorative accents. Algae with one cell settle on them. They are devoured by red swordtails with great relish. Plants that work well:
- cryptocorynes;
- echindorus;
- Vallisneria.
Although red swordtails are calm fish, they have an unclear personality. They get along well with platies, tetras, catfish, minors, angelfish, mollies, and barbs. In an overcrowded aquarium and with the incorrect sex ratio, they turn aggressive. Their veil fins frequently annoy their sluggish neighbors.
Fish in a "harem" are these. A male needs two to three females.
Red swordtails will gladly consume live, frozen, and dry food; they are not fussy eaters. When there are plants in the aquarium, they can survive for up to seven days without food; this won’t have an adverse effect on their health. They’ll nibble on the wall-mounted algae and pinch leaves.
Red swordtails typically reach their natural sizes of 8 to 15 cm and have a lifespan of three to six years. They procreate with ease. Observing the mating dances is fascinating. The end result of this is a 40-day pregnancy. The most crucial stage in the breeding of red swordtails is the preservation of the 15–100 fry that the female produces.
| t (℃) | pH | GH | Volume per fish | Replacement |
| 20-28 | 7.0-8.0 | 9-19 | 10-20 l | 1 time in 2 weeks (25−30%) |
Pecilias
A specific variation of the common pecilia, Xiphophorus maculatus is identified by its monochromatic red body and fins. The shortened body of the viviparous fish is no longer than 5 cm.
Regular fins or a veil.
Red platies are more prone to illness in soft water. Add marble chips to the soil to make it harder.
Sex dimorphism is blatantly apparent. Males have a modified caudal fin called a gonopodium, which is an organ used to fertilize eggs inside the female’s body. They are also smaller and have brighter colors. Females have a more rounded abdomen and a normal anal fin.
| t (℃) | pH | GH | Volume per fish | Replacement |
| 24-27 ℃ | 8.0 | 10-20 | 7-8 l | weekly (20%) |
Red platies get along well in an aquarium with small fish that need the same conditions, such as swordtails, mollies, guppies, and others. There are plenty of shelters in an average aquarium for platies to hide from predators. Bloodworms and daphnia are necessary for the digestive tract to function normally, as is plant fiber.
Cherry barb
Cherry barb can be found on the island of Sri Lanka in natural reservoirs. It can grow up to 5 cm and live for 4–6 years in an aquarium. The red fish’s back is darker than its belly. The body is covered in a dark brown stripe that runs its whole length. The sides have some dark areas.
Males have a more slender body and are brighter than females.
Breeding is more challenging than with other barb varieties. The temperature of the spawning ground is kept between 26 and 28 °C. Cryptocorynes and echinodorus are examples of plants. For one to two hours, the female lays up to 250 eggs during spawning.
| t (℃) | pH | GH | Volume per fish |
| 22-28 ℃ | 6.0-7.0 | 2-15 | 7-8 l |
Cherry barbs are housed in groups of no fewer than six.
Appropriate neighbors for a shared aquarium:
- danio;
- swordtails;
- mollies;
- peaceful catfish;
- gourami;
- ternetia;
- angelfish;
- other types of barbs.
Beckoner
Gorgeous red hue in specific forms. In their natural habitat, Beckons are unremarkable, brown-green. They are kept mostly alone, but occasionally in small groups—one male and one to three females. The maximum size is 6-7 cm, and the life expectancy is 3–4 years.
The water is not added to the very top because the labyrinth fish need atmospheric air. The aquarium has a lid and is furnished with a filter. Red cocks dislike strong currents and favor dim lighting. Grottoes, castles, and other ornamental shelters are necessary when kept in groups. They are where women hide from too-emotional men.
| t (℃) | pH | GH | Volume per fish | Replacement |
| 22−30 ℃ | 6.0−8.0 | 5−15 | 3−10 l | every week (25%) |
Red neon
Also known as the cardinal tetra, this species of red fish inhabits the upper Rio Negro River. distinguishes itself from regular blue neons with its larger (5 cm) size, color, and high maintenance needs. Red neon is attracted to "black water" and is intolerant of changes in the water’s chemical makeup or temperature.
At least six red neons are housed in schools. This is a great option for aquariums that are styled naturally. The fish get along well with rasboras, apistograms, pristellas, peaceful catfish, and blue and black neons.
| t (℃) | pH | GH | Volume per fish | Replacement |
| 23−26 ℃ | 6.0−7.0 | up to 5 | 4 l | weekly (15%) |
Gourami
The trade name for a fish that resembles a labyrinth and is not found in nature is honey red gourami. This particular honey gourami color variation is the result of selective breeding. 5 cm is the maximum length; color:
- body – orange-red;
- ventral fins – red or bright orange.
Red fish are calm and a little shy, making them good for communal aquariums. They get along well with non-aggressive labyrinth fish species and dislike parrot fish, labidochromis, and pseudotropheus.
| t (℃) | pH | GH | Volume per fish | Replacement |
| 22−28 ℃ | 7.0 | up to 15 | 10 l | weekly (20%) |
Chromis
The African cichlid Chromis-beautiful inhabits the rivers Congo, Nile, Niger, and other African waterways. There are numerous round, bluish-green spots and a brown tint to the vibrant red coloring.
Hemichromis can grow up to 12 cm and live for 5–8 years. There is minimal manifestation of sexual dimorphism, and slight variations are seen during spawning:
- males have brighter coloring;
- females have a rounded belly.
The red fish is housed in species aquariums because it is abrasive and aggressive toward small fish (danio, guppies, and neons). A pair needs a minimum of 60 liters of volume. Grottoes and snags are necessary.
Because they dig down to the bottom, the soil must be heavy and free of sharp edges, and the plants (such as anubias, cryptocorynes, and elodea) must have robust roots and hard leaves.
| Water temperature | pH | GH | Volume per fish | Replacement |
| 18−23 ℃ | 6.8−8.0 | 5−17 | 30 l | every week (25%) |
Comet
A selective variety of goldfish meant for ornamental ponds and aquariums is called red comet. The maximum length is 20 cm, and the life expectancy is 14 years. The tail’s elongated blades form a fork, and it is several times longer than the body. Especially impressive specimens have long pectoral and ventral fins that dangle like ribbons.
The following items are used as decoration in the aquarium, which has a powerful filtration and aeration system:
- coarse-grained soil;
- live plants (echindorus, cryptocorynes, anubias, magnolia vine);
- decorative elements without sharp edges.
Half of the water is changed once a week. Red fish are fed frozen, live, or dry food one or two times a day. As a top dressing, use duckweed, wolffia, and riccia floating.
| Water temperature | pH | GH | Volume of water per individual |
| 20-22 ℃ | 7.0 | up to 15 | 50 l |
Minor
The minor’s upper body is flattened on the sides. Tiny, measuring 4-5 cm. Six years is the expected lifespan. It has a ruby- or blood-red color. Black, quadrangular dorsal fin. Unique characteristic: a black, diamond-shaped patch behind the gills. Compared to men, females are paler.
Red fish with vivid colors are housed in groups of at least six fish. They are movable and appear ornamental against the dark soil background:
- they love driftwood, live plants and the “black water” effect;
- they do not like fast currents and bright lighting;
- get along with neons, speckled catfish, ternetia, danios and tetras.
Red minors, kept alone in a small aquarium, can nibble on the tails and fins of their slower neighbors.
| Water temperature | pH | GH | Volume of water per individual | Change |
| 22−24 ℃ | 6.0−7.0 | 5−10 | 10 l | 1 time per month (30%) |
Tetra
The Fire tetra, also known as Amanda’s tetra, is simple to raise and breed. inhabits the South American rivers. prefers soft, slightly acidic water, slow current, and muted lighting.
Adult individuals measure 1.5–2 cm in size. They have a 5- to 6-year lifespan in ideal circumstances. The expression of sexual dimorphism is weak. The coloring is one color:
- intensely red;
- red-orange.
The dark soil and foliage contrast beautifully with the males and females. Small, non-aggressive species from South America and Southeast Asia (barbs, rainbow fish) live in peace with red fish. They do not get sick in nearly natural conditions, and they reproduce readily. Eight to ten piece schools are used to house them.
| Water temperature | pH | GH | Volume of water per individual | Water change |
| 20-28 ℃ | 5.0-7.0 | 1-10 | 10 l | 1 time per week (20%) |
Bright red fish are a popular choice for enthusiasts because they can add vivid color and life to any aquarium. This post will discuss the best red fish species that are not only gorgeous to look at but also work well in a variety of aquarium setups, from entry-level tanks to larger ones.
Discus
In species aquariums, red discus are housed in groups.
The fish have access to strong filtration, aeration, and moderate lighting. The visually striking aquarium cichlids are sedentary, excrete a lot of organic matter, and have a preference for animal food:
The hue red is influenced by one’s state of mind and health. The fish become pale in sickness and stress, and bright red in the spawning season.
| Water temperature | pH | GH | Volume of water per fish | Water change |
| 26-28 ℃ | 6.0−6.5 | 8 | 25 l | every week (35%) |
Ancistrus Red
The Ancistrus Red catfish, with its striking red-brown color, is ideal for small aquariums due to its small size (3−6 cm).
This German selection process is artificial. The red fish has a diurnal lifestyle, clearing algae and other debris from the aquarium’s walls, plants, and décor.
Prefers plant-based diet; readily crosses with other relatives, including albino ancistrus.
| Water temperature | pH | GH | Water volume per fish | Replacement |
| 22−26 ℃ | 6.0−7.0 | 4−18 | 25 l | every week (20%) |
Red zebra
The red zebra is a Malawian cichlid that has a large head, an oval body, and a well-developed dorsal fin. The fish has plump lips and big eyes.
Adult females are 10 cm long, while adult males are 13.5 cm long.
Species aquariums are common places to keep red cichlids.
The best combination for a 150-liter aquarium is three or four females for every male. Emulate the Malawian lakes’ native biotope. Large stones are present, the soil is sandy, and there is little to no vegetation. Remember that female red zebras can hide in shelters from a male’s bothersome advances.
| Water temperature | pH | GH | Water volume per individual | Water change |
| 24−28 ℃ | 7.6−8.8 | 10−25 | 25 l | every week (20%) |
| Fish Name | Description |
| Red Swordtail | A popular freshwater fish with a bright red body, known for its peaceful nature and ease of care. |
| Red Platy | A small, vibrant red fish that is easy to care for and perfect for community tanks. |
| Cherry Barb | A hardy fish with a deep red color, suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists. |
| Betta Fish | A striking fish with a flowing red tail, often kept alone due to its aggressive behavior. |
| Discus | A large, round fish with a rich red hue, often considered the jewel of freshwater aquariums. |
You can really make your aquarium stand out by adding bright red fish. These vibrant species not only give your tank a striking splash of color, but they also create a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere that your fish and you will love.
There are many to pick from, depending on whether you like the striking contrast of a red Betta or the shimmering beauty of a Cherry Barb. Selecting the species that best fits your aquarium setup and experience level is crucial because each has a distinct charm and care needs of its own.
In the end, vivid red fish can turn your aquarium into a striking focal point. You can create a stunning underwater world that you’ll want to watch every day by choosing the right species and giving them the care they need.
