Setting up a new aquarium can be overwhelming. There are numerous fish to choose from, making it difficult to know where to start. Choosing new fish for an aquarium can, and should be, the funnest part of setting up a new tank.
Whether a hobbyist is a beginner or an expert, there are species suitable for everyone. Those new to the hobby might want to stick to a peaceful community tank. They could choose from livebearers, tetras, or danios, among others. Those branching out toward more difficult fish might try loaches, gouramis, or rainbowfish. Experts who want a challenge may choose an Arowana or African or New World cichlids.
Remember, all the freshwater fish on this list make great pets. That DOES NOT mean they are all suitable to live together. Research each fish’s needs and personalities before choosing to house species together.
African Cichlids
African cichlids live in waters throughout Africa, though most live in one of three lakes. Those three lakes are Tanganyika, Malawi, and Victoria. There are about 250 known cichlid species living in Lake Tanganyika. About 350 live in Lake Malawi, while 200 live in Lake Victoria.
Hobbyists should only house cichlids from the same lake. Each lake has different living conditions. They are not all suitable for every cichlid species.
African cichlids are among the planet’s most aggressive and colorful freshwater fish. While they are an exciting prospect, they are not suitable for beginners.
Bear in mind that, like many fish, the males are more colorful than the females. The vibrancy of male cichlids is even more pronounced than most species. Females are often very dull in comparison.
Below, find a small fraction of popular African cichlids.
1. Kribensis Cichlid (Pelvicachromis pulcher)
- Origins: Nigeria & Cameroon
- Care Level: Moderate
- Size: Up to 4 in (10.2 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 30+ gallons
- Temperament: Semi-peaceful
- Swimming Level: Bottom (Caves) to Middle
- Water Temperature: 75-80°F (23.9°C)
- pH: 5.0-8.0
The upper half of these cichlids’ bodies are dark brown to black, while the lower half is reddish-pink. Their fins are mostly gray, though the tips of the dorsal and caudal fins contain some white and yellow. The caudal fin has a few large black spots rimmed in white.
Kribensis cichlids are ideal for community cichlid tanks. They are one of the more peaceful African cichlids. They are quick, active fish that enjoy interacting with their tank mates.
Avoid keeping Kribensis with other cave-dwelling species. They choose a cave to claim as their own and are highly territorial. The cave is where they store their eggs; aggression worsens during mating season.
2. Red Empress Cichlid (Protomelas taeniolatus)
- Origins: Lake Malawi
- Care Level: Moderate
- Size: 4.5-6 in (11.4-15.2 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 75+ gallons
- Temperament: Semi-peaceful
- Swimming Level: Bottom to Middle
- Water Temperature: 73-82°F (22.8-27.8°C)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
Red empress cichlids have white upper bodies with black horizontal stripping. All along their bodies are specks of red, which hints at their name. Their bellies are yellow.
The fins of these fish are where they truly get their name. The base color of the fins is white, though vibrant red striping runs their lengths.
These cichlids are easy to care for, given they have stable water conditions and lots of space. They prefer large rocks for hiding and soft sand. They are even safe around plants, unlike most cichlids.
Like Kribensis, red empress cichlids are uniquely peaceful. They make good additions to most African cichlid community tanks.
3. Blue Peacock Cichlid (Aulonacara nyassae)
- Origins: Lake Malawi
- Care Level: Moderate
- Size: 7 in (17.8 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 55+ gallons
- Temperament: Semi-Peaceful
- Swimming Level: Bottom to Middle
- Water Temperature: 75-82°F (23.9-27.8°C)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
Blue peacock cichlids are one of the most colorful species of African cichlids. They have electric blue upper bodies, fins, and faces. Their bellies and anal fins are sunshine yellow. Some of that yellow coloring transfers into the caudal fin in speckles.
Some parts of Lake Malawi can reach depths of 2,300 ft (701 m). Peacock cichlids prefer the shallower, coastal portions of the lake.
These cichlids are one of the more peaceful African cichlids. They are ideal for many African cichlid community tanks. Peacock cichlids are active and enjoy exploring their tanks.
New World Cichlids
“New World” cichlids are those native to the waters of Central and South America. Their colors are as vibrant as African cichlids. The bonus is that they tend to be far less aggressive than most African cichlid species.
4. German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)
- Origins: Orinoco River Basin in Venezuela and Columbia, South America
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Size: 2-2.5 in (5.1-6.4 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 30+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Swimming Level: Bottom to Middle
- Water Temperature: 84-86°F (29-30°C)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
German blue rams get their name for the iridescent blue speckling on their bodies. Besides the spots, the back half of their bodies are white with black vertical banding. The front half of their body is yellow. A thick black band runs down their face through their eye. Their fins are light yellow with blue speckling. There may be some black blotching on the fins and bodies.
Rams are some of the smallest and most peaceful New World cichlids available. They do great in community tanks. They are not picky about their tank mates, happy to live individually, in pairs, or groups.
Rams aren’t great for beginners as they are sensitive to water quality.
5. Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)
- Examples: Silver Angelfish, Zebra Angelfish, Koi Angelfish, Black Lace Angelfish
- Origins: South America
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Size: About 4 in (10.2 cm) wide & 6 in (15.2 cm) tall
- Aquarium Size: 55+ gallons (up to 4 angelfish & some tank mates)
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Water Temperature: 78-86°F (25.6-30°C)
- pH: 6.0-8.0
Angelfish are one of the most loved species of fish in the freshwater aquarium industry. Their round, disk-like bodies, and slender, trailing fins are unique.
Angelfish are “semi-aggressive” cichlids. They do well with peaceful fish of similar or smaller sizes. They tend to be nippy — avoid keeping them with overly passive fish. Choose fish that can stand up for themselves but don’t actively bully others.
Angelfish have long, delicate, thread-like fins that are in danger from other fish. It’s imperative to put them with non-aggressive fish.
6. Discus (Symphysodon discus)
- Origins: Amazon River Basin, South America
- Care Level: Difficult
- Size: 5-8 in (12.7-20.3 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 75+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Swimming Level: Middle
- Water Temperature: 82-88°F (27.8-31.1°C)
- pH: 6.0-7.6
Most hobbyists admire Discus for their striking colors and unique, round bodies. Their bodies are disk-shaped and flat, with faces that end in a slight point.
Their dorsal and anal fins are short and span the length of the fish’s upper and lower bodies. Their pelvic fin is long and slender, ending in a point. The pectoral and caudal fins are more fan-like.
Discus may be solid in color, though many have patterns of spots, blotches, or barring.
Unfortunately, Discus are exceptionally difficult to care for. Most hobbyists admire them from a distance rather than choosing to own them. Their care difficulty is due to their extreme sensitivity. They cannot handle poor water quality or sudden shifts. They are also picky and can be difficult to wean onto different foods.
Livebearers
Livebearers are any fish that give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. The babies are immediately able to swim after birth. Breeders must often separate the pregnant mother from the main tank. The fry are born into their own space where they are safe. Fry are highly vulnerable until they get older; other fish in the tank often eat them.
The most popular livebearers available in pet stores are those listed below.
Avoid keeping several live-bearing species in the same tank unless the tank is big. Livebearers procreate rapidly. Too many of these fish can quickly inundate a tank.
7. Guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
- Origins: Northeast South America & The Caribbean
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 2 in (5.1 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 10+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Water Temperature: 72-82°F (22.2-27.8°C)
- pH: 6.8-7.8
Fancy guppies and “feeder” guppies are both available for freshwater aquariums. Fancy guppies are more popular for their bright colors, patterns, and long fins. “Feeder” guppies have shorter fins and duller colors, though they are hardier.
Guppies are one of the best freshwater fish for beginners. They are hardy, small enough for nano tanks, and come in many vibrant colors.
8. Endlers Livebearers (Poecilia wingei)
- Origins: Laguna de Patos in Venezuela
- Care Level:
- Size: 1 in (2.5 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 10+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Water Temperature: 66-84°F (18.9-28.9°C)
- pH: 5.0-8.0
Endlers livebearers are the guppy’s smaller, colorful relative. Their tiny size makes them ideal for nano aquariums. Endlers are some of the most peaceful fish available. They shouldn’t live with larger community fish due to their size.
9. Mollies (Poecilia spp.)
- Examples: Common Molly, Balloon Molly, Sailfin Molly, Yucatan Molly
- Origins: North & South America — Mexico, United States
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Size: 2-8 in — varies by species
- Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Water Temperature: 70-78°F (21.1-25.6°C)
- pH: 7.0-8.5
Mollies are larger than guppies, platies, and Endlers. They come in various colors, patterns, and body shapes. They are one of the most popular fish for community tanks with larger, peaceful fish. Mollies are assertive enough to deal with fin-nippers like barbs. Despite their assertiveness, they won’t bully other fish.
Mollies are one of the only “freshwater” fish that can adapt to brackish and saltwater. Many hobbyists enjoy keeping mollies in their fiddler crab tanks. It’s not as common for hobbyists to keep mollies in saltwater tanks.
The hardiness of mollies makes them ideal for beginners. Like guppies, aquarists should be ready to deal with fry when keeping males and females.
10. Swordtails (Xiphophorus hellerri)
- Examples: Common Swordtail, Green Swordtail, Pygmy Swordtail, Yellow Swordtail
- Origins: Central America
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: Up to 6 in (15.2 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 10+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Water Temperature: 64-82 °F (17.8-27.8°CF)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
Swordtails have long, slender bodies, similar to mollies, though their fins are larger. Their dorsal fin sweeps behind them, and the males have a long, sword-like anal fin that ends in a point.
Their larger size makes them ideal for living with mollies, platies, and other larger fish. As with the others, prepare to handle any fry that comes from keeping males and females together.
11. Platies (Xiphophorus maculatus)
- Examples: Wagtail Platy, Pintail Platy, Mickey Mouse Platy
- Origins: Central America
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 2-3 in (5-7 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Water Temperature: 70-82°F (21-28°C)
- pH: 6.8-8.5
Platies have short, broader bodies than guppies, swordtails, and mollies. They are some of the most colorful livebearers, behind guppies and Endlers. They come in many patterns, such as the “Mickey Mouse” platy. They have spots on their bodies resembling Mickey Mouse’s ears.
Bottom Dwellers
Every community tank can use bottom-dwellers. They stay out of the way of the middle-dwelling fish and add some uniqueness to the tank. Many of them help keep the tank clean as well.
12. Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras spp.)
- Examples: Panda, Albino, Sterbas, Bronze, Pygmy, Three-Stripe, Emerald
- Origins: South America
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 1-3 in (2.5-7.6 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Swimming Level: Bottom
- Water Temperature: 72-82°F (22.2-27.8°C)
- pH: 6.0-8.0
Corydoras catfish are some of the most beloved freshwater fish. They are peaceful in nature and have helpful cleaning habits. Cory cats are schooling fish that move about the bottom of the tank, feeding on leftover fish food.
13. Plecos
- Examples: Common Pleco, Clown Pleco, Bristlenose Pleco
- Origins: Tropical South America, Panama, & Costa Rica
- Care Level: Easy to Difficult
- Size: Varies by Species
- Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive
- Swimming Level: Bottom & Sides of Tank
- Water Temperature: Varies by Species
- pH: Varies by Species
Many aquarists look toward plecos when they want an algae eater. Some smaller species are decent algae-eaters. Most plecos become more carnivorous as they age. They also produce a lot of waste, meaning hobbyists need a highly effective filter.
Plecos make wonderfully interesting pets. Hobbyists must simply do their research and understand what they’re getting into. For example, many buy common plecos, not realizing they can reach up to 2 ft (0.6 m) long.
14. Loaches
- Examples: Kuhli Loach, Clown Loach, Hillstream Loach
- Origins: Central & Southern Asia
- Care Level: Moderate
- Size: Varies by Species
- Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive
- Swimming Level: Bottom
- Water Temperature: Varies by Species
- pH: Varies by Species
Loaches are great fish for those that want to feel like they’re caring for an eel or an underwater snake. They have long, slender bodies and tiny fins that come in all kinds of colors and patterns. These fish range in size from small to large, making them ideal for any size tank.
Many loaches are peaceful and do well in community tanks. Most are schooling fish that need companions to feel comfortable and be active. Many species can even help control pest snail populations.
15. Arowana (Scleropages formosus)
- Origins: South America
- Care Level: Difficult
- Size: 3 ft (1 m)
- Aquarium Size: 250+ gallons
- Temperament: Aggressive
- Swimming Level: Top
- Water Temperature: 75-82°F (23.9-27.8°C)
- pH: 5-7.5
Arowanas are not for new aquarists, as they grow to enormous sizes and require much care. These huge fish are aggressive and eat almost anything small enough to fit in their mouths. Take care to choose aggressive tank mates too big to fit in their mouths.
These fish have long, slender, silvery bodies that attract many hobbyists. They are suitable for experts who like a challenge.
16. Gourami
- Examples: Dwarf Gourami, Three-Spot Gourami, Honey Gourami
- Origins: Eastern & Southern Asia
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Size: Varies by Species
- Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive
- Swimming Level: Middle
- Water Temperature: Varies by Species
- pH: Varies by Species
Gouramis are in the same family as bettas; they have labyrinth organs that allow them to breathe air. They come in various iridescent colors and range in size from small to large. Gouramis are generally peaceful, though males tend to be territorial toward each other.
17. Tetras
- Examples: Neon Tetra, Serpae Tetra, Black-Skirt Tetra
- Origins: South America & Africa
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: Varies by Size
- Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons
- Temperament: Mostly Peaceful — Some Species Can Be Nippy
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Water Temperature: Varies by Species
- pH: Varies by Species
Tetras are some of the most-loved fish in the freshwater aquarium industry. Most species are suitable for beginners and experts alike. Most are peaceful and do well with species of similar sizes and temperaments.
Tetras come in all different colors, and they move about in schools. The more tetras in the tank, the more impressive and colorful the aquarium will be.
18. Rasboras
- Examples: Harlequin Rasbora, Galaxy Rasbora, Chili Rasbora
- Origins: Asia
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Size: Varies by Species
- Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Water Temperature: Varies by Species
- pH: Varies by Species
Rasboras are tiny fish perfect for nano tanks. They also do well in larger community tanks with peaceful fish of similar sizes. They come in many different colors and patterns that rival that of tetras.
These timid schooling fish are most active when living in schools. Keep at least six individuals to see the most activity. Rasboras also prefer to live amongst many plants to feel safe.
19. Killifish
- Examples: Clown Killifish, Striped Killifish, Blue Lyretail Killifish
- Origins: North & South America, Africa, & Asia
- Care Level: Easy to Difficult
- Size: Varies by Species
- Aquarium Size: 5+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful to Aggressive
- Swimming Level: Varies by Species
- Water Temperature: Varies by Species
- pH: Varies by Species
Killifish have vibrant patterns that make them a show-stopper in any aquarium. They are small nano fish with slender bodies. They are a better option for small tanks than most tetras, rainbowfish, or platies.
Killifish are less common in the aquarium industry than the other species. They are a unique choice for those who want something different.
20. Danios
- Examples: Zebra Danio, Giant Danio, Pearl Danio
- Origins: South & Southeast Asia
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: Varies by Species
- Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons
- Temperament: Mostly Peaceful — Known for being Nippy
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Water Temperature: Varies by Species
- pH: Varies by Species
Danios generally have duller colors than many of the other fish on this list. Their interesting patterns and energetic personalities make up for their lack of color. Danios are fast fish that enjoy zipping around the tank in schools. They are one of the hardiest fish, making them ideal for new hobbyists.
21. Rainbowfish
- Examples: Boeseman’s Rainbowfish, Threadfin Rainbowfish, Neon Rainbowfish
- Origins: Australia, Indonesia, & Papua New Guinea
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: Varies by Species
- Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Water Temperature: Varies by Species
- pH: Varies by Species
Rainbowfish are some of the most stunning freshwater fish. They get their name because of the many vibrant colors that cover their bodies. During breeding, their colors only get brighter.
Rainbowfish need large tanks. They are highly active, which makes their colors more appealing.
Though rainbowfish aren’t schooling fish, they do shoal with members of their kind. They are happier in groups of at least six individuals, as they are social animals.
22. Barbs
- Examples: Cherry Barb, Tiger Barb, Odessa Barb
- Origins: Asia, Africa, & Europe
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Size: Varies by Species
- Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive to Aggressive
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Water Temperature: Varies by Species
- pH: Varies by Species
Like tetras, barbs come in many different patterns and colors. As schooling fish, they can fill a tank with all the hues of the rainbow.
Some barbs, like the cherry barb, have friendly personalities. They often do well in community tanks. Others, like the tiger barb, are highly aggressive. They should only live with other aggressive and semi-aggressive fish.
23. Betta Fish
- Examples: Betta splendens, Betta imbellis, Betta Anabatoides
- Origins: Southeast Asia
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 5+ gallons
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Water Temperature: 75-81°F (23.9-27.2°C)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
Betta fish are some of the most beloved fish in the industry, especially among beginners. Their large, flowing fins and vibrant colors make them striking. Despite being aggressive toward one another, they usually do well with other fish.
Bettas are fairly hardy fish because they are used to changing water parameters in the wild.
They are good for beginners, though they need more care than most beginners realize. At a minimum, betta fish need a 5-gallon tank, filter, heater, and decorations.
24. Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
- Examples: Oranda Goldfish, Ryukin Goldfish, Fantail Goldfish, Common Goldfish
- Origins: China
- Care Level: Moderate
- Size: 8-12 in (20.3-30.5 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 50+ gallons for two fancy goldfish — 100+ gallons for adult common goldfish
- Temperament: Peaceful — can be nippy
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Water Temperature: Best between 55-80°F (12.8-26.7°C)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
Goldfish are one of the most beautiful freshwater fish that hobbyists can keep. There are many fancy varieties with large fins and lovely colors. Common goldfish are less desired, though they are hardier and do better in ponds. Though they don’t have large, fancy fins, common goldfish come in an array of beautiful colors.
Like bettas, there is much misunderstanding around goldfish care. Goldfish grow very large very quickly. They need a large amount of space — especially common goldfish. Keeping them in a bowl is cruel as it stunts their growth. Goldfish also produce an enormous amount of waste. Without extra water to dilute it and a filter to clean it, the water becomes toxic.
