Types of Pet Fish
Guide to Types of Pet Fish
Freshwater pet fish:
one of our most popular pets, which is colorful, soothing, and easy to
maintain. With live pet fish, the options vary immensely from beginners with
their first aquarium to experts looking for something new to fit into a
pre-existing collection they need some kind of knowledge on this subject. This
ultimate guide closely examines the various types of pet fish from what
they need to thrive and whether or not they get along with one another, all
that is needed to create an aquarium oasis.
Introduction to Pet Fish
Fishkeeping can be a
pretty fulfilling hobby like gardening in an aquarium where you are the
keeper of your little world. You can choose types and species of pet fish but
a large range. Overall, fish fall into two categories based on their natural
environment: Freshwater and Saltwater. That gives you plenty of choices over
1,000 species in more than a dozen different categories.
Freshwater Aquarium
Fish
Their freshwater fish
are similar and less difficult to maintain than the saltwater ones, which makes
them top for beginners. These freshwater fish inhabit rivers, lakes, and streams
and can endure non-tolerable water conditions. Here are some common types of
these freshwater fish:
Betta Fish (Betta
splendens)
Overview
Betta fish also known
as Siamese fighting fish are one of the most stylish pet fish on the market.
The fish are colorful and skin-bogglingly colorful. They are resilient and
can withstand small tank life. Their features include the following;
Physical Traits
Size: 2.5 and 3 inches long
Color: They are bred in
different color standards. Those are blue color, green, purple, and multicolor, and
red is the most colorful.
Life span: 3-5 years.
Behavior
Behavior: They are aggressive
fish; particularly males are very aggressive. Hence, they should be kept either
separately or along with their own kind.
Activity: Only somewhat busy,
and explore the different regions of their surroundings.
Care requirements
Tank size: 5 gallons
Water: Should be warm water
possesses a pH, of 6.5-7.5
Feeding: betta pellets and the
occasional live or frozen food like brine shrimp or blood worms 2. GoldFish
(Carassius auratus)
Guppies (Poecilia)
Guppies are small,
colorful livebearer fish well suited for those just starting in the hobby.
Instead of laying eggs, livebearers give birth to live fry.
Physical
characteristics
Size: 1.5-2.5 inches
Guppy: Colors: Bright colors
and different patterns
Lifespan: 2-3 years.
Behavior
Temperament: peaceful, social, and
ideal for community tanks.
Engagement level: I love swimming, and
prefer to socialize in groups.
Care details
Tank capacity: Minimum of 10 gallons
Water Conditions: 72-82°F, Ph:
7.0-8.2
Feeding: Some flakes,
micro-pellets, and live or frozen food a couple of times a week.
Teras
About: tetras are small
aquarium schooling fish, with many different species available. Every type of
tetra comes in various hues and shapes so great for a community tank.
Physical
characteristics
Size: 1.5-2 inches
Colors: Varies by species
(neon, cardinal, and black skirt tetras all apply)
Life span: 5-10 years
Behavior
Temperament: Peaceful but needs to
be in groups of 6 or more.
Temperament: are lovers of open
water and a school them gives the tank an exciting view.
Care details
Tank volume: 10 gallons at least
Water Parameters: Warm 72-82°F; pH
6.0-7.5
Feeding: Flakes, micro-pellets,
and live or frozen foods
Angelfish
(Pterophyllum)
Overview
The angelfish is a very
graceful-looking fish with magnificent fins. They are fairly low-maintenance
but need a big tank because they grow large.
Physical Traits
Height: 6 to 8 in
Available colors: multiple, including
silver, black, and marble line
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Behavior
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; may
be aggressive when spawning
Activity Level: Moderate; vertical
swimming spaces are great
Care Requirements
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons Oct
20, 2020
Water Temperature: Warm water (75-82°F), pH 6.5˚-7.5˚
Feeding: Flakes or pellets and
infrequently some live or frozen fare
Cichlids
Overview
Cichlids Scientific
name: Cichlidae A group of
freshwater fish known for their bright colors and complex behaviors. Some
species fit community tanks and are relatively peaceful, while some are
incredibly territorial.
Physical Traits
Dimensions: 3 – 12 inches by the species
The color palette is
obscure but largely bright and vibrant
Lifespan: 5 to 10 years
Behavior
Temperament: Peaceful to aggressive;
territorial by many species
Active: active, interactive;
behavior is often quite complicated
Care Requirements
Tank Size: At least 20 gallons;
bigger for larger species
Water conditions: Ranges, but typically
warm water w temp (72-82°F), pH 6.5 - 8.0
Food: Species-specific flakes, pellets or live/frozen diet
Corydoras Catfish
Overview
Corydoras catfish are
small, friendly bottom-dwelling fish that eat leftover food so they help with
the cleanliness of the tank. Glofish are social fish that do best in groups.
Physical Traits
Size: 2 to 3 inches
Different Types: Bronze, albino, and
pepper.
Lifespan: 5 to 7 years
Behavior
Temperament: Placid; groups of six
or more are ideal
Temperament: Will be active during feeding time, but likes to hang around the bottom of the tank for the most part
Care Requirements
Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
Water Parameters: Warm water (72°to
78°F), pH 6.5 to 7.5
Feed: Sinking granules,
flake food, and occasional live or frozen feed
Gouramis
Overview
Gouramis are hardy and
attractive fish with different species that have different colors and patterns.
Those are labyrinth fish, and that means they can breathe air from the surface
directly.
Physical Traits
Length: 2″ to 6″ depending on
the species
Colors: Various, including
blue, red, and gold
Lifespan: 4 to 6 years
Behavior
Temperament: Relatively calm, but males
may be aggressive (territorial).
Activity Level: Moderate; I like
plants and having room to hide
Care Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Water Type: Warm (74 to 82
degrees), pH 6.0-8.0
Diet: Flake food, pellets,
and occasionally live/frozen food
Saltwater Fish
Saltwater fish are more
colorful and diverse than freshwater cichlids but need more exact water
conditions and upkeep. They are typically better for advanced hobbyists.
Clownfish
(Amphiprioninae)
Overview
Clownfish are one of
the most iconic saltwater fish, courtesy of their vivid coloring and
relationship with anemones. They are not a very difficult species to take care
of and they adapt to various different tank conditions.
Physical Traits
Size: 3 to 4 inches
Colors: Bright orange body
with white stripes (other color variants)
Lifespan: 6 to 10 years
Behavior
Behavior: Calm, but maybe a bit
territorial, particularly in pairs
Activity Level: Active; swim around
their host anemone or other similar structures
Care Requirements
Tank Size: At least 20 gallons
Water Parameters: Temperature (75-82°F
), Specific Gravity 1.020-1.025,: pH of 8.1-8.4
Dietary Requirements: Flake food, pellets, and live or frozen foods
Tangs (Surgeonfish)
Overview
Keepers of these fish
will be familiar with the Tangs, easily identified due to their bright
colorations and unique body shapes. They are active swimmers, so they need
room and they need a clean environment.
Physical Traits
Size: 6 to 12 inches
Colorways: Sky blue, gold, and
others
Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
Behavior
Temperament: Usually peaceful but
can be aggressive with other tang.
Exercise: High; they require
lots of room to swim
Care Requirements
Tank size: At least a 75-gallon
Water Parameters: temp 75-82°F,
sg:1.020-1.025, 8.1 – 8.4 pH
Diet: Mostly herbivore; need
algae-based food and supplements
Marine Angelfish
Overview
Marine angelfish are
also larger than freshwater species and display more vibrant colors and complex
patterns. These are more difficult to look after and need an established aquarium.
Physical Traits
Length: from 4 to 15 in
(inches) depending on the species
Colors: They are bright
and very colorful with a lot of light designs.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Behavior
Temperament: Peaceful to
aggressive, depending on species
Maturity: Very active; requires
plenty of room to swim and hide
Care Requirements
Tank Size: Minimum 50 gallons,
larger for big species
Water Parameters; Ideal water temperature
(75–82 °F)(24–28.9 °C), specific gravity 1.020 –1.025, Ph 8.1 to 8.4
Family: Omnivorous; diet
consists of a combination of flakes, pellets, and live or frozen food
Gobies
Overview
Found at the bottom and
often associated with pistol shrimp, gobies are small fish that engage in many
interesting behaviors and some symbiotic interactions with various marine
organisms.
Physical Traits
Size: 1 to 4 inches
Colors: Various colors,
frequently intense and/or design
Lifespan: 2 to 5 years
Behavior
Temperament: Gentle; ideal subjects
for symbiotic relationships with shrimp
Moderate Activity Level: Stay relatively close
to the substrate.
Care Requirements
Tank Size: At least 10 gallons
Water Parameters: temperature 75 to 82
°F (25 to 28 °C), specific gravity from 1.020 to 1.025, and pH buffered between
8.1 and 8.4.
Diet: What this species will
eat in your tank: Omnivorous; small pellets, flakes, and live or frozen food
Wrasses
Overview
Wrasses are another
abundant and diverse clan of fish that bring lots of color and vivaciousness to
the typical marine aquarium. They are colorful and really active for the most
part.
Physical Traits
They range in size from
3 to 12 inches, depending on the species.
Colors: Bright and varied,
often with intricate patterns
Lifespan: 5 to 7 years
Behavior
Behavior: Very calm yet can be
territorial, especially around their own species.
Exercise: Highly active; loves to
swim and bury in the substrate
Care Requirements
The smallest size
recommended: 30 gallons
Water parameters: temp 75-82°F, specific
gravity 1º020 to 1.025, ph 8'0 to8´4
Diet: Omnivore; a variety of
flakes, pellets, and live or frozen food
Dottybacks
Overview
Dottybacks are small,
colorful fish that have large, bold personalities that match their color.
Because they tend to be aggressive and territorial they are not always a good
candidate for community tanks.
Physical Traits
Size: 2 to 4 inches
Bright purple, yellow,
blue, and other lively colors
Lifespan: 5 to 7 years
Behavior
Aggressive and
territorial, particularly towards fish of similar size.
Activity Level: Active; hiding in
crevices and rocks
Care Requirements
Tank Size: At least a 20-gallon
Water Parameters: Warm water (75-82°F),
sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Diet: Carnivore; will eat a
range of flakes, pellets, live or frozen food
Butterflyfish
Overview
Butterfly fish are
bright spotted striped and colorful fish that look elegant to catch their
attention while swimming. These creatures need well-maintained water and are
only recommended for experienced aquarists.
Physical Traits
Size: 4 to 8 inches
Around October 2023,
you will be trained using colors: Bright colors with intricate patterns.
Lifespan: 5 to 10 years
Behavior
Temperament: docile but skittish;
best paired with non-aggressive species
Exercise level: Average; requires a
lot of space and covered regions
Care Requirements
Tank Size: 50 gallons (note,
minimum although Raj will tell you larger is always better)
Aquarium Parameters: Warm water (75–82
degree range), specific gravity of 1.020 to 1.025, pH level between 8.1 and 8.4
FEEDING: Omnivores Need a
varied diet including live or frozen food
Damselfish
Overview
Damselfish are
generally pretty small, tough, and brightly colored. They are tamer and bolder,
but in fact also rather territorial.
Physical Traits
Size: 2 to 3 inches
Color: Bright blue, yellow, and
other saturated colors
Lifespan: 5 to 6 years
Behavior
You will read about Temperament: They are their own territory
makes them aggressive and territorial, even if they feel threatened.
Level of Activity: Highly active; like to
roam and protect their domain
Care Requirements
Tank Size: At least 20 gallon
Water Parameters: Warm water (75–82 °F)
specific gravity of 1.020–1.025 and pH of 8.1–8.4
Diet: Eat all types of food,
like flake food, pellets, or live & frozen
Signing Up For Additional
Considerations For Aquariums
Community Tanks
Establishing a
community tank requires harmonious species. This means taking into account a
variety of factors including compatibility, size, and water conditions. For
example:
Freshwater: guppies, tetras,
corydoras, dwarf gouramis.
Saltwater: Clownfish, gobies,
firefish and peaceful wrasses
Species-Specific Tanks
There are fish that do
best in individual species tanks as a result of their specific needs or
aggressiveness to other fish. Examples include:
1) Betta Fish – One betta,
planted tank
Cichlids: African or South
American cichlids with suitable tank mates and hiding spots.
Biotope Aquariums
Biotope aquariums mimic
the natural habitat of a particular type of fish, thus providing a more
real-world environment. Examples include:
Amazon Biotope: soft, acidic water,
dense vegetation; species include angelfish, tetras, and catfish
Coral Reef Biotope: Includes Various
Species of Reef Fish, Corals, and Invertebrates Kept in a Well-Managed Saltwater
System
Conclusion
Once you enter the
colorful world of pet fish, with all the thousands of freshwater or saltwater
species, there are so many options available. Know what every type of fish
needs to keep everything within balance. Research and care will provide an
ideal environment for your fish, no matter if you make a tranquil community
tank, a dedicated species tank, or a biotope aquarium.
In this guide, we explore the most common types of pet fish along with their care needs and compatibility. Fishkeeping can be a very rewarding hobby that not only adds beauty and serenity but also a connection with nature right inside your home if you plan it and execute it well.
