Popular Aquarium Fish Categories: Choosing The Right Species

To set up a new aquarium (once you've decided which one suits you), first choose the fish types you want to keep. Scientists have identified more than 25,000 fish species, and aquarists can access over 3,000 of these. Here, we talk about different types of aquarium fish based on their size, looks, food needs, care requirements, and how friendly they are. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced aquarist, these popular aquarium fish categories are perfect for entertainment and decoration.

Freshwater Fish

The main choice any aquarist has to make when setting up a freshwater habitat is selecting which freshwater fish to add. Not every fish found in freshwater is suitable for home aquariums, and clearly, not all are suitable for beginners. So how do you decide? Following are some of the best freshwater fish for aquariums.

1. Neon Tetra

Neon Tetra grows up to a length of three centimetres. This fish features bright colours and an orange stripe over its shiny silver body. Their miniature size makes them easy to spot even in blackwater streams. Neon Tetra are simple feeders and remain fit whether fed on basic fish flakes.

2. Guppy

Guppies can last more than a week without food. They are not fussy, diet-wise, and can tolerate several fish feeds, like blood worms, brine shrimp (frozen or fresh), Daphnia, or even regular fish flakes. They come in various beautiful colour combinations so choose one that suits your style.

3. Corydoras Catfish

Though very friendly, Corydoras are quite hardy, mild, and non-aggressive species. Cory catfish basically dwell on the bottom and should be fed sinking pellets. Stick to flake food otherwise, they will weaken and miss each meal to be more active fish. 

4. Bettas

Bettas are a great beginner fish with a few caveats but they are aggressive. Its male species live alone while females settle in groups of five to six fish called sororities. Male bettas are usually more colourful, with flowing and fancy fins. Females are less flashy but still have some subtle colouration and make a wonderful addition to any tank!

5. Cichlids

One of the few cichlids suitable for smaller aquariums, the German blue ram is a really striking fish. The body is silver-gold with black markings and vivid blue accents. Although these cichlids remain small, they can be territorial with other members of their kind. It's better to keep them alone or in pairs in a community tank.

Saltwater Fish

Imagine an underwater landscape filled with colours, a miniature ocean thriving in your living room. Saltwater aquariums open the door to the amazing world of marine life, bringing all the beauty of coral reefs into homes. The charm of saltwater fish lies in their variety and the colours they can bring to the tank. Have a look at the top saltwater fish for beginner reefers.

1. Clownfish

The best Clownfish are captive-bred, and they also crossbreed, creating some epic and unique patterns. As with many fish in the wild, they are well suited for keeping in pairs. We therefore advise buying two to start, and growing the Clownfish family over time if the size of the tank accommodates it. If water conditions are suitable, they are well-known for hosting anemones or corals.

2. Flasher Wrasse

Flasher Wrasse gets their name due to the rapid 'flashy' behaviour of males. These fish can be easily paired in a big aquatic display and are a great display as they twirl a courtship dance. Introduce the female Wrasse first to partner them up.

3. Blue Tang

Although a very popular saltwater aquatic species, the Royal Blue Tang isn't actually a tang at all. Royal Blues are fantastic aquatic species and they do not eat anemones or corals but mostly feed on algae and krill. They are often known as palette fish because of the blue and black pattern on their body with bright yellow-streaked tails.

4. Yellow Tang

The Yellow Tang stands out due to its bright yellow colour. This fish loses its vivid hues at night, often turning light brown with a clear white line horizontally. Yellow Tang interacts well with reef dwellers and invertebrates. Don’t keep it with others of its kind even in pairs, unless the enclosure holds at least 570 litres.

5. Angelfish

Angelfish have a clear triangle shape and sharp fins that match their body form. Compared to most other fish, they need more advanced care. Angelfish can reach 15 cm in length and need big tanks to thrive. They can live up to 15 years and eat all kinds of food, including frozen live prey fish food, and artificial supplements.

Tropical Fish

Tropical fish breathe new life into aquariums but need good filters, regular water checks, heaters, and friendly tank buddies to make a healthy tank. Let's look at the popular tropical aquarium fish names.

1. Dwarf Gouramis

Dwarf gouramis grow to about 7.5 cm and are great for new tank owners. Their bright red stripes on a shiny blue body make them eye-catching in a group habitat. But male dwarf gouramis can be tough, so it's best to keep one with other calm fish. Feeding them different foods, like frozen bloodworms, will enhance their colours.

2. Discus

The discus fish is stunning but needs special care that new fish keepers often can't provide. They require a top-notch tank of at least 95 litres and can reach up to 20 centimetres when given proper housing and food. The right diet includes beef heart and blood worms, but some flakes can be added for extra nutrients.

3. Zebra Danios

Zebra Danios are active, hardy fish featuring black and white stripes. They are always best kept in groups and therefore perfect for community tanks and are quite suitable for beginners. They love a well-planted habitat and tolerate different water conditions, making them great additions to any tropical setup.

Fish For Small Aquarium

Selecting the right fish for small tanks is one of the important factors in maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. These compact species are beautiful and well-suited for low-key aquarium setups. Nanofish comes in many species and can be kept in small tanks. These fish need aquariums from about 20 to 75 litres, thus giving a wonderful aquatic life without any large setup. Here are the popular aquarium Nanofish categories:

1. Chili rasboras

The peaceful fish, chili rasboras are characterized by a bright red colour and their small size. They are very comfortable in groups and thus make great community tanks. Rasboras add a splash of colour to even the most petite aquatic display.

2. Celestial Pearl Danios

The unique iridescent scales and playful behaviour were seen in these small fish. The celestial pearl danios are active swimmers that thrive in groups. They create a compact environment with a splash of vibrant colours.

3. Pygmy Corydoras

Pygmy corydoras are excellent bottom-dwellers. They help clean a small tank by siphoning organic matter from the substrate. Due to their social nature, they are visually appealing and thrive best in groups.

Buy Fish at Eastern Marine Aquarium

Eastern Marine Aquarium has all the fish supplies you need to set up a lovely aquarium, including different aquarium fish categories. Buy fish online today!