An aquarium is a real living world that can give peace of mind, inspiration and even become a lifelong hobby. But for this world to be harmonious, you need to choose the right aquarium inhabitants. Not all fish are equally suitable for different volumes, experience levels or types of aquarium. Some fascinate with beauty, others with behavior, and some with endurance and ease of care. In this article, we’ve gathered the best representatives for every occasion, from a compact mini aquarium to a spacious underwater garden. So choose the ones that are right for you and start creating your perfect aquarium.
Fish for small aquariums:
Goupies
Neoni
Cardinals
Microrasbora galactica
A small aquarium – not a reason to give up the colorful underwater world. On the contrary, compact aquariums up to 40 liters are perfect for keeping unpretentious, peace-loving fish. The most popular among them – guppies, which do not require aeration, easily reproduce and please the eye with bright tails. Also an ideal choice would be neons – small gregarious fish with neon glow, which look great in a group of 5-10 individuals. For those who want a more exotic look – cardinals or microrasbora galactica – extremely miniature fish with fabulous coloration. All these species are peaceful, eat simple dry food and do not need complex care. The main thing is not to overpopulate the aquarium and maintain basic cleanliness.
Fish for medium and large aquariums:
Swordfish
Barbus
Scalarias
Gourami
Bocia
Cichlids
If your aquarium has a volume of more than 60 liters, the world opens up wider – you can keep larger and more active species that need space to swim. Favorites of aquarists in this category are swordfish – bright, hardy, social fish, as well as barbs, which are kept in a flock and look particularly dynamic. Scalaria, with their triangular bodies and smooth movement, add grace to the aquarium, and here gourami or bots will bring not only beauty, but also interactivity – they interact with each other, have an interesting behavior. If the volume allows more than 150 liters – pay attention to cichlids, but remember: some of them can be aggressive, so it is important the correct compatibility. Large aquariums also allow you to create real underwater landscapes with snags, rocks and live plants, which will be the background for the active life of fish.
The most beautiful ornamental fish:
Roosters (beta)
Discus
When you want a real underwater fairy tale – it is worth paying attention to decorative beauties. Among the first are cockerels (beta) with luxurious fins that flutter in the water like silk. It is better to keep them one by one because of their aggression to their “competitors”, but visually – it’s a real show. Another favorite is scalaria: graceful, tall fish that resembles a sail. Next – gupi with a selection of colors, among which there are individuals with patterns on the tails, similar to butterflies or fire. And of course, discus – living sculptures among fish, the real elite of the aquarium world. They require a stable temperature regime and quality filtration, but their appearance is worth it.
Fish for beginners: resilient and unpretentious:
Mollinesias
Danio rerio
When you are just starting to get acquainted with the aquarium, it is important to choose fish that will forgive you small mistakes. And there are plenty of such heroes in the world of aquaristics! First on the list are the guppies. They do not need aeration, calmly tolerate temperature fluctuations and eat any food. Next – mollinesia and swordfish: a little larger, but also unpretentious, especially in a stable environment. If you like gregarious fish – danio-rerio or neon will be an excellent choice. They are peaceful, active, look bright even in small volumes. These fish get along well together, do not need exotic conditions and rarely get sick if the water is clean. Ideal for those who want a “first aquarium love” that will not turn into disappointment.
Fish with character: interesting behavior and interaction:
Clown Bocia
Some fish behave like real actors. Watching them is a pleasure. For example, the clown botia is an active and cheerful fish that likes to hide in caves and even makes quiet sounds! Gourami, especially pearl or honey, have a calm, “thoughtful” character, swim slowly and majestically, sometimes as if communicating with each other. If you like underwater drama – try cichlids. They have a pronounced hierarchy, territoriality, care for offspring – all as in the series! But be careful – not all these fish are compatible with others, so require a competent selection of “neighbors”. Ideal for those who want not just a decoration, but a real underwater show with character.
Fish for aquariums with plants:
Rasboras
Corydorasi
Otocinclus
An aquarium with live plants is a separate aesthetic that can be spoiled by some species of fish. But there are many beautiful options that coexist perfectly with greenery. The best of them are neons, rasboras, corydoras (small catfish that scavenge the bottom without disturbing the ground). They do not tear out plants and do not rake the substrate. Also perfectly fit gupi, ototsinklusa (small algae-eaters) and mollinesia, which also eat some types of algae. For large aquariums are suitable scalaria and discus, especially in the design of “natural style” – aquascaping. All these fish will help to maintain balance – they are true allies to plants.
Conclusion
Each fish has its own character, its own requirements and its own beauty. But it is in the right combination of species, aquarium volume and style of design is born a real miracle – the harmony of the underwater world. Do not chase fashion or exoticism – choose those inhabitants, which will be a pleasure to care for every day. With the right fish – life will be bright and interesting.
