Fish Best Suited for Aquarium

This blog is for those who are thinking of having an aquarium at home. Equally, those with aquariums where fish don’t last more than a few days or weeks, would benefit from this blog.

Fish need a proper habitat to live a long healthy life. But even this is not enough. You should know that not all fish are meant to be kept in aquariums. Getting the wrong type of fish for your aquarium is one of the biggest reasons why they don’t last long. So what to do?

In this blog, you’ll find seven best types of fish that not only survive in aquariums but also have a high chance of living long. They are also commonly available in the market.

1. Goldfish

Goldfish are the most common and preferred pet fish for aquariums. One of the reasons is its beautiful gold color and ability to grow in the tank. Goldfish ideally grows in a tank having a capacity of more than 20 gallons. However, this fish also requires maintenance. It needs clean water ( weekly change is preferred), and regular filter cleaning.

This fish has an average lifespan of about 10-15 years. It’s readily available in many colors, shapes and sizes. However, be mindful that goldfish prefer cooler water than other fish. Goldfish is most compatible with Platy and Zebra Danio fish.

2. Black Moor

Black Moor is also a type of goldfish, often known as “telescope goldfish.” These are black colored fish with a golden accent on them. The eyes extend to the lateral sides of the fish like a chameleon, and the fins look fancy, all in all making this fish very attractive. Like any other goldfish, Black Moor also needs a good amount of water to thrive. If your aquarium is below 20 gallons in capacity, then you shouldn’t keep Black Moor.

Black Moor goes well with slow-moving small fish. Never keep your Black Moor with fast-moving fish, or else the other fish will eat all the food before Black Moor gets to it.

3. Blueline shark or Iridescent shark

Blueline sharks are a species of shark catfish. These types of fish can get lonely if kept alone in an aquarium. However, be mindful of placing them with smaller fish as they can eat them.

With proper diet, these sharks can grow up to a meter if kept in a large aquarium. Blueline sharks are native to Southeast Asia, so keeping a soft riverbed in your aquarium helps.

4. Koi

Koi are Japanese origin fish kept initially in ponds for their elegant looks. Later many fish keepers began to use them as pet fish in aquariums. These are cold-water fish best suited for water temperatures ranging between 15 to 25 degrees centigrade. Extreme cold temperatures weaken their immune system.

These fish live for 100 to 200 years and feed on various foods like peas, lettuce, etc. Koi need a big aquarium to grow. A 150 gallons aquarium is enough for 1-2 Koi fish. Many fish go well with Koi in the aquarium, namely Comets, Goldfish, Golden Orfe and Shubunkins.

5. Angelfish

This fish is the most commonly found fish species in aquariums. These fish prefer slightly warmer water. Angelfish are slow movers who love to hide and disguise themselves in small caves or driftwood elements.

These omnivorous fish can eat various foods once sliced or chopped into smaller pieces. These fish are friendly and calm; however, once fully grown they can eat smaller fish around them.

6. Platies

Platies are known for their striking and exotic colors. These are very social fish who love to stay in the communities. These are omnivorous fish that can eat both plant and meat-based foods. These can be kept in fish tanks of 10 – 15 gallons and may grow up to 3-inches.

These fish come in a lot of colors and patterns. Adding these to your aquarium can increase the ambience and presence of your aquarium. Make sure you have enough plants, driftwood or other artifacts to hide and play around for these fish.

7. Corydoras Catfish

These are a type of catfish that thrive well in aquariums. Corydoras are not aggressive and love to be in a shoal of six or more. These are bottom feeders like many other catfish. These fish can tolerate extreme conditions like cooler temperatures and acidic water conditions.

Since these are bottom feeders, these types of fish prefer sand substrate. The size of these fish varies from 1 inch to 4 inches. They may live for over 20 years in optimal conditions. Corydoras catfish thrive best in aquariums having 20 to 30 gallons of water.

What to take away from this blog?

Fish are sensitive animals that require proper care to live a long healthy life. Every fish has its own set of characteristics and traits and not every fish is suitable to be kept in aquariums. We have listed the best types of fish that are ideal for aquarium habitat.

Do you have an aquarium? Would you like to share your pro tips with others? Leave your valuable tips in the comments section.