Did you know that staring at tropical fish in a tank can reduce stress levels? There is something strangely soothing about watching fish swim!
Whatever your reasons might be for starting a tropical fish aquarium, it’s important to make sure you get the right fish.
Let’s take a look at a closer look at these five tropical fish that are perfect for your new aquarium.
1. Molly
The Molly fish (Poecilia sphenops) is originally from Malaysia. They’re a great first choice because they adjust quickly and they have a passive temperament. They’re known for their energy and playfulness, which makes for a great watch. Molly fish cost around $3-6 and come in a vast array of colors.
They love light and having plenty of live water plants around. They grow no bigger than 5 inches so a 20-gallon tank will suffice. They also do a great job of helping to keep your tank clean!
2. Guppy
The Guppy fish (Poecilia Reticulata) originates from South and Northeast America. Guppy Fish also known as ‘rainbow fish’ are easy to keep and cheap to buy ($1-6). Like the Molly fish, the Guppy has a passive temperament and is energetic.
They’ll adapt to most water conditions and they’re not fussy eaters. They’re very resilient fish and will be fine in a twenty-gallon tank. A word of warning though, they do breed rapidly so you’ll need to keep an eye on them!
3. Dwarf Gouramis
The Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is originally from South Asia. They too have a passive temperament and are quite resilient. They can be prone to different tropical fish diseases so their water must be cleaned regularly. For more information about keeping your fish healthy click this link here.
They breathe directly from the air so the water’s surface needs to be accessible. They will quickly acclimatize themselves to most living conditions and only grow up to about 2 inches. A tank of as little as 10 gallons will be sufficient.
4. Harlequin Rasbora
Another small fish growing up to 2 inches is the Harlequin Rasbora (Trignostigma Heteromorpha). This fish is native to Southern Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Once again, this is fish has a passive temperament and is lively.
Their stunning metallic color makes them a popular choice for aquariums, and they can also be bought at around $2 each. Harlequin Rasbora is a schooling fish so it should be paired with about 8-10 other peaceful aquarium fish.
5. Catfish
Catfish (Siluriformes), which are sometimes called Cory Cats, originate from South America. They are over 100 different types and they’ll cost you around $6-8. Catfish can live up to twenty years! They have an exceptionally relaxed temperament and thrive best in community tanks.
Most species of catfish won’t grow any larger than 3 inches, but it’s recommended that they’re kept in a 30-gallon soft-bottomed aquarium. One great thing about catfish is they spend so much time bottom-feeding that they’ll help you keep your aquarium spotless!
Pick Your Tropical Fish Wisely
Choosing your first tropical fish for a new aquarium can be a little daunting. You need to make sure your aquarium is going to exist peacefully and that all your fish are suited to the same environment. These five fish are a great start.
