Freshwater, Planted, Tropical Aquarium Information

 
 

 

Which Tropical Freshwater  Fish? ..........Good Question.

Not all fish are easy to keep and with so much to learn and take on board at the start I would seriously suggest sticking with the ones that are easier to look after.

Most of us make mistakes when we first start out, we get the temperature wrong, we get the filtering wrong or we get the feeding wrong.

No matter how much research you do and how patient you are, you are likely to make a mistake or two along the way.  This list of aquarium fishes are the easy to keep variety the best freshwater aquarium fish for beginners.

If you have filled your tank with some of the more exotic, less tolerant fish it could prove bad for the fish and expensive for you.

So start out with the ones that are more forgiving of your mistakes. It's better for you and better for the fish!!

Don't be put off by them being the more common aquarium fish,  They tend to be the cheaper aquarium fish...and cheap doesn't mean ugly

We owe it to the fish to understand what environment they need and to do everything that we can to provide that environment
   
I have listed some of the easier to keep freshwater tropical fish and linked to a brief page on each one. They're not ugly, in fact some of them are amongst the better looking freshwater aquarium fish despite being popular and common aquarium fish so save some money, save some heartache and enjoy your tank!!

Don't assume for example that all Tetras are easy to keep just because we list the Bloodfin Tetra as an easy to keep species. Different fish within each species require different conditions.

And remember, a fish lives in a completely different environment to us.  Don't expect to know everything straight away.

These are also all community aquarium fish that will mix well and get on.


  • Bloodfin Tetra
    The Bloodfin Tetra or Aphyocharax anisitsi is a sub-tropical fish from South America that can tolerate a wide range of water temperatures and conditions
  • Neon Tetra
    The Neon tetra or Paracheirodon Innesi is probably one of the most popular fresh water fish amongst aquarists and especially amongst beginners to the hobby
  • Penguin Tetra
    Originating from the amazon basin the penguin tetra or Thayeria Boehlkei prefers softer water. It's unusual shoaling pattern and zig zag swimming make it an unusual addition
  • Serpae Tetra
    The Serpae Tetra or Blood Tetra ( Hyphessobrycon calistus )is by far one of the easiest Tetras to keep and makes a good beginner's fish
  • Dwarf Gourami
    The Dwarf Gourami Colisa Lalia originates from Bangladesh and India and comes in a variety of different colours all of which are relatively easy to keep
  • Cherry Barb
    The Cherry Barb Puntius titteya from Sri Lanka is a popular fish amongst both new and experienced aquarium keepers and is relatively easy to keep
  • Gold Barb
    The Gold Barb/ Puntius semifasciolatus is a native of sub-tropical parts of South East Asia. A shoaling fish, it is easy to care for and makes a great fish for anyone new to the hobby
  • Tiger Barb
    The Tiger barb / Pontius Tetrazona with its distinctive markings originates from South East Asia and has become one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish
  • Rosy Barb
    The Rosy Barb Puntius Conchonius originates from the sub-tropical parts of South East Asia where it inhabits lakes and fast flowing streams
  • Albino Cory Bronze Cory
    A Small group of the Albino Cory Bronze Cory will go a long way towards keeping the bottom of the tank clean as they will eat all leftover food / Corydoras Aeneus
  • Platy
    The Platy or Xiphophorus maculatus originates from Central America and is an excellent fish for beginners, easy to care for and it comes in a variety of colours
  • Zebra Danio
    The Zebra Danio / Danio Rerio originates in parts of India and Bangladesh and makes one of the more attractive brightly coloured additions to a freshwater aquarium
  • White Cloud Mountain Minnow
    The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is an extremely hardy fish which can stand some difficult water conditions and makes an excellent fish for beginners
  • Red Rasbora
    The Red Rasbora or Harlequin fish is a native of Thailand and makes a beautiful addition to any beginners tank
  • Aquarium Fish Foods
    What are the different types of aquarium fish foods and when should you be using them to feed your tropical fish
  • Starter Fish
    Starter fish are the first residents of your tank used to help get the nitrogen cycle going. Choose carefully as they need to be tough
  • Algae Eating Fish
    Algae Eating fish will help keep your tank clean but need to be looked after like any other of the inhabitants of your tank

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