Freshwater Fish Names with Images for Your Aquarium
The freshwater fish you choose can shape the beauty and balance of your aquarium. With their vibrant colours, varied sizes, and unique behaviours, freshwater species make fishkeeping both exciting and rewarding. With the right care, you can create a lively, vibrant aquatic environment.
In this guide, you’ll discover some of the most popular freshwater fish, with care tips and fascinating traits.
Why Freshwater Fish Make Ideal Aquarium Companions
Freshwater fish are a great choice for both new and seasoned aquarium hobbyists due to their adaptability and easier care requirements. They do well in a range of tank sizes and usually need less complex filtration and water setups than marine fish, making them more affordable to maintain.
Popular Freshwater Fish: Detailed Descriptions
Below are some of the most beloved freshwater fish species, along with key characteristics and care requirements that every aquarist should know.
Mickey Mouse Platy
Named after the unmistakable Mickey Mouse-like marking near their tail, these colourful, cheerful fish are a favourite in beginner tanks. Platies are easy to care for, highly social, and come in vibrant colours like red, orange, blue, and yellow.
These livebearers thrive in community tanks and prefer slightly alkaline water. They breed readily and are perfect for those curious about observing natural fish behaviour. A group of Platies adds colour and charm to any tank setup.
- Size: 2–2.5 inches (5–6.5 cm)
- Lifespan: 3–5 years
- Temperament: Peaceful, sociable
- Diet: Omnivorous — flakes, algae-based food, bloodworms, daphnia
- Fun Fact: The Mickey Mouse pattern can sometimes be seen in different colours like gold or black, depending on the fish’s body colour.
Serpae Tetra
With their fiery red bodies and striking black dorsal fins, Serpae Tetras are real eye-catchers in planted aquariums. Native to the Amazon Basin, these tetras add vibrant movement and bold colour.
While generally peaceful, Serpae Tetras can be a bit nippy with slow-moving or long-finned tank mates if not kept in groups. A school of six or more minimises aggression and brings out their best behaviour.
- Size: 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm)
- Lifespan: 5–7 years
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive if not schooled
- Diet: Omnivorous — flake food, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp
- Fun Fact: When kept in larger schools, their colours become more vibrant and their confidence improves.
Tiger Barb
Tiger Barbs are energetic, playful fish best known for their bold black stripes across a golden-orange body — a true tiger of the tank! They are highly active and love to dart around in schools, adding energy and life to any aquarium.
Due to their semi-aggressive nature, especially toward long-finned fish like guppies or bettas, they are best kept in groups of six or more to minimise fin-nipping. A lively and colourful addition, they do best in slightly acidic water with lots of swimming space.
- Size: 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)
- Lifespan: 5–7 years
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive, active
- Diet: Omnivorous — flake food, live worms, blanched vegetables
- Fun Fact: Tiger Barbs “flash” their colours more intensely when socialising or during mating rituals.
The Eartheaters
Named for their habit of sifting through substrate with their mouths, Eartheaters are a peaceful genus of South American cichlids. These elegant fish are admired for their elongated fins and earth-toned colours often tinged with blues and reds.
They enjoy sandy bottoms, where they can forage naturally. Best kept in groups, Eartheaters thrive in large tanks with plenty of hiding spots. They are ideal for aquarists looking for a peaceful cichlid species with a unique personality.
- Size: 6–10 inches (15–25 cm)
- Lifespan: 8–10 years
- Temperament: Peaceful, bottom-dwellers
- Diet: Omnivorous — sinking pellets, insects, algae wafers
- Fun Fact: Eartheaters “chew” sand to filter out edible bits and spit the rest out through their gills.
Betta Splendens
Also known as Siamese Fighting Fish, Bettas are known for their breathtaking fins and aggressive personalities. Available in a dazzling array of colours, these fish are true showstoppers.
Bettas should be housed alone or with peaceful tank mates that won’t trigger their aggression. They prefer warm water and can even survive in low-oxygen environments thanks to their labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe surface air.
- Size: 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)
- Lifespan: 3–5 years
- Temperament: Aggressive (especially males)
- Diet: Carnivorous — betta pellets, bloodworms, mosquito larvae
- Fun Fact: Bettas build bubble nests at the water surface when they’re ready to breed.
Famous Freshwater Fishes at Aquarium Paradise
Aquarium Paradise is home to an impressive array of aquatic life, but some freshwater species have truly captured the hearts of visitors. These popular freshwater fish are known for their bright colours, unique behaviour, and ability to bring life to any aquarium.
Here are some specifics about these beloved freshwater fishes of Aquarium Paradise:
Neon Tetra
Small but absolutely mesmerising, Neon Tetras are the gems of freshwater aquariums. Their striking electric blue stripe, which runs from nose to tail, combined with a radiant red lower half, makes them unmissable even in large tanks. These fish are highly social and should be kept in groups, where they school gracefully and shimmer with every movement.
They originate from the blackwater streams of the Amazon Basin and prefer a gentle, dimly lit environment with soft, slightly acidic water. Their peaceful nature and tiny size make them ideal for planted community aquariums.
- Size: 1.5 inches (4 cm)
- Lifespan: 5–10 years
- Temperament: Peaceful, schooling
- Diet: Omnivorous — flakes, micro pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia
- Fun Fact: Neon Tetras are one of the most traded aquarium fish globally due to their stunning colouration and calm behaviour.
Goldfish
Goldfish are arguably the most iconic aquarium fish in the world, known for their rich history and variety. Originally bred in China over a thousand years ago, these intelligent, social fish come in dozens of varieties, from the common gold to the luxurious Oranda or the bubble-eyed Fantail.
Goldfish are coldwater fish and require more space than most people assume. A single adult goldfish can grow up to a foot long, and they produce a significant amount of waste, demanding strong filtration and regular maintenance. Despite that, they are known to recognise their owners and can even be trained to do tricks!
- Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
- Lifespan: 10–15 years (some have lived over 20 years!)
- Temperament: Peaceful, intelligent, social
- Diet: Omnivorous — pellets, vegetables like peas and spinach, and occasional protein treats
- Fun Fact: Goldfish have excellent memories — they can learn feeding schedules and associate human faces with food.
Oscar
Oscars are powerful, intelligent cichlids that develop strong bonds with their keepers. These fish are not for beginners, but for those who can commit to their needs; they offer a surprisingly interactive aquarium experience. Oscars are known to “beg” for food, rearrange their tanks, and even sulk if they’re ignored.
Found naturally in South America’s Amazon and Orinoco river systems, Oscars need large tanks with efficient filtration, as they grow fast and are messy eaters. They can be territorial but show great personality and responsiveness to their environment.
- Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive, very intelligent
- Diet: Carnivorous — cichlid pellets, live or frozen shrimp, worms, crickets
- Fun Fact: Oscars can be trained to take food from your hand and recognise their owners.
Molly Fish
Colourful, peaceful, and lively, Molly Fish are popular among aquarists for their adaptability and ease of care. Available in many variations like black mollies, balloon mollies, and sailfin mollies, these livebearers can thrive in both freshwater and slightly brackish setups.
Mollies prefer a planted tank with moderate lighting and warmer water. They are social creatures and enjoy being kept in groups. A fun aspect of mollies is that they give birth to live fry, making them fascinating to watch during breeding.
- Size: 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm)
- Lifespan: 3–5 years
- Temperament: Peaceful, active
- Diet: Omnivorous — algae, flakes, blanched vegetables, brine shrimp
- Fun Fact: Mollies are excellent algae eaters, helping to keep your tank clean naturally.
Freshwater and Saltwater Fish Diversity at Aquarium Paradise
With its expansive underwater exhibits and immersive marine life experiences, Aquarium Paradise is home to an extraordinary variety of aquatic species. Visitors can witness the fascinating behaviours, colours, and ecosystems of both freshwater and saltwater fish from across the globe.
Freshwater Fishes (44+ Species)
Aquarium Paradise features an extensive collection of freshwater species, each uniquely adapted to their environments. These fish offer a colourful and educational experience, making them favourites among families and fish enthusiasts alike.
- Tilapia
- Tarpon
- Sun Catfish
- Bala Shark
- Red Devil Cichlid
- Black Pacu
…and many more fascinating freshwater varieties to discover!
Saltwater Fishes (21+ Species)
The saltwater tanks at Aquarium Paradise replicate the colourful reefs and open oceans, providing a home to a captivating range of marine fish. These saltwater species are vibrant, mysterious, and a true visual treat for every visitor.
- Moray Eel
- Domino Damsel
- Moon Wrasse
- Damsel
- Clownfish
- Assessor Basslet
…and many more vibrant saltwater species awaiting your discovery!
Why Visit Aquarium Paradise?
Located in Bangalore, Aquarium Paradise offers an immersive journey into aquatic life with:
- India’s Longest 180° Underwater Tunnel – Walk through and watch marine life swim around you.
- Interactive & Educational Exhibits – Explore ecosystems and conservation insights.
- Mermaid Shows & Events – Engaging entertainment for all age groups.
- Jellyfish Room & Waterfalls – Stunning displays blending nature and visual art.
It’s the perfect spot for families, students, photographers, and marine life enthusiasts.
Quick Tips for Keeping Freshwater Fish Healthy
- Cycle your tank before adding fish to build a healthy environment.
- Monitor water quality regularly (pH, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates).
- Feed properly with varied, species-appropriate food, don’t overfeed.
- Choose compatible species to avoid stress and aggression.
- Maintain cleanliness with regular water changes and equipment checks.
- Observe your fish for signs of illness or unusual behaviour early on.
Conclusion
Freshwater fishkeeping is a captivating hobby, offering beauty, variety, and a calming presence in your home. Each fish adds its own unique charm and personality, making every aquarium a living piece of art.
To experience these aquatic wonders up close, visit Aquarium Paradise in Bangalore — a must-see destination with diverse species, immersive exhibits, and fun for all ages. It’s an ideal place to learn more, get inspired, and deepen your connection with the aquatic world.
Start your adventure at Aquarium Paradise, where colourful underwater worlds come to life and each visit piques your interest in a new way.
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