Types of Freshwater Aquarium Fish

The freshwater aquarium fish can be categorized into two groups: livebearers and egg-layers. Livebearers belong to the group called cyprinodonts. They give birth to their young rather than laying eggs. Guppies, platies, mollies, etc are some of the examples of livebearer fish. The other types of aquarium fish like neon tetra and goldfish belong to the egg-layer category. These fish releases eggs when fertilized by the male fish.

Types of Freshwater Aquarium Fish

These fish can be round or elongated, small or big, and hence come in different shapes and sizes. Freshwater fish are very colorful and attractive.

Goldfish
Goldfish is one of the most popular aquarium fish. Believed to have originated in China, it is the most colorful and beautiful fish. There are different varieties of goldfish, ranging from the exotic ones like the oranda, ranchu and pearlscale, to the common ones like the fantail, black moor, common goldfish and veiltail. There are many fancy varieties like the pom-pom who have a fleshy outgrowth that resembles a pom-pom, and the celestial having a upturn telescope eyes. Goldfish can grow to a large size and are known to discharge a lot of waste.

Guppies
The beginners should start off with rearing guppies. They are hardy and can tolerate medium to moderate changes in the water. The male guppies are fancy and colorful, whereas the females are dull and unattractive. If taken care and kept properly, these fish can breed well but can also cause overcrowding in the tank. Guppies mainly feed on flakes and bloodworms.

Neon Tetra
Neon tetra are best known as community or schooling fish, as they normally form and move in groups. They have an opalescent sheen to their scales which usually glow if the tank is lit properly. Neon tetra are small in size and should be kept with similar size non-aggressive fish, otherwise they will end up getting harassed or even eaten up. They breed well when kept in a species tank rather than a community tank.

Swordtails
Swordtails grow up to 4 inches in length and are good residents for any freshwater aquarium. Generally, they are peaceful but sometimes male swordtails may get aggressive towards each other. Swordtails breed easily and prolifically, but to protect the young ones the female must be removed, as female swordtails are well-known for eating their young. These fish feed on a variety of prepared and live foods.

Platies
Platies are broad-bodied fish and close relatives of swordtails. Domestic platies come in a variety of colors and breed easily, as long as they are given plants for some privacy. They are schooling fish and do well in community tanks. Platies generally thrive in small groups of about 5 fish. They eat all types of flakes and live foods.

Archer Fish
Archer fish have a unique style of catching their food and are fond of flying insects. Beginners are not recommended to breed these fish. They can grow relatively long and feed on live, freeze-dried and frozen foods. They live peacefully with their tankmates in a small shoal if the tank has enough space.

Leopard Danio
Leopard Danio are easy-to-care and peaceful schooling fish. They are hardy and can adjust in a wide range of water conditions. They are the best choice for the first-time fish breeders. Leopard Danio are easy to breed if the water is shallow and the tank is well planted. The females are slightly plumper in the body. They eat all types of live, frozen and flake foods.

The freshwater aquarium species can be good home aquarium residents. By learning their characteristics and care requirements, you can decide which fish suits best for your home aquarium.