Freshwater Aquarium Fish Species

Freshwater fishes are available in an amazing variety of sizes and shapes. A vast number of freshwater fish species have been successfully kept in the home aquarium. Here are seven popular freshwater aquarium fish species:

1.African Jewelfish

The African jewelfish is one of the most bellicose, and most beautiful, of the cichlids. While the original jewelfish, named bimaculatus, introduced into the hobby many years ago, there are now various other species available. These all fishes behave the same and require the same living conditions.

2.Angelfish

The angelfish is quite popular among aquarists. These tall fishes can be kept in a community setting, as long as their tankmates are not overly aggressive or habitual fin nippers. The fast-swimming fishes may also make angelfishes nervous and may out-compete them for food.

3.Arowana

Long and beautiful fish, the Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) is known for its voracious appetite and constant surface skimming, looking for the things to fit into mouth. These fishes are the native to waterways of the Amazon River and other areas in Southeast Asia as well as South America and Australia.

4.Bala Shark

The bala sharks are also known as the silver shark or tricolor shark, and these are staple items in the most aquarium stores. However, these fishes are poor choice for most aquaria.

5.Barb

The Barb fishes are the freshwater tropical fish within the Puntius and genera Barbus. These fishes are quite popular aquarium inhabitants, and the group includes renowned species such as the cherry barb and tiger barb.

6.Betta

Also known as the Siamese fighting fish, the betta has become a popular fish among the hobbyists because of the male’s lavish finnage and beautiful colors.

7.Black Molly

The black molly fishes (Poecilia sphenops) are hybrid variation of the sailfin molly. These are small fishes, with males reaching about 3 inches in length and females are slightly smaller.