Not all pet fish are created equal! Some are tiny underwater divas, demanding the spotlight with their dazzling colors.
Others are chill companions, floating gracefully like little Zen masters in a tank. And then there are the ones with BIG personalities—begging for food, playing games, and even recognizing their owners.
If you think fish are just decoration, get ready to be proven wrong. These finned friends can be just as lovable (and sometimes just as mischievous) as a cat or dog.
Whether you’re a first-time fish parent or a seasoned aquarist, this list will introduce you to 21 of the best fish to keep as pets—each with their own charm, quirks, and unique underwater magic!
Goldfish
Adorning aquariums with their shimmering scales, goldfish are a classic choice for pet lovers. Known for their peaceful demeanor, they thrive in well-maintained tanks with ample space to swim.
Although low-maintenance, they require regular water changes to keep their environment pristine. Offering a variety of shapes and colors, from the elegant comet to the quirky lionhead, they bring endless delight.
Remember, goldfish can grow quite large, so provide a spacious tank to ensure their comfort and health. A single goldfish in a 20-gallon tank can live for several years, bringing joy to any home.
Betta Fish
Known for their striking fins and vivid colors, betta fish make an impressive addition to any aquarium. These hardy fish are perfect for beginners, flourishing in smaller tanks.
While beautiful, they can be territorial, especially males, so it’s best to keep them solo or with peaceful tank mates. Bettas enjoy exploring their surroundings and often appreciate hiding spots and plants.
Regular feeding and weekly water changes will keep them healthy. With proper care, a betta can become a charming and long-lived companion, ready to captivate you with its vibrant presence.
Neon Tetra
Neon tetras dazzle with their electric blue and red stripes, making them a favorite among aquarists. These small, peaceful fish thrive in schools, so consider keeping at least six together.
They prefer soft, acidic water and a tank adorned with plants to mimic their natural habitat. Their active swimming and schooling behavior create a dynamic display, adding life to your aquarium.
Easy to care for, neon tetras are perfect for community tanks, as they get along well with other non-aggressive species. Enjoy their lively presence as they brighten your aquatic world.
Guppies
Guppies are renowned for their stunning variety of colors and patterns, earning them a spot in many aquariums. These livebearers are easy to care for, making them suitable for novices and experienced aquarists alike.
Guppies thrive in community tanks, cohabiting peacefully with other non-aggressive species. Their playful nature and vibrant hues add a splash of excitement and color.
Regular feeding and stable water conditions ensure their well-being. With their penchant for breeding, you may find your tank teeming with guppy fry, adding to the diversity and vitality of your aquatic ecosystem.
Angelfish
Angelfish captivate with their elegant, triangular fins and varied coloration. Known for their unique shape, they add a touch of sophistication to any aquarium.
Although they can be somewhat territorial, especially during breeding, they generally coexist peacefully in larger tanks. Angelfish prefer vertically oriented space and benefit from a well-planted environment.
Offering a diet of high-quality flakes and occasional live food will keep them healthy. With their slow, graceful movements and striking appearance, angelfish become mesmerizing focal points, bringing tranquility and beauty to your aquatic setup.
Molly Fish
Molly fish are popular for their varied colors and robust nature, making them ideal for both novice and seasoned aquarists. These livebearers are highly adaptable, thriving in a range of water conditions and temperatures.
Mollies enjoy larger tanks with plenty of swimming space and appreciate the inclusion of plants and hiding spots. Their peaceful demeanor allows them to coexist with a variety of other fish species.
Regular feeding and attention to water quality keep them vibrant and healthy. With their lively behavior and hardy disposition, mollies are an enduring aquarium favorite.
Zebra Danio
Zebra danios are known for their energetic swimming and distinctive horizontal stripes, making them a lively addition to any aquarium. These hardy fish are ideal for beginners, tolerating a variety of water conditions.
Keeping them in schools of six or more enhances their natural behavior and creates a fascinating display of synchronized movement. Zebra danios enjoy spacious tanks with open swimming areas and some vegetation.
Regular feedings of high-quality flakes support their active lifestyle. Their playful nature and striking appearance provide endless entertainment, making them a treasured choice for community tanks.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras catfish are beloved for their endearing appearance and bottom-dwelling habits. With their peaceful temperament, they make excellent companions for a variety of fish in community tanks.
Corydoras thrive in groups, so consider keeping at least three together. They enjoy sifting through the substrate for food, helping to keep the tank clean.
These catfish appreciate a well-planted tank with hiding spots and a soft substrate to protect their delicate barbels. Offering a diet of sinking pellets and occasional live food ensures their health and happiness.
Enjoy their charming antics as they explore your aquarium.
Platy Fish
Platies are cherished for their vivid colors and peaceful disposition, making them a staple in community aquariums. These livebearers are hardy and easy to care for, suitable for aquarists of all experience levels.
Platies thrive in groups, where their social nature shines as they interact with tank mates. They prefer a planted tank with ample swimming space and hiding spots.
Regular feeding of high-quality flakes and occasional live or frozen food promotes their well-being. With their cheerful presence and adaptability, platies offer endless fascination and joy, brightening any aquarium setting.
Swordtail Fish
Swordtails are renowned for their striking appearance, particularly the males with their elongated tail fins that resemble a sword. These lively fish thrive in community tanks, mixing well with other peaceful species.
Swordtails prefer spacious environments with plenty of swimming room and vegetation. They are hardy and adaptable, tolerating a range of water conditions.
Providing a varied diet, including flakes and live food, supports their robust health. Known for their active behavior and distinctive look, swordtails bring a touch of elegance and excitement to any aquatic setup, captivating fish enthusiasts.
Discus Fish
Discus fish are admired for their striking round bodies and vibrant colors, making them the jewels of the aquarium world. Known for their peaceful nature, they thrive in well-maintained tanks with stable water conditions.
Discus prefer a soft, acidic environment and benefit from a diet of high-quality pellets and occasional live food. These majestic fish appreciate a spacious, planted tank with gentle water flow.
Due to their specific care requirements, they are best suited for experienced aquarists. Their graceful presence and stunning appearance create a captivating centerpiece in any aquarium.
Oscar Fish
Oscars are known for their intelligence and interactive behavior, forming bonds with their owners over time. These large, predatory fish require ample tank space and robust filtration to support their size and bioload.
Oscars thrive in tanks with rock formations and hiding spots, where they can explore and establish territory. A varied diet, including pellets and live food, ensures their health and vitality.
Due to their aggressive nature, they are best kept with similar-sized, non-aggressive tank mates. The striking appearance and engaging behavior of Oscars make them a captivating choice for dedicated fishkeepers.
Cherry Barb
Cherry barbs are cherished for their vibrant red coloration and peaceful demeanor, making them a delightful addition to community aquariums. These small, social fish thrive in groups, where their playful interactions are on full display.
Cherry barbs prefer a planted tank with plenty of swimming space and soft lighting to enhance their colors. They are easy to care for, adapting well to a range of water conditions.
Regular feeding of high-quality flakes and occasional live or frozen food supports their health. Enjoy their lively presence as they bring a splash of color and activity to your aquarium.
Clown Loach
Clown loaches are known for their distinctive orange and black patterns and playful behavior, adding charm to any aquarium. These social fish thrive in groups and enjoy spacious tanks with hiding spots and a soft substrate.
Clown loaches are bottom dwellers, often seen exploring the tank floor and interacting with each other. They prefer a diet of sinking pellets and occasional live or frozen food.
Due to their size and active nature, they require a larger tank and are best suited for experienced aquarists. Their delightful antics and striking appearance make them a popular choice for community tanks.
Pufferfish
Pufferfish intrigue with their unique appearance and charismatic personalities, making them a standout choice for aquarists. Known for their ability to inflate when threatened, they require a tank with ample space and hiding spots.
Pufferfish prefer a varied diet, including hard-shelled foods to wear down their continuously growing teeth. These intelligent fish often interact with their owners, showcasing their curious nature.
Due to their specific care needs and potential aggression, they are best suited for experienced fishkeepers. Watching a pufferfish explore its environment is a captivating experience, bringing joy to dedicated aquarists.
Rasbora
Rasboras are admired for their shimmering scales and peaceful nature, making them a staple in community tanks. These small fish thrive in schools, where their synchronized swimming creates a mesmerizing display.
Rasboras prefer a planted aquarium with subdued lighting to mimic their natural habitat. They are easy to care for, adapting to various water conditions and appreciating a diet of high-quality flakes and occasional live food.
Their gentle disposition and vivid colors add harmony and beauty to any aquatic setting. Enjoy the serene presence of rasboras as they gracefully glide through your tank.
Killifish
Killifish captivate with their vivid colors and unique lifecycle, often appealing to seasoned aquarists interested in breeding projects. These small fish thrive in species-specific tanks with a soft substrate and plenty of plants.
Killifish are known for their annual lifecycle, with some species laying eggs that can survive dry periods. They enjoy a varied diet, including live and frozen foods to maintain their vibrant colors.
Due to their specialized care requirements, they are best kept by experienced fishkeepers. Their striking appearance and intriguing behaviors offer endless fascination to dedicated hobbyists.
Bristlenose Pleco
Bristlenose plecos are adored for their unique appearance and algae-eating habits, making them invaluable in maintaining a clean tank. These peaceful fish are ideal companions for community aquariums, cohabiting well with a variety of species.
Bristlenose plecos prefer a tank with hiding spots and driftwood, which aids in their digestion. A diet supplemented with algae wafers and vegetables keeps them healthy.
Their hardy nature and beneficial role in algae control make them a practical and captivating addition to any aquarium, where they busily scour surfaces for food, contributing to a balanced ecosystem.
Gourami
Gouramis are celebrated for their vibrant colors and tranquil demeanor, bringing elegance to any tank. These labyrinth fish can thrive in a variety of environments, as they adapt well to different water conditions.
Gouramis appreciate a tank with plants and calm waters, where their gentle movements can shine. A balanced diet of flakes, live, and frozen foods ensures their vibrant health.
Whether in a species-specific setup or a peaceful community tank, gouramis add a touch of grace and color, providing endless enjoyment as they glide effortlessly through the water.
Koi Fish
Koi fish are renowned for their beauty and longevity, often serving as living art in outdoor ponds. These large, colorful carp thrive in well-maintained ponds with ample space and quality filtration.
Koi appreciate a varied diet of pellets and occasional treats like fruits and vegetables. Known for their sociable nature, they often recognize and interact with their caregivers.
Due to their size and care requirements, they are best suited for dedicated hobbyists with outdoor space. The serene presence and striking appearance of koi create a tranquil and visually stunning aquatic sanctuary.
Endler’s Livebearer
Endler’s livebearers are appreciated for their vibrant colors and lively behavior, making them a delightful choice for small aquariums. These tiny fish thrive in groups, where their energetic swimming and social interactions are on full display.
Endlers prefer a planted tank with ample swimming space and a gentle current. They are easy to care for, adapting well to a variety of water conditions and diets.
Regular feeding of high-quality flakes supports their health. Their playful nature and vivid appearance bring endless charm and color to any setup, captivating aquarists of all levels.