The aquarium hobby introduces us to a stunning array of tropical fish, each bringing a unique slice of underwater beauty and natural wonder into our homes. From the tranquil grace of angelfish to the captivating antics of bettas, the sheer diversity of species is astounding. While many tropical fish are visually appealing and pique our curiosity, a select few truly become more than just aquatic decorations; they become cherished “pet” fish.
But what exactly defines a “pet” fish? It’s that special fish that earns a nickname, transitioning from a mere living artwork to a member of the family, much like a dog or cat. These are the fish that greet you at the glass, display distinct personalities, and capture our hearts.
This list showcases ten exceptional freshwater and marine species known for their “pet-like” qualities. While not exhaustive, it represents popular and widely loved fish that many aquarists agree are truly “name-worthy.”
10. Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)
Instantly recognizable, the angelfish commands attention with its elegant, elongated fins and disc-shaped body, adding a touch of regal grace to any aquarium. Often acquired as juveniles, barely larger than a coin, these fish can mature to an impressive 3-4 inches in diameter with fins extending over a foot in height. While they might blend into the background in a densely populated tank, an angelfish kept as a pair or within a smaller community often develops a distinct personality, earning it a special name. Known for their interactive nature, they readily approach the front of the tank to greet their owners and engage with each other, showcasing the captivating social behaviors of the cichlid family, of which more will be featured on this list of Pet Fish Types.
9. Fancy Guppies (Poecilia sp.)
A staple in the aquarium world for over a century, the guppy remains a beloved choice for hobbyists. Generations of selective breeding have resulted in a dazzling variety of fin shapes and color patterns. While a large school of fancy guppies is visually stunning, keeping just a few often leads to individual recognition and the bestowal of names. Their constant, lively swimming, sociable nature, and vibrant colors quickly endear them to aquarists. The unique color variations within many strains make individual fish easily identifiable, a key trait for a “name-worthy” pet fish. Their energetic activity levels require proper nutrition. Supplementing a quality flake food like Aqueon Tropical Flakes with small, nutrient-rich pellets provides the extra fat, protein, and vitamins needed to maintain their vitality.
8. Mollies (Poecilia sp.)
Sharing the genus with guppies, mollies are another excellent choice for beginner pet fish enthusiasts. Black mollies, in particular, hold a nostalgic place for many as one of their first aquarium fish. The striking sail-like dorsal fin of males and the fascinating live birth process of females, producing miniature replicas of themselves, have cemented this species’ enduring popularity. Molly fry are relatively large for livebearers and readily accept finely crushed Aqueon Tropical Flake food immediately after birth. Their active and social behavior, both with their own kind and their human caretakers, make them deserving of nicknames. Being herbivores, mollies thrive on a diet rich in plant matter. Aqueon Pro Herbivore pellets and Aqueon Algae Rounds cater to their dietary needs and support their health.
7. Tiger Barbs (Puntigrus tetrazona)
Tiger barbs possess a charm that often wins over their keepers. These small, feisty fish are often found eagerly awaiting attention at the front glass, exhibiting a delightful mix of energetic swimming and composed elegance. They strike a perfect balance between the hyperactivity of danios and the serene patience of angelfish. If individual recognition weren’t slightly challenging in their preferred social groups, they might rank even higher on this list of pet fish types. It’s important to note that tiger barbs can sometimes nip fins, so caution is advised when housing them with slower or more delicate fish.
6. Oscars (Astronotus ocellatus)
The second cichlid to grace this list, the Oscar, stands out as one of the most popular and intelligent aquarium fish available. They have demonstrated the capacity to learn simple tricks and exhibit remarkable problem-solving skills and behaviors that some interpret as emotions. Oscars are known to enthusiastically greet their owners and even appear to “sulk” when their caregivers are absent. Their significant size, reaching over 12 inches in length, is the primary factor preventing them from claiming the top spot as the ultimate pet fish. A minimum 75-gallon aquarium is essential for keeping an Oscar, with a 125-gallon tank being a more suitable and spacious option. While some hobbyists resort to feeding feeder goldfish, this practice is costly, risks introducing diseases, and is nutritionally inadequate. A balanced diet of high-quality pellets and freeze-dried foods, such as Aqueon Cichlid Pellets and Aqueon Monster Fish Medley, is far more economical and beneficial for their health and well-being.
5. Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
Representing the marine realm on this list, the Ocellaris Clownfish, or Common Clownfish, is an instantly recognizable aquarium favorite. Frequently nicknamed “Nemo” after the popular animated character, Clownfish have become the most commonly kept marine species. Today, the majority are bred in captivity, and a wide array of color variations are available. While marine aquariums demand more specialized equipment and attention compared to typical freshwater setups, keeping clownfish is not inherently difficult. A small marine tank, like the Coralife Biocube, is almost incomplete without the addition of a clownfish, particularly in households with young children. For those venturing into saltwater aquariums, resources like this blog offer valuable guidance to get started with these captivating pet fish types.
4. Convict Cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata)
Another cichlid making the list is the Convict Cichlid, a small but remarkably assertive species. Although this entry focuses on Amatitlania nigrofasciata, several other Amatitlania species from Central America share similar pet-like qualities. Despite being only a fraction of the size of an Oscar, Convict Cichlids possess the same bold personality and attitude of much larger fish. They confidently defend their territory, even against their owners, displaying nipping and pushing behaviors to deter perceived intruders. Their intriguing personalities and dynamic behavior make them endlessly entertaining to observe. They readily breed in home aquariums, and witnessing their parental care is a fascinating experience. However, be aware that finding suitable homes for their offspring can be challenging. Aqueon Mini Cichlid Pellets provide an ideal diet to support their health and vibrant colors.
3. Mbuna Cichlids (Various genus and species)
Mbuna (pronounced mmm-boo-na) represent a diverse group of cichlids originating from Lake Malawi in eastern Africa. These cichlids exhibit a wide spectrum of colors and sizes, ranging from a few inches to around 8 inches in length. Their active swimming habits and engaging personalities make them excellent pet fish types. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that Mbuna are best housed exclusively with other African cichlids. They thrive in slightly harder, alkaline water conditions, unlike many rainforest species, and can exhibit aggression towards both non-cichlid tankmates and each other. Within a Mbuna community, identifying the dominant male is often straightforward, and this individual frequently becomes the recipient of a nickname. As herbivores, Aqueon Pro Herbivore formula provides the optimal nutrition for their dietary needs.
2. Fancy Goldfish (Carassias auratus)
Few fish are more deserving of a name than the goldfish. Whether won at a carnival or purchased from a pet store, the goldfish holds the distinction of being the first fish for many aquarists. They are visually appealing, relatively easy to care for, and possess an endearing personality. However, similar to Oscars, goldfish can grow considerably large, necessitating a spacious aquarium as they mature. While a few juvenile goldfish can temporarily reside in a 10-gallon tank, expect to upgrade to a significantly larger tank or even an outdoor pond as they grow. Beyond the common “Comet” variety often encountered as fair prizes, numerous selectively bred fancy goldfish types showcase unique body shapes and colors. These fish are known for their interactive nature and will readily engage with their owners, solidifying their status as excellent pet fish types.
And #1. The Betta (Betta splendens)
No fish has been given more names than the Betta, and this is largely due to their common solitary housing in smaller aquariums. Male bettas are fiercely territorial, making it impossible to house multiple males together. Even interactions with females can be challenging. Their inherent solitary nature makes them ideally suited for individual tanks. This unique behavioral trait has crowned them the undisputed king of desktop aquariums and a popular choice for both home and office pets. Many bettas exhibit active personalities, eagerly swimming to the front of the tank for Aqueon Betta Food or Aqueon Betta Treats. However, their activity levels can fluctuate, sometimes displaying bursts of energy and other times appearing as still as a sunken leaf. Although bettas are tropical fish, they can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures (down to around 70°F), but they thrive in warmer water, ideally between 78-82°F. If your home is cooler than this range, a properly sized Aqueon Betta or Flat Heater can effectively raise the water temperature by a few degrees to ensure their comfort and health, making them the ultimate pet fish type for many.
We trust you found this exploration of “pet” fish types enjoyable. For further information on these and other captivating aquarium fish species, delve into our comprehensive care guides or consult with your local trusted aquarium store.
