Types Of Tropical Fish
Which are Easy and Which are Difficult to Care For?
There are many types of tropical fish for you to choose from when setting up an aquarium.
It's wise to understand the different types before making a purchase.
Many people rush into their aquarium setups - especially those with no experience.
They just walk right into the pet store and choose a few pretty ones here, and a few pretty ones there.
They don't give much thought as to which fish species get along with other fish species, and which species are natural enemies with each other.
These people also don't give much thought to how much space each individual fish needs to avoid stress and stay healthy.
Remember that stress is a big enemy to a fish's health and too many fish crammed together in a small space is very stressful because they are constantly having to defend themselves and they are competing for a limited amount of oxygen.
Some varieties of freshwater tropical fish are easier to take care of than others. And not all tropical fish get along with others.
This article will point out the best types of fish for beginners.
Zebra Danios
Among the easiest types of tropical fish to care for are zebra danios. They are pretty little fish with 4 horizontal gold/silver stripes running down their sides.
They can grow to a size of 11/2 to 2 inches and look great in groups of six or more. They require no special water hardness or pH levels and do best at a temperature range of 65 - 78 degrees Fahrenheit. They are a non-aggressive species that can be kept with any other non-aggressive fish.
Swordtails and Platies
Swordtails and Platies are another type of fish perfect for beginners. It is sometimes hard to tell the difference between swordtails and platies, except male swordtails have a long sword-shaped tail.
These fish do best in a pH range of 7.0 - 8.0 and require no special water hardness. The temperature should be kept in a range of 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. They are a non-aggressive species of tropical fish that can be kept with other non-aggressive fish. They are live-bearers and breed frequently.
Guppies
Guppies are another type of livebearer fish that come in plain and fancy varieties. The fancy guppy varieties come in an assortment of beautiful colors.
The males are much more beautiful and colorful than the females. They prefer a temperature range of 72 - 78 degrees Fahrenheit, a pH range between 7.0 - 8.0 and hard water.
They should be kept in groups of more females than males. Guppies are fin-nippers, so shouldn't be kept with any long-finned variety of tropical fish.
Bettas
The Betta or Siamese Fighting Fish is a gorgeous tropical fish that is normally sold in small jars in pet stores. They are easy to take care of, but cannot be kept with another male - as they will fight to the death.
And males are usually all you see in pet stores, as they're more beautiful than females. Bettas can be kept with other peaceful species, but it's not recommended because of their long flowing fins and slow movement. They do fine in small aquariums or bowls of room temperature water.
Barbs
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Barbs such as Tiger Barbs, Rosy Barbs and Cherry Barbs are very hardy and colorful tropical fish that are easy to take care of. Rosy Barbs and Cherry Barbs are not very aggressive, but Tiger Barbs can be.
So proceed with caution when introducing Tiger Barbs into community tanks, especially with slow moving or long-finned fish. All barbs do well at temperatures between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. A pH range of 6.0 - 8.0 is recommended and they tolerate a wide range of water hardness.
Tetras
Tetras come in various shapes and sizes. Most varieties are peaceful and go well in community tanks, except for the larger varieties like the Black Skirt Tetra and the Serpae Tetra.
The larger varieties are fin-nippers and shouldn't be kept with slow-moving or long-finned fish. And they will attack smaller species of fish. Most tetras like a temperature between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. Water hardness isn't much of an issue.