Fresh Water Fish Species

While there is over 10,000 more times the amount of saltwater than freshwater, only 58 percent of fish species live in saltwater. The remaining group that resides in freshwater is made up of 13,000 different species. Freshwater aquariums are often more popular than saltwater aquariums due to their easier upkeep and little care that is needed. Here are some fish that might be seen in a freshwater aquarium.

• One of the best known freshwater fishes is the goldfish. Goldfish do best in colder water conditions and can live up to 15 years if they are cared for properly. 


• Neon tetras are known by their iridescent blue and red stripes on their sides. Tetras are very popular in aquariums as they are extremely easy to take care of. 


• Bettas are popular because of their richly colored and large tail fins. Due to their desire to fight others, bettas are best kept as solitary fish.    


• Zebra Danios, also known as zebrafish, get their name from their horizontal black and white stripes. They are great for aquariums because they can live in a wide range of water conditions and are also commonly used in research as a model organism for experiments on vertebrate development and gene function. 


• Rainbowfish, native to Australia and New Zealand, get their name from their red and blue stripes on their silver bodies. As peaceful fish, they get along well with others making them great aquarium companions.


• Plecostomus, commonly known as sucker fish, are a type of catfish that feed on algae and mucus. Because of this, they are great cleaning helpers in an aquarium and will often be found sucking the side of the aquarium or eating leftover food.


• A less common fish seen in aquariums is the piranha. With razor sharp teeth and an appetite for meat, piranhas cannot be kept with other species of fish.