Pet Fish Species

Can you picture a beautiful aquarium full of colorful pet fish in your home? If you haven't cared for pet fish in the past, it can seem difficult to know which fish species to keep in your aquarium. Don't let the wide variety of fish species available stop you from beginning a relaxing and fun hobby. Learn some of the most popular and easy to care for pet fish species.  

Goldfish

The goldfish is the most popular pet fish. They can adapt to a wide range of temperatures (as long as there is not a sudden change) and do not require a heated tank. They need a fairly large tank due to the amount of waste they produce. You will find them to have brighter colors when they are exposed to ultraviolet light.

Neon Tetra

These small, long-lived fish are known for their bright colors. Their iridescent scales will seem to glow in the light. They prefer to live in a school, so it is best to keep a group of five or six if possible.

Angelfish

These striking triangular fish with flowing fins and stripes are a popular species for a freshwater tank. Owners must be careful to keep them fed if they share their quarters with others, since they have been known to eat other fish if they are hungry and without food.

Betta

Also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish, these pet fish are easy to care for. Male fish have bright, beautiful colors. Two males cannot be kept in the same tank (unless a partition is installed) because they will fight to the death.

Bristlenose Plecostomus 

This pet fish actually helps keep your aquarium clean by clearing algae off the walls and feeding on leftover food that has accumulated on the bottom of the aquarium. They have appendages that look like whiskers on their nose (which are used to find food) and come in several different colors.