The best freshwater fish for your tank

Having an aquarium comes with some significant health benefits. Aquariums can reduce stress and lower blood pressure, just to name a few. One of the reasons for that is just how soothing the fish themselves can be. Now there’s a fish-freak debate out there where some think that saltwater fish are the prettier, flashier fish and well, we’re not sure we agree. There’s plenty of freshwater fish out there who are gorgeous. 

In addition, freshwater tanks are a little bit easier to maintain and the fish who inhabit them are more forgiving when we make mistakes. And make no mistake about it -there are plenty of freshwater fish who look fantastic and can really make your tank ‘pop.’ Today, we’re going to talk about some of the more popular adds for freshwater tanks and why they might be a great fit for your space. Let’s jump right in!

Neon Tetras

Neon’s might be some of the most popular fish on this list. They’re small, thin and very easy to care for – making them a great fit for new owners. They only grow to about 2.2cm in length and they’re generally a peaceful species of fish. They do best when you keep them in groups and tend to enjoy rocks, plants and other places to hide. 

Guppies

Guppies are an ideal pet for beginners as just like Neons, they’re easy to care for. The one thing you do want to be wary of is that they tend to breed with each other fast if you don’t separate the sexes so just be aware of that. They come in a variety of colors with the males tending to be a bit more on the flamboyant side than their female counterparts. They also have lively personalities – making them a popular, fun addition to your tank. 

Mollies

Mollies are as easy-going a fish species as you can find. They grow to about 3-4 inches long and like to snack on plants and other animals – but don’t fret – they won’t attack other fish. They come with a similar caveat to Guppies in that they’ll breed quickly – so if you don’t want too much traffic in your tank, be sure to just keep one gender. 

Goldfish

We tend to lump all freshwater species under the ‘goldfish’ umbrella, but the truth is these guys are their own unique species. Some wild goldfish have been seen to live as long as 25 years old and they can grow up to 14 inches in length. The one thing you’ll want to do is avoid putting these fish in smaller tanks. You’ll want a tank that’s at least 20 gallons. They also need a lot of maintenance as they don’t tend to be the cleanest fish on planet earth. Weekly water and filter changes WILL be a thing. 

So the next time someone says freshwater fish are boring; don’t listen! Freshwater fish are tough, resilient and yes – beautiful creatures who deserve just as much love and attention. Be sure to regularly care for your fish and get to know their personalities. In time, you’ll fall in love with your aquarium. Good luck!