The world is full of many beautiful and fascinating tropical fish. There are hundreds of different species and strains of tropical fish that can invoke a tranquil beauty to the aquarium or appeal to our natural curiosity of nature. Many species also have unusual behaviors that make them worthy additions to our homes. But there are fewer species that make great “pet” fish.
Ocellaris Clownfish |
Convict Cichlids |
Mbuna Cichlids |
Fancy Goldfish |
The Betta |
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5.Ocellaris ClownfishThe only marine species on this list, the Ocellaris or Common Clownfish, is an instantly recognizable aquarium species. Often just called “Nemo” after the animated movie character, Clownfish have become the most widely kept marine species. Today, most are captive raised and there are many different color forms available. As a marine species, they require specialized aquaria and more care than the typical freshwater community tank, but it is not difficult. A small marine tank like the Coralife Biocube in a house with small children means it’s almost a must to have a clownfish as part of it. Read this blog to help get started with keeping a saltwater aquarium. | ||||
4.Convict Cichlids Another cichlid is the small but pugnacious Convict Cichlid. Although we listed just one species, any of the species of Amatitlania that come from Central America would fit the bill as good pets. While only a quarter the size of an Oscar, they have all the bluster and attitude of a much bigger fish. They will confidently defend their territory (even against their human) and push and bite to keep them from encroaching . They truly are an interesting fish with a lot of personality, making them fun to watch. They do breed easily but watching them care for their young can also be fascinating to observe. Be warned that finding new homes for the young can be difficult. To keep them in their best health, Aqueon Mini Cichlid Pellets make an ideal diet. | ||||
3.Mbuna Cichlids Mbuna (pronounced mmm-boo-na) are a group of cichlids from Lake Malawi in eastern Africa. These cichlids come in a variety of colors and range in size from a couple of inches up to 8” long. They are active swimmers with great personality making them great pets. However, care should be taken that they are not kept with other tropical fish. African cichlids are best kept only with other African cichlids as they prefer a slightly harder and more alkaline water environment than rainforest species and can be extremely aggressive towards each other and non-cichlid tank mates. In communities of Mbuna, it can often be quite easy to pick out the dominant male from the group; it is this one that usually gets the nickname. Herbivores by nature, Aqueon Pro Herbivore formula makes an ideal diet for them. | ||||
2.Fancy Goldfish Few fish have been more deserving of a name than the goldfish. Whether it was won at a fair or purchased in a store, the goldfish is the first fish that many of us kept. They are attractive, easy to care for, and have an endearing personality. But like the Oscar, these fish also can grow quite large and a larger aquarium is required. A few may be kept in a 10-gallon when young, but you should expect to have to move them to a much larger tank or outdoor pond as they grow. Besides the standard “Comet” variety , (the fish you are likely to win at a fair), there are also many other unique body shapes and colors that have been selectively bred over many years. These fish have great personality and will interact with their owners, as well. | ||||
1.The Betta No fish has ever been more named than the Betta. Most of this is because this fish is often kept by itself in a small aquarium. Male bettas are fiercely territorial, and it is quite impossible to keep males together in the same tank. They do not even get along with females most of the time too. Their own natural instincts make them best kept by themselves. This quirky trait of behavior has made them the undisputed king of the desktop aquarium and they are popular home and office pets. Many bettas will have active personalities and will swim eagerly to get some Aqueon Betta Food or Aqueon Betta Treats. And sometimes they can show as much life as a sunken leaf. Although bettas are a tropical fish, they can tolerate cooler water temperatures (down to around 70°F) but they really prefer warmer water around 78-82°F. If your house is kept cooler than that, a properly sized Aqueon Betta or Flat Heater can help raise the water temperature up just a few degrees to keep it sufficiently warm. | ||||
