Freshwater aquariums are a wonderful hobby, offering the chance to create a diverse underwater world. Many vibrant and interactive fish are perfect choices for community tanks. Read on to learn about some of the most frequently kept freshwater species.
Introducing Common Freshwater Fish
General Care Information
- Origins: Most popular freshwater fish originate in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. They inhabit streams, rivers, lakes and ponds.
- Sizes: Range from under an inch for tetras up to 6 inches for angelfish.
- Lifespans: 2-5 years generally, depending on species. Some live 10+ years.
- Temperaments: Most are peaceful community fish suitable for mixed tanks.
- Appearances: Vibrant colors and interesting fin shapes. Streamlined bodies for steady swimming.
- Popular Varieties: Neon tetras, black skirt tetras, rosy barbs, zebra danios, guppies, bronze corydoras, pearl gouramis.
- Prices: $2-$10 per fish on average based on species, size and quality.
Habitat and Tank Requirements
- Natural Habitats: Tropical and sub-tropical freshwaters in the wild. Most prefer clean, moderately flowing water.
- Minimum Tank Sizes: 10-30 gallons depending on fish sizes and numbers.
- Water Parameters: Temperature 72-82°F. pH 6.5-7.5. Moderate hardness. Low-moderate current.
- Tank Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood and rock structures. Fine gravel substrate and moderate lighting. Power filter and heater are essential.
Feeding and Diet
- Diets: Omnivores that eat a combination of flakes, pellets, frozen and live foods in captivity.
- Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily in amounts fish can consume within 2-3 minutes.
Foods:
- Tropical flakes and micro pellets
- Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp
- Blanched vegetables like cucumbers, zucchini or spinach
- Daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae for variety
- Supplements like spirulina and omega fatty acids
Breeding
- Most are egg-scattering species. No parental care. Different conditions needed to trigger spawning based on species.
- Livebearers give birth to free swimming fry. Mollies and platies are prolific.
- Remove breeding fish or fry to rearing tanks to prevent aggressive fish from eating the babies.
Health Concerns
- Prone to ich and parasitic infections if water quality declines.
- Overfeeding can cause constipation, bloating and fatty liver disease.
- Aggression and fin nipping can occur if tank is overcrowded.
- Maintain excellent water quality and give a varied, vitamin-rich diet. Quarantine new fish. Use medications as needed.
Special Considerations
- Research appropriate tank mates based on fish temperament, size and environmental needs. Avoid fin nippers.
- Provide plenty of hiding spots. Tall plants, rock caves and driftwood help diffuse aggression.
- No known legal restrictions on keeping popular freshwater community fish.
Compatible Freshwater Fish:
- Tetras
- Barbs
- Danios
- Rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Plecos
- Gouramis
- Mollies and platies
Identifying Males vs. Females
- Males often smaller, brighter colors and elongated fins for display. Females plainer, fuller-bodied.
- Livebearers – females larger abdomens, males gonopodium anal fin.
- Gender difficult to determine in juveniles. Look for changes when maturing.
Number of freshwater species:
Over 5000 described species, with many more yet undiscovered. Most kept are from select families like tetras and cichlids.
Enhancing coloration:
Provide excellent diet with Omega fatty acids and carotenoids. Maintain high water quality.
Maximum size:
Ranges from under 2 inches for tetras up to 6-10 inches for gouramis, rainbowfish and angelfish.
Growth rate:
Varies by species. Most reach maximum size within first 1-2 years with proper feeding and tank conditions.
Longevity:
2-5 years on average for most community species. Larger fish like angelfish may exceed 10 years.
Care tips:
Research needs, perform weekly maintenance, give proper foods, use quarantine, select compatible tankmates.
Recommended foods:
Hikari micro pellets, Tetra flake and pellet foods, frozen brine shrimp, Omega One pellets.
Good pets?
Yes, active, colorful freshwater fish suitable for community tanks. Require some experience and research.
Preventing death:
Maintain excellent water quality, stable parameters. Promptly treat diseases. Use appropriate tank mates.
Aggression levels:
Most popular species are peaceful community fish. Overcrowding increases aggression.
Will they kill other fish?
May attack vulnerable tankmates if conditions are poor. Mostly just fin nipping aggression.
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