Tag: Freshwater

Table of Contents

• What Most Care Guides Get Wrong About 10 Most Popular Cory Catfish Types for Community Tanks
• What Are Cory Catfish?
• 10 Best Cory Catfish Types
• Tank Setup
• How To Take Care Of Your Pet
• Where To Buy
• FAQs
• Is the 10 Most Popular Cory Catfish Types for Community Tanks Right for You?
• How the 10 Most Popular Cory Catfish Types for Community Tanks Compares to Similar Species
• Final Thoughts

Corydoras catfish are my go-to recommendation for anyone asking what to keep on the bottom of a freshwater community tank. After 25 years in this hobby I’ve kept multiple cory species, and they consistently earn their place. Peaceful, hardy, entertaining to watch as they scoot along the substrate, and compatible with a huge range of tankmates. Two things I always flag before anyone buys: corys need to be kept in groups of at least six of the same species (mixed species groups don’t cut it socially), and they need soft, fine substrate to protect their barbels. Sharp gravel will damage those sensitive whiskers over time, and that’s one of the most common preventable cory health problems I see. This guide covers the 10 most popular species to help you find the right fit.

Six different corys is six lonely fish. Six of the same cory is a functioning social group.

What Most Care Guides Get Wrong About 10 Most Popular Cory Catfish Types for Community Tanks

The most common mistake I see with 10 most popular cory catfish types for community tankss is keeping too few. Guides will say “minimum 6” and leave it at that. In reality, these fish behave completely differently in a proper group of 8 to 10 or more. Keeping just 3 or 4 often leads to stress, hiding, and fin nipping that wouldn’t happen in a larger school. Another thing most guides miss is how much lighting and decor affect this species. 10 Most Popular Cory Catfish Types for Community Tankss look washed out under bright white LEDs on a light substrate. Dim the lights, add some tannins, use a dark background, and you’ll see colors you didn’t know they had. I’ve also noticed that many care sheets recommend overly broad water parameters. Yes, 10 most popular cory catfish types for community tankss are adaptable.

What Are Cory Catfish?

Cory catfish are small freshwater fish from the Corydoras genus. These shoaling fish are native to South America where an amazing 160+ species are known- with many more probably waiting to be described. They range in size from an inch or so to over 4 inches in length and are solidly built with armor-like scales.

Cory cats aren’t very colorful, but they are very entertaining to watch as they forage around in the tank, periodically shooting up to the surface to take a breath of air. They love to hang out in groups and should always be kept in schools in the aquarium.

Interestingly, the first ray of their pectoral fins forms a strong, sharp spine that may be tipped in toxic venom. This is probably an adaptation to make predators think twice about eating them. They are not aggressive at all, but it is best to not handle these fish with bare hands.

10 Best Cory Catfish Types

Now that you know a little more about these fish, it’s time to jump right in and get to know the 10 most popular types of cory catfish that you can keep. For each corydoras fish species, I’ll be providing the most important stats that you need to know, like:

• Scientific Name
• Difficulty Level
• Temperament
• Adult Size
• Minimum Tank Size
• Diet
• Origin
• Temperature
• pH
• Difficulty to breed
• Planted tank suitability

We have a video below from our YouTube channel. We go into more blog detail below. If you like our video, be sure to subscribe as we post videos every week!

So let’s get started!

1. Pygmy

• Scientific Name: Corydoras pygmaeus
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 1.2 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Diet: Feed frozen, live, and dried foods
• Origin: Brazil
• Temperature: 72-79°F
• pH: 6.4-7.4
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The pygmy cory is the perfect species for nano aquariums. These silvery schoolers have a prominent black line along their sides, from their eyes to their tails. Pygmy cories are extremely peaceful, and even a little shy around bigger, more boisterous fish.

Keep them with other small fish species to bring out the best in them. A group of at least 5 or more will look great and allow them to show their natural schooling behavior.

2. Longfin Panda

• Scientific Name: Corydoras panda
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 2.5 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 – 20 gallons
• Diet: Feed frozen, live, and dried foods
• Origin: Peru
• Temperature: 72-77°F
• pH: 6-7.4
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The longfin (video source) is a great variety of the regular panda cory. These schooling fish are an awesome choice for community aquariums.

The long and flowing caudal fin definitely adds to their appeal. Panda corydoras are very social and peaceful fish that love to hang out in a group, so be sure to order at least 5 of them to really enjoy their natural behavior.

3. Albino Aeneus

• Scientific Name: Corydoras aeneus
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 2.5-3 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Diet: Feed frozen, live, and dried foods
• Origin: South America
• Temperature: 70-81°F
• pH: 6-8
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

These albino corydoras catfish are a pure white version of the bronze cory catfish (Corydoras aeneus). Their pinkish-white coloration makes them really stand out, especially with good lighting and a dark background and substrate.

Albino bronze corys are solidly built little cory catfish that get a little larger than most other types of corydoras. They are a great choice for a peaceful community setup with other similarly sized tropical fish.

4. Panda Corydoras

• Scientific Name: Corydoras panda
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 2.5 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 10-20 gallons
• Diet: Feed frozen, live, and dried foods
• Origin: Peru
• Temperature: 72-77°F
• pH: 6-7.4
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The panda cory is one of the most popular species in the hobby. These schooling fish are very recognizable with the black markings on their face, tail, and dorsal fin.

Panda cories bred in the aquarium trade are adapted to water temperatures in the mid-70s, but in the wild, they can survive in cooler water temperatures down to the upper 60s (Fahrenheit).

5. Habrosus

• Scientific Name: Corydoras habrosus
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 1.5 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
• Diet: Feed frozen, live, and dried foods
• Origin: Venezuela & Colombia
• Temperature: 70-79°F
• pH: 5.5-7.5
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The habrosus cory is commonly known as the salt and pepper cory. This nano fish species is very similar to the pygmy corydoras but is a little more boldly marked. Another good way to tell them apart is to look at the dark line down their sides – in this species, the line is broken.

Like Corydoras pygmaeus, these schooling cories are active swimmers that spend most of their time in the midwater of the aquarium. I suggest keeping at least 5 of these nano schoolers, but go for 10 or more if you have the room!

6. Paleatus

• Scientific Name: Corydoras paleatus
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 2.5 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
• Diet: Feed frozen, live, and dried foods
• Origin: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay
• Temperature: 72-78°F
• pH: 6-7
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The paleatus, or pepper cory catfish, is a great species of cory for beginners. These affordable fish are commonly known as the peppered corydoras because of their finely blotched pattern.

Peppered cory catfish should be kept in a small group to bring out the best in their personalities.

7. Sterba’s

• Scientific Name: Corydoras sterbai
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 2.5 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
• Diet: Feed frozen, live, and dried foods
• Origin: Bolivia & Brazil
• Temperature: 70-77° F
• pH: 6.2-7.8
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The Sterba’s cory is one of my favorite corydoras of all. These stunning little cory catfish are very peaceful and look amazing in a tropical community aquarium.

Sterba’s cory is a pretty dark species, that is heavily marked with black lines and silver dots. Their most distinctive feature is probably the golden yellow color of their pectoral and pelvic fins.

8. Simillis Corydoras

• Scientific Name: Corydoras similis
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 2 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Diet: Feed frozen, live, and dried foods
• Origin: Brazil
• Temperature: 72-79°F
• pH: 6-8
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The similis cory (video source) is one of the best-looking species out there. They have a finely spotted body, with a darker area near the tail.

These cory catfish types are a great choice for a blackwater amazon biotope, but they will be very happy in a regular planted setup too.

9. Adolfo Cory-Cat

• Scientific Name: Corydoras aldolfoi
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 2.5 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Diet: Feed frozen, live, and dried foods
• Origin: Brazil
• Temperature: 72-79°F
• pH: 5.8-7
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

Corydoras catfish (video source) are not really known for bright colors, but the adolfo cory is certainly one of the bolder species! These fish are silvery-white with black markings and have a distinctive orange mark on their backs. They are most at home in acidic stained water.

10. False Julii-Cory

• Scientific Name: Corydoras trilineatus
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 2 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Diet: Feed frozen, live, and dried foods
• Origin: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Suriname
• Temperature: 72-79°F
• pH: 5.8-7
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The false julii cory catfish gets its name because it looks a lot like the regular julii corydoras catfish (Corydoras julii). They are striking little fish with silvery bodies covered in interesting plack patterns.

They are an active species that will entertain you with plenty of antics if kept in a nice school of at least 6.

Other Species

There are a huge number of different corydoras species. In fact, with more than 160 types of cory catfish, they form the largest genus of freshwater fish in the world!

Here’s a list of other common corydoras you might come across in pet stores and the aquarium trade.

• Julii cory – Corydoras julii
• Bandit cory – Corydoras metae
• Three stripe cory – Corydoras trilineatus
• Leopard cory – Corydoras leopardus
• Skunk cory – Corydoras arcuatus
• Dwarf corydoras – Corydoras hastatus
• Orange laser cory – Corydoras aeneus
• Agassizi cory – Corydoras agassizi

Tank Setup

Setting up a great tank for cory catfish is easy. The nano species like pygmy corydoras can thrive in tanks as small as 10 gallons, but many of the larger species will do much better in community tanks of at least 30 gallons or so. As with all aquarium fish, the bigger the tank the better!

Let’s take a look at how to set up your aquarium for cory catfish.

Substrate & Decorations

Choosing the right substrate is more important for keeping cories than you might think! These cory catfish have fine whisker-like structures around their mouths that are known as barbels. These barbels are used to forage for food in the substrate, but they can be easily damaged on sharp gravel.

This is known as barbel erosion and its causes are not universally agreed on. Fine sand is the best substrate choice because this is what the fish are able to dig through without hurting themselves.

A layer of just half an inch or less is ideal because it will allow the fish to search right down to the bottom of the tank and consume any uneaten food.

Live Plants

Growing some floating plants and epiphytes in the tank can enhance the look of your aquarium while improving water quality and oxygenation. The following species are easy to grow and don’t need any special lighting or equipment:

• Java Moss
• Java Fern
• Anubias nana
• Red root floater

Lighting & Filtration

Most types of cory catfish prefer low lighting, but they will also be very happy in a well-lit planted tank, especially if the plants provide some shade. They will also enjoy some hides and caves in the form of ornaments or carefully arranged hardscapes.

Cory catfish need great water quality, so a good quality water filtration system is essential. Many breeders make use of simple sponge filters, but a canister, hang-on back, or internal power filter is a more aesthetically pleasing option for a beautiful display tank.

Any filter you select should provide excellent mechanical and biological filtration. Choose a model that matches your aquarium tank size and is able to process the volume of water about 5 times every hour.

How To Take Care Of Your Pet

Cory catfish are simple to care for, which is one of the reasons they are so popular in the fish-keeping hobby. With the right tank setup, good maintenance, and a high-quality diet, these fish can provide you with years of enjoyment in a tropical community tank.

Read on to learn more about caring for these fun little bottom feeders!

Aquarium Maintenance

Regular aquarium maintenance is especially important when keeping cory catfish. These fish do not tolerate poor water quality well and can be affected by serious conditions like barbel erosion in a neglected tank.

Stay on top of your maintenance by performing a simple water change each week. Make sure to clean the substrate thoroughly with your gravel vacuum, because this is where your cory catfish forage and hang out.

You’ll need an aquarium test kit to monitor the water parameters in your tank. The test results should always read zero parts ammonia and nitrites in a fully cycled aquarium. Nitrates will build up naturally in any stocked aquarium but should be kept to below 20 parts per million.

Behavior & Feeding

Most cory catfish are bottom dwellers that spend their time digging through the substrate or resting on the sand. They can be very active too and often enjoy swimming up and down the tank at high speed. They are very social creatures and just love shoaling together.

The nano species like habrosas and pygmy corys are a little different. They are more active swimmers and will spend their time schooling in the midwater levels of the tank.

Cory catfish are omnivorous and will eat just about any food source you provide. Unfortunately, some inexperienced fishkeepers make the mistake of not feeding them at all. While they do make an awesome part of the clean-up crew, this doesn’t mean they don’t need a high-quality diet.

Let’s take a look at some of the best food sources for these fish.

• Flake foods and granules
• Sinking pellets and wafers
• Gel foods
• Frozen foods
• Live baby brine shrimp
• Black worms

Breeding

Cory catfish can be bred at home with a little planning and preparation. You’ll need a separate breeding tank of about ten gallons or so with a simple sponge filter for the best results. You should put in a spawning mop of synthetic wool or a live plant like java moss where the females can deposit their eggs.

A group of 2 females and four males is a good bet and they should be well-conditioned after moving them into the breeding tank. The males are a little smaller than the females and have more pointed fins. Feeding them a high-quality diet including plenty of live/frozen food will get the fish ready to spawn.

Frequent water changes are necessary and replacing the old water with slightly cooler water will often trigger spawning. The spawning behavior is interesting to watch, with the pair forming a T-shape. The eggs are laid on the spawning mop or even just the aquarium glass.

Remove the adults once eggs have been laid. They should hatch after about 5 days and will need to be fed a diet of micro worms once they reach the free-swimming stage.

Tankmates

All types of cory catfish are the perfect fish for community tanks because they are just so peaceful. Most species can be kept with adult shrimp, but you can expect juvenile shrimp to be snacked on.

Cory catfish should only be kept with other small fish that won’t bully them, or try to eat them. They can be kept with other bottom-dwelling species, but take care not to overstock your tank with bottom-feeders. Let’s take a look at some other fish that can be kept with corydoras:

• Cardinal tetras
• Angelfish
• Otocinclus catfish
• Danios
• Apistogramma and rams
• Livebearers like guppies
• Other corydoras catfish
• Betta fish

Where To Buy

Corydoras are such popular fish that you can find them at most pet shops and aquarium stores. There are some great online retailers like Flipaquatics that have made a name for themselves by selling high-quality stock and making the delivery process super easy and safe for the fish too.

FAQs

Expert Take

Corydoras are one of my favorite fish to recommend because they consistently reward keepers who actually meet their needs. The species matters less than people think. The group size matters more. A school of 8 in the right setup will be more active, healthy, and visible than any species kept as a trio. — Mark Valderrama, AquariumStoreDepot

ASD Difficulty Rating: Tier 1 – Beginner. Most corydoras species are beginner-friendly with standard water parameters. Group size and soft substrate are the keys to success.

Hard Rule: Corydoras must be kept in groups of 6 or more, preferably with their own species. A pair or trio will hide, stop foraging, and deteriorate over months. Group size is non-negotiable.

The Reality of Keeping Corydoras

Corydoras are deceptively active when kept in appropriate numbers. A school of 8 in a clean, planted tank is constantly moving, foraging, and investigating the substrate. A pair in an empty tank just sits in a corner looking miserable. The difference is entirely about group size and setup. They are also sensitive to sharp gravel. Their barbels will erode on rough substrate, which you may not notice until they stop foraging.

Is the 10 Most Popular Cory Catfish Types for Community Tanks Right for You?

Before you add a 10 most popular cory catfish types for community tanks to your tank, it’s worth asking whether this species actually fits your setup and your goals. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide.

This species is a good fit if:

• You have a large enough tank to manage territories. Cramped conditions amplify aggression.
• You’re comfortable managing aggression through stocking ratios, line of sight breaks, and tank layout.
• You can commit to regular water changes. These fish produce more waste than many smaller species.
• You’re not planning a peaceful community tank. 10 Most Popular Cory Catfish Types for Community Tankss need tank mates that can hold their own.
• You enjoy watching active, interactive fish. Cichlids have personality that smaller species simply don’t match.
• You have backup plans. Sometimes a particular fish just doesn’t work out, and you need a way to rehome it.
• You’re feeding a varied, high-quality diet. Color and health depend on nutrition.

If most of those points line up with your setup, the 10 most popular cory catfish types for community tanks is worth serious consideration. If several don’t, it’s better to choose a species that matches your tank now rather than trying to make it work.

Avoid If:

• You want to keep just one or two corydoras. They need groups of 6+ to thrive
• You have sharp gravel or coarse substrate that will damage their barbels over time
• You expect them to fully clean a tank’s waste. They are foragers, not vacuums
• You keep aggressive tank mates that chase or outcompete them for food at the bottom

How the 10 Most Popular Cory Catfish Types for Community Tanks Compares to Similar Species

Choosing between similar species can be tricky. Here’s how the 10 most popular cory catfish types for community tanks stacks up against some common alternatives.

The 10 most popular cory catfish types for community tanks occupies a specific niche in the aquarium hobby, and direct comparisons really depend on what you’re looking for. In my experience, the most common question people ask is whether they should choose the 10 most popular cory catfish types for community tanks or something similar that’s more widely available. The answer usually comes down to three things: tank size, water parameters, and what other fish you’re keeping. If your setup matches what the 10 most popular cory catfish types for community tanks needs, it’s hard to beat. If not, there are usually alternatives worth exploring.

Final Thoughts

Cory catfish are amazing pets for tropical freshwater aquariums. They stay small, are sweet-natured, and help to clean up uneaten food from their messy tank mates! Choosing the perfect species can be tough with all the options, but the ten fish in this list are all worth considering for your aquarium.

What are your favorite types of cory catfish? Let me know in the comments below!

Rasboras are one of those fish families I keep coming back to after 25 years in this hobby. They’re diverse, peaceful, and ideally suited to the planted nano tanks that have become so popular. The harlequin rasbora is the most iconic. a lot of hobbyists’ first schooling fish. but the family includes chili rasboras, lambchop rasboras, galaxy rasboras (celestial pearl danios), and more, each bringing something distinct to a planted setup. One thing I always mention to people getting started with rasboras: most prefer softer, slightly acidic water. Many will adapt to neutral conditions, but they genuinely thrive when the parameters reflect their natural blackwater habitat. This guide covers 11 of the best species worth considering.

What Are Rasboras?

Rasboras are freshwater fish from the Cyprinidae family. That family might sound familiar because it is the same group that includes other well-known aquarium fish like barbs, goldfish, and koi.

Many of the tiny species were originally placed in the Rasbora genus, butscientists have since split them up into a few different groups. Most of the species in the aquarium trade are from South and Southeast Asia where they live in streams, ponds, and lakes.

Rasboras are some of the smallest fish species known, and most aquarium species grow to just an inch or two in length. These fish are awesome in nano aquariums, and their peaceful temperaments and great colors have made them firm favorites among fishkeepers all over the world!

11 Best Types Of Rasboras For Aquariums

Now that you know a little bit more about rasboras, it’s time to meet 11 great species that you can keep! Below is a video from our YouTube channel. We go into more detail in the blog post below. If you enjoy our content, please make sure to subscribe!

I’ve included the most important information to help you choose the best species for your tank. Take note of the following stats for each species:

• Scientific Name
• Difficulty Level
• Temperament
• Adult Size
• Minimum Tank Size
• Diet
• Origin
• Temperature
• pH
• Difficulty to breed
• Planted tank suitability

So let’s get started!

1. Harlequin Rasbora

• Scientific Name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Very peaceful
• Adult Size: 1.5-1.75 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (20 gallons recommended)
• Diet: Carnivorous, provide micropellets/flakes, live and frozen food
• Origin: Southeast Asia
• Temperature: 70-82°F
• pH: 5.5-7.5
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The Harlequin rasbora is an amazing schooling fish for community fish tanks. These fish have awesome black triangular markings on their sides, which contrasts with their golden orange color.

Harlequin rasboras are one of the most popular aquarium species sold today because they are so peaceful and easy to care for. Keep a group of 8 or more to see the natural schooling behavior of these neat little fish.

2. Dwarf Emerald

• Scientific Name: Celestichthys erythromicron
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 1 inch
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Diet: Omnivorous, feed micro pellets, and live/frozen food
• Origin: Myanmar
• Temperature: 68-75°F
• pH: 7.5-8
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The dwarf emerald rasbora (video source) is an awesome nano fish for cool water aquariums. They look very similar to galaxy rasboras/ celestial pearl danios and are actually pretty closely related. These tiny fish are really peaceful and don’t get much over an inch in size.

They are can be shy by nature but will be most comfortable and active in a well-planted aquarium. A group of 6 or more dwarf emerald rasboras would be great in a species-only nano tank, but they can also be kept with other peaceful fish of a similar size.

3. Chili Rasbora/ Mosquito

• Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 0.75 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Diet: Carnivorous, provide micropellets/flakes, live and frozen food
• Origin: Borneo
• Temperature: 68-82°F
• pH: 4-7
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

Chili rasboras (video source) are one of the smallest fish species in the fishkeeping hobby and are also known as the mosquito rasbora. For such a small species, these little guys are really adaptable to different conditions, but they do need excellent water quality to thrive.

Chili rasbora fish do best when kept on their own but they can be kept with other small species that won’t out-compete them for food.

4. Blue Axelrodi

• Scientific Name: Sundadanio axelrodi
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 0.75 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
• Diet: Carnivorous, feed live/frozen food
• Origin: Indonesia, Borneo, Sumatra
• Temperature: 73-79°F
• pH: 4-6.5
• Difficulty to breed: advanced
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The blue variety of the axelrodi rasbora (video source) is true schooling fish that should be kept in large groups of 20 or more to really shine.

These tiny fish don’t always accept prepared foods, so be sure to keep a supply of live or frozen foods like daphnia or grindal worms to keep them well-fed.

5. Spotted/ Dwarf

• Scientific Name: Boraras maculatus
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 0.75-1 inch
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Diet: Carnivorous, provide micropellets/flakes, live and frozen food
• Origin: Southeast Asia
• Temperature: 68-82°F
• pH: 4-6.5
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The spotted, or dwarf rasbora (video source) is another tiny species that is just perfect for a planted nano tank. This colorful fish has a bright red gill cover and three black spots on its orange body.

The ideal tank mates for dwarf rasboras are shrimp, snails, and other peaceful nano fish. Keep at least ten of these social schooling fish to keep them confident and active.

6. Merah

• Scientific Name: Boraras merah
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 0.75 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Diet: Carnivorous, provide micropellets/flakes, live and frozen food
• Origin: Borneo
• Temperature: 68-82°F
• pH: 4-6.5
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The merah rasbora (video source) is another diminutive species for all the nano fish lovers out there! They are also known as the phoenix rasbora.

This species is very similar to the chili rasbora but is generally less colorful. Like other rasboras, these fish do best in groups because they prefer to school together.

7. Black Harlequin

• Scientific Name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Very peaceful
• Adult Size: 1.5-1.75 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Diet: Carnivorous, provide micropellets/flakes, live and frozen food
• Origin: Southeast Asia
• Temperature: 70-82°F
• pH: 5.5-7.5
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The black harlequin rasbora is a dark variant of the standard harlequin rasbora. This popular species has been a favorite amongst aquarists for over a century, and it’s easy to see why!

Black harlequin rasboras have the same care needs as the regular species.

8. Green Kubotai

• Scientific Name: Microdevario kubotai
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 0.75 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
• Diet: Omnivorous, feed micro pellets, flakes, and live/frozen food
• Origin: Thailand, Myanmar
• Temperature: 68-80°F
• pH: 6-7
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The green kubotsai rasbora (video source) has an amazing neon green body color. These tiny shoaling fish are a perfect choice for a planted aquarium.

They can be kept in a species-only tank in groups of 8 or more, or as part of a peaceful nano community.

9. Exclamation Point

• Scientific Name: Boraras urophthalmoides
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 0.5-0.7 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallon
• Diet: Carnivorous, provide micropellets/flakes, live and frozen food
• Origin: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand
• Temperature: 68-82°F
• pH: 6-7
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The exclamation point rasbora (video source) is another incredible nano fish from the Boraras genus. If the word Boraras sounds strangely familiar, that’s because this name is an anagram of the word rasbora.

The exclamation point is one of the smaller rasbora species that you would come across at just half an inch or so in length. It gets its name from the combination of a line and a dot on the fish’s body, which make a perfect exclamation point!

10. Emerald Eye

• Scientific Name: Brevibora dorsiocellata
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 1.5 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Diet: Carnivorous, provide micropellets/flakes, live and frozen food
• Origin: Thailand, Sumatra, Malaysia,
• Temperature: 68-77°F
• pH: 5-7.5
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The emerald eye rasbora is a great-looking schooling fish. These fish have beautiful iridescent green markings from their eyes right down to their tails.

These small rasboras are very peaceful and stay small, making them an ideal choice for a soft water community setup.

11. Scissortail

Scissortail Rasbora in Planted Tank” class=”wp-image-552942″/>

• Scientific Name: Rasbora trilineata
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 6 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
• Diet: Carnivorous, provide micropellets/flakes, live and frozen food
• Origin: Southeast Asia
• Temperature: 73-77°F
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate
• Planted tank suitability: Yes

The scissortail rasbora grows to a size of 6 inches, making it a giant of the rasbora world! Scissortail rasboras get their name from the interesting way they twitch their caudal fin.

Like the other rasboras, these schooling fish do best in groups. Scissortail rasboras are a large and active species, so naturally, they need a fairly large tank to have enough room.

Other Species

Just in case 11 species wasn’t enough, here are a few more bonus rasboras that you can look out for!

• Galaxy rasbora/ Celestial pearl danio –Danio margaritatus
• Blackline rasbora-Rasbora borapetensis
• Clown rasbora-Rasbora kalochroma
• Brilliant rasbora- Rasbora einthovenii

Tank Setup

Rasboras make great nano fish for small aquariums. Even though they may be tiny, they tend to be very active fish, so a minimum tank size of about 10 gallons is recommended for most of the smaller species.

Substrate & Decor

Sand or gravel makes a fine substrate for most rasboras, although a complete aqua soil is often a better choice for planted tanks because rasboras do best in aquariums with abundant aquatic plant growth.

Adding some driftwood and plenty of live plants will help these fish feel more at home in the aquarium. Plants like Java ferns, cryptocorynes, and amazon swords are great choices because they are easy to grow and don’t need powerful lighting.

Lighting & Filtration

Specialized lighting is not necessary for your rasbora aquarium. While bright light is great for a planted tank, it’s not necessarily the best choice for these fish.

Most rasboras prefer fairly dim lighting in the aquarium. Growing some red root floaters or other species of floating plants is a good idea because it helps maintain the dim light these fish prefer.

Rasboras are small fish that prefer still or slow-flowing water. A simple sponge filter will provide adequate filtration for most species.

For a more compact and aesthetic option, a hang-on back or internal power filter can also be used. Just be sure to set up a prefilter sponge over the intake to prevent any tiny fish from getting sucked in.

Whichever filter you prefer, make sure it is capable of excellent mechanical and biological filtration, especially if you are keeping your rasboras in a nano aquarium.

Care

Now that you know how to set up a great home for your fish, it’s time to learn how to keep them healthy. Rasboras are pretty easy to care for if you can maintain good water quality and feed them a quality diet. Choosing the right tankmates is also very important since these fish are so small.

Read on to learn about all of these things and more!

Aquarium maintenance

Most rasboras require great water quality, and that’s why regular aquarium maintenance is so important. This might not be everyone’s idea of a good time, but it’s really not such a bad deal.

Get into the habit of performing a partial water change every week, especially if you keep a nano aquarium. You can use your test kit to monitor the nitrate levels- that way you’ll know if you’re changing enough water.

Use a gravel vacuum to suck out any solid waste particles from the substrate and give your aquarium glass a good clean with your algae scraper. Once you’re done, you can sit back and admire a beautiful tank with happy rasboras for the rest of the week!

Behavior & Feeding

Most species of rasboras available in the aquarium trade are considered micro predators. In their natural freshwater habitats, they feed on tiny crustaceans and other invertebrates.

In the home aquarium, these fish prefer to feed on frozen and live foods like brine shrimp and daphnia. Most species will feed on dried foods like fish flakes and tropical granules, however. A good food to try is Xtreme Aquatic Foods Nano formula.

Breeding

Breeding rasboras is not very difficult. In fact, healthy adult fish will breed freely in many home aquariums. These fish produce eggs on a regular basis, so don’t be too surprised if you see some tiny fry in your tank!

Rasboras aren’t that big on eating eggs, but there are no guarantees that the eggs will be left to hatch. Fortunately, the eggs hatch after just a day or so, and the fry begin swimming 2 or 3 days after that. They will have the best chance of survival if your tank is heavily planted, and contains only rasboras.

Setting up a small breeding tank will give you a much higher success rate. A small tank with a sponge filter, some floating plants, and some broadleaved plants is ideal for this purpose. Place a conditioned pair into the tank and, with some luck, the female will lay some eggs on the underside of a leaf.

After the pair have finished breeding, they should be moved back to their regular display tank. The fry grow very fast but must be fed on tiny food like infusoria until they are able to progress to baby brine shrimp.

Tankmates

Rasboras make great fish for community tanks because they are so peaceful. Most rasbora species will get along perfectly with similarly sized community nano fish, as long as they all enjoy the same water parameters.

Let’s take a look at some ideal tank mates:

• Smaller species of corydoras catfish
• Kuhli loaches and other small peaceful loaches
• Dwarf gouramis
• Cardinal tetras

The smallest species from the Boraras genus tend to do best in a species-only tank. They can, however, be kept with inverts like:

• Adults of most species of dwarf freshwater shrimp
• Aquarium snails

Where to Buy

Some of the different rasbora species are very common in the aquarium trade. Your local fish store probably sells a few popular species, and it’s always worth asking if they can track down something they don’t have in stock.

These days the greatest selection of species can be found online. Quality retailers like Flipaquatics.com are worth checking out because they stock a wide range of great nano fish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Rasboras are probably the best nano schooling fish in the aquarium hobby. These fish are small, peaceful, colorful, and pretty easy to care for. If you’re looking for a fish to put into a planted nano tank, look no further!

Which is your favorite rasbora species? Let me know in the comments below!

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📘 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide. your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

Table of Contents

• What Most Care Guides Get Wrong About 20 Great Coldwater Aquarium Fish (No Heater Required)

Most beginners assume every aquarium needs a heater. but some of the best fish in the hobby actually prefer cool water, and a few will suffer if kept too warm. After 25 years in this hobby, I’ve seen countless coldwater fish kept in heated tropical tanks because it’s “convenient.” Short-term they look fine. Long-term they’re stressed, their immune systems are compromised, and they live a fraction of their potential lifespan. In this guide I’m covering 20 coldwater aquarium fish I’d genuinely recommend, with honest notes on the temperature range each species actually needs to thrive. not just survive.

What Most Care Guides Get Wrong About 20 Great Coldwater Aquarium Fish (No Heater Required)

The most common mistake I see with 20 great coldwater aquarium fish (no heater required)s is keeping too few. Guides will say “minimum 6” and leave it at that. In reality, these fish behave completely differently in a proper group of 8 to 10 or more. Keeping just 3 or 4 often leads to stress, hiding, and fin nipping that wouldn’t happen in a larger school. Another thing most guides miss is how much lighting and decor affect this species. 20 Great Coldwater Aquarium Fish (No Heater Required)s look washed out under bright white LEDs on a light substrate. Dim the lights, add some tannins, use a dark background, and you’ll see colors you didn’t know they had. I’ve also noticed that many care sheets recommend overly broad water parameters. Yes, 20 great coldwater aquarium fish (no heater required)s are adaptable. But “adaptable” doesn’t mean they’ll thrive in just anything.

What Is A Coldwater Aquarium Fish?

Cold water aquarium fish can survive in temperatures of 70°F or lower. They are species that come from the subtropical and temperate parts of the world where the water isn’t always warm.

Unlike most tropical fish, cold-water fish do not need a heater to survive in the home aquarium. These fish are at home in the same temperatures that most people are, so the natural room temperature of your home is usually fine for them.

The Advantages

Keeping coldwater fish can have some real benefits for aquarists and the fish themselves. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you might choose to keep cold-water fish over tropical species.

You Don’t Need A Heater

Not needing a heater to keep the water temperature in the comfortable range has a few benefits that you might not realize.

Firstly, you don’t need to buy an aquarium heater or pay for the energy they use. In this hobby, every cent counts right? You can also think of this as a more eco-friendly option.

Heaters can be unsightly too, so you’re also able to create a more natural-looking aquarium, and reduce the amount of hardware and electrical cords you need to hide.

It Can Be Safer

Power interruptions are a fact of life for many people. With an unheated tank, you don’t need to panic when the power goes out.

Even when the lights stay on, aquarium heaters can still malfunction. This is another thing you don’t have to worry about with an unheated tank.

Less Cleaning

Algae thrive in warm water, and this can be a real challenge in planted tropical fish tanks. Coldwater can be a real blessing in heavily planted aquariums and aquascapes because the plants and glass are less likely to be covered.

15 Best Tanks

Now that you know what a cold-water fish is, it’s time to get to know some of the best species for your aquarium. I’ll be listing some important stats for each species, so you can make sure you’re making the right choice. These are:

• The fish’s scientific name
• Its size when fully grown
• How easy it is to care for
• The minimum suitable tank size
• The fish’s temperament
• What the fish eats
• Where it comes from
• The water temperature the fish prefers
• It’s swimming level in the aquarium

So let’s meet them now! You can see our YouTube Video below from our channel and also follow along in our blog post:

Let’s meet our fish!

1. Japanese Rice

• Scientific Name: Oryzias latipes
• Adult Size: 1.5 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore, feed dried, live & frozen foods
• Origin: Eastern Asia
• Water Temperature: 64-71°F
• Swimming Level: All levels

The Japanese rice fish or Medaka fish is a great coldwater species for nano tanks. They get their name because they are often found living wild in rice paddies.

The wild type is not the most colorful fish out there, but they are amazing to watch. A golden variety, as well as some genetically modified glowing varieties, have also been developed if you’re looking for more color. These tiny schooling fish will be happiest if kept in groups of 8 or more.

2. Bloodfin Tetra

• Scientific Name: Aphyocharax anisitsi
• Adult Size: 2 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, nips fins
• Diet: Carnivore, feed dried, live & frozen foods
• Origin: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay
• Water Temperature: 64-82°F
• Swimming Level: Midwater

The bloodfin tetra is a great schooling fish for unheated aquariums. Their blood-red fins give these silvery fish a striking look in the aquarium.

They are very hardy fish that are adaptable to a wide range of water temperatures, which means you don’t have to worry if it gets a little warmer than usual. These long-lived tetras regularly survive for over 5 years, especially if kept in groups of 6 or more.

3. White Cloud Mountain Minnow

• Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
• Adult Size: 1.5 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
• Origin: China
• Water Temperature: 58-72°F
• Swimming Level: Midwater

White cloud mountain minnows are one of the best cold-water fish in the aquarium hobby. These schooling fish get their name from the White cloud mountain in China¹, where they can be found living wild.

These peaceful fish are available in some awesome varieties including gold and long-finned types. They prefer cooler water temperatures and are easy to care for. The white cloud mountain minnow is a great choice for a community tank if kept with other peaceful fish.

Mark’s Experience: White Cloud Mountain Minnows

White clouds are easy mode, and I mean that as the highest compliment. I’ve kept them and the thing most guides get wrong is recommending a heater. These fish genuinely do better at room temperature. In my tanks, 65–68°F is their sweet spot. Heating them up to tropical temperatures actually stresses them and shortens their lifespan. If you have an unheated room-temperature tank and you want a fish that will thrive rather than just survive, white cloud mountain minnows are my top pick.

4. Panda Corydoras

• Scientific Name: Corydoras panda
• Adult Size: 2 inches
• Care Level: Easy-moderate
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivore, feed sinking dried foods, live and frozen supplements
• Origin: Peru
• Water Temperature: 68-77°F
• Swimming Level: Bottom

Panda corydoras get their name from their bold black and white markings and black eyestripe. These adorable catfish are great for cold water aquariums, even though commercially bred individuals are less fussy about water temperatures than wild-caught fish.

Panda cory catfish are very peaceful and social bottom feeders that will be most confident in a school of 6 or more.

5. Guppies

• Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
• Adult Size: 1-2.5 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivores, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
• Origin: South America and the Caribbean
• Water Temperature: 63-82°F
• Swimming Level: All levels

Guppies are one of the most popular pet fish on the planet. They are very adaptable and do just as well as cold-water fish as they do in a community tank with tropical fish. These peaceful fish have been bred to display an amazing variety of colors.

Guppies are livebearers, which means they give birth to live fry instead of laying eggs. It is best to keep only one sex if you don’t want these fish to multiply in your aquarium.

6. Endler’s Livebearer

• Scientific Name: Poecilia wingei
• Adult Size: 1-1.8 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivores, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
• Origin: Venezuela, South America
• Water Temperature: 64-84°F
• Swimming Level: All levels

Endler’s livebearers are another awesome nano species for coldwater aquariums. These tiny fish look very similar to guppies, but they stay much smaller at under 2 inches in length. They are not cold-water fish specifically, but they are very hardy and will do great in an unheated tank in a warm home.

7. Bristle Nose Pleco

• Scientific Name: Ancistrus sp.
• Adult Size: 4-5 inches
• Care Level: Moderate
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Herbivore, feed algae wafers & vegetables
• Origin: Argentina
• Water Temperature: 70-79°F
• Swimming Level: Bottom

The bristle nose pleco is an unusual fish that is very useful for eating algae. Most people assume these fish can only be kept in tropical aquariums, but they are comfortable in most unheated aquariums and many aquarists have even managed to keep them with goldfish.

Bristlenose plecos are vegetarian fish that need plenty of driftwood to graze on. They are such efficient algae eaters that you’ll need to supplement their diet with spirulina wafers and veggies to keep them well fed. The pleco pictured above is the Albino breed.

8. Dojo Loach

• Scientific Name: Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
• Adult Size: 6-12 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore, feed sinking dried foods
• Origin: Central & Eastern Asia
• Water Temperature: 59-77°F
• Swimming Level: Bottom

The dojo loach is a great coldwater fish species for larger aquariums. Some aquarists even keep these interesting loach fish in outdoor ponds with Koi.

The dojo loach is also known as the weather loach because they become more active when the barometric pressure changes. These interesting fish can reach up to 12 inches in length, which means they should be kept in a freshwater aquarium that holds at least 55 gallons.

9. Rosy Barb

https://youtu.be/HJmNdqwZE_Y

• Scientific Name: Pethia conchonius
• Adult Size: 3 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
• Origin: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan
• Water Temperature: 60-75°F
• Swimming Level: Midwater

Rosy barbs are another great species for unheated tanks. These beautiful fish have large, highly reflective scales and come in some amazing varieties like the long-fins and neons (video source).

They are social cyprinids that like to swim in larger schools, so pick up a group of 10 or more if possible. These schooling fish are easy to care for, but not the best choice for planted tanks because they tend to nibble on leaves.

10. Gold Barb

Gold Tetra in Aquarium” class=”wp-image-552736″/>

• Scientific Name: Barbodes semifasciolatus
• Adult Size: 2.5-3 inches
• Care Level: Peaceful
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Diet: Omnivore, feed dried, frozen, and live foods
• Origin: China, Vietnam, Taiwan
• Water Temperature: 61-75°F
• Swimming Level: Bottom, midwater

Gold barbs are a great choice for cold water tanks with lower water temperatures. These social fish are also known as the Chinese barb fish and they should be kept in a school of at least 8.

Although wild gold barbs are greenish, the fish in the aquarium trade have been bred to have an amazing golden body color with dark blotches and reddish eyes and fins. A cool albino form is also available from time to time.

11. Axolotl

• Scientific Name: Ambystoma mexicanum
• Adult Size: 6-12 inches
• Care Level: Moderate
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Diet: Carnivore, feed pellets, frozen or live food
• Origin: Mexico
• Water Temperature: 57-68°F
• Swimming Level: Bottom

The axolotl is also known as the Mexican walking fish, but did you know that these amazing animals are not really fish at all? Axolotls are actually amphibians, just like frogs and salamanders! These creatures make amazing and unusual pets for freshwater aquariums.

Axolotls spend their whole lives underwater and do best when kept on their own. This is because they have a tendency to eat nano fish or even each other! They need cool water and are more active in low lighting because they are nocturnal.

12. Fancy Goldfish

• Scientific Name: Carassius auratus
• Adult Size: 6-8 inches
• Care Level: Moderate
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
• Origin: China and Eastern Asia
• Water Temperature: 65-72°F
• Swimming Level: Midwater

Goldfish are more than just feeder fish. The fancy goldfish is one of the best cold-water fish and one of the most popular pets in the world!

These fish are available in a huge range of different breeds, including amazing fish like orandas, ranchus, and bubble-eyes. Fancy goldfish can reach over 8 inches in length, and they need a larger tank than you might think, so don’t be tempted to set them up in a goldfish bowl from your local fish store.

Mark’s Experience: Fancy Goldfish

I’ve kept both common goldfish and the hardier fancy varieties (orandas and ryukins specifically). The biggest mistake I see new keepers make is underestimating space requirements. A common goldfish needs 30+ gallons and will outgrow a 10-gallon in months. Even fancy varieties need more room than their small size at purchase implies. The other non-negotiable in my tanks: double filtration. Goldfish are heavy bioload producers, so I run two filters on every goldfish tank. Get that right and they’re surprisingly easy to keep.

13. Sunset Variatus

• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus variatus
• Adult Size: 2-2.8 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
• Origin: Mexico
• Water Temperature: 68-79°F
• Swimming Level: All levels

The sunset variatus is another great little livebearer for a cold water tank. This morph of the variable platy has amazing red and yellow colors, just like the sky at sunset. Sunset variatus prefer higher pH water conditions, just like many other livebearers.

14. Celestial Pearl Danio

• Scientific Name: Celestichthys margaritatus
• Adult Size: 0.75 inches
• Care Level: Moderate
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
• Origin: Myanmar, Thailand
• Water Temperature: 68-78°F
• Swimming Level: Midwater

The celestial pearl danio is an awesome nano fish species that looks amazing in a heavily planted tank. These fish are also known as galaxy rasboras or just CPDs for short.

They are fairly timid fish that prefer cooler water temperatures. Celestial pearl danios can be kept with other fish, provided their tank mates are peaceful and stay small.

15. Zebra Danio

• Scientific Name: Brachydanio rerio
• Adult Size: 1.5-2 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
• Origin: India
• Water Temperature: 70-82°F
• Swimming Level: Top, Midwater

The zebra danio is another great cold-water fish that is really underrated in the aquarium hobby. Zebra danios are peaceful and hardy fish that are easy to care for. Zebra danios are fast swimming, active danio fish that are amazing in community tanks and get along with many fish.

Mark’s Experience: Zebra Danios

I’ve kept zebra danios and one thing I always tell people: they need more space than the standard advice suggests. These fish are built for speed and they move constantly, in every direction. That frenetic energy can stress slower or more timid tankmates. I run them in a 20-gallon long minimum, not a 10-gallon, and the extra horizontal swimming room makes a noticeable difference in how settled the whole tank looks. For an unheated setup, a longer footprint is your friend.

16. Paradise

• Scientific Name: Macropodus opercularis
• Adult Size: 3 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Diet: Carnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
• Origin: South and East Asia
• Water Temperature: 50-71°F
• Swimming Level: Top, Midwater

The paradise fish is also known as the paradise gourami or the Chinese fighting fish. These beautiful fish are related to betta fish and have all the colors of a tropical species, but are happy in an unheated tank.

Paradise fish have a reputation for being aggressive fish and do best in a species-only tank. Keep a single male and 2 or more females if you plan on keeping a group of these feisty fish.

17. Mosquito

• Scientific Name: Gambusia affinis
• Adult Size: 1.5-2.5 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Diet: Omnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
• Origin: USA and Mexico
• Water Temperature: 50-84°F
• Swimming Level: All levels

The mosquito fish is a small fish species that is usually kept outdoors in ponds as a mosquito larvae control. They can actually make a really fascinating cold water pet fish, however.

One thing to note is that mosquito fish can be pretty aggressive and are known to nip the fins of their tank mates. They are very hardy fish and make an interesting choice for an unheated nano tank.

18. Asian Stone Catfish

• Scientific Name: Hara jerdoni
• Adult Size: 1.2 inches
• Care Level: Moderate
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore, feed live and frozen foods
• Origin: Bangladesh, India
• Water Temperature: 64-75°F
• Swimming Level: Bottom

The Asian stone catfish (video source) is a unique little nocturnal fish for unheated aquariums. They are not super active fish and make a great choice for a nano tank.

The Asian stone catfish can also be kept in a community tank as long as its tank mates are also small and peaceful. Feeding them at night is recommended because they are clumsy and the other fish can easily out-compete them for slow sinking food like frozen brine shrimp.

19. Rosy Red Minnows

https://youtu.be/JFi6xF2fVkI

• Scientific Name: Pimephales promelas
• Adult Size: 3 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
• Origin: Canada, USA, Mexico
• Water Temperature: 50-78°F
• Swimming Level: Midwater

Rosy red minnows are more often used as bait and feeder fish than kept as pets. That’s a shame because they are great-looking fish that are perfect for cold water tanks! Rosy red minnows can be kept in a huge range of water temperatures and are even good for ponds outdoors.

20. Pygmy Sunfish

• Scientific Name: Elassoma evergladei
• Adult Size: 1.4 inches
• Care Level: Moderate
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful, shy
• Diet: Carnivore, feed live and frozen food
• Origin: USA
• Water Temperature: 50-72°F
• Swimming Level: Bottom, midwater

The pygmy sunfish (picture source) is a cute little fish that is native to the Southeastern United States. The breeding males have stunning iridescent blue and black colors.

Pygmy sunfish are not usually seen in fish stores, although they do great in unheated aquariums. These tiny fish are actually more popular with fish keepers over in Europe than in their native North America.

ASD Coldwater Fish Scorecard

After 25 years keeping and studying these fish, here’s how I rate all 20 species across four dimensions: ease of care, visual appeal, community safety, and availability from quality suppliers.

Species	Ease (0-3)	Visual (0-3)	Community (0-2)	Availability (0-2)	ASD Score
White Cloud Mountain Minnow	3	2	2	2	9/10 ⭐
Guppy	3	3	2	2	10/10 🏆
Panda Corydoras	3	3	2	2	10/10 🏆
Endler’s Livebearer	3	3	2	1	9/10
Bloodfin Tetra	3	2	2	1	8/10
Rosy Red Minnow	3	2	2	1	8/10
Zebra Danio	3	2	1	2	8/10
Fancy Goldfish	2	3	1	2	8/10
Bristlenose Pleco	2	2	2	2	8/10
Rosy Barb	2	3	1	2	8/10
Sunset Variatus	2	3	2	1	8/10
Celestial Pearl Danio	2	3	1	1	7/10
Common Goldfish	2	2	1	2	7/10
Gold Barb	2	3	1	1	7/10
Dojo Loach	2	2	2	1	7/10
Asian Stone Catfish	2	2	2	1	7/10
Japanese Rice Fish	2	1	2	1	6/10
Paradise Fish	1	3	0	1	5/10
Mosquito Fish	2	1	0	2	5/10
Axolotl	1	3	0	1	5/10
Pygmy Sunfish	1	3	1	0	5/10

Scoring: Ease (0–3) + Visual (0–3) + Community (0–2) + Availability (0–2) = 10 max. Ratings based on Mark Valderrama’s 25+ years of direct fishkeeping experience and community observations.

Coldwater Tank Setup

Setting up a coldwater tank is just the same as setting up a tropical tank, only you won’t be using a heater. If you live in a tropical climate, however, you might need to take some steps to manage the water temperatures.

Managing Your Tank In Warm Climates

When summer comes along and temperatures in the house begin to rise, keeping your cool water fish comfortable can be tough! Here’s a list of 6 great tips on keeping your fish cool:

1. Monitor the temperature

The most important tool for managing the temperature in your cold water aquarium is a thermometer. A cost-effective solution is to use a simple glass thermometer and keep an eye on it whenever it feels a little warm in your home.

An even better option is to use a digital thermometer with a programmable alarm. This way, you can set the device to alert you when the water temperature rises beyond a certain point. Pretty smart!

2. Use minimal equipment

Knowing the actual temperature in your tank is one thing, but what can you do to keep the temperature in the safe range for your fish?

The first thing to do is switch off or remove any unnecessary equipment in the tank. Things like lights and powerheads give off small amounts of heat and can be switched off temporarily without any harm.

It’s not only the hardware inside your tank that can warm up the water, however. Computers, televisions, refrigerators, and all sorts of appliances can warm up the air around your aquarium.

3. Choose the right lighting

You might not realize it, but some aquarium lights produce plenty of heat. Not all types of aquarium lighting produce the same amount of heat, however.

Switch to LED lighting if your lights are creating heat. This is the best option for keeping your coldwater fish comfortable.

4. Turn on the AC

The temperature of the water in your aquarium is directly affected by the temperature of the air in the room. You can keep your aquarium water temperature down by keeping the room cool with air conditioning. This might not be the most energy-efficient method, but it is very effective! Another alternative is using a mobile AC system.

5. Choose the right location

Not all areas of your home have the same temperature. The north side of your house will usually be cooler than the south if you live in America, Europe, or anywhere north of the equator.

Heat always rises, so the coolest part of your home will usually be downstairs or in the basement. Direct sunlight can heat the water in your tank, even if the air temperature is cool. Never set up an aquarium where it will receive direct sunlight.

6. Cool the water

You will need to cool down the water in your tank if you’ve followed all the tips above, and the water temperature is still rising too much.

The best way to do this is to use an aquarium chiller. These devices are not cheap, but they are very effective because they refrigerate the water. Aquarium chillers can be programmed to maintain a stable, constant temperature of your choice.

A less reliable, but much cheaper option is to run an airstone and an aquarium fan on the water surface. This works best in a tank with no hood. A mesh screen might be necessary though because many fish species can jump out of their tank.

Whichever method you use, make sure you change the temperature gradually to avoid stressing your fish.

Filtration

All aquariums should have good quality filtration to keep the water quality safe, and the tank looking beautiful. Coldwater tanks are no exception, and you can use the same varieties of aquarium filters as you would in a tropical setup.

An air-powered sponge filter is a great option because they do not create any heat and actually help to cool the water slightly. An external canister filter will provide superior filtration, however, and has the added benefit of not cluttering up the tank.

Tank Maintenance

Regular tank maintenance is really important for keeping your coldwater fish healthy and happy. A nice clean tank also looks great, so you can enjoy watching your fish even more. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Testing

Being able to test your water parameters is really important for maintaining your fish tank. Firstly, testing will show you the pH and hardness of your water, which is very important for most species.

Testing for ammonia and nitrite will also allow you to determine whether your aquarium is cycled or not, and whether it’s safe to start introducing fish to a new tank.

Lastly, regular testing for nitrate levels is necessary to work out the perfect maintenance schedule for your tank.

Aquarium test kits are super easy to use, just make sure you buy a kit that can measure the following parameters:

• pH
• GH
• KH
• Ammonia
• Nitrite
• Nitrate

Water Changes

In a healthy, cycled aquarium, beneficial bacteria break down harmful chemicals known as ammonia and nitrite into nitrate. Nitrate is a lot less toxic, but in large concentrations, this compound can still be dangerous.

Growing plenty of live plants can help to lower the level of nitrates in your tank, but the best way is to physically remove them by replacing some of the water. Use your test kit to measure the nitrate in your water. Ideally, you should try to keep the nitrate levels below 20 parts per million.

The process of performing a partial water change is simple. Start by preparing some fresh water. Use a water conditioner to neutralize any chemicals and allow the water to reach the same temperature as your tank water. You will need the same amount of water as you plan on removing.

Next, suck out water from the bottom of the tank with your gravel vacuum and into a bucket or drain. This will remove all the waste particles that have settled on the substrate.

All you have to do now is add the new water to the tank. Pour it in slowly to avoid stirring up the substrate and uprooting any plants.

Other Maintenance Tasks

You’ll also want to clean the algae off your aquarium glass from time to time. You can do this whenever necessary, but I suggest doing this just before your water change. That way you can suck up any loose algae!

You’ll also need to rinse out your aquarium filter media from time to time. There are colonies of beneficial bacteria that live in the filter media of a cycled freshwater aquarium. They are sensitive to tap water, so remember to clean your filter media in the water you have removed from the tank.

Setting Up A Coldwater Community Tank

You can set up an awesome unheated community tank, even though the options are a little more limited. Read on for some handy tips to help you stock your cold water tank.

Choosing Tank Mates

Choosing the right tank mates is essential to ensure that all your pets get along in the aquarium. The most important factors when selecting tank mates are:

• Temperature compatibility
• Other parameters like pH and hardness
• Size and aggression levels

Live Plants

Coldwater aquariums are not only for fish. You can also grow a variety of awesome live plants in an unheated tank. The following beginner live plant species are all great options:

• Ludwigia repens
• Java moss
• Java fern
• Amazon sword

You’ll need to read up on the needs of each plant species to learn how to care for them because their needs do vary.

What About Freshwater Tank Shrimp And Snails?

The good news is that you can keep freshwater invertebrates in a coldwater tank too! Not all inverts like cool water, however.

The following species are safe bets:

• Cherry shrimp (Neocardinia) – Minimum temperature 65°F
• Caridina shrimp – Minimum temperature 64°F
• Amano shrimp – Minimum temperature 64°F
• Malaysian trumpet snails – Minimum temperature 65°F
• Japanese trapdoor snail – Minimum temperature 68°F

Shrimp and snails are great because they help to keep your aquarium clean. Shrimp don’t always make the best tank mates for community tanks, however. Some cold-water species like paradise fish will probably see your shrimp as a tasty snack!

Where To Buy

You can usually find the more popular coldwater species at your local fish stores. Another great place to shop aquarium fish is online, especially if you’re looking for specific fish species.

FAQs

What About Koi?

Koi carp are an amazing coldwater fish, however, they require a large pond and their care are beyond the scope of this blog post. I felt it was best to cover them separate to not confuse readers. If you want to learn more about Koi, check out koi care articles.

Expert Take

I see more failed coldwater setups than heated ones, because people underestimate what “no heater” actually means. It does not mean no temperature management. It means keeping the tank in a space that stays at 60–72°F (16–22°C) year-round. In most homes, that is harder than just adding a heater. — Mark Valderrama, AquariumStoreDepot

ASD Difficulty Rating: Tier 2 – Intermediate. Coldwater tanks require stable cool temperatures that many homes cannot provide without active cooling. Simpler in some ways, more demanding in others.

Hard Rule: Coldwater fish require stable temperatures of 60–72°F (16–22°C). If your home exceeds 75°F (24°C) during summer, a chiller or climate-controlled space is required. Not optional.

The Reality of Keeping Coldwater Aquariums

Coldwater tanks require active temperature management in most homes, especially in summer. A fan across the water surface can reduce temperature by 2–4°F (1–2°C), but extended heat waves require more. This is the constraint that catches most beginners off-guard when they choose a “no-heater setup” for simplicity.

Is the 20 Great Coldwater Aquarium Fish (No Heater Required) Right for You?

Before you add a 20 great coldwater aquarium fish (no heater required) to your tank, it’s worth asking whether this species actually fits your setup and your goals. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide.

This species is a good fit if:

• You have a large enough tank to manage territories. Cramped conditions amplify aggression.
• You’re comfortable managing aggression through stocking ratios, line of sight breaks, and tank layout.
• You can commit to regular water changes. These fish produce more waste than many smaller species.
• You’re not planning a peaceful community tank. 20 Great Coldwater Aquarium Fish (No Heater Required)s need tank mates that can hold their own.
• You enjoy watching active, interactive fish. Cichlids have personality that smaller species simply don’t match.
• You have backup plans. Sometimes a particular fish just doesn’t work out, and you need a way to rehome it.
• You’re feeding a varied, high-quality diet. Color and health depend on nutrition.

If most of those points line up with your setup, the 20 great coldwater aquarium fish (no heater required) is worth serious consideration. If several don’t, it’s better to choose a species that matches your tank now rather than trying to make it work.

Avoid If:

• Your home stays above 75°F (24°C) for extended periods without a way to cool the tank
• You want to combine coldwater species with tropical fish that need 78°F+ water
• You want a completely hands-off, maintenance-free setup. Temperature monitoring is still required
• You live in a warm climate without air conditioning or basement access

How the 20 Great Coldwater Aquarium Fish (No Heater Required) Compares to Similar Species

Choosing between similar species can be tricky. Here’s how the 20 great coldwater aquarium fish (no heater required) stacks up against some common alternatives.

The 20 great coldwater aquarium fish (no heater required) occupies a specific niche in the aquarium hobby, and direct comparisons really depend on what you’re looking for. In my experience, the most common question people ask is whether they should choose the 20 great coldwater aquarium fish (no heater required) or something similar that’s more widely available. The answer usually comes down to three things: tank size, water parameters, and what other fish you’re keeping. If your setup matches what the 20 great coldwater aquarium fish (no heater required) needs, it’s hard to beat. If not, there are usually alternatives worth exploring.

Final Thoughts

Cold water aquarium fish are underrated in the hobby. Many of them are super easy to care for and make awesome pets. If you’re looking to start up a new tank, maybe you should think about ditching the heater and stocking some of the fish on this list!

What’s your favorite cold water fish species? Let me know below!

Freshwater angelfish are one of the species I get asked about most. After 25 years in this hobby, I still find them genuinely fascinating. That elegant, disc-shaped profile stands out in any tank, and the variety of color morphs and fin types selectively bred over decades is remarkable. But here is what most people miss before they buy: angelfish are cichlids. They are territorial. They pair-bond. And they will absolutely eat small fish like neon tetras the moment those fish fit in their mouth. That “angelfish ate my neons” story is as old as the hobby itself.

Angelfish are not beginner fish. They are sold as beginner fish. Those are two different things.

All the beautiful color varieties you see at the store (silver, black, koi, marble, gold, platinum) are the same species, Pterophyllum scalare, just selectively bred for color and fin shape. This guide covers 15 of the most popular types along with what actually separates them in terms of care, personality, and what each one demands from your tank setup.

What Is an Angelfish?

Freshwater angelfish belong to the genus Pterophyllum, a group of South American cichlids. Three species exist in the wild, though the vast majority of fish in the hobby come from one: Pterophyllum scalare. They have been captive-bred for generations and can live 10 years or more in a well-maintained tank.

There are three wild species:

• Common angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare): the species behind almost every color variety in the hobby
• Altum angelfish (Pterophyllum altum): large, expert-only, demands very specific soft acidic water
• Leopold’s angelfish (Pterophyllum leopoldi): smallest of the three, rarely seen but does well in aquariums

What People Get Wrong About Angelfish

The most persistent myth is that angelfish are peaceful community fish. They are relatively calm by cichlid standards, yes. But relative is doing a lot of work in that sentence.

Angelfish will eat anything that fits in their mouth. At 6 inches with long trailing fins, they look majestic and gentle. But they establish territories, they bully smaller tankmates during spawning season, and a bonded pair will defend their spawning site aggressively against every other fish in the tank.

The other thing people miss: angelfish need height. Their bodies are deep, not long, and a standard 20-gallon long tank that looks plenty big actually cramps them. A 29-gallon or 55-gallon tall is the right starting point.

Angelfish Types: A Tier Breakdown

Angelfish Types: Quick Comparison

Type / Variety	Difficulty	Max Size (body depth)	Min Tank	Key Trait
Silver Angelfish	Beginner	6 in (15 cm) long, 8 in (20 cm) deep	29 gal tall	Classic look, most forgiving
Koi Angelfish	Beginner	6 in (15 cm) long, 8 in (20 cm) deep	29 gal tall	Unique tricolor markings per fish
Marble Angelfish	Beginner	6 in (15 cm) long, 8 in (20 cm) deep	29 gal tall	Irregular black/white patterns
Black Angelfish / Black Lace	Beginner	6 in (15 cm) long, 8 in (20 cm) deep	29 gal tall	Deep black pigmentation, bold presence
Gold Angelfish	Beginner	6 in (15 cm) long, 8 in (20 cm) deep	29 gal tall	Warm golden-yellow tone
Platinum Angelfish	Intermediate	6 in (15 cm) long, 8 in (20 cm) deep	29 gal tall	White-silver; shows poor water quality
Veil / Superveil Angelfish	Intermediate	6 in (15 cm) long, 8 in (20 cm) deep	29 gal tall	Long flowing fins; nipping risk
Altum Angelfish	Advanced	7 in (18 cm) long, 10 in (25 cm) deep	75 gal tall	Expert-only; soft, acidic water required

15 Angelfish Types for Your Aquarium

Now let’s get into each type, what makes it unique, and what you actually need to know to keep it successfully.

1. Altum Angelfish

• Species: Pterophyllum altum
• Adult Size: 7 inches (18 cm) long, 10 inches (25 cm) deep
• Color: Silver, gold, and black with three distinct stripes
• Difficulty: Advanced

The altum angelfish is not for beginners. Full stop. This is the largest of the three Pterophyllum species and is sometimes called the Orinoco angelfish after its native river system. It demands soft, acidic water in the pH 4.8–6.2 range and does not tolerate the parameter swings that Pterophyllum scalare varieties handle without a problem.

If you are new to angelfish, start with a scalare variety and come back to the altum after you have a few years of experience. The altum is a spectacular fish when kept properly. But it is an expert-level challenge.

2. Koi Angelfish

• Species: Pterophyllum scalare
• Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) deep
• Color: White, yellow-orange, black (tricolor)
• Difficulty: Beginner

The koi angelfish is one of the most popular varieties in the hobby, and for good reason. The tricolor pattern resembles koi carp, and because each fish has slightly different markings, every koi angel is unique. That uniqueness makes them more expensive than standard varieties, but they are not more difficult to keep.

Koi angelfish are excellent centerpiece fish. They draw attention immediately and hold it.

3. Panda Angelfish

• Species: Pterophyllum scalare
• Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) deep
• Color: Black and white with variable markings
• Difficulty: Beginner

The panda angelfish is a bold black-and-white variant where the pattern distribution varies by individual. Some are mostly white with black patches; others are more evenly split. Care requirements are identical to standard scalare varieties.

4. Albino Dantum Angelfish

• Species: Pterophyllum sp. (possibly hybrid)
• Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) deep
• Color: White with red eyes and faint vertical stripe traces
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Albino dantum angelfish have a tall body, long fins, and red eyes from the albino gene. The exact species origin is uncertain, and they may be a hybrid. They are visually striking but require good water quality to maintain condition. Red-eyed albino fish are sometimes more light-sensitive, so take that into account with your lighting setup.

5. Fluorescent (GloAngel) Angelfish

• Species: Pterophyllum scalare (genetically modified)
• Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) deep
• Color: Fluorescent pink
• Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced

Fluorescent angelfish were first developed by researchers in Taiwan by inserting coral fluorescent protein genes into the angelfish genome. They are rare, controversial in parts of the hobby, and banned for sale in some countries. From a pure care standpoint, they are not hardier than standard scalare, if anything, they can be more fragile. I list them here for completeness, not as a recommendation.

6. Chocolate Angelfish

• Species: Pterophyllum scalare
• Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) deep
• Color: Dark chocolate-brown body with silvery-grey head
• Difficulty: Beginner

Chocolate angelfish have a distinctive two-toned look: dark pigmentation covering most of the body from behind the gills, with a lighter silvery head. The coloration can vary, and some individuals show grey patches on the chocolate sides. They are hardy, beginner-friendly fish that stand out from the more common silver varieties.

7. Platinum Angelfish

• Species: Pterophyllum scalare
• Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) deep
• Color: All-white with silver sheen
• Difficulty: Intermediate

The platinum angelfish is stunning under good lighting: a clean, all-white body with a subtle silver shimmer. The catch is that platinum coloration shows water quality issues clearly. Any yellowing or patchy coloration on a platinum angel is a direct signal that something is off with your water chemistry. These fish need stable, well-maintained parameters to look their best.

8. Gold Angelfish

• Species: Pterophyllum scalare
• Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) deep
• Color: Warm golden-yellow
• Difficulty: Beginner

Gold angelfish are selectively bred to express a warm yellow-gold tone across most of the body. They look excellent against green planted tank backgrounds and are among the easier varieties to find at local fish stores. Care requirements are standard scalare.

9. Marble Angelfish

• Species: Pterophyllum scalare
• Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) deep
• Color: Irregular black, white, and gold marbled pattern
• Difficulty: Beginner

Marble angelfish display irregular black-and-white (sometimes gold) marbled patterns that make each fish unique. They are one of the best beginner varieties: widely available, hardy, and visually interesting without the extra care requirements of more specialized morphs.

10. Black Angelfish / Black Lace

• Species: Pterophyllum scalare
• Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) deep
• Color: Deep black (black lace shows striping through dark pigment)
• Difficulty: Beginner

Black angelfish have deep, uniform black pigmentation from heavy melanin expression. Black lace varieties show through-the-dark-pigment striping that gives a lace-like appearance. Both are bold, high-contrast fish that look dramatic in planted or dark-substrate setups. Straightforward to keep.

11. Silver Angelfish

• Species: Pterophyllum scalare
• Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) deep
• Color: Silver body with four vertical black stripes
• Difficulty: Beginner

The silver angelfish is the closest to the wild-type Pterophyllum scalare coloration. Four vertical black stripes on a silver body, clean, classic, and immediately recognizable. If you are new to angelfish, starting with silver is a reasonable choice. They are the most forgiving of the varieties, bred for aquarium conditions for generations.

12. Zebra Angelfish

• Species: Pterophyllum scalare
• Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) deep
• Color: Silver with multiple vertical black stripes (more than standard silver)
• Difficulty: Beginner

Zebra angelfish are a multi-striped variant of the silver angelfish, with four or more vertical stripes that give a denser striped appearance. Sometimes called “four-bar” or “six-bar” depending on stripe count. Beginner-friendly with the same care profile as standard scalare.

13. Blushing Angelfish

• Species: Pterophyllum scalare
• Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) deep
• Color: Pale body with visible reddish-pink gill areas (“blushing”)
• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate

Blushing angelfish get their name from the visible reddish-pink gill coloration showing through transparent scale tissue. The “blush” makes them look delicate, and they are somewhat more sensitive to water quality than fully pigmented varieties. Keep parameters stable and these fish do well.

14. Smokey Angelfish

• Species: Pterophyllum scalare
• Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) deep
• Color: Smokey grey, darker toward the rear
• Difficulty: Beginner

Smokey angelfish have a grey-toned body that deepens in color toward the rear. The effect is subtle compared to the bold contrast of black or marble varieties, but they look excellent in well-lit planted tanks where the grey tones catch the light. Hardy and straightforward.

15. Veil and Superveil Angelfish

• Species: Pterophyllum scalare (selective fin breeding)
• Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) deep
• Color: Any standard variety; defined by fin length, not color
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Veil and superveil angelfish are standard Pterophyllum scalare selectively bred for extended, flowing fins. Superveil is an extreme expression of the same trait. They look spectacular in the right setup. The challenge: those long fins are a target. Any fin-nipping species in the same tank will go for them. Stick with calm, similarly sized tankmates and keep the current gentle so fins stay intact.

Mark’s Pick: Best Angelfish for Most Aquarists

Angelfish Care: What You Actually Need to Know

Every scalare variety shares the same core care requirements. The color or fin type does not change what the fish needs.

• Tank size: 29 gallons minimum, tall format: do not use a standard 20-long. These are tall fish.
• Temperature: 76–84°F (24–29°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Diet: Varied (flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp), they are not picky.
• Tankmates: Medium to large peaceful fish only. No small tetras, no neon tetras, no small shrimp.

Angelfish are pair-bonders. Once a pair forms, the male and female will claim territory, chase other fish away from their spawning site, and become significantly more aggressive. This is normal cichlid behavior and it can surprise people who have kept them as juveniles in a calm community setting.

Avoid Angelfish If…

Should You Get Angelfish?

Good fit if:

• You have a 29-gallon or larger tall tank
• Your stocking list is built around medium-to-large peaceful fish
• You want a true showpiece centerpiece species
• You are comfortable with occasional territorial behavior
• You want to experience pair bonding and potential breeding

Avoid if:

• Your tank is a standard 20-long or smaller
• You have small fish already established
• You want a stress-free community tank with zero territorial dynamics
• You are a complete beginner, start with something more forgiving first

Closing Thoughts

Angelfish are one of the most rewarding freshwater species you can keep, but they need to be set up correctly from the start. A tall tank, the right tankmates, and an understanding that these are cichlids, not just pretty community fish. Get those three things right and an angelfish will be the centerpiece of your aquarium for a decade.

If you are ready to add angelfish to your tank, check out what is available at Flip Aquatics or Dan’s Fish, both carry quality freshwater angelfish and can ship directly to your door.