Types of Tropical Fish

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Types of Tropical Fish

Types of Tropical Fish – warm-water fish. Certainly one of the many small tropical fish kept in aquariums. They’re also interesting because of how they act or show off. Popular species include angelfish, guppy, kissing gourami, sea horse, Siamese fighting fish, and tetra.

Below, I’d like to discuss the various tropical fish that exist in both freshwater and seawater. I’ll demonstrate and discuss some examples. Especially for aquarium enthusiasts looking for one-of-a-kind specimens.

Types of Tropical Fish – Tropical freshwater fish

Of course, there is a plethora of tropical freshwater fish that can be classified into 25 different groups. I’ll give you an example from each category here.

Category 01: Algae Eaters: Hypostomus Plectomus gold strip

types of tropical fish
Gold Strip

People refer to catfish in the Loricariidae family as “suckermouth catfish.” It has 92 genera and over 680 species, but only a few are commonly kept as pets.

This type of fish is commonly found in tropical community fish tanks. It’s also known as a plecostomus or a pleco. They can cling to rocks, wood, or the sides of your aquarium by sucking on them.


Category 02: Barbs: Puntius pentazona / Five Stripe Barbel

Five Stripe Barbel
Five Stripe Barbel

The barbel lives in rivers throughout central and western Europe. It is a thin, long fish with four barbels and a thick-lipped, crescent-shaped mouth.

Furthermore, the barbel is green and usually grows to be 75 cm (30 inches) long and 3 kg (6.6 pounds) (6.5 pounds).


Category 03: Botia: Chromobotia macracanthus (Clown Botia)

Clown Botia
Clown Botia

When you see a group of clown loaches, it’s hard not to want to take a few of them home. This magnificent, foot-long fish is a food item in Indonesia and Borneo.

But, the clown loach is lucky that aquarium owners keep them in the community tank and not on the dinner table. Especially its orange and black stripes, red fins, and energetic character make it a popular loach species.


Category 04: Cichlids: Nimbochromis venustus / Malawicichlid venustus

Cichlids
Malawicichlid

In fact, there are at least 850 species of cichlids in Lake Malawi. Most of them come from Africa and Latin America. That’s more fish species than all the freshwater lakes and rivers in Europe put together.


Category 05: Corydoras: Corydoras Albino

Corydoras Albino
Corydoras Albino

Approximately 240 species are known at this time, but only about 30 of them are regularly available in the aquarium trade.

  • Firstly, this is a calm fish that swims in groups.
  • Secondly, keep them in a school of good size, or they won’t feel good.
  • Thirdly, keep at least six copies for them, but a lot more is better.
  • Fourthly, these fish like to go down deep, which is a cool thing to see.

Generally, they live in community aquariums because they can coexist with most fish, with the exception of large fish that eat other fish. As a result, the minimum length of an aquarium is 80 cm.


Category 06: Danio’s: Celestichthys margaritatus / Galaxy rasbora

Galaxy rasbora
Danio

So, If you’re new to fish tanks or want a gorgeous, quiet fish, choose the “Galaxy rasbora”. Furthermore, this species is hardy, easy to care for, and gets along with just about any other peaceful fish.


Category 07: Discus Fish: Violet Discus Fish

Violet Discus Fish
Violet Discus Fish

Specifically, you can find discus in quiet river bends, under overhanging banks, and in cracks in rocks. Furthermore, it takes care of its young in shallow water under the many leaves of different kinds of Nymphaea.


Category 08: Dwarf Cichlids: Apistogramma Macmasteri

Dwarf Cichlids
Dwarf Cichlid

Usually, 60-120 eggs are laid. Then the eggs and larvae attach to the ceiling of the cave and the female takes charge. Also, this species may harem spawn. This means that the male feeds a large number of females at his secret spawning location, which could be a cave or a dense plant thicket.


Category 09: Shrimps: Neocaridina dent.sinensis var.red / Cherry Shrimp

Cherry Shrimp
Cherry Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi is a freshwater shrimp originating from eastern China and introduced in Taiwan, Japan, and Hawaii. Also, they are commonly kept in aquaria. For the most part, the natural coloration of the shrimp is green-brown. Still, there is a wide range of colors such as red, yellow, orange, green, blue, violet, black, etc… However, the red morph is more freq.


Category 10: Gobies: Brachygobius doriae / Bumblebee Goby

Bumblebee Goby
Bumblebee Goby

In particular, the bumblebee goby is without a doubt one of our favorite fish. In fact, these adorable and fascinating little creatures are the stars of almost every aquarium. Even their owners are unable to remain silent.

If you want to get a bumblebee goby, there are a few things you should know about caring for one. However, you should be aware that these fish can only live in salty water and eat specific foods.

It’s much easier to care for this fish once you know what to do.


Category 11: Gourami: Colisa lalia / Dwarf Gourami

Dwarf Gourami
Dwarf Gourami

Different from other fish, the dwarf gourami is a quiet, calm fish. Even more, if you get two of them, they will swim together. Dwarf gouramis are labyrinth fish, which means they need to surface to breathe.


Category 12: Guppies: Lebistes / Guppy man coral red

Guppy man coral red
Guppy man coral red

Guppies have long been a popular aquarium fish. These fish were once found in South American and Caribbean tropical pools, but they are now all grown in aquariums and come in a variety of colors.


Category 13: Shark-Like: Balantiocheilus melanopterus / Shark Fin Barbel

Brownbanded Bamboo Shark
Brownbanded Bamboo Shark

If you have a lot of aquarium experience, you’ve probably considered getting a shark as a pet. The Brownbanded Bamboo Shark is a rare shark that can fit in a home aquarium.

Most sharks are too large to fit in a home aquarium. It is about 41 inches long and can live in a large 180-gallon tank with other fish who get along with it. In captivity, it usually thrives.

The only serious problems with keeping these sharks are feeding and health. You may need to “target feed” your shark to ensure it gets the proper food and medication to stay healthy.


Category 14: Labyrinth Fish: Betta splendens male super delta / Siamese fighting fish male super delta

Siamese fighting fish
Siamese fighting fish male super delta

A labyrinth fish is one that has a special organ called the labyrinth that allows it to breathe air from the water’s surface. But, fish live in water, so why would they require an organ to breathe air?

Because of the environment. Some fish live in areas where the water is or can become depleted of oxygen. So, in such environments, having a labyrinth organ can mean the difference between life and death for fish.


Category 15: L numbers & Ancistruses: Peckoltia vittata / L103-peckoltia vittata

Peckoltia vittata
L103-peckoltia vittata

This is a relatively peaceful fish that gets along well with other fish of all sizes. Initially, this catfish prefers to hide during the day, only to emerge at dusk in search of food.

However, once acclimated to its new surroundings, this fish frequently reveals itself to be a very enterprising and not shy fish, especially when compared to Harness Catfish. They can grow to be 10 to 12 centimeters long.


Category 16: Angelfish: Pterophyllum scalare koi / Angelfish Koi

Angelfish Koi
Angelfish Koi

In fact, the koi angelfish has been bred to have the coloration of a Japanese koi, with a white body with black and orange/red patches. When the fish is young, it may have a red hue below the eyes that fades with age.

Depending on the fish’s stress level, the orange color will vary. The more stressed they are, the darker the orange color becomes. This koi variety resembles the gold marble variety but lacks stripes.


Category 17: Platies: Xiphophorus Maculatus Rainbow / Platy Rainbow

Platy Rainbow
Platy Rainbow

A rainbow color variation is the presence of multiple colors in a single fish. So, these fish frequently exhibit colors in true rainbow fashion, ranging from dark to lighter colors and ending with a black tail. Furthermore, a lovely iridescent rainbow color pattern known as neon is also available.


Category 18: Rasbora: Rasbora hengeli

Rasbora hengeli
Rasbora hengeli

Many tropical aquarium fishes, such as Danios, Barbs, Rasboras, and Tetras, are egg scatterers. Also, goldfish scatter their eggs in nature and tanks, without parental care. In fact, most egg-scattering fish devour their own fertilized eggs after breeding.


Category 19: Rainbow Fish: Melanotaenia Boesemani / Rainbow Salmon

Rainbow Salmon
Rainbow Salmon

The Boeseman’s or Boesemani Rainbow Fish has a blue/purple head and orange/red back. These easy-to-care-for rainbow fish are common in tropical community aquariums. When males are ready to reproduce, their color brightens.


Category 20: Predatory Fish: Pygocentrus Nattereri / Red-bellied Piranha

Red-bellied Piranha
Red-bellied Piranha

In fact, Hollywood piranhas aren’t real. A 10-inch piranha is a cousin of the neon tetra. Of course, a hungry piranha will bite practically anything, even other piranhas, but not humans. Humans eat more piranhas than vice versa.


Category 21: Snails: Neritina Turrita / Turrita Snail

Turrita Snail
Turrita Snail

This snail is a water-dwelling gastropod mollusk in the family Neritidae. It can be found in both saltwater and freshwater environments.

Category 22: Tetra: Paracheirodon axelrodi euro / Cardinal Tetra

Cardinal Tetra
Cardinal Tetra

The cardinal tetra resembles an aquarium favorite, the neon tetra. Cardinal tetras thrive in community aquariums.

Tetras are a popular aquarium fish, despite the fact that they are difficult to breed in captivity.


Category 23: Salmon: Phenacogrammus Interuptus / Congo Salmon

Congo Salmon
Congo Salmon

The Congo Salmon is a very friendly schooling fish. Preferably, you should keep at least 7 pieces in the aquarium because that is always nicer with schooling fish.


Category 24: Sword Carriers: Xiphophorus Helleri / Sword Carrier Pineapple

Sword Carrier Pineapple
Sword Carrier Pineapple

The Swordtail, so named because of the elongated extension of the caudal fin in males, is another livebearer fish that can quickly overpopulate a small aquarium

Swordtails come in a variety of colors in the pet fish market. They are calm fish that are larger than most other livebearers. Females are just as colorful as males but lack the sword extension on their tail fin.


Category 25: Other Fish: Poecilia latipinna black / Black molly

Black molly
Black molly

Mollie or mollienesia boasts some of the most gorgeous live-bearer fish. The sailfin mollie is an unusual fish. Mollies are the most delicate and difficult live bearers to raise.

When chilly or stressed, they get “shimmies.” In actuality, this is a stress-related symptom accumulating.

Types of Tropical Fish – Top 10 saltwater fish

Of course, If you want to start with a saltwater aquarium but do not yet have enough knowledge, it is better to start with easy-to-keep fish. These fish really don’t demand anything special and are still fun to keep and especially to look at.

Following are the top 10 fishing for beginners.

Saltwater Fish 01: Clownfish (Amphiprion Ocellaris) (remember “Finding Nemo“…)

Clownfish
Clownfish (remember “Finding Nemo“…)

In their natural habitats, clownfish and anemones have a symbiotic relationship. The clownish provides the anemones with nutrients they need, while the anemones protect the clownfish from predators.


Saltwater Fish 02: Blue Surgeonfish (Paracanthurus Hepatus)

Blue Surgeonfish
Blue Surgeonfish

The Paracanthurus hepatus, commonly known as the Picasso Doctor Fish, is better known to the general public as “Dory.” In fact, this nickname originated from the movie “Finding Nemo,” and it has since been used for “Finding Dory.” Suitable for beginners.


Saltwater Fish 03: Salarias Fasciatus

Salarias Fasciatus
Salarias Fasciatus

The Salarias fasciatus can grow to 14 centimeters long. Brown with white dots to olive green.

On the sides, there are a few vertical stripes that fade into the dark background. On a light background, these stripes stand out more.

This fish can change its color and pattern on its body a little to fit in with its surroundings. This helps it hide well. Large reddish-green eyes high on the head stand out. Above the eyes, there are things that look a bit like antennae.


Saltwater Fish 04: Yellow Surgeonfish (Zebrasoma Flavescens)

Yellow Surgeonfish
Yellow Surgeonfish

Yellow Surgeonfish are solid-colored, unlike most surgeonfish. Night or when threatened, their color changes.

During inactivity or stress, their bodies turn light brown, followed by a white band. Once active or the danger has passed, the daffodil yellow will return.


Saltwater Fish 05: Jewel Cardinal Perch (Pterapogon Kauderni)

Jewel Cardinal Perch
Jewel Cardinal Perch

This cardinal perch stays small and doesn’t get much bigger than about 10 centimeters long. Three black bars run vertically across their heads and bodies, making a striking color pattern.

The edges of their anal fin and second dorsal fin are black and stand out. They also get a pattern of white dots when they are teenagers. Banggals can live for about 5 years at most.


Saltwater Fish 06: Red Dwarf Emperor (Centropyge Loricula)

Red Dwarf Emperor
Red Dwarf Emperor

Without a doubt, the Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus) is one of the most popular dwarf angelfish among both new and experienced saltwater aquarium keepers.

The bright red and orange color of this fish, the black vertical stripes on its body, and the blue tips on its dorsal and anal fins make it the star of any marine aquarium.

It is interesting to see how the Flame Angel’s colors and markings change depending on where it is found.


Saltwater Fish 07: Gramma Loreto

Gramma Loreto
King’s Gramma

The “King’s Gramma” has a slender torpedo-like body. Saltwater aquarists like them because they have three colors and are bright. The front of these fish is royal purple, and about halfway down the body, there is a red band.

The rear and caudal fin are bright yellow. This is one of the smaller species that can grow to be about 10 centimeters long when it’s an adult. In general, they live between 3 and 5 years.

Because the Gramma loreto is a royal purple color, it is also called King’s Gramma. He is called Royal Gramma in English, which is a name that is sometimes used in Dutch.


Saltwater Fish 08: Blue Mandarin pit fish (Pterosynchiropus Splendens)

Blue Mandarin pit fish
Blue Mandarin pit fish

Here’s the world’s prettiest fish. Its color scheme resembles 1970s polyester shirts.

This fish has a psychedelic pattern of yellow, orange, and green over a neon blue body.


Saltwater Fish 09: Yellow Lip Fish (Halichoeres Chrysus)

Yellow Lip Fish
Yellow Lip Fish

The yellow or lemon wrasse is about 12 cm long and is a great addition to an aquarium. The fish don’t touch the coral, but they can eat small shrimp and crabs.

These fish need a deep bed of sand to sleep on and hide in if they feel threatened.


Saltwater Fish 10: Large Lionfish (Pterois Volitans)

Large Lionfish
Large Lionfish

All lionfish have fins with unique shapes and stripes on their fins and bodies. Depending on the species, size, and color range. Dwarf lionfish only grow to be 20–25 centimeters long as adults and can live in an aquarium that is only 150 liters in size.

Other species can go as long as 68 inches and need a 350- to 450-gallon aquarium. These toxic fish should only be kept by experts.

Also Important: What Do Tropical Fish Eat?

Young tropical fish need more feedings than adult fish. They eat pelleted, frozen, and freeze-dried protein. Tropical fish eat live food.

Fish can eat many things. Start with a healthy diet. You improve their mental wellness. Overfeeding fish is bad.

Overfeeding can cause poor water quality, obesity, and other health issues. To avoid overfeeding, watch your fish’s intake. Some species may need more than 2-3 minutes to eat.

You should also consider the type of eaters your fish are. Some fish eat from the top of the tank, others from the middle, and still others from the bottom.

Remove leftover food when your fish are done eating for the day. In this way, you prevent ammonia buildup.

Tropical Fish That Can Live Together

Choose fish that can live together if you want your aquarium to do well. But this can mean a lot of different things, like having only big fish that stay away from each other or a lot of aggressive fish that keep their relationships in order. So, it makes sense that I like peaceful fish that live in groups.

Most people who want to keep fish for fun should get a community tank, and there are lots of peaceful fish to choose from. But if you asked me to pick five fish that almost always get along, these are the ones I’d choose. (see below)

The word “almost” is important. It’s important to remember that we never know how different fish will get along in our tanks. You can use this as a starting point, but before you choose any fish for your aquarium, you should always do a lot of research.

Otocinclus Catfish, Zebra Danio, Neon Tetra, Fancy Guppy, and Cory Catfish are the names of these peaceful fish.

Finally

I hope you have gained some knowledge from this list and commentary on some tropical freshwater and saltwater fish. As you can see, there are a plethora of types that are further subdivided. You already know where to go if you want to go fishing for it. Best wishes to everyone.

Of course, feel free to leave any questions, more information, comments, ambiguities, or untruths in the comments.

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