The Most Beautiful Freshwater Aquarium Fish, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the freshwater aquarium fish you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 8, 2024 06:18

For enthusiasts maintaining freshwater aquariums, selecting the right fish is both an art and a science that combines aesthetics with ecology. The beauty of each species could be a topic of much debate among hobbyists, with various spectators appreciating different colors, sizes, and behaviors that these creatures exhibit in domestic waterscapes. By voting on which freshwater fish they find most beautiful, users contribute to a collective assessment that helps newcomers and seasoned aquarists alike make informed decisions. This interactive ranking adjusts in real-time, reflecting the community's latest preferences and opinions, thereby guiding potential pet owners in their selection process.

What Is the Most Beautiful Freshwater Aquarium Fish?

1

66
votes
Patrick Farrelly · Public domain

Discus fish

Heiko Bleher

Discus fish is known for their striking colors and patterns, discus fish are often considered the most beautiful freshwater fish. Their large size and graceful movements make them a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts.
The Discus fish, also known as Symphysodon, is a stunning and popular freshwater aquarium fish. It is widely cherished for its vibrant colors and graceful swimming patterns, making it a prized addition to any aquarium.

Size: Up to 8 inches (20 cm)

Color Varieties: Numerous, including red, blue, green, and brown

Shape: Laterally compressed, round and disc-like body

Pattern: Intricate patterns and markings on the body

Natural Habitat: Amazon River and its tributaries in South America
2

38
votes
Angelfish

Angelfish is with their long fins and striped patterns, angelfish are a favorite among hobbyists. They come in a variety of colors, including silver, black, and white.
The Angelfish is a stunning freshwater aquarium fish known for its majestic appearance and graceful swimming. It belongs to the family Cichlidae and is native to the Amazon River basin in South America. This fish is highly coveted by aquarium hobbyists due to its striking colors and elegant fins.

Size: Up to 6 inches in length

Lifespan: 10-15 years

Color variations: Numerous color and pattern varieties

Body shape: Triangular with elongated dorsal and anal fins

Diet: Omnivorous - consumes both insects and vegetation
3

27
votes

Neon tetras

Neon tetras is these small, brightly colored fish are often used to add a pop of color to aquariums. Their iridescent blue and red stripes make them a popular choice for nano tanks.
4

12
votes
Betta fish

Betta fish is also known as Siamese fighting fish, bettas are known for their vibrant colors and flowing fins. They are also easy to care for, making them a popular choice for beginners.
The Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, is a small and vibrant freshwater aquarium fish that is highly prized for its beauty and unique behavioral traits. The males, in particular, possess long and flowing fins, which add to their visual appeal. These fish are native to Southeast Asia and are often found in shallow rice paddies, canals, and other freshwater bodies.

Size: 2.5 - 3 inches (6.35 - 7.62 cm)

Lifespan: 2 - 4 years (up to 6 years with proper care)

Temperament: Aggressive (males should be kept separately or with compatible tank mates)

Water Temperature: 75 - 82°F (24 - 28°C)

Water pH: 6.0 - 7.5
5

16
votes
Guppies

Guppies is these small, colorful fish are known for their bright colors and active personalities. They are also easy to breed, making them a popular choice for breeding enthusiasts.
Guppies are small and colorful freshwater fish that are widely known for their vibrant and diverse appearance. Their bodies are usually slender and elongated, with a fan-shaped caudal fin and bright patterns on their scales. The colors of guppies can range from various shades of red, orange, yellow, blue, green, and purple, making them an attractive addition to any aquarium.

Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata

Origin: Trinidad and Tobago

Size: 2.5 - 6 centimeters

Lifespan: 2 - 3 years

Temperament: Peaceful and sociable
6

14
votes
Rainbow fish

Rainbow fish is these fish are named for their iridescent scales, which reflect light to create a rainbow effect. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, green, and red.
The Rainbow fish is a popular freshwater aquarium fish known for its vibrant and iridescent coloration. It is a small-sized fish that belongs to the Melanotaeniidae family. This fish is native to Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands in the Indo-Pacific region. The Rainbow fish is highly sought after by aquarium enthusiasts due to its striking appearance and peaceful nature.

Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)

Lifespan: 5 to 8 years

Coloration: Vibrant and iridescent, with shades of blue, red, yellow, green, and orange

Temperament: Peaceful and non-aggressive

Compatibility: Best kept with other peaceful fish in a community tank
7

13
votes
Cherry barbs

Cherry barbs is these fish are known for their bright red coloration and peaceful temperament. They are a popular choice for community tanks, as they get along well with other fish.
Cherry barbs (Puntius titteya) are a popular and visually stunning freshwater aquarium fish. They are small, peaceful, and known for their vibrant red coloration. Native to Sri Lanka, these fish make a captivating addition to any aquatic environment.

Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)

Scientific Name: Puntius titteya

Lifespan: Up to 5 years

Water Parameters: pH: 6.0-7.5, Temperature: 74-82°F (24-28°C)

Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a small school
8

6
votes
Pearl gourami

Pieter Bleeker

Pearl gourami is these fish are known for their beautiful pearl-like scales and peaceful demeanor. They are also easy to care for, making them a popular choice for beginners.
The Pearl gourami (Trichopodus leerii) is a stunning freshwater aquarium fish known for its exquisite beauty and peaceful demeanor. It was first described by Pieter Bleeker, a Dutch physician and ichthyologist, in 1852.

Scientific Name: Trichopodus leerii

Family: Osphronemidae

Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia)

Size: Up to 5 inches (12 cm)

Lifespan: 5-8 years
9

9
votes
Vanina82 · GPL

Harlequin rasbora

Harlequin rasbora is these small, brightly colored fish are known for their striking red and black patterns. They are peaceful and easy to care for, making them a popular choice for community tanks.
The Harlequin rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) is a small, colorful freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. It is highly sought after by aquarium hobbyists for its vibrant appearance and peaceful nature. The name 'Harlequin' refers to its striking pattern of iridescent orange and black triangular patches along its body.

Average Size: 1.5 inches

Lifespan: 3-5 years

Water Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)

pH Level: 6.0-7.8

Water Hardness: 2-10 dKH
10

6
votes
Electric blue acara

Electric blue acara is these fish are known for their striking electric blue coloration and peaceful temperament. They are also easy to care for, making them a popular choice for beginners.
The Electric Blue Acara is a stunning freshwater aquarium fish known for its dazzling electric blue coloration. This species is native to the rivers and streams of South America. The fish has a streamlined body shape with long, flowing fins, creating a graceful appearance in the water. Its vibrant blue scales shimmer and reflect light, making it a captivating addition to any aquarium.

Scientific Name: Andinoacara pulcher

Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)

Lifespan: 5-10 years

Water Conditions: pH 6.0-7.5, temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C)

Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons

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Ranking factors for beautiful freshwater aquarium fish

Coloration

Vibrant colors and unique patterns are visually appealing and contribute to a fish's overall beauty. Look for species with striking colors that stand out in an aquarium setting.
Shape and size

A variety in shape and size of the fish can create a dynamic and interesting aquarium. Consider the body structure, fins, and other unique features that contribute to a fish's beauty.
Behavior and temperament

Fish that are active swimmers, exhibit interesting behaviors, and are peaceful towards other tank mates can enhance the overall appeal of the aquarium.
Compatibility

Ensure that the fish chosen are compatible with other fish in the tank and will not cause aggression or territorial issues within the aquarium.
Ease of care

Fish that are easy to care for and have minimal special requirements can maintain their beauty more readily and contribute to a less stressful and more enjoyable aquarium experience.
Rarity

Some fish are rarer than others, making them more unique and valuable. If a particular fish is not commonly found in aquariums, its attractiveness may be increased.
Adaptability

Fish that can adapt well to different water conditions and environments may be more desirable as they can maintain their beauty in various aquarium settings.
Longevity

A fish's lifespan may contribute to its overall beauty. Fish that live longer and can maintain their beauty throughout their life can be more appealing than those with a shorter lifespan.
Breeding and reproduction

Some fish species exhibit unique and fascinating breeding behaviors or change their appearance during the breeding process, which can contribute to their attractiveness.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful freshwater aquarium fish. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or fish is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2451 views
206 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each fish once every 24 hours. The rank of each fish is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most beautiful freshwater aquarium fish

Freshwater aquariums are a popular hobby for many people around the world. The beauty and tranquility of these aquatic environments are unmatched, and the variety of fish that can be housed in them is truly staggering. Among the many types of freshwater fish that are commonly kept in aquariums, there are some that stand out for their stunning beauty and unique characteristics. In this article, we will explore the most beautiful freshwater aquarium fish and what makes them so special. Whether you are an experienced aquarium enthusiast or just starting out, you are sure to find something inspiring in the world of freshwater fish.