Aquarium freshwater fish: description, names and photos

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Aquarium is a great opportunity to observe the life of underwater inhabitants without leaving home. Aquarium fish can live in both s alt and fresh water, depending on their natural habitat. Among freshwater aquarium fish, there are many species that can please the eye with a variety of colors and shapes. We list the most popular types of fish that live in fresh water, talk about their features and conditions of detention. The article also features photos of freshwater aquarium fish.

General information

According to research, freshwater fish account for 90% of all aquarium fish sales in the world. They are caught in rivers, lakes, swamps and artificial reservoirs. About 40% of the world's fish species live in fresh water. About 20% of freshwater fish species are endangered or already extinct. This is due to the destruction of the number of reservoirs in which fish species were found, represented only in this area. The reason for this is the drainage of water bodies, the development of large areas and environmental pollution. Some species of freshwater fish are represented only in private aquariums, but in nature they have completely disappeared. In addition, there are species of fish bred in captivity as a result of human selection work. They are also not found in nature, but are quite popular in home aquariums.

There are about 4 thousand species of freshwater aquarium fish on the market. The most popular are cyprinids and cichlids. Cyprinids are not only kept in decorative aquariums, but also eaten. Cichlids are the largest family of freshwater fish, and it includes 2400 species. Next, we will learn the names and get acquainted with the description of freshwater aquarium fish, which are most popular among aquarists. Consider the conditions of their detention.

Goldfish

Goldfish are perhaps the most popular type of aquarium fish. They are very easy to maintain, hardy, forgive the mistakes of beginners. At the same time, they delight the eye with their shimmering gold scales. These fish are able to withstand water temperatures from 3 to 30 degrees. With proper care, they can live up to 30 years.

The size of goldfish varies from 8 to 13 cm, although larger varieties exist. An aquarium for one fish should be at least 80 liters. For each subsequent individual, the volume should increase by 40 liters. Needed regularlychange water and use only high-quality feed. Goldfish feed on ready-made, live and freeze-dried food.

Goldfish are quite friendly, however they can be attacked by other fish species. Best of all, cardinals coexist in the same aquarium with them.

Danio Rerio

Danio Rerio (or Danio Zebra) is a hardy and unusual freshwater aquarium fish. It easily adapts to a wide range of water parameters, so it can be recommended for beginners.

Danio Rerio is an active and fearless fish. They can be housed with more shy species. Danio Rerio, by their example, can show the neighbors that there is nothing to be afraid of and hide. These are schooling fish, which for a comfortable existence should be kept in a group of at least 6 individuals. Females are larger than males, while males differ in color: they have larger stripes on their bodies and they are colored brighter yellow.

The fish can grow up to 5 cm. They live about 2-5 years. The temperature for them should be kept in the range of 18-24 degrees. These fish are easy to breed. The size of the aquarium for them should be at least 40 liters. You can feed the fish with flakes, live and frozen food.

Neon blue

Neon blue is a capricious and beautiful aquarium freshwater fish. These are schooling fish: it is advisable to keep at least six individuals in one aquarium. The minimum volume of the aquarium is 50 liters.

When settling in an aquarium, you need to pay close attention tocorrect acclimatization. It should be slower than for other species, because blue neons are very sensitive to a sharp change in conditions of detention. It is important to change the water on time, monitor acidity and nitrate levels.

You can feed live and freeze-dried food, flakes. The life span is 5-8 years. This is a peaceful species that can be kept with fish of about their size. Big fish can eat them.

Cocks

Fighting bettas are popular among aquarists due to their variety of colors, their huge chic tails and unpretentiousness. These brightly colored freshwater aquarium fish are great for beginners.

Males have the brightest color, they have much longer tails and fins. You cannot keep two males together in the same container, otherwise they will fight to the death. It is possible to keep a male and a group of females together as long as there are enough hiding places in the tank.

One cockerel can be kept in a 10-15 liter container, fed 1-2 times a day. In food, they are unpretentious, do not require expensive feed. The water in the tank must be changed every 4 days.

Guppy

Guppies are very popular among aquarists due to their endurance and unpretentiousness. They are easy to breed at home. Males boast bright colors and large bushy tails. Females are more nondescript but larger.

Guppies are viviparous fish. The fry that the female gives birth to are ofteneaten by adults, therefore, a pregnant female should be placed in a separate container before giving birth. Guppies are extremely prolific fish. If you do not want to deal with fry, it is worth populating a group of individuals of the same sex in the aquarium.

The size of an adult fish is up to 5 cm, they live about 3-5 years. Favorable for them water temperature - 19-29 degrees. Guppies are compatible with most non-aggressive fish. They need live food, and they should also be given flakes and freeze-dried food. The more varied the food, the more active the fish will behave, and its color will be brighter.

Pearl Gourami

Pearl gourami has an unusual color: on the body of the fish you can distinguish white spots that resemble pearls. A dark stripe runs along the entire body. Males differ from females in their elongated dorsal fins. Adults can reach up to 13 cm in length.

These are quite peaceful fish, but males can fight among themselves. It is desirable to keep one male and a group of females in one aquarium. These fish are fairly easy to breed. Males make nests from air bubbles and place the game there. During the breeding season, they are able to show off the brightest colors.

The male takes care of the fry until they learn to swim normally and get their own food. After the male must be transplanted, otherwise he may become aggressive towards the grown young.

Gourami are picky about feed. The minimum aquarium size for pearl gourami is 100 liters. livethey are in captivity for 3-4 years. This is a fairly hardy fish, so it is great for beginners.

Marble Botsiya

Marble Botsia is a tenacious and friendly fish that can easily get along with other non-aggressive species. These fish can reach up to 10-15 cm in size, they live from 6 to 16 years.

Marble bots have a light body color, on which dark stripes are located. The optimum water temperature for them is 23-28 degrees. They are active fish and should be kept in groups of 4-5.

The fish do not show aggression, therefore they are safe for other aquarium inhabitants, although they can disturb shy and slow fish with their activity. Marble bots are rather gluttonous. They eat both plant and animal foods. It is advisable to give a varied diet, so you can achieve the brightest color and more activity. They are able to eat small snails, so you should refuse such a neighborhood. Minimum aquarium size for marble bowls: 150 liters.

Thus, due to the huge species diversity, freshwater aquarium fish are quite popular in home aquariums. Many of the species are easy to maintain, and therefore suitable for beginners. We have given the names of freshwater aquarium fish, which are the most popular among aquarists. Before purchasing fish, you should carefully study the information on proper acclimatization, because a sudden change in conditions can be fatal for many species.