
Do you want to make your home more lively and peaceful? The world of common pet fish is the answer! These fish can make your home aquarium bright and beautiful. With many choices, how do you pick the right fish? Whether new or experienced, we’ll help you choose from 15 popular pet fish. They are perfect for your aquarium.
Meet fish like the Betta and Angelfish. You can customize your aquarium with their colors and sizes. Learn about their special traits, how to care for them, and their beautiful looks. Close your eyes and imagine your home aquarium. Envision the calm movements and colorful fish. Think about how they would make your home a peaceful place.
Are you excited to start? Let’s look at 15 common pet fish. They will bring life and beauty to your aquarium!
Best Common Pet Fish for Aquariums
We want to show you 15 of the best pet fish people keep in aquariums at home. These fish are picked for their bright colors, easy care, and friendliness to other fish. We will talk about what each fish is like, how to care for them, and what makes them special. You’ll find good options for a standout fish or a happy fish community.
1. Betta Fish
The Betta fish, also known as the Siamese fighting fish, is renowned for its vibrant colors and elegant, flowing fins. While they can display aggressive behavior, they coexist peacefully with compatible tank mates. Their resilience and low-maintenance nature make them a popular choice for both novice and experienced aquarists.
2. Guppies
Guppies, known for their small size and bright patterns, are ideal for beginner aquarists. They are friendly, easy to care for, and breed rapidly, making them fascinating to observe. Additionally, guppies help control mosquito populations by feeding on their larvae.
3. Neon Tetras
Neon Tetras, distinguished by their striking blue and red bodies, thrive in groups, enhancing their vibrant display. They add a touch of beauty to any aquarium and their serene movements are incredibly calming to watch. Additionally, their peaceful nature makes them excellent companions for various other fish species.
4. Goldfish
Goldfish are renowned for their vibrant colors and unique shapes. They require spacious tanks with efficient filtration systems due to their high waste production. Additionally, goldfish can live for many years, making them a long-term commitment for aquarium enthusiasts.
5. Angelfish
Angelfish, known for their elegant appearance and variety of colors, is a popular choice for community tanks. However, they should not be housed with very small fish due to their semi-aggressive nature. Additionally, angelfish thrive in taller tanks that accommodate their vertical swimming style.
6. Mollies
Mollies, available in a wide range of colors, prefer a slightly brackish environment with a bit of salt in their water. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various tank setups, making them a versatile choice for aquarists. Additionally, mollies are livebearers, providing an interesting breeding experience for hobbyists.
7. Platies
Platies, small and vibrant, are peaceful and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginner community tanks. They are hardy and adaptable, thriving in various water conditions. Additionally, platies are livebearers, offering an engaging breeding experience for aquarists.
8. Swordtails
Swordtails, known for their distinctive sword-like tails and variety of colors, thrive in community tanks with other peaceful fish. They are easy to care for and highly adaptable, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. Additionally, swordtails are livebearers, which can add an exciting element to maintaining an aquarium.
9. Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras catfish, or Cory Cats, are excellent tank cleaners that thrive alongside other peaceful fish. Available in various colors and patterns, they help maintain the aquarium’s cleanliness by scavenging the tank bottom. Additionally, Cory Cats are hardy and easy to care for, making them a great addition to community tanks.
10. Dwarf Gourami
Dwarf Gouramis are vibrant and peaceful fish that thrive in community tanks. They require good filtration and enjoy the company of their kind. Additionally, their calm demeanor and striking colors make them a visually appealing addition to any aquarium.
11. Zebra Danios
Zebra Danios, with their playful nature and striking blue and silver stripes, are easy to care for and resemble tiny zebras. They thrive in active schools, adding dynamic movement to any aquarium. Additionally, their hardiness makes them ideal for beginner aquarists.
12. Cherry Barbs
Cherry Barbs, with their vibrant red color, bring both beauty and tranquility to an aquarium. They thrive in groups, which enhances their social behavior and overall health. Additionally, their peaceful nature makes them suitable companions for a variety of other fish species.
13. Plecostomus
Plecos are excellent algae cleaners that require ample space and plenty of hiding spots in the tank. Their unique and fascinating armored bodies add a distinctive touch to any aquarium. Additionally, Plecos can grow quite large, making them a long-term commitment for aquarists.
14. Harlequin Rasbora
Harlequin Rasboras, known for their bright coloration, thrive in large groups, enhancing their vibrant display. They add beauty and dynamic movement to any aquarium. Additionally, their peaceful nature makes them excellent companions for various other fish species.
15. Clown Loach
Clown Loaches, distinguished by their bold stripes, are active swimmers that bring lively movement to an aquarium. They require ample space and the companionship of their kind to thrive. Additionally, their playful nature and unique appearance make them a fascinating addition to any tank.

Creating a Balanced Home Aquarium
Creating a balanced home aquarium requires essential steps to ensure a healthy and beautiful environment for your fish.
Selecting Compatible Fish
Choosing the right fish for your aquarium is crucial. You don’t want fish that fight or stress out other fish. Make sure the fish you pick get along in terms of activity and size. Good choices are Betta fish, Guppies, and Neon Tetras. This way, your tank will be a peaceful place for all.
Aquarium Size and Setup
The size of your tank matters a lot. Some fish need more room to swim than others. Having too many fish in one tank is bad for everyone. Pick an aquarium size based on how big your fish will get. Also, make sure your tank has the right filter, heater, and lights. These things help keep your fish healthy and happy.
Water Quality and Maintenance
Keeping the water clean is key to fish health. You must test the water often to make sure it’s the right balance. Change the water and clean the tank filter on a regular schedule. This keeps your fish from getting sick and makes sure they thrive.
Feeding Your Fish
Food is very important for your fish’s health. It’s essential to know what your fish eat. Give them a mix of foods to keep them healthy. Try not to give them too much, or the water will get dirty. Watch your fish eat to make sure they are enjoying their meals. A good diet makes for happier, more colorful fish.

Decorating Your Aquarium
Make your fish feel at home by decorating their tank. Use plants, rocks, and caves to give them spots to hide and play. This also makes your tank look great. Just be sure the things you put in the tank are safe for fish.
Common Challenges in Fish-Keeping
Fishkeeping comes with its set of problems. These can be fish getting sick, fighting, or keeping the tank balanced.
Dealing with Fish Illness
Dealing with sick fish is a major concern, as they can contract diseases from bacteria, fungi, parasites, and swim bladder issues. Fish keepers must be vigilant and responsive to maintain fish health. Early detection through observing fish behavior and appearance is key. Isolate sick fish to prevent disease spread and consult a vet or fish expert for proper treatment.
Managing Aggression
Fish fighting in the tank is another hurdle. Some fish, like bettas, are feisty. You must choose tank mates wisely to keep peace. Adding plants and other hiding spots can reduce fights. This gives fish their own space. Always watch your fish. Act fast if fights break out to keep the peace.
Balancing the Ecosystem
Maintaining the tank’s ecosystem is crucial for fish health. The tank must be spacious, clean, and properly conditioned to prevent illness and promote growth. Understanding and meeting the specific needs of your fish, including providing the right food and environment, ensures a healthy and thriving aquarium.
Fishkeeping is rewarding but needs work. Understand and tackle these challenges to have healthy, happy fish for a long time.
Conclusion
Setting up a home aquarium with pet fish can brighten your living space. In this article, we talked about 15 different kinds of pet fish. These options work well for anyone, from newbies to seasoned fish owners.
These fish are popular because many of them are easy to breed. This means you can find them widely and at a good price. Plus, each kind of fish is unique, which makes them interesting to watch in your tank.
But remember, keeping a balanced aquarium involves choosing fish that get along. You also need the right tank size, clean water, and the know-how to handle problems like sickness or fighting. Research and talking to fish experts will help you care for your fish better.
If you want to learn more about pet fish and how to care for them, check out the Light Fish blog. We hope this article helps you create a great home for your fish. Enjoy taking care of them!