45 Types of Pet Fish: Freshwater and Saltwater Guide

The best types of pet fish range from hardy schooling minnows and livebearers to specialized cichlids, catfish, puffers, and marine reef species. Choosing by color alone often leads to overcrowding or incompatible care. This guide compares adult needs, water type, social behavior, identifying features, and the level of planning each fish requires.

What Are the Main Types of Pet Fish?

Popular freshwater pet fish include bettas, goldfish, guppies, tetras, rasboras, danios, barbs, corydoras, gouramis, cichlids, loaches, and rainbowfish. Marine choices include captive-bred clownfish, basslets, and dartfish. Beginner suitability depends less on body size than on adult tank requirements, water stability, diet, social needs, and whether the aquarium is fully cycled.

Quick Comparison of Pet Fish

No.	Pet Fish	Scientific Name	Water	Group
1	Betta	Betta splendens	freshwater	labyrinth fish
2	Goldfish	Carassius auratus	freshwater	carp relative
3	Guppy	Poecilia reticulata	freshwater	livebearer
4	Endler’s Livebearer	Poecilia wingei	freshwater	livebearer
5	Molly	Poecilia sphenops	freshwater to brackish-tolerant	livebearer
6	Platy	Xiphophorus maculatus	freshwater	livebearer
7	Swordtail	Xiphophorus hellerii	freshwater	livebearer
8	Neon Tetra	Paracheirodon innesi	freshwater	tetra
9	Cardinal Tetra	Paracheirodon axelrodi	freshwater	tetra
10	Ember Tetra	Hyphessobrycon amandae	freshwater	tetra
11	Black Skirt Tetra	Gymnocorymbus ternetzi	freshwater	tetra
12	Harlequin Rasbora	Trigonostigma heteromorpha	freshwater	rasbora
13	Chili Rasbora	Boraras brigittae	freshwater	micro-rasbora
14	Zebra Danio	Danio rerio	freshwater	danio
15	Pearl Danio	Danio albolineatus	freshwater	danio
16	White Cloud Mountain Minnow	Tanichthys albonubes	freshwater	minnow
17	Tiger Barb	Puntigrus tetrazona	freshwater	barb
18	Rosy Barb	Pethia conchonius	freshwater	barb
19	Cherry Barb	Puntius titteya	freshwater	barb
20	Peppered Corydoras	Corydoras paleatus	freshwater	armored catfish
21	Bronze Corydoras	Corydoras aeneus	freshwater	armored catfish
22	Oto Catfish	Otocinclus vittatus	freshwater	small loricariid catfish
23	Bristlenose Pleco	Ancistrus cirrhosus	freshwater	loricariid catfish
24	Kuhli Loach	Pangio kuhlii	freshwater	loach
25	Clown Loach	Chromobotia macracanthus	freshwater	loach
26	Dwarf Gourami	Trichogaster lalius	freshwater	labyrinth fish
27	Pearl Gourami	Trichopodus leerii	freshwater	labyrinth fish
28	Honey Gourami	Trichogaster chuna	freshwater	labyrinth fish
29	Freshwater Angelfish	Pterophyllum scalare	freshwater	cichlid
30	Discus	Symphysodon aequifasciatus	freshwater	cichlid
31	German Blue Ram	Mikrogeophagus ramirezi	freshwater	dwarf cichlid
32	Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid	Apistogramma cacatuoides	freshwater	dwarf cichlid
33	Convict Cichlid	Amatitlania nigrofasciata	freshwater	cichlid
34	Oscar	Astronotus ocellatus	freshwater	large cichlid
35	Celestial Pearl Danio	Danio margaritatus	freshwater	small cyprinid
36	Boesemani Rainbowfish	Melanotaenia boesemani	freshwater	rainbowfish
37	Peacock Gudgeon	Tateurndina ocellicauda	freshwater	goby relative
38	Gardneri Killifish	Fundulopanchax gardneri	freshwater	killifish
39	Clown Killifish	Epiplatys annulatus	freshwater	killifish
40	Japanese Rice Fish	Oryzias latipes	freshwater	ricefish
41	Reticulated Hillstream Loach	Sewellia lineolata	freshwater	hillstream loach
42	Pea Puffer	Carinotetraodon travancoricus	freshwater	pufferfish
43	Ocellaris Clownfish	Amphiprion ocellaris	marine	damselfish
44	Royal Gramma	Gramma loreto	marine	basslet
45	Firefish Goby	Nemateleotris magnifica	marine	dartfish

1. Betta

Betta (Betta splendens) is a freshwater labyrinth fish recognized by territorial males, flowing fins in many strains. A heated, filtered tank with gentle flow and secure cover is the foundation of responsible care.

Feed a varied species-appropriate diet, quarantine new arrivals, and observe daily for appetite, breathing, posture, and fin condition.

2. Goldfish

The Goldfish, scientifically Carassius auratus, belongs to the carp relative group and requires freshwater conditions. Its most useful identification clue is deep body or streamlined shape depending on variety.

Do not rely on a small starter bowl. Stable filtration, tested water, regular maintenance, and enough swimming room prevent many health problems.

3. Guppy

Among popular types of pet fish, Guppy stands out for small body, colorful male tail, active schooling behavior. It is a freshwater livebearer, and keepers should plan for adult behavior rather than juvenile size.

Compatibility depends on temperament, size, feeding speed, and water needs. A peaceful label does not guarantee every individual will behave the same.

4. Endler’s Livebearer

Endler’s Livebearer is the common name for Poecilia wingei, a freshwater livebearer. Look for small size and bright metallic male patterns, then confirm temperature, chemistry, group size, and adult space before purchase.

Never release unwanted fish outdoors. Rehome them through an aquarium club, responsible store, or experienced keeper.

5. Molly

Molly (Poecilia sphenops) is a freshwater to brackish-tolerant livebearer recognized by robust body and many domestic color forms. Mineral-rich stable water and vegetable-rich food is the foundation of responsible care.

Feed a varied species-appropriate diet, quarantine new arrivals, and observe daily for appetite, breathing, posture, and fin condition.

6. Platy

The Platy, scientifically Xiphophorus maculatus, belongs to the livebearer group and requires freshwater conditions. Its most useful identification clue is short deep body and many colors.

Do not rely on a small starter bowl. Stable filtration, tested water, regular maintenance, and enough swimming room prevent many health problems.

7. Swordtail

Among popular types of pet fish, Swordtail stands out for male lower tail extension resembling a sword. It is a freshwater livebearer, and keepers should plan for adult behavior rather than juvenile size.

Compatibility depends on temperament, size, feeding speed, and water needs. A peaceful label does not guarantee every individual will behave the same.

8. Neon Tetra

Neon Tetra is the common name for Paracheirodon innesi, a freshwater tetra. Look for electric blue stripe and red rear stripe, then confirm temperature, chemistry, group size, and adult space before purchase.

Never release unwanted fish outdoors. Rehome them through an aquarium club, responsible store, or experienced keeper.

9. Cardinal Tetra

Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is a freshwater tetra recognized by blue stripe and red color extending along the body. Warm soft water and a calm group setting is the foundation of responsible care.

Feed a varied species-appropriate diet, quarantine new arrivals, and observe daily for appetite, breathing, posture, and fin condition.

10. Ember Tetra

The Ember Tetra, scientifically Hyphessobrycon amandae, belongs to the tetra group and requires freshwater conditions. Its most useful identification clue is tiny translucent orange body.

Do not rely on a small starter bowl. Stable filtration, tested water, regular maintenance, and enough swimming room prevent many health problems.

11. Black Skirt Tetra

Among popular types of pet fish, Black Skirt Tetra stands out for deep body with dark vertical bands and long anal fin. It is a freshwater tetra, and keepers should plan for adult behavior rather than juvenile size.

Compatibility depends on temperament, size, feeding speed, and water needs. A peaceful label does not guarantee every individual will behave the same.

12. Harlequin Rasbora

Harlequin Rasbora is the common name for Trigonostigma heteromorpha, a freshwater rasbora. Look for copper body with black triangular patch, then confirm temperature, chemistry, group size, and adult space before purchase.

Never release unwanted fish outdoors. Rehome them through an aquarium club, responsible store, or experienced keeper.

13. Chili Rasbora

Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae) is a freshwater micro-rasbora recognized by tiny red body with dark side stripe. A mature low-flow nano aquarium with tiny foods is the foundation of responsible care.

Feed a varied species-appropriate diet, quarantine new arrivals, and observe daily for appetite, breathing, posture, and fin condition.

14. Zebra Danio

The Zebra Danio, scientifically Danio rerio, belongs to the danio group and requires freshwater conditions. Its most useful identification clue is blue horizontal stripes and constant activity.

Do not rely on a small starter bowl. Stable filtration, tested water, regular maintenance, and enough swimming room prevent many health problems.

15. Pearl Danio

Among popular types of pet fish, Pearl Danio stands out for iridescent pearl body with subtle orange stripe. It is a freshwater danio, and keepers should plan for adult behavior rather than juvenile size.

Compatibility depends on temperament, size, feeding speed, and water needs. A peaceful label does not guarantee every individual will behave the same.

16. White Cloud Mountain Minnow

White Cloud Mountain Minnow is the common name for Tanichthys albonubes, a freshwater minnow. Look for slender body, bright lateral stripe, red fins, then confirm temperature, chemistry, group size, and adult space before purchase.

Never release unwanted fish outdoors. Rehome them through an aquarium club, responsible store, or experienced keeper.

17. Tiger Barb

Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) is a freshwater barb recognized by orange body with four dark bars. A large group to distribute fin-nipping behavior is the foundation of responsible care.

Feed a varied species-appropriate diet, quarantine new arrivals, and observe daily for appetite, breathing, posture, and fin condition.

18. Rosy Barb

The Rosy Barb, scientifically Pethia conchonius, belongs to the barb group and requires freshwater conditions. Its most useful identification clue is silver-gold body with rosy male color.

Do not rely on a small starter bowl. Stable filtration, tested water, regular maintenance, and enough swimming room prevent many health problems.

19. Cherry Barb

Among popular types of pet fish, Cherry Barb stands out for slender body and red adult male coloration. It is a freshwater barb, and keepers should plan for adult behavior rather than juvenile size.

Compatibility depends on temperament, size, feeding speed, and water needs. A peaceful label does not guarantee every individual will behave the same.

20. Peppered Corydoras

Peppered Corydoras is the common name for Corydoras paleatus, a freshwater armored catfish. Look for mottled pattern and bottom-foraging barbels, then confirm temperature, chemistry, group size, and adult space before purchase.

Never release unwanted fish outdoors. Rehome them through an aquarium club, responsible store, or experienced keeper.

21. Bronze Corydoras

Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus) is a freshwater armored catfish recognized by bronze sheen and rounded armored body. A school, soft substrate, and sinking food is the foundation of responsible care.

Feed a varied species-appropriate diet, quarantine new arrivals, and observe daily for appetite, breathing, posture, and fin condition.

22. Oto Catfish

The Oto Catfish, scientifically Otocinclus vittatus, belongs to the small loricariid catfish group and requires freshwater conditions. Its most useful identification clue is sucker mouth and dark side stripe.

Do not rely on a small starter bowl. Stable filtration, tested water, regular maintenance, and enough swimming room prevent many health problems.

23. Bristlenose Pleco

Among popular types of pet fish, Bristlenose Pleco stands out for flattened sucker mouth and adult facial bristles. It is a freshwater loricariid catfish, and keepers should plan for adult behavior rather than juvenile size.

Compatibility depends on temperament, size, feeding speed, and water needs. A peaceful label does not guarantee every individual will behave the same.

24. Kuhli Loach

Kuhli Loach is the common name for Pangio kuhlii, a freshwater loach. Look for eel-like striped body, then confirm temperature, chemistry, group size, and adult space before purchase.

Never release unwanted fish outdoors. Rehome them through an aquarium club, responsible store, or experienced keeper.

25. Clown Loach

Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is a freshwater loach recognized by orange body with black bands. A very large aquarium, group companionship, and long-term planning is the foundation of responsible care.

Feed a varied species-appropriate diet, quarantine new arrivals, and observe daily for appetite, breathing, posture, and fin condition.

26. Dwarf Gourami

The Dwarf Gourami, scientifically Trichogaster lalius, belongs to the labyrinth fish group and requires freshwater conditions. Its most useful identification clue is compressed body and blue-red male pattern.

Do not rely on a small starter bowl. Stable filtration, tested water, regular maintenance, and enough swimming room prevent many health problems.

27. Pearl Gourami

Among popular types of pet fish, Pearl Gourami stands out for pearl spots and dark side line. It is a freshwater labyrinth fish, and keepers should plan for adult behavior rather than juvenile size.

Compatibility depends on temperament, size, feeding speed, and water needs. A peaceful label does not guarantee every individual will behave the same.

28. Honey Gourami

Honey Gourami is the common name for Trichogaster chuna, a freshwater labyrinth fish. Look for small golden body and dark breeding male throat, then confirm temperature, chemistry, group size, and adult space before purchase.

Never release unwanted fish outdoors. Rehome them through an aquarium club, responsible store, or experienced keeper.

29. Freshwater Angelfish

Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a freshwater cichlid recognized by tall triangular body and trailing fins. A tall aquarium with suitable tankmates is the foundation of responsible care.

Feed a varied species-appropriate diet, quarantine new arrivals, and observe daily for appetite, breathing, posture, and fin condition.

30. Discus

The Discus, scientifically Symphysodon aequifasciatus, belongs to the cichlid group and requires freshwater conditions. Its most useful identification clue is round laterally compressed body and vivid patterns.

Do not rely on a small starter bowl. Stable filtration, tested water, regular maintenance, and enough swimming room prevent many health problems.

31. German Blue Ram

Among popular types of pet fish, German Blue Ram stands out for blue spangles, black patch, and yellow body. It is a freshwater dwarf cichlid, and keepers should plan for adult behavior rather than juvenile size.

Compatibility depends on temperament, size, feeding speed, and water needs. A peaceful label does not guarantee every individual will behave the same.

32. Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid

Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is the common name for Apistogramma cacatuoides, a freshwater dwarf cichlid. Look for male crest-like dorsal fin and colorful tail, then confirm temperature, chemistry, group size, and adult space before purchase.

Never release unwanted fish outdoors. Rehome them through an aquarium club, responsible store, or experienced keeper.

33. Convict Cichlid

Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is a freshwater cichlid recognized by gray body with dark vertical bars. A dedicated setup because breeding pairs defend territory is the foundation of responsible care.

Feed a varied species-appropriate diet, quarantine new arrivals, and observe daily for appetite, breathing, posture, and fin condition.

34. Oscar

The Oscar, scientifically Astronotus ocellatus, belongs to the large cichlid group and requires freshwater conditions. Its most useful identification clue is large dark body with orange markings.

Do not rely on a small starter bowl. Stable filtration, tested water, regular maintenance, and enough swimming room prevent many health problems.

35. Celestial Pearl Danio

Among popular types of pet fish, Celestial Pearl Danio stands out for dark body with pearl spots and red-striped fins. It is a freshwater small cyprinid, and keepers should plan for adult behavior rather than juvenile size.

Compatibility depends on temperament, size, feeding speed, and water needs. A peaceful label does not guarantee every individual will behave the same.

36. Boesemani Rainbowfish

Boesemani Rainbowfish is the common name for Melanotaenia boesemani, a freshwater rainbowfish. Look for blue front half and orange-yellow rear half, then confirm temperature, chemistry, group size, and adult space before purchase.

Never release unwanted fish outdoors. Rehome them through an aquarium club, responsible store, or experienced keeper.

37. Peacock Gudgeon

Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda) is a freshwater goby relative recognized by blue body, red marks, eye-like tail spot. A planted tank with caves and peaceful fish is the foundation of responsible care.

Feed a varied species-appropriate diet, quarantine new arrivals, and observe daily for appetite, breathing, posture, and fin condition.

38. Gardneri Killifish

The Gardneri Killifish, scientifically Fundulopanchax gardneri, belongs to the killifish group and requires freshwater conditions. Its most useful identification clue is colorful spotted body and patterned fins.

Do not rely on a small starter bowl. Stable filtration, tested water, regular maintenance, and enough swimming room prevent many health problems.

39. Clown Killifish

Among popular types of pet fish, Clown Killifish stands out for small striped body and flame-like tail. It is a freshwater killifish, and keepers should plan for adult behavior rather than juvenile size.

Compatibility depends on temperament, size, feeding speed, and water needs. A peaceful label does not guarantee every individual will behave the same.

40. Japanese Rice Fish

Japanese Rice Fish is the common name for Oryzias latipes, a freshwater ricefish. Look for small slender body and upward-facing mouth, then confirm temperature, chemistry, group size, and adult space before purchase.

Never release unwanted fish outdoors. Rehome them through an aquarium club, responsible store, or experienced keeper.

41. Reticulated Hillstream Loach

Reticulated Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata) is a freshwater hillstream loach recognized by flattened body and reticulated pattern. Cool oxygen-rich water with strong flow and algae surfaces is the foundation of responsible care.

Feed a varied species-appropriate diet, quarantine new arrivals, and observe daily for appetite, breathing, posture, and fin condition.

42. Pea Puffer

The Pea Puffer, scientifically Carinotetraodon travancoricus, belongs to the pufferfish group and requires freshwater conditions. Its most useful identification clue is tiny round body with dark spots.

Do not rely on a small starter bowl. Stable filtration, tested water, regular maintenance, and enough swimming room prevent many health problems.

43. Ocellaris Clownfish

Among popular types of pet fish, Ocellaris Clownfish stands out for orange body with three white bars. It is a marine damselfish, and keepers should plan for adult behavior rather than juvenile size.

Compatibility depends on temperament, size, feeding speed, and water needs. A peaceful label does not guarantee every individual will behave the same.

44. Royal Gramma

Royal Gramma is the common name for Gramma loreto, a marine basslet. Look for purple front half and yellow rear half, then confirm temperature, chemistry, group size, and adult space before purchase.

Never release unwanted fish outdoors. Rehome them through an aquarium club, responsible store, or experienced keeper.

45. Firefish Goby

Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica) is a marine dartfish recognized by white body grading to red-orange tail. A covered reef aquarium with hiding crevices is the foundation of responsible care.

Feed a varied species-appropriate diet, quarantine new arrivals, and observe daily for appetite, breathing, posture, and fin condition.

How Are These Types of Pet Fish Classified?

Pet fish can be grouped by water type, family, body form, and behavior. Livebearers give birth to free-swimming young. Tetras, rasboras, danios, barbs, and minnows are mostly schooling fishes. Gouramis and bettas are labyrinth fishes that can breathe atmospheric air. Cichlids include peaceful dwarfs and large territorial species. Catfish and loaches often occupy lower levels, while marine fish require saltwater systems with different cycling and chemistry needs.

Where Do Pet Fish Come From?

Common aquarium fish originate from rivers, floodplains, forest streams, lakes, rocky hillstreams, estuaries, coral reefs, and lagoons across the world. Many commercial fish are captive-bred, which can reduce collection pressure and sometimes improves adaptation to aquarium diets. Origin still matters because natural habitat helps explain temperature, flow, water chemistry, diet, and social behavior.

How to Identify Different Types of Pet Fish

Body level: Surface fish often have upward-facing mouths, while bottom fish have barbels or sucker mouths.
Social form: Schooling species look and behave best in proper groups.
Fin shape: Long fins can indicate domestic strains vulnerable to nipping.
Sex differences: Livebearers, gouramis, bettas, and some cichlids show obvious male-female differences.
Adult size: Juvenile clown loaches, plecos, goldfish, and oscars can become much larger.
Health: Choose fish with steady swimming, open fins, clear skin, and normal breathing.

Aquarium Care Notes

Cycle the aquarium before adding fish.
Test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, temperature, and salinity where relevant.
Match tank size to adult size and activity.
Use a quarantine tank for new arrivals.
Feed small appropriate portions rather than overfeeding.
Perform regular partial water changes without sudden chemistry shifts.

Safety, Sustainability, and Conservation Notes

Poor water quality, overcrowding, unsuitable tankmates, and failure to quarantine are common causes of fish stress and disease. Buy captive-bred animals when practical, avoid dyed or severely deformed strains, and research wild collection methods. Some fish are invasive outside their native range, so aquarium animals, plants, and water should never be released into natural waterways.

Fun Facts About Pet Fish

Bettas and gouramis possess a labyrinth organ.
Livebearers can produce fry soon after purchase.
Corydoras use barbels to search the bottom.
Goldfish can live far longer than a typical small bowl allows.
Clown loaches are social and grow large.
Killifish are excellent jumpers.
Hillstream loaches are adapted to fast oxygen-rich water.
Marine clownfish can form social hierarchies.
Oscars can recognize routines and individual keepers.
Many schooling fish show stronger color in secure groups.

Final Thoughts on Types of Pet Fish

The right choice among these types of pet fish depends on water type, adult size, social needs, temperament, diet, and keeper experience. Small fish are not automatically easy, and colorful juveniles may grow into demanding adults. Build and cycle the habitat first, select compatible species, quarantine responsibly, and commit to long-term care.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the easiest pet fish?

A healthy captive-bred species suited to your water and tank is easier than a poorly matched fish; bettas, platies, and zebra danios are common starting points.

2. Can fish live in bowls?

Most need filtered, temperature-stable aquariums rather than bowls.

3. How long should a tank cycle?

Cycling takes as long as needed for beneficial bacteria to process ammonia and nitrite; test results, not a fixed date, confirm readiness.

4. What water tests are important?

Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, temperature, and salinity for marine tanks.

5. How often should water be changed?

Regular partial changes are needed, with frequency based on stocking, feeding, filtration, and test results.

6. How many fish can a tank hold?

There is no reliable one-inch rule; adult size, body mass, behavior, and filtration all matter.

7. Do pet fish need companions?

Schooling species do, while territorial species may need carefully planned solitude or space.

8. Can bettas live with other fish?

Sometimes, but compatibility depends on the individual, tank size, and tankmates.

9. Do goldfish need large tanks?

Yes, they grow, produce substantial waste, and need strong filtration.

10. Are guppies easy to breed?

Yes, and populations can grow rapidly.

11. Do tetras need schools?

Most common tetras are social and should be kept in appropriate groups.

12. Do corydoras need groups?

Yes, they are social bottom fish.

13. Can clown loaches live in small tanks?

No, they grow large and need groups and substantial space.

14. Are oscars beginner fish?

They are hardy but require very large tanks, filtration, and behavioral planning.

15. Are discus easy to keep?

They generally need warm, stable, very clean water and experienced care.

16. Do marine fish require different equipment?

Yes, saltwater mixing, salinity monitoring, and marine filtration require additional planning.

17. What do pet fish eat?

Species may need flakes, pellets, frozen foods, live foods, algae, vegetables, or specialized diets.

18. How often should fish be fed?

Usually small portions once or twice daily, adjusted to species and age.

19. Why quarantine new fish?

Quarantine reduces the chance of introducing disease to the main aquarium.

20. How can a healthy fish be selected?

Look for normal posture, steady breathing, intact fins, clear skin, and active feeding.

21. Why are fish hiding?

New surroundings, poor water, bullying, bright light, illness, or lack of cover can cause hiding.

22. Why are fish gasping?

Possible causes include low oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, gill disease, or unsuitable temperature.

23. Can freshwater and marine fish live together?

No, their salinity requirements differ.

24. Can tropical and cold-water fish live together?

Usually not safely because temperature needs differ.

25. Are algae-eating fish a replacement for cleaning?

No, they add waste and still require full care.

26. Can pet fish recognize people?

Many learn feeding routines and respond to familiar activity.

27. Should aquarium salt be added routinely?

No; salt use depends on species and a specific reason.

28. Can unwanted fish be released?

Never; rehome them responsibly.

29. Are captive-bred fish better?

They can reduce wild collection and may adapt better to prepared foods.

30. What is the biggest beginner mistake?

Buying fish before researching adult size, social needs, compatibility, and cycling.