Tropical fish have long been crowd pleasers for many aquarium enthusiasts. With their bright colors, diverse shapes, and varying sizes, many have come to realize there truly is nothing like having your own personal habitat to enjoy and observe.
When it comes to tropical fish, Hikari® specializes in species-specific™, science-based nutrition that encompasses eating habits and environmental conditions. With a fish perspective beyond that of other fish food makers, Hikari® offers the highest quality tropical diets humanly possible.
Our Favorite Tropical Fish for Beginners
If you’re new to the wonders of the aquarium world, here are a few of our absolute favorite freshwater fish that you should consider as a good match for beginner to intermediate aquarists. As always, we recommend researching if they are compatible with other tankmates if you are planning to add to your tank.
Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi)
Vibrant yet tiny packs of these small, schooling fish lend flare and constant movement to your waters. Neon tetras reach a full size of about 1.5 inches and are generally peaceful when it comes to other tankmates. They are known for their bright blue and red pattern and can live up to 8 years when properly cared for.
Angelfish (Genus Pterophyllum)
Always a crowd favorite, freshwater angelfish are popular selections based on their striking appearance and graceful movement. Not to mention they are a great centerpiece fish for any community tank. There are 3 wild captive-bred species worldwide with over 15 color variations. With their hardy nature, they are a great choice for beginners. A minimum of 29 gallons is recommended for a pair of angelfish, but having at least a 50-gallon tank will ensure they have enough space to breed.
Zebra Danio (Danio rerio)
Aptly named, these active swimmers come complete with pronounced black and white stripes. They are identifiable by their horizontal stripes of silver and gold along the body, as well as their playful nature. These type of freshwater fish do well in a variety of water conditions and are fairly common in community tanks.
Cory Cats (Corydoras)
Natural peaceful fish, these gravel scavengers make great additions to any tank, as they’ll help keep your waters clean by eating leftover food that makes its way to the bottom. With over 100 different variations and colorways, Corydoras are popular for their social schooling habits and do well with other peaceful tankmates. The most popular types of Corydoras among aquarists include the Spotted, Julii, Bronze, Sterbai, and Albino Aeneus.
Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
These docile, metallic fish are most often found near the top of the tank in small schools. They are relatively small and do better in groups of 6 or more. Rasboras are known for their hardiness and can be distinguished by their black triangle pattern opposite to their eyes.
Best Food For Tropical Fish
Before bringing home your new pets, it is very important to have a cycled tank with at least some type of biological filtration. If this sounds confusing, here is a bit more information to learn about the aquarium nitrogen cycle. Make sure you research the required parameters of the fish you would like to keep. It is also wise to keep the habit of regularly testing your water quality for signs of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate so that your aquatic pet can live to its fullest.
Feeding tropical fish in a community tank has never been easier, thanks to the experts at ®Hikari. Micro Pellets® and Micro Wafers® are a common feeding option for tropical fish, as they can satisfy the nutritional needs of many different species. These options are also perfect for smaller-mouthed fish, naturally bringing out their rich and vibrant colors with the color-enhancing capabilities.
What you feed your fish really does matter! If you have questions or don’t know where to begin with optimizing your food choices, reach out to our team. Our experts at ®Hikari are happy to lend an ear and provide some guidance unique to your situation. Contact us today!