11 Top Fish Species for Cold Freshwater Aquariums
- Rosy Barb. Hailing from Afghanistan and Bangladesh, this little fish is tolerant of temperatures in the mid-60's...
- Gold Barb. The gold bard, or Chinese barb, is an extremely popular cold-water fish. Any aquarium containing gold barbs...
- Two Spot Barb. This fish hails from Nepal, India, and Pakistan. The omnivorous two...
What are cold water aquarium fish?
What Is A Coldwater Aquarium Fish? Cold water aquarium fish can survive in temperatures of 70°F or lower. They are species that come from the subtropical and temperate parts of the world where the water isn’t always warm. Unlike most tropical fish, cold-water fish do not need a heater to survive in the home aquarium.
What fish can live together in a freshwater aquarium?
If you are looking to expand the variety of fish in your freshwater aquarium, here are few suggestions of fish that will live harmoniously together. Which Freshwater Aquarium Fish Can Live Together? Angelfish. Courtesy of Jeff Kubina. We are starting with the freshwater Angelfish, as it is without a doubt a very friendly aquatic creature.
What is the best cold water fish without a heater?
27 Best Cold Water Fish For Your Aquarium (No Heater) 1 1. Endler’s Livebearer. The Endler’s Livebearer is a fantastic cold water fish for your aquarium. They’re not only quite colorful and pleasing to look ... 2 2. Bloodfin Tetra. 3 3. Odessa Barb. 4 4. White Cloud Mountain Minnow. 5 5. Sunset Variatus Platy. More items
What are the best fish to keep with other fish?
These fish are also known as galaxy rasboras or just CPDs for short. They are fairly timid fish that prefer cooler water temperatures. Celestial pearl danios can be kept with other fish, provided their tank mates are peaceful and stay small. 15. Zebra Danio
What fish can be paired together?
Fish That Live Well TogetherCatfish.Corys.Danios.Gouramis.Guppies.Loaches.Mollies.Platies.More items...
Which freshwater fish go well together?
There are plenty of freshwater fish types that can co-exist with other different species in the same tank. Guppies, Tetras, Swordtails, and Danios are just some of the most peaceful tropical species that happily swim around and easily adjust to newer groups.
What temperature fish can live together?
There are also many other fish you can keep in a temperate tank such as:Zebra Danio.Leopard Danio.White cloud mountain minnow.Buenos Aires Tetra.Croacking Tetra.Guppies.Hillstream loach.Weather Loach.More items...•
What is the easiest fish to take care of cold-water?
Outside of the goldfish and the guppy, the zebra danio (Brachydanio rerio) is the most readily available of all the cold-water fish. Native to South Asia, they tolerate temps that fall into the mid-60's and are very easy to care for.
What are the best fish combinations?
Recommended Freshwater Aquarium Fish Combinations: Apistogramma Dwarf Cichlid and Green Neon Tetra. African Cichlids and Synodontis Catfish. Rainbow Shark and Tiger Barbs. Guppies and Cherry Barbs. Discus, Rummy Nose Tetra, and Cardinal Tetra. Managuense Cichlid, Red Hook Silver Dollar, and Pictus Catfish.
What fish can you not put together?
Cichlids, certain species of sharks, loaches, knife fish, mormyrids and other territorial fish do not share space well with members of their own kind or closely related species.
What is a good combination of fish for an aquarium?
A perfect combination would be to have some bottom feeders like catfish and loach, mid-level fish like neons and mollies and a few surface swimmers like dwarf gouramis.
Can angelfish live with goldfish?
But can goldfish survive with angelfish? The short answer is no. Goldfish and angelfish come from fundamentally different regions with rather drastic differences in water parameters, therefore they are usually not kept together.
What fish go well with goldfish?
With these ground rules in mind, here are our top 10 tank mates that we have personally tested and found to be compatible with goldfish:Hillstream Loach. ... Brochis multiradiatus. ... Dojo Loach. ... Bristlenose Pleco. ... Rubbernose Pleco. ... White Cloud Mountain Minnows. ... Ricefish. ... Hoplo Catfish.More items...
What fish do not need a filter or heater?
The common fish species that are suitable for life in an aquarium without a filter are: Bettas, Guppies, White Clouds, and a few others, sometimes joined by ghost shrimp or snails.
Can guppies live in cold water with goldfish?
Yes, Guppies can live in cold water. If you want your guppies to thrive well in the fish tank and enjoy the water, then you must keep them in their ideal temperature range.
Can neon tetras live with goldfish?
Tetras cannot live with goldfish. There are several reasons tetras cannot live with goldfish, and most are related to the environment and the personalities of these two fish.
What Is A Coldwater Aquarium Fish?
Cold water aquarium fish can survive in temperatures of 70°F or lower. They are species that come from the subtropical and temperate parts of the world where the water isn’t always warm.
15 Best Coldwater Aquarium Fish
Now that you know what a cold-water fish is, it’s time to get to know some of the best species for your aquarium. I’ll be listing some important stats for each species, so you can make sure you’re making the right choice. These are:
Coldwater Tank Setup
Setting up a coldwater tank is just the same as setting up a tropical tank, only you won’t be using a heater. If you live in a tropical climate, however, you might need to take some steps to manage the water temperatures.
Setting Up A Coldwater Community Tank
You can set up an awesome unheated community tank, even though the options are a little more limited. Read on for some handy tips to help you stock your cold water tank.
Where To Buy Coldwater Fish
You can usually find the more popular coldwater species at your local fish stores. Another great place to shop aquarium fish is online, especially if you’re looking for specific fish species.
FAQs
All fish species have an ideal temperature range where they are most comfortable. If the water in your tank gets too cold, your fish will be under stress and might not survive.
What About Koi?
Koi carp are an amazing coldwater fish, however, they require a large pond and their care are beyond the scope of this blog post. I felt it was best to cover them separate to not confuse readers. If you want to learn more about Koi, check out koi care articles.
What is the best fish to keep in a cold water tank?
Readily available, the weather loach (Misgurnus angullicaudatus) or Pond Loach from East Asia is one of the easiest fish to care for. Couple that with the fact that they will tolerate temperatures in the 50's, they are excellent candidates for a cold water tank.
What fish prefers cold water?
The Spruce / Marina Li. The most common cold-water fish species is the goldfish, followed closely by its larger counterpart, the koi. And yet there are many other interesting fish species that do not require a heated tank. All temperate zones on all continents have fish that prefer cold water. Their adult size, however, is an important additional ...
What is a gold barb fish?
The gold bard, or Chinese barb, is an extremely popular cold-water fish. Any aquarium containing gold barbs should maintain a moderate current. A dedicated river tank is not necessary, but some flow from a powerhead should be provided. The gold barb (Barbus schuberti), also comes in a less common green variety.
How long is a silvery fish?
Length: 2 to 3 inches. Physical Characteristics: Silvery fish with a back of olive and brown; anal, abdominal, and dorsal fins are yellowish to reddish; red upper part of the iris of the eye; a dark diamond-shaped spot near the tail fin base. 06 of 11.
Why are cloud minnows extinct?
Almost extinct in its native China due to pollution, this is one of the easiest fish to care for. The white cloud minnow (Tanichtys albonubes) does best in cooler temperatures. A new gold-colored variant has become very popular, although very low temperatures will dampen their attractive coloration.
Can cold water fish grow in a pond?
Coldwater fish often grow so large that they are only suitable for outdoor ponds. If you are planning to set up your cold aquarium indoors, here are some coldwater fish that grow to only a small or medium size.
Can you release fish out of an aquarium?
When fish outgrow your aquarium, never release aquarium fish into the wild. Reproducing aquarium species are difficult, if not impossible, to control or eradicate. They can cause detrimental changes to your local aquatic environment by outcompeting native species for habitat and resources. The better option is to donate your large fish ...
What is the best cold water fish for beginners?
Here is a comprehensive list of ten best coldwater aquarium fish for beginners. Easy Coldwater Aquarium Fish. 1. Goldfish. Goldfish. Goldfish are among the most popular fish kept in tanks as pets. Known as breeding tubercles or breeding stars, goldfish need a tank capacity of 20 gallons or more. The right water temperature for this colorful fish is ...
What fish can be kept in a 20 gallon tank?
Zebra Danio Fish. Zebra Danios are an entertaining and spirited cold water aquarium species that thrives best in a 20-gallon tank. These fish are considered to be among the most peaceful species, suitable for a community tank.
How big of a tank do you need for a Dojo Loach?
They were named after their unusual ability to display strong reactions to changes in weather conditions. As coldwater aquarium fish, you can provide them with a tank setup of about 120 cm or 47 inches.
How long does a goldfish grow?
Omnivorous by nature, goldfish grows to a length of 25 cm. This coldwater aquarium fish comes in various shapes and sizes. The males develop tiny white bumps on their operculum and pectoral fins. As a hobbyist, you will require to change at least 50% of tank water once a week to maintain tank conditions.
What temperature do goldfish need to be?
The right water temperature for this colorful fish is 61 to 72 degree Fahrenheit with a pH level of about 7.2 to 8. So, depending on where you house them, goldfish do not require a heater to feel good in their environment. Omnivorous by nature, goldfish grows to a length of 25 cm.
Why are cherry barbs so popular in cold water?
This is due to their adaptability, hardiness, and ease of breeding.
How many gallons of water does a cherry barb fish need?
The minimum tank capacity for Cherry barbs is 10 to 20 gallons although a larger tank will do better. When it comes to care and maintenance, these little fish takes the first slot. As omnivores, their diet consists of high quality frozen or dried foods. Ensure that the food is of appropriate size.
Why is it important for aquarium fish to get along?
This may seem self-explanatory, however it is important you understand the basics. As the aquarium owner, you have the power and responsibility to ensure the fish tank is functioning correctly from an equipment perspective (i.e. filter/filtration, heater/temperature etc.), but also from a fish interaction perspective.
Why are my fish fighting in my aquarium?
As with any animal, there is always the potential for conflict, which tends to result in a fight. The fish world is no different. There are several reasons why a fish may seek this outcome:
How to select the right fish for your aquarium
To begin with, the easiest way of selecting fish is to choose fish which are not aggressive or territorial and have similar environmental requirements. This rules out most predatory fish. In a cold-water aquarium, there is generally less selection, and so this tends to be goldfish and fancy fantails, none of which are notably aggressive.
Can aquarium fish eat each other?
Yes, omnivorous fish (i.e. a fish which eats both meat and vegetation) which grow to a notable size will often consume other fish if they will fit in their mouth. A typical example of this is keeping black ghost knife fish with neon tetras.
Which freshwater fish are considered to be community fish?
At the most basic end of the spectrum, live bearers and tetras are considered to be community fish, although there are other species which can be included in a traditional community tank. See our list below:
Which cichlids are considered to be community fish?
Cichlids are some of the most beautifully coloured tropical fish available, but many Cichlids can be aggressive. Several species of Cichlid however can be kept in a traditional community aquarium which we will detail below:
Can shrimp be kept in a community aquarium?
Shrimp come in a variety of sizes – some such as the bamboo shrimp can be 3-4” in length. On the contrary, some species, such as Cherry Shrimp, are extremely small and delicate. Fish by nature are opportunistic and if a shrimp will fit in a fishes mouth, you can bet it will try to eat it.
What is the most popular coldwater fish?
Coldwater fish such as Goldfish, Bloodfin Tetras, and White Cloud are the most popular ones. Goldfish come in a wide variety of colors and sizes and this is one of the main reasons why they are so popular, not to mention that they are one of the easiest fish species to look after.
What are some peaceful fish?
We can name a few that are referred to as peaceful — Catfish, Corys, Danios, Gouramis, Guppies, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rasboras, Swordtails, or Tetras. Within these species, some of them are better adapted to living in groups than others. If your eye is caught by a specific fish, before putting it together with ...
How long do bloodfin tetras live?
They are hardy fish, and as long as you are careful with them you can expect them to live up to 10 years. They are very active and they move a lot, making your aquarium look very lively.
What temperature do you need for a heated fish tank?
A heated tank allows you to keep a wider variety of tropical fish and the typical temperature found inside such an aquarium ranges from 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
What pH level do freshwater fish need?
A tropical African cichlid, for example, thrives in alkaline water — most freshwater fish fancy levels between 6.5 and 7.5.
Where do eel loach hide?
It likes to tunnel in the gravel and hide in caves or vegetation which is why it is recommended to offer it plenty of places to hide.
Can you put cold water fish in a heated aquarium?
You can’t place a coldwater fish with another that requires a heated aquarium. As a general rule, heated aquariums offer more varieties of fish to choose from, so even as a beginner if you want to have more choice, a heated tank should be the go-to option.
What fish can you put a Pleco with?
The common Pleco will live with Cichlids in harmony, as well as with Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Danios, Minnows, Fancy Goldfish, Killifish, Hatchets, Gouramis, Rainbow fish, Guppies, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, and Rasboras. The Plecostomus is often even put in Koi Fish Ponds to help with their maintenance.
What fish can you have with a single betta?
The fish you can have, together with your single Betta are: Cory Cats, Rosy Red Minnows, Guppies, Hatchets, Mollies, Plecos, Platies, Loaches, Rasboras, Suckermouth Catfish, Tetras, and Swordtails. Planting an aquarium with a Betta in it should also not be an issue.
What is the purpose of a plecos and catfish?
The primary target of these species is to tirelessly eat that tasty Algae that you are desperately trying to get rid of. A nice fish for beginners, the following Plecos & Catfish are peaceful fish that will not interact even with aggressive species.
Can you have more than one cichlid at the same time?
Having more than one species at the same time will require your caution, as the cichlid is a fish with temperament and territorial behavior. Cichlids travel in schools and the only way to potentially avoid them fighting is to pack the aquarium so full, that there will not be enough space for them to feel territorial.
Can an angelfish live with a cat?
We are starting with the freshwater Angelfish, as it is without a doubt a very friendly aquatic creature. A common choice for many Aquarium owners, the Angelfish can live in harmony with a number of other species and does not mind freshwater aquatic plants. Angelfish will live easily together with Cory Cats, Rosy ...
Can cichlids live together?
Having a Cichlid aquarium is a bit more challenging, as not all Cichlid species can live together, and not all fresh water fish can live in the same water condition as Cichlids. When setting up your freshwater aquarium it is better to seek professional consultation.
Can you have different sharks in the same aquarium?
Expectedly, when we mention behavior, having different “shark” species in the same aquarium is not advisable. However, you can combine them with friendly fish like Barbs, Rosy Red Minnows, Loaches, Plecos, Rainbow fish, and Gouramis. Planting a freshwater shark aquarium is also safe.
