Tropical Fish Guide | Discover Aquatics

Tropical Fish Guide

Popular tropical fish species for heated aquariums

Guppy

  • Males: 3-4cm, Females: 5-6cm
  • 1.5-3 years
  • 20L+ (bigger is better)
  • 24-28°C
  • pH 6.8-8.0

Tiny livebearer with endless color strains. Constantly breeds - fry are born fully formed.

Neon Tetra

  • 3-4cm
  • 5-8 years
  • School of 8-10+
  • 22-26°C
  • pH 6.0-7.0

Iconic electric-blue and red striped schooling fish. Sensitive to water quality when first bought.

Corydoras Catfish

  • 3-7cm (species dependent)
  • 5-10+ years
  • Group of 6+ same species
  • 22-26°C
  • pH 6.0-8.0

Armoured bottom-dwellers. Need smooth substrate - sand ideal to protect whiskers.

Platy

  • 5-7cm
  • 3-5 years
  • 40L+
  • 22-26°C
  • pH 7.0-8.2

Chunky livebearer in red, yellow, blue patterns. Prolific breeders, very easy to keep.

Molly

  • 8-12cm (sailfins larger)
  • 3-5 years
  • 80L+
  • 24-28°C
  • pH 7.5-8.2

Larger livebearer, often black, gold, dalmatian. Prefers slightly brackish water for long-term health.

Betta Fish

  • 6-7cm body + fins
  • 2-5 years
  • 20L minimum
  • 24-30°C
  • pH 6.5-7.5

Long-finned males in every color. Males highly territorial - one per tank. Labyrinth organ for air breathing.

Angelfish

  • 15cm body, 20-25cm tall
  • 10-15 years
  • 120L+ tall tank
  • 24-30°C
  • pH 6.0-7.5

Tall, disc-shaped cichlid. Peaceful when young, semi-aggressive adults. Will eat small fish when large.

German Blue Ram

  • 5-7cm
  • 3-4 years
  • 60L+ for pairs
  • 27-30°C
  • pH 5.5-7.0

Dwarf cichlid with yellow/orange body and neon blue spots. Sensitive to nitrates and sudden changes.

Harlequin Rasbora

  • 4-5cm
  • 5-8 years
  • School of 8+
  • 23-28°C
  • pH 6.0-7.5

Orange fish with bold black triangle. Extremely peaceful and hardy once settled.

Swordtail

  • Males: 10-12cm with sword
  • 3-5 years
  • 80L+
  • 22-28°C
  • pH 7.0-8.2

Livebearer with males having long "sword" tail. Keep 1 male : 3 females ratio to reduce aggression.

Cherry Barb

  • 5cm
  • 4-6 years
  • School of 6+
  • 22-27°C
  • pH 6.0-8.0

Deep red males, gold/black females. One of the most peaceful barbs. Males display beautifully.

Zebra Danio

  • 5-6cm
  • 3-5 years
  • 60L+ (loves length)
  • 18-24°C
  • pH 6.5-8.0

Fast torpedo-shaped fish with stripes. Extremely hardy - often recommended as first fish. Active top-dweller.