When it comes to choosing the best fish for an aquarium, a lot depends on your experience, the size of your tanks, and your personal preferences. Since you’ve been involved in aquarium fishing for a few years and have four aquariums, it sounds like you have a solid understanding of what it takes to maintain a healthy and thriving aquatic environment.
Based on your experience, you might already know that the “best” fish often means something different to each aquarist. It could be a fish that’s easy to care for, one that has striking colors, or perhaps a species that’s fascinating to watch. Here are some top picks that might suit your aquariums, taking into account both their beauty and their ease of care.
Neon Tetras
Neon Tetras are a favorite for many aquarium enthusiasts, and for good reason. Their vibrant blue and red stripes add a splash of color to any tank, and they’re peaceful, making them great for community aquariums. Since you have two tanks, you could dedicate one to a school of Neon Tetras, watching them dart around in harmony.
Angelfish
Angelfish is another excellent choice, especially if you have a bit more space in your tanks. Their elegant, flowing fins and distinctive shape make them a centerpiece in any aquarium. They can be a bit territorial, so it’s important to monitor their interactions with other fish. However, with your experience, you’ll likely appreciate their slightly more complex care requirements and the reward of keeping such a majestic species.
Betta Fish
If you’re looking for a fish with personality, Betta Fish are a great option. Known for their vivid colors and long, flowing fins, Betta Fish are both beautiful and hardy. They do best on their own due to their territorial nature, so if one of your aquariums is smaller, a single Betta could be the perfect inhabitant.
Corydoras Catfish
For the bottom of your tank, Corydoras Catfish are an ideal choice. These small, social fish are peaceful and do well in groups. They’re also great at helping keep the tank clean by scavenging for leftover food. Given your experience, you might already have a clean-up crew, but Corydoras can add both utility and charm to your setup.
Guppies
Guppies are hardy, colorful, and easy to care for, making them a favorite among both beginners and experienced aquarists. Their lively nature and the wide variety of colors and patterns available make them a joy to watch. If you’re interested in breeding fish, guppies are also prolific breeders, so they could be a great addition to one of your tanks.
Dwarf Gourami
Dwarf Gouramis are peaceful fish with bright, iridescent colors. They’re slightly more delicate, but with your years of experience, you’ll likely find them rewarding to care for. They thrive in well-planted tanks, where they can explore and find shelter.
Discus
If you’re up for a challenge, Discus fish are known as the “kings of the aquarium” due to their striking appearance and the level of care they require. They prefer warm, soft water and thrive in groups, making them ideal for a dedicated, well-maintained tank. Given your experience, Discus could be a fascinating new project, allowing you to explore the more advanced side of fish keeping.
Over the years, I’ve found that the best fish for my aquariums are often the ones that fit my current goals and the specific environment I’m creating. In one of my tanks, I keep a peaceful community of Neon Tetras and Corydoras Catfish, enjoying the calm and balance they bring. In the other, I’ve set up a more challenging environment for Angelfish, where I can observe their interactions and territorial behaviors.
It’s the balance between the aesthetics, the behaviors of the fish, and the maintenance needs that really defines what makes a fish the “best” for any given aquarium. With two tanks, you have the flexibility to experiment and see which species resonate most with you, whether it’s the vibrant colors of a Betta or the graceful glide of an Angelfish.
At the end of the day, the best fish are the ones that bring you the most joy and satisfaction, turning your aquarium into a living, dynamic part of your home.
