20 Most Colorful Aquarium Fishes

If you’re looking for some eye-catching aquarium fish, you’ve come to the right place!

Aquarium fish come in all shapes and sizes, and there are endless options when it comes to choosing the perfect ones for your tank. If you’re looking for some colorful freshwater fish to add to your aquarium, we’ve got you covered!

In this article, we will discuss the 20 most colorful aquarium fishes. So get ready to be inspired and add some new life to your tank! From brilliantly-colored cichlids to vibrantly-hued tetras, these fishes are sure to brighten up any aquarium set-up!

Most Colorful Aquarium Fishes For Your Aquarium

1. Neon tetra

Neon tetra
Image Credit: co2art.eu

One of the most popular and well-known colorful aquarium fish is the neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi). This little fish is native to South America and is known for its vibrant blue and red colors.

Neon tetras are one of the easiest fish to care for, making them ideal for beginner aquarists. These beautiful fish are also school fish, so be sure to purchase at least six if you decide to add them to your tank.

2. Betta

Another stunning freshwater fish is the betta (Betta splendens), also known as the Siamese fighting fish. Bettas are native to Southeast Asia and come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, green, yellow, and white.

These mesmerizing fish are known for their long fins and vibrant colors. Bettas are relatively easy to care for, but they are territorial fish and should not be kept with other bettas. If you’re looking to add a betta to your tank, make sure it is the only one!

3. Neon blue dwarf gourami

If you want to add some color to your bottom-dwelling fish, consider the neon blue dwarf gourami (Trichogaster lalius). This little fish is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its vibrant blue coloration.

Neon blue dwarf gouramis are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. These beautiful fish are also easy to care for, making them ideal for beginner aquarists.

4. Discus

Another striking freshwater fish is the discus (Symphysodon spp.). Discus are native to the Amazon River basin and come in a variety of colors, including red, green, blue, and brown.

These magnificent creatures can grow up to 12 inches in length, so make sure you have a large enough tank before adding one to your home. Discus are relatively easy to care for, but they do require clean and stable water conditions.

If you’re looking for a show-stopping fish for your aquarium, look no further than the discus!

5. Synodontis

If you’re looking for a colorful catfish, consider the synodontis (Synodontis spp). These amazing freshwater fish are native to Africa and come in a variety of colors, including brown, black, white, and orange.

Synodontis are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. These beautiful fish are also easy to care for, making them ideal for beginner aquarists.

6. Rainbowfish

If you’re looking for a bright and colorful fish, consider the rainbowfish (Melanotaeniidae spp.). Rainbowfish are native to Australia and come in a variety of colors, including blue, green, yellow, and red.

These beautiful fish are known for their iridescent scales that shimmer in the light. Rainbowfish are relatively easy to care for, making them ideal for beginner aquarists.

7. Koi (Cyprinus carpio)

Another amazing freshwater fish is the koi (Cyprinus carpio). Koi are native to Asia and come in a variety of colors, including white, black, orange, yellow, and red.

These beautiful fish are known for their long lifespan and tranquil demeanor. Koi are easy to care for, making them ideal for beginner aquarists.

Koi (Cyprinus carpio)
Image Credit: tfhmagazine.com

8. Peacock Cichlid

Peacock cichlids are some of the most colorful aquarium fish available. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, green, yellow, and orange. Peacock cichlids are relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginner aquarists.

Peacock cichlids are native to Africa, where they live in freshwater lakes and rivers. In the wild, these fish can grow to be over a foot long.

However, captive-bred peacock cichlids only grow to be about six inches long. If you are looking for a colorful and relatively easy-to-care-for aquarium fish, then a peacock cichlid may be the right choice for you!

9. Electric Yellow Lab

Electric yellow labs (Labidochromis caeruleus) are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish. They are known for their vibrant yellow coloration, which is intensified by the addition of a black horizontal stripe that extends from the fish’s snout to the base of its tail.

Electric yellow labs are relatively peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. They are native to the waters of Lake Malawi in Africa, where they inhabit rocky areas with plenty of hiding places.

Electric yellow labs are relatively easy to care for, and they are a good choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists.

10. Fancy Guppies

If you are looking for a colorful and eye-catching addition to your freshwater aquarium, then fancy guppies are the fish for you!

Guppies are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish for a reason – they are hardy, easy to care for, and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Fancy guppies are especially beautiful, with long fins and vibrant colors that will brighten up any aquarium.

Guppies originated in South America and can be found in a variety of habitats, from rivers and streams to brackish mangrove swamps. In the wild, guppies are not especially colorful – most are dull gray or brown with some darker spots.

However, over the years, fishkeepers have bred fancy guppies to bring out their bright colors and beautiful fins. Fancy guppies come in a wide variety of colors, from bright orange and yellow to deep purple and blue.

You can even find guppies in two colors, like black and white or red and blue. No matter what color you prefer, there is sure to be a fancy guppy that catches your eye!

11. Boeseman’s Rainbowfish

Boeseman’s Rainbowfish is one of the most colorful freshwater fish available for aquariums. They are native to the freshwaters of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Boeseman’s Rainbowfish are peaceful fish that get along well with other community fish. They prefer to live in groups and do best in a tank of at least 30 gallons.

If you are looking for a colorful and peaceful addition to your freshwater aquarium, Boeseman’s Rainbowfish is a great choice!

12. Blue Gularis Killifish

Blue Gularis Killifish is one of the most colorful freshwater aquarium fish available. They are native to Africa and their bright blue coloration is stunning in any aquarium.

Blue Gularis Killifish are peaceful fish and make a great addition to any community aquarium. They are not picky eaters and will thrive on a variety of foods.

If you are looking for a colorful and peaceful addition to your aquarium, then the Blue Gularis Killifish is the perfect fish for you!

13. True Red Terror Cichlid

True Red Terror Cichlid (Aequidens rivulatus) is a beautiful, colorful freshwater fish that makes a great addition to any freshwater aquarium. They are native to South America and are found in the rivers and streams of Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador.

The True Red Terror Cichlid is a relatively large fish, growing to a maximum length of 12 inches (30 cm). They are red in color, with a dark brown or black stripe running along their back.

The True Red Terror Cichlid is a peaceful fish but can be aggressive towards other fish of the same species. They are not recommended for beginners, as they require a bit of care and attention.

14. Paradise Gourami Fish

Paradise gourami fish is one of the most colorful freshwater aquarium fish. They are native to Southeast Asia and can be found in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Paradise gourami fish are peaceful and make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium.

Paradise gourami fish are easy to care for and make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium. They are peaceful fish that get along well with other fish. Paradise gourami fish are great beginner fish and are a good choice for anyone looking to add some color to their freshwater aquarium.

15. Celestial Pearl Danio

Celestial Pearl Danio, also known as Galaxy Rasbora or Microrasbora rubescens, is a beautiful and colorful freshwater fish that originates from Myanmar. This little gem grows to a maximum length of only 1.2 cm (0.47 inches).

The body of the Celestial Pearl Danio is translucent with a scattering of red, blue, and green dots. There are also two black spots on the dorsal fin and one on the caudal peduncle. The pelvic, pectoral, and anal fins are red.

Celestial Pearl Danios are not fussy eaters but will appreciate a varied diet. Their diet should consist of small live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. They will also accept most flake and pellet foods.

16. Clown Loach

Clown loaches (Chromobotia macracanthus) are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish. And it’s not hard to see why: they are incredibly colorful, with their bright orange bodies and black stripes. They are also active fish that enjoy swimming around and exploring their tank.

If you can provide a good home for a clown loach, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful and active fish that will bring a lot of enjoyment to your aquarium.

17. Samurai Gourami Fish

If you’re looking for a splash of color in your freshwater aquarium, the Samurai Gourami Fish is a great choice. These fish are brightly colored and make a beautiful addition to any aquarium.

The Samurai Gourami Fish is a native of Southeast Asia and can be found in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They are peaceful fish that does well in community tanks.

The Samurai Gourami Fish is a labyrinth fish, which means it has a special organ that allows it to breathe air. This organ is located in the fish’s head and gives the Samurai Gourami Fish the ability to survive in waters with low oxygen levels.

The Samurai Gourami Fish is an omnivore and does well on a diet of flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods. It is important to provide plenty of hiding places in the aquarium for the fish to feel comfortable and secure.

18. Electric blue jack Dempsey

If you’re looking for a colorful cichlid, look no further than the electric blue jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata). This amazing freshwater fish is native to Central America and is known for its bright blue coloration.

Electric blue jack Dempseys can grow up to 12 inches in length, so make sure you have a large enough tank before adding one of these beauties! These fish are also relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists.

19. Red Phantom Tetra

The Red Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the Characidae family. It is native to South America. It is a popular aquarium fish and its vivid red coloration makes it a beautiful addition to any freshwater aquarium.

The Red Phantom Tetra is a peaceful fish that does well in community tanks. It is an omnivore and will eat most prepared aquarium foods. In the wild, the diet of the Red Phantom Tetra consists of small insects, worms, and plant matter.

The Red Phantom Tetra is a beautiful fish that makes a great addition to any freshwater aquarium. It is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other community tank mates. The Red Phantom Tetra is easy to care for and is a good choice for the beginner aquarium hobby

20. Redfin Shiner

Redfin shiners are small, colorful fish that make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium. These little fish are very active and playful, and their bright colors add a splash of excitement to any aquarium.

If you are looking for a colorful and lively addition to your freshwater aquarium, then redfin shiners are a great option. These little fish are very active and playful, and their bright colors add a splash of excitement to any aquarium.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to add some color to your aquarium, consider adding one of these beautiful fishes! With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect fish for your tank.

Thanks for reading and happy fishkeeping!

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