Top 10 Popular Tropical Fish Species to Brighten Your Home Aquarium

In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most popular tropical fish species in the aquarium hobby. From peaceful community fish to showstopping centerpieces, you’ll discover which tropical fish might be best for your aquarium setup.

1. Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

Size: 1.5 inches
Temperament: Peaceful
Tank Size: 10 gallons or more
Care Level: Easy

Neon Tetras are one of the most recognizable tropical fish species. With their striking blue and red horizontal stripes, they add a burst of color to any tank. They’re best kept in groups of six or more and thrive in well-planted tanks with stable water parameters.

Ideal for: Community tanks, beginner aquarists.

2. Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Size: 1.5–2.5 inches
Temperament: Peaceful
Tank Size: 10 gallons or more
Care Level: Easy

Guppies are small, lively, and incredibly diverse in color and tail shapes. They are livebearers, which means they give birth to free-swimming fry, making them fascinating to breed. Males are more colorful, while females are slightly larger.

Ideal for: Beginners, breeders, and community tanks.

3. Betta Fish (Betta splendens)

Size: 2.5–3 inches
Temperament: Aggressive toward males of their kind
Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons
Care Level: Moderate

Known for their flowing fins and aggressive personality, Bettas are stunning tropical fish that often live solo. Males should never be kept together, but they can live with other peaceful species in a carefully planned tank. They prefer warm, still water and frequent water changes.

Ideal for: Aquarists who want a statement fish in a nano tank.

4. Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Size: Up to 6 inches
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Tank Size: 30 gallons or more
Care Level: Moderate

With their tall, triangular fins and graceful movements, Angelfish are a striking centerpiece in medium to large tanks. They’re part of the cichlid family and can be territorial, especially during breeding. Keep them with similarly sized or larger peaceful fish.

Ideal for: Intermediate aquarists and larger community tanks.

5. Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras spp.)

Size: 2–3 inches
Temperament: Peaceful
Tank Size: 20 gallons or more
Care Level: Easy

Corydoras are bottom-dwellers known for their peaceful nature and cleaning abilities. These schooling catfish should be kept in groups of at least six and love sifting through sand or smooth gravel for leftover food.

Ideal for: Community tanks, beginner to advanced aquarists.

6. Mollies (Poecilia sphenops)

Size: 3–4 inches
Temperament: Peaceful
Tank Size: 20 gallons or more
Care Level: Easy to moderate

Mollies are hardy livebearers available in many colors and fin types. They can adapt to a wide range of water conditions and are known to tolerate brackish water. Like guppies, they breed readily, so be prepared if you keep males and females together.

Ideal for: Beginners and livebearer enthusiasts.

7. Swordtails (Xiphophorus hellerii)

Size: 4–5 inches
Temperament: Peaceful
Tank Size: 20 gallons or more
Care Level: Easy

Named for the sword-like extension on the male’s tail fin, Swordtails are active, colorful, and relatively easy to care for. They do well in groups and are livebearers, like guppies and mollies. Males can be slightly aggressive toward one another, so it’s best to keep more females than males.

Ideal for: Community tanks and beginner aquarists.

8. Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius)

Size: 2–3 inches
Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
Tank Size: 10–15 gallons or more
Care Level: Moderate

Dwarf Gouramis are known for their iridescent colors and calm demeanor. Males are especially vibrant and can be territorial. They prefer a well-planted tank with gentle filtration and minimal surface disturbance.

Ideal for: Peaceful community tanks with calm tank mates.

9. Zebra Danio (Danio rerio)

Size: 2 inches
Temperament: Peaceful
Tank Size: 10 gallons or more
Care Level: Easy

Zebra Danios are energetic and hardy schooling fish, perfect for beginners. With their striped pattern and constant motion, they add a lively dynamic to any tank. They’re very tolerant of a range of water conditions.

Ideal for: Beginner tanks and educational setups.

10. Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

Size: 2–3 inches
Temperament: Peaceful
Tank Size: 10 gallons or more
Care Level: Easy

Platies are colorful, livebearing fish that come in a wide variety of hues. They’re peaceful, sociable, and do well in community setups. Like guppies and mollies, they reproduce often, so it’s a good idea to separate males and females if you don’t want fry.

Ideal for: Beginners and colorful community tanks.

Tips for Choosing Tropical Fish

When selecting tropical fish for your aquarium, consider the following:

• Tank size and bioload
• Water temperature and pH preferences
• Compatibility with other species
• Feeding requirements
• Activity level and space needed

It’s important to avoid overstocking and always research each species’ needs before purchase.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're just starting or expanding your collection, these popular tropical fish species offer something for everyone—from stunning colors and graceful movement to peaceful personalities and engaging behaviors. By choosing compatible species and maintaining a stable environment, you’ll enjoy a thriving, colorful tropical aquarium that brings life and beauty to your space.