Just because a fish looks pretty, doesn’t make it is nice. You have to be very careful about the species you add into one aquarium, as not all can coexist. However, there are a handful of non aggressive freshwater fish, which can be made to live in peace with one another, while giving a new lease of life and color to your aquarium.
It can get very tricky while deciding which freshwater fish to keep, while making sure the aquarium looks colorful as well as peaceful. The latter being of more importance, as aggressive fish can turn the seemingly peaceful aquarium into a war zone within no time. Aggressive fish tend to fight with weaker fish and end up killing most of the populous of the fish tank. Which is why, it is best to do your research beforehand, before you simply mix two species of fish together, expecting them to coexist! You can have an assortment of beautiful, peaceful, and non aggressive freshwater fish, for your aquarium.
Non Aggressive Freshwater Fish for Aquariums
#1- Angelfish
These are triangular shaped fish, which are usually silver in color with black stripes. However, golden, yellow, plain silver and brown colored angelfish are also available. The most beautiful are the:
- Koi Angelfish
- Marble Angelfish
- Gold Pearlscale
- Sunset Blushing Veil Angelfish
These fish can recognize their owner and are known for being intelligent. Costs range from US $10.00 – $80.00, depending on the rarity of the species. The Albino ones are more expensive.
#2- Barbs
Barbs are semi aggressive in nature when left alone, and must always be kept in a group of 6 – 8 fish of the same species. These fish come in a huge variety of colors, are very small, and look very pretty. Here are the popular subspecies:
- Cherry Barb
- Rosy Barb
- Tiger Barb
- Green Tiger Barb
- Hexazon Barb
- Denison Barb
- Gold Barb
- Snakeskin Barb
The Denison barb is by far the most expensive, and can cost up to US $35.00 for each fish. While the rest of the subspecies cost anywhere between US $2.00 – $7.00 only.
#3- Corydoras Catfish
These are really pretty freshwater aquarium fish, which look a lot like catfish. These fish live in schools of 5 – 10, and are very compatible with other species of fish. The corydoras are always hungry and can be found scavenging the base of the aquarium all day long.
- Corydoras Sterbai
- Panda Corydoras
- Neon Orange Corydoras
- Pink Corydoras
These can cost anywhere between US $4.00 – $10.00 per fish.
#4- Danios
These are the peacemakers of the aquarium, and will always dither a fight between two Betta females or males. Even though Bettas are breathtakingly beautiful, they are also fighter fish, and not good for social groups. The best Danios are:
- Zebra Danio
- Gold Danio
- Long Finned Zebra
- Leopard Danio
Their cost usually ranges from US $2.00 – $7.00 per fish.
#5- Guppy
The next in line soon after the Bettas are the Guppies, which are exquisitely beautiful, tiny, and very friendly. There are no limits to the shapes and colors available in this species of fish, so you can choose whichever appeals to you the most. Here are some that are stunning:
- Albino Guppy
- Blue Cobra Guppy
- Coral Guppy
- Deltas Guppy
- Flame Guppy
- Glass Guppy
- Mosaic Guppy
- Moscow Guppy
- Red Fire Guppy
- Tux Guppy
These are a very affordable bunch, and will never exceed US $5.00 per fish. Always take them in a bunch of 6 – 8. These fish may look small, but they are full of energy and live quite long!
#6- Goldfish
Who would have guessed that the ever so simple goldfish has so many varieties. There are so many to choose from! As we all know, goldfish are not always golden, and are forever lazy, curious and peaceful. Here are some varieties being listed below:
- Bubble Eye
- Black Moor
- Comet
- Celestial Eye
- Fantail Panda Moor
- Lionhead
- Oranda
- Pearl Scale
- Pompom
- Ranchu
- Ryukin
- Shubunkin
- Telescope Eye
- Veil Tail
Goldfish are not at all expensive, and can be purchased within the US $5.00 margin each.
#7- Koi
Koi fish are ornamental fish and are quite big in size. These fish have an exceptional lifespan, and can live over 100 years and more. Which is why, they are considered as spiritual beings, and are prayed to. These beautiful fish are extremely docile, serene, and at ease in their surroundings. A few subspecies are:
- Asagi
- Bekko
- Doitsu
- GinRin Kohaku
- Kumonryu
- Tancho
This fish is expensive when it’s of pure lineage, in which case, a pure Koi can cost over US $15.000 – $60.000. However, the ones sold at Wal-Mart are not pure, and thus cost between US $3.00 – $5.00 per Koi fish.
Some More Peaceful Freshwater Fish
- Neon Tetras
- Platies
- Pompadour Fish
- Ram Cichlid
- Rasbora
- Swordtail
- Honey Gourami
Even though mollies are really cute, they are aggressive and will nip and tear the fins of fish with longer and delicate fins . Therefore, they must never be included in a social aquarium, and must be kept in a separate tank. Always ensure that you keep your fish well fed or they will perish from hunger and disease.