Aquarium fish: the most popular and little known, but no less charming. Their maintenance in the aquarium and their care.
Many people dream of having their own home aquarium filled with beautiful fish. However, not everyone takes the plunge, as without certain knowledge and experience, fish can perish — unfortunately, this is not uncommon among novice aquarists.
Labyrinth fish earned their name from a unique respiratory organ—the labyrinth—that evolved as an adaptation to oxygen-poor, murky, and shallow waters of Africa and Southeast Asia. This supplementary breathing apparatus allows venous blood to absorb oxygen directly from atmospheric air. Most labyrinth fish inhabit stagnant or slow-moving waters with low dissolved oxygen levels. These shallow bodies of water heat up quickly, often reaching 30°C, and accumulate organic matter that clouds the water. To navigate these murky conditions, many labyrinth fish developed elongated ventral fins that function as sensory feelers.
Puntius is a genus of ray-finned fish from the cyprinid family, native to Asian waters. In aquarium hobby, these fish are better known as barbs. The taxonomy of barbs was chaotic for decades: the genus served as a catch-all group for hundreds of species until molecular research separated them into distinct genera like Puntius, Enteromius, and Capoeta.
Guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) are among the hardiest and most beginner-friendly aquarium inhabitants you’ll encounter. In my experience, these colorful livebearers represent the ideal starting point for anyone new to fishkeeping. Their resilience, ease of care, and spectacular coloration make them suitable even for children learning aquarium basics. These fish forgive most beginner mistakes while providing constant activity and vibrant displays.
The tiger barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) is one of the most popular and recognizable members of the cyprinid family. This active, striped fish has been a staple in home aquariums for decades, beloved for its hardiness and energetic behavior. In my experience, few fish bring as much life to a community tank as a well-maintained school of tiger barbs.
The oranda goldfish is one of the most striking and attractive representatives of fancy goldfish, originating from China. First mentions date back to the late 16th century, though some sources suggest the fish was known in Japan as early as the 15th century. In China, the oranda is called “water flower” for its grace and beauty.
Platy fish belong to the family Poeciliidae, a group of livebearing toothcarps. Their natural habitat spans Central America, particularly the Atlantic basin waters of eastern Mexico and Guatemala. In the wild, these fish thrive in warm, organically rich waters with gravel substrates and abundant vegetation—conditions that have shaped their adaptable nature.
A pet doesn’t have to mean noise and mess. Aquarium fish are peaceful inhabitants that have a calming effect on their owners. In my experience, watching the smooth, graceful movements of fish helps relieve stress after a long workday.
Goldfish often arrive as gifts to people who’ve never kept an aquarium before. For this first fish to live a long, healthy, and active life, you need to follow some fundamental care principles. In my experience, most goldfish problems stem from two mistakes: choosing the wrong tank size and overfeeding.