Can beginners keep tropical fish?

Guppies, neon tetras, and corydoras are hardy and perfect for beginners. They can be kept in small tanks, and as long as you manage water temperature, it's relatively easy to get started.

How much do tropical fish cost?

Neon tetras cost 100-300 yen each, guppies 300-2,000 yen, bettas 1,000-10,000 yen, and premium discus 5,000-50,000+ yen depending on the species.

How long do tropical fish live?

Small tetras live 2-5 years, guppies 1-2 years, corydoras 5-10 years, and discus 10+ years, varying greatly by species.

What's the minimum equipment needed?

You'll need a tank, heater, filter, light, and water conditioner at minimum. A 30cm tank can house 5-10 small fish and doesn't take much space.

What should I check when buying tropical fish?

Check for vivid coloring, active swimming, and no signs of disease like ich. After purchase, acclimate carefully and avoid sudden temperature changes.

Tropical Fish Encyclopedia — 71 Species Directory

Encyclopedia of popular tropical fish species with care guides, traits, and water parameters.

Featured Tropical Fish

Ram Cichlid Endler's Guppy

All Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Schooling Small Planted tank Hardy Tetra Easy breeding Peaceful Colorful Algae cleaner Shrimp Ultra-small Unique Large Algae eater Red

Showing 71 of 71 species(1–24)

African Cichlid

Intermediate

Colorful cichlids from Lakes Malawi and Tanganyika. Marine-like beauty in freshwater. Active and full of personality.

ColorfulCichlidRocky tank

Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

Beginner

A translucent freshwater shrimp famed as the top algae-eater and an indispensable cleanup animal for planted aquariums. Hardy and long-lasting, it rarely breeds in pure freshwater.

Algae cleanerShrimpPlanted tank

Ancient Fish (Gar / Butterflyfish)

Lepisosteus spp. / Pantodon buchholzi

Ancient lineage fish displaying primitive morphology. Gars feature elongated snouts and strong predatory behavior; butterflyfish display surface-feeding habits. Both require spacious tanks to accommodate significant growth and behavioral needs.

Angelfish

Intermediate

Iconic triangular silhouette synonymous with tropical fish. Many selectively bred varieties. Pair breeding is rewarding.

ElegantPopularBreedable

Apistogramma

Intermediate

Small South American cichlid. Males display vivid colors and unique behaviors. Over 100 species available.

Small cichlidColorfulSouth American

Apistogramma Cacatuoides

Apistogramma cacatuoides

Intermediate

A dwarf cichlid spreading vivid orange fins. Male fin spreading display is spectacular.

ApistoDwarf cichlidOrange fins

Archer Fish

Intermediate

A fish with amazing hunting behavior, shooting water jets to knock down insects above water.

Archer FishWater jetHunting

Asian Arowana

Advanced

King of ancient fish. Gold and red varieties are stunningly beautiful. Majestic swimming near the surface is breathtaking.

Ancient fishLargeAdvanced

Beckford's Pencilfish

Nannostomus beckfordi

Beginner

Small tetra with characteristic thin pencil-like body. Beautiful gold and black longitudinal stripes running along the body, with mature males developing red coloration on the belly. Peaceful and popular for community tanks.

TetraPencilfishStripes

Bee Shrimp

Caridina cantonensis

Advanced

Small shrimp with beautiful red-white or black-white banding. High-quality specimens command premium prices. Strict water quality needs.

ShrimpBeautiful patternAdvanced

Betta

Betta splendens

Beginner

Stunning fins and endless color varieties. Can breathe air via labyrinth organ, allowing small container keeping. Males must be kept separately.

Beginner-friendlySolo keepingMany varieties

Boesemani Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia boesemani

Intermediate

A vivid rainbowfish with blue front half and orange back half. Spectacular when schooling.

BoesemaniTwo-toneRainbow

Phenacogrammus interruptus

Intermediate

A larger tetra that shimmers in iridescent blue, gold, and orange. Males develop flowing, feathery tail fins, making this dazzling schooler the flagship African characin.

SchoolingIridescentAfrica

Corydoras

Beginner

Cute small catfish that sifts through substrate. More active in groups. Peaceful for community tanks. Many collectors.

Bottom dwellerCuteSchooling

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Tropical Fish FAQ

Can beginners keep tropical fish?: Guppies, neon tetras, and corydoras are hardy and perfect for beginners. They can be kept in small tanks, and as long as you manage water temperature, it's relatively easy to get started.
How much do tropical fish cost?: Neon tetras cost 100-300 yen each, guppies 300-2,000 yen, bettas 1,000-10,000 yen, and premium discus 5,000-50,000+ yen depending on the species.
How long do tropical fish live?: Small tetras live 2-5 years, guppies 1-2 years, corydoras 5-10 years, and discus 10+ years, varying greatly by species.
What's the minimum equipment needed?: You'll need a tank, heater, filter, light, and water conditioner at minimum. A 30cm tank can house 5-10 small fish and doesn't take much space.
What should I check when buying tropical fish?: Check for vivid coloring, active swimming, and no signs of disease like ich. After purchase, acclimate carefully and avoid sudden temperature changes.