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 8 of 71 species

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

Celestial Pearl Danio

Danio margaritatus

Intermediate

A tiny fish with jewel-like body scattered with white pearl patterns. A gem for planted tanks.

CPDMicro fishPearl pattern

Cherry Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Beginner

Small bright red freshwater shrimp. Excellent algae cleaner. Easy to breed and popular in planted tanks.

ShrimpAlgae cleanerEasy breeding

Ember Tetra

Hyphessobrycon amandae

Beginner

Tiny tetra that glows ember-orange. Beautiful contrast against green plants. Perfect for small tanks.

TinyOrangePlanted tank

Fire Tetra

Hyphessobrycon flammeus

Beginner

Small tetra with vivid flame-like red rear half. Hardy and easy to keep, prefers slightly acidic water. Particularly beautiful in schools, popular beginner species that looks stunning in planted tanks.

TetraRedSchooling

Otocinclus

Beginner

Small catfish that eats algae on glass and plants. Peaceful and essential for planted tanks. More secure in groups.

Algae eaterSmallPeaceful

Rasbora

Beginner

Small schooling fish from Southeast Asia. Espei and harlequin rasbora most popular. Perfect for planted tanks.

SchoolingSmallPlanted tank

Siamese Algae Eater

Beginner

One of few fish that eats black beard algae. Valued for planted tank algae control. Becomes somewhat aggressive when mature.

Algae eaterBlack beard algaePlanted tank

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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.