Most Popular Tropical Fish Species in 2025

Tropical fish are the quintessential aquarium hobby with their vibrant colors and incredible diversity. Here's a ranking of the most popular tropical fish in 2025, with care tips included.

#1: Neon Tetra

The undisputed champion. Beautiful blue and red stripes, and their schooling behavior is spectacular. Hardy, easy to keep, and affordable—the ultimate beginner tropical fish.

• Optimal temperature: 24-28°C
• Water quality: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Size: About 3cm
• Difficulty: Very easy

#2: Betta

Popular for their large fins and elegant swimming. Extensive breeding has produced Halfmoon, Crowntail, Plakat, and many other varieties. Small containers work but a heated tank is ideal.

• Optimal temperature: 25-28°C
• Water quality: Slightly acidic
• Size: About 6cm
• Note: Males fight—keep individually

#3: Corydoras

Adorable bottom-dwelling catfish that scurry along the tank floor. Excellent as cleanup crew. Many varieties including Panda, Sterbai, and Adolfoi.

• Optimal temperature: 22-26°C
• Water quality: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Size: 3-7cm (varies by species)

#4: Guppy

Attractive for easy breeding and beautiful tail fins. Domestic breeder improvement is active, with many varieties like Mosaic and German Yellow Tuxedo.

• Optimal temperature: 22-26°C
• Water quality: Neutral to slightly alkaline
• Size: 3-5cm

#5: Harlequin Rasbora

Characterized by an orange body with a distinctive black triangular patch. Beautiful schooling and excellent compatibility with planted tanks. Peaceful temperament ideal for community tanks.

• Optimal temperature: 23-27°C
• Water quality: Slightly acidic
• Size: About 4cm

#6: Angelfish

Enduring popularity for their elegant body shape and graceful swimming. They grow large, so a 60cm+ tank is needed.

#7: Platy

Colorful and hardy. Easy to breed, with long-standing popularity as a first fish for beginners.

#8: Apistogramma

Small cichlids. Their fascinating breeding behavior has attracted a growing fanbase of pair-keeping enthusiasts. Obtaining bloodline-documented individuals from breeders is popular.

#9: Otocinclus

Known as the ultimate algae eater—a small catfish that scrapes algae off glass surfaces. Combines practicality with adorable appearance.

#10: Cherry Shrimp

Not technically a fish, but firmly established as a tank favorite. Available in red, yellow, blue, and other color variations, doubling as algae cleaners.

Bri-Choku plans to expand its tropical fish category. Look forward to bloodline-documented individuals and rare varieties available through breeder direct sales.