Types of Freshwater Fish

Types of Freshwater Fish: Which Are recommended and Not.

There is a vast variety of freshwater fish. Collecting freshwater aquarium fish is a fun past time and sometimes a confusing one. As a hobbyist, one aims to collect as many types of freshwater fish as possible. One must not just think of the physical beauty or the decorative effect of fish collection. Their physiological adaptation must also be instilled. Many factors are to be considered when choosing types of freshwater fish. So, what then are the recommended and not recommended types of freshwater fish for collection?

There are also recommended types of freshwater fish for professional fish keepers as well as the beginners. By learning the different types of freshwater fish, we will be able to differentiate the ones, which are recommended for keeping or collection from the not recommended ones. There are also care requirements for specific types of freshwater fish and they will be discussed below.
First, the recommended types of freshwater fish are to be discussed. These types of freshwater fish are proposed for starting fish keepers. They are much easier to keep and less maintenance. They are as follows:
Neon Tetras
Neon tetras must be kept in an aquarium with the same species rather than putting in a community tank. These fish do best in tanks, schooling with other co-species. They usually make a school of six and above. Their scales illuminate when the tank is properly lighted. The tank is conducive for this type of freshwater fish when conjoined with it’s the same specie, and could not easily adapt with other species of its kind. The neon tetras also do best when living with the glowlight tetras, cardinal tetras and black neon tetras.

Platies
This type of freshwater fish is characterized to be a broad- bodied fish and they are reasonably easy to keep and take care. They are closely related to swordtails. They come in a variety of colors. They are considered to be “shy” for they need enough plants for their privacy. Platies also form schools of five and above or even smaller groups. Their grouping creates a very colorful fish tank.
Swordtails
Swordtails are also types of freshwater fish, which are likewise easy to breed and maintain. They grow at about 4 inches long, thus making them good residents of a same specie tank. But male swordtails are known to be combative to each other. Swordtails are relatively easy to reproduce but it is advised that the female swordtail or the mother swordtail must be removed from the tank because they are observed to be feeding to their young. Swordtails are also convenient to feed for they are not picky eaters.

Fish keepers must bear in mind that there are also types of freshwater fish, which are not recommended for keeping. For a variety of reasons, the following types of freshwater fish must be avoided especially for the inexperienced hobbyists.
Chinese Algae Eaters
Chinese algae eaters are very prone to starvation, which is caused by self- infliction. Starvation then causes them to die. They grow out to be lousy and filthy creatures.

Goldfish
This type of fish creates a wrong notion especially for beginners. It is truly not recommended to be kept in fish tanks for they grow at a relatively very large size, making a big pile of wastes inside the tank. Thus making the tank unpleasant.
Sharks
It is difficult to keep sharks for they do not get along well with other species and with its same species as well.
Eels
Eels are fish termed to be like the true eels. Eels also tend to grow at large sizes, making them difficult to maintain.