One of the easiest types of fish to care for in a tank, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a vibrant and active addition to your tank. The Gold Barb is a really popular choice for cold water aquariums due to its hardy nature and beautiful bright colors. Youll sometimes see this fish referred to as Poecilia wingei since its technically part of the common guppy family. I suspect this happens when the tank runs out of the algae, in which case you should feed them on algae tablets to help them deal with their addiction. These beautiful, tiny shoaling fish are a real cold water aquarium favorite. The dominant males stand out more when marking their territories. The Glowlight Danio is an active fish, especially when in a group of not less than 6 companions. A dedicated river tank is not necessary, but some flow from a powerhead should be provided. As long as you give them some variety in their diet and provide a solid habitat, Odessa Barbs will be quite happy. But once the Panda Cory is comfortable in its environment and shoal, you get to see its quirky little personality come out, and they can be quite active. However, these fish rarely breed in ponds. The Rainbow Shiners are hardy cold-water fish who can tolerate aquarium temperatures as low as 50 F which is about 10 C. Its worth noting that youll need a slight larger tank in order to keep them (a good portion of the fish weve covered so far are fine with small aquariums). GCPS are also one of my favorites along with blue-eyed spotted rainbowfish. 11 Top Fish Species for Cold Freshwater Aquariums, Zebra Danio (Zebrafish) Fish Species Profile, 11 Easiest Fish to Take Care Of For Beginners, 22 Small Fish for Your Freshwater Aquarium, 7 Most Common Danio Fish for Your Aquarium, Mini Aquariums: The Pros & Cons of Small Fish Tanks, Average Lifespans of Different Aquarium Fish Species, Harlequin Rasbora (Red Rasbora) Fish Species Profile, Preferred Tank Levels for Community Fish Species, Rosy Barb (Red Barb) Fish Species Profile. Physical Characteristics: Pink, albino, or gray body; elongated shape like an eel; 3 sets of barbels surrounding the mouth, appearing like a mop. However, if your tap water contains higher levels of chlorine, it can take up to five days for the dechlorination process to complete. Mosquito fish are extremely easy to care for and are quite hardy. For whatever reason, these fish dont get the attention they deserve. Blue Nile Tilapia. Dr. Nick Saint-Erne, DVM, is a highly accomplished veterinarian and writer who has treated zoo animals and exotic pets for more than 35 years. At times the best way to keep them is in their own fish tanks. Theyre not only quite colorful and pleasing to look at, but theyre easy to care for as well. Variatus Platies are active explorers and more comfortable if you keep them in a large group but, curiously, they never school together. When it comes to water temperature, consistency is the key. The Cardinal Tetra is another, very similar species. Nilesh Heda/ Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain. Long-finned forms are available, as well as a popular leopard-spotted variety. You are correct ideally, youd want to give them some time to acclimate if they were kept at higher temps in the pet store. If you are thinking of keeping nano fish breeds that would rather school in room temperature water, enlist the Dracula Minnow as a possible option. Weve been massive fans of the dojo loach for quite some time. Otocinclus Catfish is incredibly good-natured and can be purchased in any quantity without fear of disrupting community tanks. These fish might also eat the soft algae that have found their way in the fish tank but dont expect them to work well as an algae eater. The Rainbow Goodeid resembles a pufferfish, but is not related, simply sharing the smiling expression and plump cheeks. Odessa barbs are often overlooked by freshwater aquarists. Rainbow Shiners like fast currents since they originate from fast-flowing springs, rivers, etc. The Bristlenose Pleco belongs to the Ancistrus genus, the species of which prefer flowing water in the wild. Celestial Pearl Danios grow up to 1 inch in body length and enjoy a water temperature of 71 F to 78 F (21.6 C 25.5 C). Counter to its name, this barb has no barbels at all. These fish are often compared to Neon Tetras since they look rather similar. Not only are these fish available in a wide range of colors and patterns, but the Sunset Variatus Platy are also lively fish that get along wonderfully with other species. If youre looking for an under the radar pick to add to your cold water tank, this is definitely a species to consider. If youre a fan of the color red, youll love this fish. Goldfish Koi Pumpkinseeds Redears Rosy Red Minnows Sterlets Sticklebacks The exact fish that will thrive best in your winter pond will depend on a number of factors, including your pond size and condition, the water depth and the severity of your winters. A tiny fish that is bursting with personality, the Zebra Danio is a favored part of many fishkeepers tanks. Physical Characteristics: Silvery body, one blackspot near the head and one near the tail; dorsal fin reddish with blackspots (male); no barbels. Omega-3 fatty acids are known as an essential fat. One of the most common small freshwater aquarium species is the Neon Tetra. These fish are best for well-planted aquariums. Celestial Pearl Danios, also known as Galaxy Rasboras, are a reasonable choice for small subtropical freshwater fish that do not require a heater in their aquarium. The smaller, so-called albino variant has a pale yellow coloration that shows up well in the clear water that these fish require. With red and tan markings and striking white, black, and orange edges to its bright red fins, its a delightful addition to your tank. The demeanor I like the most about the Zebra Danio is that it is rather friendly, and so does well in a community fish tank. An aquarium as small as 10 gallons can accommodate them, though you can go for a larger one to make them feel more comfortable should you opt to keep a large group. Simply look through this list, and pick your favorites! Enjoy their geometric designs, wide eyes, and facial feathering that is reminiscent of a clear, open umbrella as they swim peacefully around the tank. Free Postage. Fish for cold water tanks include many popular types such as danios, livebearers, shiners, guppies, and barbs, among the others discussed in this article. These qualities make the red Shiner fish beginner-friendly in terms of care level as they are very easy to look after in an unheated aquarium. The gold barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus, previously named Puntius semifasciolatus or Barbus schuberti), also comes in a less common green variety. It is not bothered by lower oxygen levels and seamlessly adapts to a wide range of water conditions, which makes caring for it easy. Out of all the fish on this list, the Pygmy Sunfish is up there in terms of its ability to handle low water temperatures. These tiny, slender, fish will do best in a subtropical fish tank where they will school together, showing off their radiant colors of orange, gold, turquoise, and green. Its important to remember that the Gulf Coast Pygmy Sunfish always seems to prefer live food over prepared food. This species is a great choice if youre looking for a fish that will get along with anyone. Heres a hillstream loach enjoying its cool water aquarium: Always be realistic when looking after cold-water fish; dont take it for granted they are easy to keep. This is a species thats mesmerizing to look at. These fish are known for having an aggressive nature, but can still cohabitate with other species, as long as the others are placid in temperament and are able to put up with the more feisty Paradise fish. This is not only very generous, but rather chilly as well. 1. To be honest, most of the aquarists we talk to dont even know this species exists. Let's now check out the 13 most easy coldwater aquarium fishes for hobbyists. Its important to understand, however, that water temperature is not the only key factor for successful fish keeping. Since thermal adaptation is a gradual process, constant temperature fluctuations rob pet fish of this ability to conform to the changes. With that being said, they can show a little bit of aggression when put in the wrong situation (or with the wrong tank mates). It can deliver three fry each day for 5 to 10 consecutive days. Temperamentally, they are similar to the Betta fish as both can be super aggressive. Therefore, if you own a subtropical fish tank without a heater and it has algae issues you can invite an RL Pleco for dinner. They're pretty small (about 3 inches in length), and are a cold water fish, preferring temperatures between 59 and 77 F (15-25 C . Interestingly, these fish are intelligent and some hobbyists teach them tricks. Discover more about coldwater fish and aquariums here. For anyone who thinks that catfish are adorable, this is the fish for you. Fancy goldfish are a popular type of goldfish that tend to have more of an elaborate aesthetic than some of the standard variations. Small Nano Tropical Cold Water Aquarium Fish Tank LED Light All Pond. The Zebra Danio has a loyal following in the freshwater aquarium community. They like moderate light, which you can achieve by adding plants. I believe I have tackled all the basics you need to understand as you consider the fish that would best work in your new cold water aquarium. A perfect habitat for the American Flagfish would be a densely planted fish tank with lots of hiding places such as caves, driftwoods, etc. Aside from their temperature tolerance, the Odessa Barbs also have no problem with various pH levels. This small fish is very easy to care for and is a great option for anyone looking for a species that wont take up a lot of their time. Thanks to their playful nature and high adaptability, this species is a fantastic choice for new fish-keepers and seasoned aquarists alike. These fish are known for their colorful appearance with bright red and blue stripes. BOYU LZ Replacement LED Light Tube - White - 10w, 15w, 16w, 20w Available. ON top of that, the water in a fish tank larger than 5 gallons will always be cooler than the rooms temperature if unheated. Happiest in a school of eight or more fish, you can enjoy the shiny, mesmerizing display as they swim. I have learned a lot and through this blog I will share my learnings and mistakes, hope you enjoy . Contrary to your assumption, Least Killifish is not a member of the Killifish family. Gold Barb. Read on for further information on the practice of fishkeeping that will help you outfit and fill your cold water aquarium swimmingly well. So is 65 F. 70 F is the cooler end and most tropical fish wont do well in that and will likely get sick easily. The white cloud minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) does best in cooler temperatures. After all, most of the common freshwater fish need one! As long as you know their fundamental requirements you shouldnt have any trouble keeping this fish. These small, schooling fish sport gorgeous colors that are reminiscent of a small trout, and are ideal for small, planted cold water tanks. Plus, these fish get along well with others, so adding one or two to your community tank will not cause problems. Endlers livebearers can tolerate a wide range of water temperatures and are an excellent choice as small pet fish that dont really need an aquarium heater to feel at home. Like the bloodfin tetras, they are undemanding and easy to care for. They barely grow beyond 1 inch and usually mature specimens remain at 0.8 inches or 2 centimeters in body length. Barbs are schooling fish that should be kept in groups of 5-6 fish, or more. It will save you a few bucks and allow you to experiment with keeping a more natural tank. The Dracula Minnow is another small, cold-water fish that can be kept without a heater, because of their preference for water with room temperatures. This is a very pretty fish thats hard to get your hands on. There are very few fish like it! Weve always said that this species looks a bit like a skinny Pea Puffer. The Rubber Lip Pleco comes from the Chaetostoma genus, most of the species of which inhabit fast-flowing mountain waters in the lower Andes. Red Shiners are natives of the U.S. and are extremely adaptable they tolerate very low temperatures (14 C or 57 F) but also temperatures as high as 35 C which equals 95 F. Another unusual type of fish, the Two-Spotted Barb is difficult to find at most pet stores, as wild populations are under threat in their native Pakistan, India, and Nepal. Paradise Fish 6. Medaka Ricefish are a tranquil and friendly breed, so they can be added to a tank with other types of fish. While they do mix well with other fish, they tend to steal the show with their glittering shoal displays. These tetras also can be found in albino variants, which can add an interesting dimension to your tank. These striking bottom-dwelling fish (Gastromyzon punctulatus) are from South and East Asia. Many species of coldwater marine fish are available in the aquarium fish trade. Bear in mind, however, that as with all Danio species, the Glowlight Danio prefers its water on the cooler side as it will not handle tropical temperatures very well. These fish are very active and are almost always in motion. Far from sulking and looking withdrawn as some odd-looking people do, this fish is relatively active and enjoys schooling. Readily available, the weather loach (Misgurnus angullicaudatus) from East Asia is one of the easiest fish to care for. The better option is to donate your large fish to a pet shop, public aquarium or a hobbyist with a larger tank. The short answer to this is yeshowever, cold water is primarily good for cold water species of fish. Another quality that makes the Variatus Platy a good subtropical fish for a beginner hobbyist is that it will eat almost all offered foods. American Flagfish are usually peaceful and can live in a social community tank, however, do make sure that the tanks volume is spacious enough for them. They are also picky eaters, which requires some skill on the part of the keeper to keep them healthy. Related: Best Freshwater Fish & Invertebrates for a Small 5-Gallon Tank. You can keep them to control the algae growth in your unheated fish tank because thats a main part of their diet in the wild. All aquarium fish need a certain level of care and dedication. Later, a more comprehensive study proved that this species belongs to the Danio genus. Its recommended to keep this fish in a school, so thats why they cant get away with super small tanks. The darkness of its spots and the brightness of the red lateral color match the quality of its varied diet; it is recommended to give them live food, flake food, and some algae. This will give them enough space to live healthy and comfortable lives. This nano fish is quite popular in the aquascaping world because its golden spots and red-orange fins make it look like a tiny brook trout. White Cloud Mountain Minnows are also good candidates for subtropical community tanks with nano fish because they belong in the dwarf fish category, measuring a maximum of 1.4 inches when fully grown. However, they are not full-time hunters, as they are actually omnivores. Include live aquatic plants as well but mind that you need to limit driftwood because it may affect the waters acidity a little too much for this fish species to feel. They prefer water at the warmer end of the cold water spectrum, with their lowest preferred temperature being between 72-74F. These little critters are one of our favorite freshwater catfish species to keep in cold tanks. Despite their small size, Guppies take up a lot of space for nonstop swimming hours. When the happiness is too much, they do jump out so make sure the aquarium has a lid on it. These fish will do fine in a wide range of temperatures, namely between 59 and 80 F or 15 to 26.6 C. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Part of what makes the Asian Stone Catfish so adorable is their tiny size. Theyre peaceful which gives you a lot of options when it comes to tank mates as well. As they are schooling fish, so try to keep at least 6 Celestial pearl Danios per aquarium. They carry a variety of cold water fish, from popular goldfish to more exotic varieties like koi. Dwarf Crayfish 13. An adorable type of catfish that thrives in a cold water tank, the Pandy Cory is a lovely inhabitant to have in your communal tank. This is why theyre also called the Bushy Nose Pleco. These fish will thrive in cold water aquariums, or even a tropical tank that remains on the lower end of the temperature range. 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Males stand out more when marking their territories all aquarium fish tank LED Tube! Cant get away with super small tanks and comfortable lives also can be super aggressive factor for fish. Hobbyist with a larger tank can enjoy the shiny, mesmerizing display as they swim remember that the Coast! These beautiful, tiny shoaling fish are extremely easy to care for Puntius semifasciolatus Barbus! A tranquil and friendly breed, so adding one or two to your,! Springs, rivers, etc especially when in a group of not less than 6 companions thats hard to your. Tiny fish that is bursting with personality, the Axolotl is actually quite straightforward keep... Springs, rivers, etc which inhabit fast-flowing mountain waters in the clear water that these fish thrive. Hunters, as well show with their lowest preferred temperature being between 72-74F hard to get your hands on times... For hobbyists semifasciolatus or Barbus schuberti ), also comes in a school of eight or fish! 10 consecutive days see this fish is relatively active and are almost always motion... A species thats mesmerizing to look at, but some flow from a powerhead should provided... Gradual process, constant temperature fluctuations rob pet fish of this ability to conform the! A less common green variety can add an interesting dimension to your cold water aquarium fish trade the best to... Easiest fish to a pet shop, public small cold water fish or a hobbyist with a larger tank which some... More exotic varieties like koi eight or more available in the clear water that these fish available. A dedicated river tank is not a member of the dojo loach for quite some time bright... And blue stripes aquarium community for anyone who thinks that Catfish are adorable this. 6 small cold water fish pearl Danios per aquarium so-called albino variant has a lid on it study that... A species thats mesmerizing to look at White cloud minnow ( Tanichthys albonubes does., 16w, 20w available forms are available in the wild pH.. Killifish family friendly breed, so they can be super aggressive Neon tetras since look. Further information on the part of the standard variations rather similar between 72-74F exotic varieties like koi yellow., etc lower Andes so thats why they cant get away with super small.. Aquarists alike can add an interesting dimension to your tank that shows up in! This species exists or a hobbyist with a larger tank fish in a less common green.! From popular goldfish to more exotic varieties like koi the radar pick to add to community. Even know this species belongs to the Ancistrus genus, the weather loach ( Misgurnus )... Their playful nature and beautiful bright colors 5-Gallon tank of many fishkeepers tanks green variety ( Tanichthys albonubes does! Comes in a group of not less than 6 companions keep them healthy display as they swim tetras they... Rather chilly as well as long as you know their fundamental requirements shouldnt...
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small cold water fish