1. The Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

The guppy is undoubtedly the most popular freshwater fish in the world, and for good reason: it is colorful, active, hardy, and breeds easily. Males display spectacular fins in every conceivable shade.

2. The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

The neon tetra is a must-have in aquariums. Its electric blue stripe and bright red spot make it a spectacular fish when it swims in schools of 10 or more in a planted aquarium.

Originating from South America, it appreciates soft, slightly acidic water and subdued lighting. It is the ideal companion for a peaceful community aquarium.

3. The Betta Fish (Betta splendens)

The Betta is a majestic fish with flowing fins and intense colors. It is an ideal choice for a small aquarium (minimum 20 liters for a single male). Be careful, however: males are territorial and should never be kept together.

The Betta is a labyrinth fish: it possesses an additional respiratory organ allowing it to breathe air at the surface. It is an intelligent fish that can recognize its owner and learn simple tricks.

4. The Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras are small, absolutely charming bottom-dwelling fish. They spend their time sifting through the substrate in search of food, which makes them useful for cleaning up leftover food. They come in many species: Corydoras paleatus, aeneus, julii, panda...

Gregarious by nature, they should be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. Their group behavior is a constant spectacle: they swim, eat, and rest together.

5. The Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

The Platy is a lively and colorful fish, available in many varieties (red, orange, blue, tuxedo, Mickey Mouse). Like the guppy, it is a livebearer: the female gives birth directly to formed fry.

Hardy and peaceful, it adapts to a wide range of water parameters, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It cohabits perfectly with guppies, mollies, and other community species.

6. The Zebra Danio (Danio rerio)

The Zebra Danio, or zebrafish, is a tireless swimmer with horizontal blue and silver stripes. Very hardy, it tolerates temperatures ranging from 18 to 26 degrees, which even allows it to be kept in unheated indoor water.

There are popular fluorescent genetically modified variants (GloFish), but we recommend the natural forms, which are just as beautiful and more ethically sound.

7. The Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius)

The Dwarf Gourami is an aquarium jewel. The male sports flamboyant colors (red, blue, orange) while the female is more discreet. It is a calm fish that appreciates well-planted aquariums with resting areas at the surface.

Like the Betta, it is a labyrinth fish. It builds bubble nests at the surface for reproduction, a fascinating behavior to observe.

8. The Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus)

The Bristlenose Pleco is the ultimate "cleaner fish". With its suction-cup mouth, it grazes algae on glass, decorations, and plants. It is essential in most community aquariums.

Mainly nocturnal, it comes out more in the evening and at night. Remember to provide it with a piece of driftwood (mopani or mangrove) which it will scrape for fibers essential for its digestion.

9. The Molly (Poecilia sphenops)

The Molly is a hardy and sociable livebearer, available in black, white, orange, dalmatian, and many other varieties. It appreciates slightly hard and alkaline water (pH 7.0-8.5), unlike most tropical fish.

It is an excellent consumer of green and filamentous algae, making it a valuable ally for the balance of your aquarium.

10. The Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)

The Harlequin Rasbora is a peaceful small fish recognizable by its black triangular spot on a copper background. In a school of 10 or more, it offers a magnificent spectacle in a planted aquascape-style aquarium.

It is one of the easiest fish to keep: it is not demanding on water parameters, accepts all types of food, and cohabits with almost all peaceful species.

Comparison Chart