Exotic Tropical Fish

You can find more exotic fish that have brilliant colours and shapes if you know where to look and what to look for. Here are a few species you might want to check out.

Exotic fish are hard to define. There are so many fish that are different from what we are used to seeing that we may term them “exotic” also. Usually fish that are hard to find have this distinction. Also, fish that are interbred to keep certain specific characteristics are also put into this category.

Discus fish – If you’ve ever thought about a discus like in the Olympic Games, the discus variety of fish is flat and wide and brightly coloured. These fish are shy and easy to get along with. They hail from the Amazon River but are also tank bred so that you can enjoy them at home. While beautiful, discus fish are sensitive to water changes. They like soft water and high temperatures (85 degrees Fahrenheit). They are usually found alone in community tanks because of the high temperatures.

Betta – Bettas, also known as "Siamese fighting fish", are popular pets recognized for their aggressiveness, interactivity, and low cost for care and maintenance. Betta fish can prove to be your best friend for up to four years, or maybe even longer. These fish are quite beautiful and aggressive. They will fight with other betta fish. Their colouring extends to the feathery fins. As they swim, their fins open up even more for a beautiful show. Choosing betta fish that are healthy can be difficult because of their colouring. Find fish with no bruising, white spots (indication of the ich) or scars.

Guppy – The guppy (Poecilia reticulata), also known as million fish and rainbow fish, is one of the world's most widely distributed tropical fish, and one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish species. People have always liked guppies. They are small narrow fish with brightly coloured tail fins. They resemble a bride in a tight dress with a flared bottom. They are highly adaptable and thrive in many different environmental and ecological conditions. Guppies are easy to care for and love community aquariums. Temperatures range for guppies and they are very hearty. Female guppies grow larger than the males by about two or three inches. For the fish keeper on a budget, they will eat those large fish flakes happily. Just don’t give them too many.

Platy – These fish are brightly coloured in red, yellow and oranges. What distinguishes them is that they have dark coloured fins which sort of outline them. Platys are hearty fish that can live in community tanks. They tolerate changes in nitrate and nitrite levels so they make good fish when you are beginning an aquarium and it is cycling to find a balance. They like vegetation to hide their eggs when they breed.

Goldfish –There are goldfish species that are very exotic and fetch a high price. Consider the Black Moor. It is a round goldfish with bulging eyes and long velvety tail fins.