Selecting the Right Fish and the Right Aquarium
Selecting appealing species is only one of several steps along the way to a successful aquarium experience. Choosing your fish and aquarium go hand in hand. Some popular fish choices require large tanks or complicated equipment, and it is worth examining your available space and time for maintenance before picking the species. Some of the things to consider up front:
- How much floor space is available for the aquarium and the supporting equipment?
- Budget? Fish are only one of many purchases. The larger the tank, the more expensive the filtration system.
- Size and shape of the tank? Some smaller tanks require less up-front cost but require more time and attention to maintaining water quality.
Tanks, Maintenance
After considering your time and space, check out Tanks, Equipment, Maintenance, for more information on what is required to keep your fish healthy and your aquarium attractive:
- Water quality
- Pumps
- Lighting
- Decorations
Choosing the right species
There are over 3500 species of freshwater and marine ornamental fish in trade, of all sizes and temperaments, primarily from tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America. Things to consider in choosing species for your tank:
- How much care does each species need? Is it hardy or delicate? A picky eater? Will its needs change as it grows?
- What is its adult size? Will it outgrow the tank?
- Is this a peaceful species? Is it compatible with other tank mates you have in mind, including other fish of the same species?
- Is it territorial? How many of each species should be in the tank?
- Is it safe to keep in a reef tank, or will it damage live coral?
Protect the Environment
Most aquarium fish are from tropical or subtropical regions and will not survive winters in many areas of the USA. However, make sure that the fish you choose are not considered invasive in your area.
If you are considering live plants for our aquarium, choose species that are not considered invasive in your state. For more information on regulated plant species, click here.
The Federal government and the States have identified invasive species that are regulated to prevent harm to the environment, to agriculture or to human health. Check with your state fish and wildlife agency or natural resources agency to find out more about regulated species in your area.
Introduced Species in the USA
The United States Geological Survey has a database and maps of non-native aquatic species that have been found in the United States; for more information on species that have been found in your state, click on the map.