Aquarium pet fish exist in just about any imaginable shape, color, and size. But which is the most beautiful colorful freshwater fish of all?
While we may never have a specific answer to that question, our guide has the 30 most colorful options you will ever find in the aquarium hobby. The goal is to help you identify a suitable species that matches your preferences while enhancing the aesthetic appeal.
As you look for your personal favorite, let’s start with a popular name; the Electric Blue Acara.
1. Electric Blue Acara
The first fish on our list is also one of our mist favorite Cichlid species, with a vivid coloring that’s easily noticeable inside the tank.
Electric Blue Acara wears a striking metallic blue coloring that many aquarists never get enough of. On top of that, they have another vivid yellow coloring on the sides of their bodies, beautifully complementing the dorsal fin.
The brightly colored blue bodies also make the scales more noticeable, and the only place you will see a slightly faded coloring is at the forehead.
Like most Cichlids, Electric Blue Acara has standard long bodies with a tall, symmetrical caudal fin.
But what makes Electric Blue Acara truly stand out in captivity is its temperament. These species aren’t the typical troublemakers inside the tank, a trait not commonly seen in the broader Cichlid family.
Size: 6-7 inches
Care Level: Easy-Moderate
Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
2. German Blue Ram
German Blue Ram is one of the most colorful freshwater fish you will ever find in the aquarium hobby.
And the first thing you will see is the brightly colored body that can be anything from vibrant yellow coloring with red, orange, and blue shades.
German Blue Rams will often have a dominant yellow coloring covering at least half of the front part with a striking blue covering the remaining half. It’s worth mentioning that some specimens will have other rare color patterns like yellow and dark blue.
At an up-close look, you won’t fail to notice the dark line running across the German Blue Ram’s eyes. Depending on the species, German Blue Rams will also have small spots evenly distributed to cover the fins and almost half of their bodies.
Such dots will also have varying color patterns from the common bright blue to the rare purple types.
We love German Blue Rams because they demonstrate a peaceful disposition that’s unusual for most Cichlid fish. That means they will be easy to maintain and can survive with several tank mates.
Size: 2.5 inches
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
3. Redhead Cichlid
As one would assume, the most defining feature in the Redhead Cichlids is their distinctive red or pink heads.
Apart from that, a combination of the beautiful golden, green, or blue color patterns and black dots can be such a joy to watch inside the aquarium.
As expected, Redhead Cichlids are aggressive, always choosing to mark and guard their territories inside the tank. It’s important to limit the number of male fish inside the tank using a 1:2 ratio to limit any possibility of aggressive attacks.
What’s more, Redhead Cichlids demand a lot of swimming space inside the aquarium, and we constantly recommend them to advanced aquarists who can provide the kind of specialized care they need to flourish at home.
Size: 12 inches
Care Level: Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Temperament: Aggressive
4. Jack Dempsey Cichlid
Jack Dempsey Cichlid gets plenty of attention from fish lovers for all the wrong reasons; aggression.
But if you need a truly outstanding freshwater fish that understands how to capture attention, you can’t overlook these beautiful North American Cichlids.
They get their name from a legendary boxer, and in all honesty, aggression is the best you should expect from them inside the aquarium. However, their long, stocky bodies with bright pink coloring can easily add a striking look to the tank.
The beautiful blue speckles all over their bodies make them even more stunning inside the aquarium, giving them an edge over most Cichlid fish you may want to keep in the same habitat.
Usually, the safest way to limit aggression in the Jack Dempsey community is to keep one fish at a time and avoid other large-sized aggressive species.
Size: 7-8 inches
Care Level: Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 80 gallons
Temperament: Aggressive
5. Electric Yellow Lab
Electric Yellow Lab Cichlid is exactly what it sounds like, a striking freshwater fish with a stunning yellow coloring.
Such vivid coloring adds an aesthetic appeal to the tank, perfectly popping against the tank decorations to give you the spectacular view you’ve been looking for.
Aside from the entire black body coloring, these Cichlids have an eye-catching dorsal fin with a thin, dark-colored stripe.
Unfortunately, Electric Yellow Cichlids are yet another aggressive Cichlid variety, with a typical fight in the male fish sometimes ending in fatality.
It’s important to set up the right tank size with just a single male fish at a time and proper decorations in the form of a soft sandy substrate and caves for additional hiding spots.
Size: 4 inches
Care Level: Easy-Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 40-50 gallons
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
6. Celestial Pearl Danio
Celestial Pearl Danio, sometimes called the Galaxy Rasbora, has always found its way into many aquariums because of its matchless beauty that starts with a long, dark green body.
If you are like many aquarists, an aesthetic appeal will be an important factor when choosing a freshwater fish species. And it’s fair to say the Celestial Pearl Danios truly understand the assignment.
They are a standout option in the aquarium hobby, with orange or bright red fins and vibrant yellow spots all over their bodies.
They are also one of the most active Rasbora fish, constantly dashing around to create a spectacular view inside the aquarium.
But with their small sizes, Celestial Pearl Danios can be shy, requiring at least six or more members of the same family to feel more comfortable. Obviously, you need more females inside the tank to counter any possibility of aggression.
Size: 1 inch
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
7. Peacock Cichlid
If the Peacock Cichlid doesn’t capture your attention at first glance, nothing ever will. They are beautiful long-bodied fish that will always stand out no matter the tank size.
Peacock Cichlids are a result of selective breeding, giving you countless options when it comes to choosing a favorite species.
You will find the bright yellow varieties, the blue specimens, and the multicolored options, giving you the flexibility to go with what suits your preferences.
The best part of keeping Peacock Cichlids is that they are quite fun and super easy to care for, contrary to what you might have heard about most members of the Cichlidae family.
So, if it’s all about lighting up your tank, you shouldn’t ignore these medium-sized Cichlid buddies.
Size: 4-6 inches
Care Level: Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 55-60 gallons
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
8. Clown Loach
Perhaps this will be the most surprising inclusion on our list. The Loach family of fish is probably known for their ease of care and algae-eating tendencies. And not many conversations ever involve their gorgeous-looking bodies.
But it turns out there’s a large-sized guy from this family who appears to break away from the norm. Clown Loach is a visually striking black and orange fish perfect for creating a visually striking aquarium.
They are a unique addition to home aquariums, and their distinct-looking bodies will always be noticeable no matter the tank size.
A typical Clown Loach is large enough to outgrow a small tank, growing up to 12 inches with quality care. That means tank size will be a significant aspect of Clown Loach care.
Size: 12 inches
Care Level: Moderate-Advanced
Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
9. Endler’s Livebearer
Endler’s Livebearers give the perfect demonstration of beauty being a relative term. For many aquarists, they aren’t the typical beautiful freshwater fish that shouldn’t miss inside any tank. However, they are quite appealing at an up-close look.
They resemble most livebearers and are almost inseparable from the Fancy Guppies. However, they exist in multiple color forms to transform your aquarium with little to no effort.
The male Endlers are the most stunning, wearing gorgeous-looking shimmery red and green coloring on their bodies.
Endler’s Livebearers are the perfect fish for newbie aquarists, naturally existing as a species to take your aquarium hobby to the next level. If you can set up a larger tank with up to 6 species at a time, you will have overcome the most challenging part of Endler’s Livebearer care.
Size: 1.8 inches
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
10. Rainbow Kribensis
And who said darker fish couldn’t be just as stunning inside the tank? The Rainbow Kribensis fit the category of a rare, unique-looking fish that can introduce variety inside the tank.
We love their rarity and constantly recommend them to beginner-level aquarists looking for something new to spice up their tanks.
Rainbow Kribensis have yellow bodies, pink bellies, and visible black lines. Also, they have dark-colored spots on their bodies that are more noticeable in the male fish.
Rainbow Kribensis can thrive inside peaceful communities, given their gentle disposition. Still, it’s important to stick to one male fish for every aquarium to create a thriving community.
Size: 3-4 inches
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
11. Oscar Fish
Oscar fish is one of those fish species that falls on the wrong side of the aquarium hobby, and that’s down to their aggression.
They’ve been rightfully judged and categorized among the most aggressive fish species in the aquarium hobby.
Still, they deserve a special mention as one of the most colorful species, sporting a matchless orange coloration with beautiful black shades. Also, they have orange dots on their bodies.
Aside from aggression, there’s plenty to love about the Oscar fish, and their beautiful coloration is certainly one of those.
Oscar fish are built for war, and a typical species won’t shy away from frequent fights if it’s the only way to defend their territory.
Such traits only worsen in smaller tanks or when kept with the wrong tank mates. So, you can always stick to the recommended care guidelines to maintain your Oscar fish in top shape without worrying about frequent fights.
Size: 10-12 inches
Care Level: Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Temperament: Aggressive
12. Fancy Guppy
Of course, Fancy Guppy had to be on our list of the most colorful freshwater fish.
They are one of the prettiest species in the aquarium hobby, commonly used to add plenty of interest inside the tank.
Fancy Guppies originate from South America as a small, beautiful resident that’s only obsessed with swimming, playing, and eating. Their visually striking appearance is built around the long, thin bodies, with large caudal fin, often likened to a fan.
Also, Fancy Guppies exist in multiple color forms with rare varieties like the Dumbo Ear, slowly becoming a staple name in the aquatic scene.
Like most livebearers, Fancy Guppies are easy to maintain, with a little flexibility in terms of water parameters, always doing the trick if you have the right number of fish at home.
Size: 2 inches
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 5-10 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
13. Betta Fish
Classic Betta fish is a popular name in the aquarium community, renowned for its showy appearance that begins with torpedo-shaped bodies.
Betta fish have gorgeous fins that are probably the most defining feature in most specimens.
They are available in endless color variations, and as long as you can imagine it, it probably exists. Male species are known for natural aggression, and it’s never advisable to keep more than one species in the same tank.
Thankfully, Betta fish is a small-sized species, requiring just a modest aquarium to live their best lives at home.
Size: 2.5 inches
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
Temperament: Aggressive
14. Paradise Fish
Paradise Fish isn’t the most prominent name in the aquarium trade. But they are certainly a popular figure when it comes to the most colorful species.
They are easily recognized from the brilliant blue and red-colored stripes with expansive finishes to the anal and dorsal fins.
When introduced to planted aquariums, they are perfect explorers, doing just enough to capture your attention with the beautifully popping color tones.
Paradise Fish are well suited to newbie aquarists, given their ease of care that sees them thrive with minimal to no supervision.
However, they are slightly aggressive, and you can counter that by sticking with just a single male per tank or increasing the number of female species inside the aquarium.
Size: 2-3 inches
Care Level: Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperament: Aggressive
15. Harlequin Rasbora
Harlequin Rasbora is doubtless the most popular type of Rasbora fish, and that’s because of one simple reason, they are beautiful.
Sometimes called Red Rasbora, these fish have their amazing reddish-copper-colored bodies perfectly complimented with a dark-colored wedge covering almost half of the rear body part.
They are a smaller species, only measuring around 2 inches, and safer in colonies. A single schooling community can have up to 10 Harlequin Rasboras at a time, provided the tank size is fitting.
Also, they are active, peaceful fish that will be happy with multiple tank mates. And speaking of tank mates, a few best options for these cute-looking Rasboras include Rummy Nose Tetras, Dwarf Gouramis, and Danios, among the rest.
Size: 2 inches
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
16. Flowerhorn Cichlid
Just when you thought you had seen it all, then Flowerhorn Cichlid comes with its giant nuchal hump that’s simply impossible to ignore.
These Cichlids are much more than just their aggressive behavior and can introduce a specific look to your aquarium. They are a man-made species, so you can expect the Flowehorn Cichlids to come in multiple color forms.
However, our favorite species is the ever-popular vivid red-pink-colored variety with multiple white spots all over their bodies. On top of that, such species will also sport a series of black patches on their bodies and the nuchal hump.
Beyond the unique color patterns lies a charming Cichlid fish that’s known to develop lasting bonds with its owner.
While the high aggression levels and large body sizes can be a constant issue with the Flowerhorn Cichlids, you can counter that by providing a larger tank and only considering the right tank mates.
Still, it’s worth mentioning that the Flowerhorns aren’t the typical freshwater species for an ordinary newbie aquarist.
Size: 12 inches
Care Level: Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Temperament: Very aggressive
17. Killifish
Killifish is a popular name in the aquarium hobby because they are so beautiful.
They originate from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas and have a characteristic appearance that gives them an edge over most species.
They have red spots and vivid blue color patterns that blend perfectly with the natural environment.
A few specimens will also have red-colored horizontal stripes towards the caudal fin, giving them an aesthetically appealing look you expect from your favorite pet fish.
Their charming personality means the Killifish will be easy to care for at home, giving newbie aquarists a rare chance to experiment with a unique species of the Cprinodontiformes family.
Killifish have flexible care requirements, and nothing should trouble your species as long as you provide stable tank water conditions. These small, colorful critters are safer in small groups, creating a spectacular view as they explore different positions inside the aquarium.
Size: 2 inches
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
18. Discus
Discus fish is another colorful Cichlid species that deserves special attention in the aquarium hobby. They have earned a deserved reputation for the rare combination of peaceful temperament and natural beauty.
While their large body sizes can prove challenging to beginner-level aquarists, Discus fish will be happy to live inside a 50-gallon tank as long as the tank water conditions remain stable.
They exist in several color morphs, including the yellow, red, green, and blue varieties, and at the end of the day, choosing the right specimen will depend on your preferences.
We can’t fail to mention the colorful dots, patches, and stripes spotted in many fish’s bodies, with a typical species turning out to be exactly what you need to light up your aquarium.
Size: 8 inches
Care Level: Advanced
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
19. Cardinal Tetra
Cardinal Tetra takes a lot of inspiration from the classic Neon Tetra, and if you are not keen enough, you won’t spot many differences between the two species.
While both species have exciting blue and red color patterns, the reddish section is more extended in Cardinal Tetras, making them just as beautiful when introduced to home aquariums.
They are a sight to behold in captivity and can be addictive to watch if you maintain a healthy community. Measuring just around 2 inches in full length, everything ultimately comes to the number of fish you want to keep inside the tank and the ideal tank size.
For the best experience, we recommend a minimum tank size of 20 gallons. That way, your Cardinal Tetras will be safer inside the tank, readily exploring every section as they casually mingle with other peaceful fish you may choose to include in the same habitat.
Size: 2 inches
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
20. Neon Tetra
You can’t mention the Cardinal Tetras without mentioning the classic Neon Tetras.
These gorgeous small-sized fish are the face of the Tetra family, with iconic red and blue stripes that make them such an admirable species in the aquarium hobby.
As the perfect fish for newbie aquarists, Neon Tetras can add a tone of color splash to the tank, even more so when matched with the right tank mates.
To effortlessly express their impressive schooling abilities, the small Neon Tetras will need each other’s company, typically existing in colonies of not less than ten fish at minimum.
Some of the most successful Neon Tetra keepers are beginner-level aquarists, given the fish’s resilience and peaceful temperament that makes them a must-have inclusion to many tanks.
Size: 1.5 inches
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
21. Dwarf Gourami
Dwarf Gourami is our favorite Gourami fish, and we rate it highly among the most colorful freshwater aquarium fish.
They work best with the right combinations and can be a stunning addition to any tank with their endless color variations that ceases to amaze many aquarists.
Dwarf Gouramis take on multiple color forms from honey-colored to flame red, metallic blue, neon blue, and powdered blue with even more appealing stripes and spots all over their bodies.
If you are going for multiple Dwarf Gouramis inside the aquarium (like you should), it’s important to set up the right tank size, with enough decorations for added cover.
These species would do well with peaceful mid and bottom-dwelling fish as long as you control the male population inside the tank.
Size: 4-4.5 inches
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
22. Apistogramma
Apistogramma, sometimes called the Dwarf Cichlid, is another gorgeous-looking freshwater fish that deserves all plaudits it has received from fish lovers around the world.
They have multiple color shades from yellow to blue, teal, and orange and bring a boring aquarium to life.
There’s something about the Apistogramma that makes them such an exceptional species, and their beautiful fins alone make them so addictive to watch.
Unlike most species, the male and female Dwarf Cichlids have conspicuous colors, only getting better as they age.
Dwarf Cichlids prefer a sandy substrate with multiple caves, rocks, and driftwood. On the same note, they need enough swimming space, even if you can always get away with a 15-gallon tank for a single pair.
Size: 2 inches
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
23. Boesemani Rainbowfish
Boesemani Rainbowfish is, in all honesty, one of the most stunning freshwater fish you will ever come across in the aquarium community.
They are a long-bodied species with exciting color patterns that put them ahead of the rest.
A typical Boesemani Rainbowfish will have a beautiful bluish-gray coloring covering one half of their body, with another striking vivid orange-yellow on the remaining half.
Like most peaceful fish, these Rainbowfish are excellent for community tanks, readily mingling with the Guppies, Shrimps, and Tetras, among other gentle critters.
Size: 3-4.5 inches
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
24. Bluefin Notho
Bluefin Notho is a beautiful variant of the typical Killifish with attractive color patterns.
They have a catchy bright orange coloring with evenly distributed light blue spots on their bodies. Their fins have a beautiful blue-black color pattern, making them an outstanding addition to home aquariums.
A typical Bluefin Notho has a short 1-year lifespan and only measures about 2.4 inches in maturity. That means you can create a perfect habitat with just a modest 10-gallon tank.
Also, they show spontaneous aggression in captivity and would usually benefit from plenty of hiding spaces inside well-planted tanks.
Size: 2-2.5 inches
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 10-15 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
25. Jewel Cichlid
Whoever said the Cichlid fish aren’t beautiful certainly hasn’t seen Jewel Cichlids.
These gorgeous West African species have brilliantly colored bodies that appear brighter in intense lighting conditions.
They exist in several color variations, but the red-colored Jewel Cichlid is many aquarists’ favorite pet fish.
Such species have a brilliant red coloring all over their bodies, with visible, white spots towards the edges of the fins and two dark-colored spots completing their attractive look.
Jewel Cichlids have high aggression levels, and it can be challenging to keep multiple males in the same habitat.
For that reason, we recommend one male or female fish at a time inside a 30-gallon tank or more. As usual, include the right decorative elements like driftwood, rocks, and caves to introduce a natural feel inside the aquarium.
Size: 6 inches
Care Level: Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 30-40 gallons
Temperament: Aggressive
26. Green Terror Cichlid
Save for the intimidating name, Green Terror Cichlid ranks highly among the most colorful fish for anyone looking to introduce a striking display inside the tank.
They are brightly colored Cichlid fish of South American descent, with olive-green coloring on their large heads. On top of that, they wear an iridescent green or blue coloring on their bodies, with males developing a giant nuchal hump like the Flowerhorn Cichlids.
Green Terror Cichlids have massive, 8 inch long bodies, which can be difficult to contain in a small tank. And that’s before mentioning the aggressive temperament that sometimes sees them attack, threaten, and terrorize any small fish approaching their territory.
You can introduce a bonded Green Terror pair inside a 75-gallon tank but be sure to minor their relationship over time. Also, ensure you provide proper decorative elements like driftwood and rocks.
Size: 8 inches
Care Level: Moderate-Advanced
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Temperament: Aggressive
27. Duboisi Cichlid
Duboisi Cichlids are a lesser-known Cichlid fish originating from Lake Tanganyika. They flaunt their large, stocky bodies with large heads and a beautiful caudal fin that’s sometimes compared to a fan.
The juvenile fish are the most striking, displaying their deep black-colored bodies with a series of blue or white dots arranged in vertical rows.
As the Duboisi Cichlids approach full maturity, the beautiful spots will slowly begin to fade, leaving a deep blue head and a newly developed yellow-colored band just next to the pectoral fins.
Like most Cichlids, the Duboisi fish can get quite aggressive, requiring specialized care only provided by advanced aquarists.
For the perfect tank setup, consider a minimum of 55 gallons with an ideal sandy substrate and plenty of caves, rocks, and driftwood.
Size: 5 inches
Care Level: Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Temperament: Aggressive
28. Salvini Cichlid
Salvini Cichlid is another stunning Cichlid that gets plenty of attention for a reason. They sport an attractive golden-yellow coloring on oval-shaped bodies that will never go unnoticed.
Their pointed snout is quite interesting to look at, featuring two black lines sometimes likened to flowers. Also, these fish species have iridescent spots with a shimmering effect in bright light.
Typically, a Salvini Cichlid grows to about 8 inches in maturity, and the least tank size you should ever consider is 55 gallons.
Like most Cichlids, these fish require an ample swimming space, with driftwood and plenty of decorative elements to help them establish their territories.
Size: 6-8 inches
Care Level: Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Temperament: Aggressive
29. Zebra Danio
Zebra Danios are so-called because of the stunning horizontal stripes on their bodies. Such bars extend from the head to the tailfin and are a defining feature you will never see in most fish species.
Zebra Danios are insanely fast and active, sometimes stressing any small, shy fish inside the same tank. For the same reason, be careful only to include suitable tank mates that can match the Zebra Danios’ agility, typical behavior, and feeding habits in captivity.
Because they will remain sociable and highly active for the better part of the days, the Zebra Danios should be introduced to the aquarium in groups to help them introduce a colorful look inside the tank.
The vivid faded yellow or dark blue base coloration is particularly eye-catching, giving you the chance to experiment with a colorful peace lover that will also compliment your fishkeeping hobby.
Size: 2 inches
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 10-15 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
30. Cherry Barb
The last fish on our list is a beautiful species that, for some reason, never seem to get enough attention they deserve from fish lovers around the world.
Cherry Barbs are a beautiful mere of the Cyprinidae family that could easily light up your tank with their cherry-red bodies.
They flock to the pet market as an active, beautiful, and peaceful freshwater fish that’s pretty low maintenance.
Cherry Barbs are extremely fun to have at home, readily thriving inside a modest aquarium and happy to coexist with other peaceful tank mates you may have in mind.
For any beginner-level aquarist looking for an exotic fish species that have set the highest standards for themselves in the aquarium hobby, you have every reason to trust the gorgeous-looking Cherry Barbs.
Size: 2 inches
Care Level: Easy
MinimumTank Size: 25-30 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
Final Thoughts
We understand beauty is a relative term, but our list above should help you get the right fish species that match your preferences while adding an exceptional touch to your aquarium.
Regardless of your current experience level, you should effortlessly find a suitable species as long as you can commit to providing quality care.
For anyone with lingering questions about the most colorful freshwaters fish, we will be happy to hear from you.
