5 beautiful and exotic pet fishes for home aquarium-- And their care guide

Having pets brings a lot of joy in a person's life. While furry friends like dogs and cats bring great companionship to their humans, not many can afford the time, money, and space that such animals need. That's when keeping fishes as pets becomes a great alternative. Keeping aquariums at home bring a touch of serenity and beauty to the place, and exotic fish can take it to another level. With their beautiful colours, graceful movements, and unique behaviours, exotic fish are a delight to watch. However, fish keeping comes along with its own responsibility. Certain fish require special care, and environment to thrive and live longer.

And so, if you're planning to start or upgrade your aquarium, here we list five beautiful and exotic fish species that are both eye-catching and suitable for home tanks. Also read their care guide to know how to take care of these beautiful fishes:

1. Betta Fish

Also commonly called the Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta fish are beautiful aquarium fishes that are popular for their long, flowy fins and vibrant colours. Male Betta fish have longer and beautiful tails as compared to female Bettas. While these fishes are easy to care for and beginner friendly, they are territorial in nature and hence should be kept solo or with other peaceful grouping fish. Bettas should be kept in atleast a 10 litre tank, with a heater when the temperature drops below 25 degree Celsius, and filter. Since they are slow swimmers, these fish prefer calm water. Feed them high-protein fish pellets or freeze-dried bloodworms-- but avoid overfeeding. They also love plants and hiding spots. With proper care, a betta fish can live up to 3–5 years.

2. Discus Fish
Known as the "king of the aquarium," discus fish are admired for their round shape and vibrant colours. They are native to the Amazon River basin, and so they need pristine water. While these fishes are pretty to look at, it should be noted that they are best suited for experienced fish keepers. They require a large tank and should be kept in groups of five or more. Water should be soft, slightly acidic, and kept at 82°F–86°F. Discus are sensitive to water changes, and so regular maintenance is crucial. Feed them a varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen bloodworms.

3. Guppy Fish
Guppies are small, lively, and colourful fish that are ideal for beginners. They are native to South America, but they are hardy and adaptable which makes them ideal for new fish keepers. Guppies come in a wide range of fin shapes and vibrant hues, making them visually appealing. They thrive in groups and need a minimum 20 litre tank. Maintain water temperature between 74°F and 82°F. Guppies eat flake food, baby brine shrimp, and daphnia. They breed easily, so unless you want a full tank, keep males and females separate. Their low-maintenance nature, playful behaviour, and dazzling appearance make guppies a great choice for any aquarium.

4. Flowerhorn Cichlid
Flowerhorn cichlids are exotic, head-bumped beauties known for their bright colours and charismatic personalities. Originally developed through selective breeding in Asia, they are intelligent and interactive, often recognizing their owners. Flowerhorns need a spacious tank for one adult fish. They are aggressive, so it’s best to keep them alone or with other tankmates of similar size. Maintain water temperatures around 80°F–85°F and provide strong filtration. Feed them high-protein pellets and occasional treats like shrimp or worms. Regular tank cleaning is essential to prevent health issues. Their bold appearance and energetic nature make them stand out in any setup.

5. Neon Tetra
Neon tetras are small, peaceful, grouping fish known for their glowing blue and red stripes. They’re perfect for community aquariums and do well in schools of six or more. Native to the Amazon, they thrive in a well-planted 20 litre tank with soft, slightly acidic water. Keep temperatures between 70°F and 81°F. Feed them micro pellets, flakes, or frozen foods in small portions. Neon tetras are sensitive to water changes, so maintain stability. Their gentle temperament, shimmering appearance, and group-swimming behavior create a stunning visual effect, making them one of the best options for those who love harmony and beauty in their tank.

Do you have a fish aquarium at home or have tried it before? Or do you wish to keep fish as pets? Tell us about it in the comments section below.