Not only do plants provide shelter and protection, they help oxygenate the water and filter the tank naturally.

The goal is to recreate their natural habitats. Speaking of environment, have some fun with it! Many fish enjoy having real plants in their tanks. You’ll need to know the stats so you can keep tabs on their environment. No matter what, be prepared to spend quality time studying each species you plan to toss in a tank. Again, many of the best pet fish are adaptable and can thrive within wider ranges. Hardness refers to how saturated the water is with certain minerals. This means adhering to certain temperatures, pH levels and hardness ranges. Happy pet fish live in tanks designed specifically for them.

Like any animal companion, the best pet fish is a happy pet fish. Most of the fish on our list are quite social and prefer living in a diverse aquatic community. Fear not! Freshwater fish can be as colorful and exciting as exotic saltwater species. All of the fish on our list are freshwater fish saltwater tanks are really meant for experienced aquarists. For this reason, we rounded up the best pet fish based on how intense they are to take care of and how well they play with others. Yes, they are very chill pets compared to dogs and cats, but setting up their environment is where a lot of people flounder (lol!). At first glance, a pet fish is a piece of cake.

Are goldfish freshwater fish