10 Colorful Fish to Brighten Up Your Aquarium

Betta fish, AKA betta splendens, are some of the most brightly colored fish in the aquarium trade. Through selective breeding, these freshwater fish now come in a wild variety of colors like electric blue, bright red and even purple.

Males grow larger, more elaborate fins and show stunning colors, but can’t share the same tank with other males. Female bettas can be kept together only in a large, well-planted tank, and males should not be housed with females except temporarily for breeding.

These small fish from South America shine with bright reds and blue-green stripes. Neon tetras are peaceful and do well in schools, making them great for community tanks. Add aquatic plants and soft lighting to help their brilliant colors pop.

Like most fish from soft, acidic waters, they appreciate stable water conditions.

Rainbow sharks are not real sharks, but their torpedo shape and bold looks make them stand out. They feature dark bodies with bright orange or red fins and grow to a size that needs room to roam.

These freshwater fish can be territorial with other species, so pair them carefully. A tight-fitting lid is a must to prevent jumps.

Dwarf cichlids from Lake Tanganyika and the Amazon Basin include species like Apistogramma and shell dwellers. These fish display unique colors and patterns—solid blue, bright yellow, and even subtle pinks.

Some species form monogamous pairs, while others do best with harems. They thrive in well-maintained tanks with rockwork and hiding spaces.

A marine marvel, the queen angelfish rules coral reefs with its mix of blue, yellow and purple. Found in warm Atlantic waters, this saltwater beauty needs plenty of space and pristine water.

Its brilliant colors make it a favorite in the aquarium trade, though it’s best for experienced keepers.

Cherry barbs bring a splash of bright red to freshwater tanks. Males turn more vivid during breeding season and prefer tanks with hiding spots and other fish that aren’t aggressive.

These small fish do best in groups and add motion and color to planted tanks.

With a glowing blue body, the blue damselfish adds serious contrast to reef tanks. These marine fish are hardy and relatively small, which makes them a great starter saltwater species.

Despite their small size, blue damselfish are known to be territorial and can become aggressive, especially in smaller tanks.

Closely related to neon tetras, cardinal tetras feature longer red stripes and slightly larger bodies. Their schooling behavior, bright colors and tolerance of many water conditions make them a great-looking fish for aquascapes. They do well with other peaceful species.

Considered a status symbol in some cultures, the Asian arowana is a large, predatory fish known for its metallic scales and bright colors, including solid gold and red varieties.

Because of its size and diet of frozen foods and live prey, it requires serious tank commitment.

Freshwater angelfish, part of the cichlid family, come in many colors and patterns. Selectively bred varieties can have long fins, marble patterns and shimmering hues.

Angelfish are often a centerpiece in a freshwater setup. They do well in tall tanks and with species that won’t nip at their fins.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.