7 Most Beautiful Fish for Any Aquarium

Native to Southeast Asia, Betta splendens is an active member of the aquarium world. Males display the most vibrant colors, making them the star of many tanks.

Known for its flowing fins and rainbow of colors, the Siamese fighting fish is often kept alone due to its aggressive tendencies.

Found in the western Pacific Ocean, the flame angelfish stuns with its fiery orange body and vertical black stripes. This saltwater beauty is a favorite for reef tanks.

Its bright coloring helps it stand out among other fish, especially against live plants and coral.

This bold species has a jet-black body patterned with white spots and a yellow snout. Native to tropical reefs, the clown triggerfish has one of the most unique patterns in the ocean.

The aggressive nature of this stunning fish means it must be housed with care in aquariums.

With its electric blue and yellow stripes, the emperor angelfish looks like it swam straight out of a painting. It’s a majestic fish native to coral reefs in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Juveniles sport completely different coloring, transforming as they mature into adults.

From Lake Malawi in Africa come the wildly colorful African cichlids. These freshwater fish include many species, some of which display neon blues, yellows, and oranges.

Cichlids are known for their complex social behavior and parenting, often caring for and defending their fry.

Thanks to its big-screen fame, the clownfish is a globally recognized beauty. This small fish lives among sea anemones and develops symbiotic relationships in its reef environment. The orange-and-white body and playful swimming style make it a favorite among divers and aquarists.

Elegant and elusive, the moorish idol has a disc-shaped body with yellow, white, and black bands and a trailing dorsal fin. This fish glides gracefully through reef environments and is a fascinating species to observe. It’s often confused with butterflyfish but belongs to its own unique genus.

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