Because of this, it’s important for this species to have an adequate current. They can do well in cooler waters and will happily coexist with a variety of different tank mates. It can be hard to spot them at times! Length: Male 0.5 inch to 1.5 inches, Female 1 to 2.5 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Elongated bodies, many color variations, named for their tail color; females larger with a grayish overall color and a green, blue, or olive tint; elongated body, appearing flattened from the back, Spiketooth / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA-3.0. In addition to goldfish and some types of koi, most cold-water aquarium fish from a wide range of families thrive in cold water ponds, from small, colorful species, such as this Red Shiner, to prehistoric-looking sturgeon. Long-finned species are available, as well as a popular leopard-spotted variety. These fish are great for cold water aquariums since their natural temperature requirements are quite low (this can be as low as 50°F). The better option is to donate your large fish to a pet shop or larger tank hobbyist. This is why they’re also called the Bushy Nose Pleco. They’re a very mellow and easygoing fish that is compatible with plenty of other species as well. The Celestial Pearl Danio is a gorgeous species that many aquarists love. Due to high demand, Gold Barbs can be a little tricky to get your hands on! While there are some elements of their care you’ll need to familiarize yourself with, they’re not very difficult to keep. There are very few fish like it! Physical Characteristics: Silvery long thin body; all fins colored red; no barb. This is one of the most aesthetically-pleasing species on the list. Here I’ve mentioned 19 fish and invertebrate species that will do well in a cold water aquarium. As such, bloodfins are offered in many pet shops. Varieties include Fantail, Ryukin, Lionhead, and many many more. Aquarium Industries is an aquarium fish wholesaler providing cold water species to Australian pet stores/aquariums. Theses fish are quite hardy and can handle a wide range of water and habitat requirements. Drawf crayfish (Cambarellus genus)5. Goldfish are the most well-known coldwater fish in the aquarium hobby, so in this article, we’re going to cover 10 more cool species that can live without a heater. Fancy goldfish (Carassius auratus)7. They can thrive in cold water, a range of pH levels, and a variety of decorations and layouts. An attractive fish that prefers to be housed in a school, the Odessa Barb is the perfect candidate for a cold water tank environment. can be changed in an aquarium. Browse over 700 tanks of tropical and coldwater livestock. So here we have 12 species of fish that can thrive in waters of 20dGH (degree of General Hardness) and above. In fact, there’s still some debate about their ideal water parameters! Make sure the male to female ratio is balanced. Discus Fish are carnivorous by nature, so you can feed them dry or live food, as you like. Learn more. Coldwater fish are fish species that prefer to live in cooler water temperatures than most tropical fish. As long as you give them some variety in their diet and provide a solid habitat, Odessa Barbs will be quite happy. They’ll be just fine! Endler’s Livebearer. At a maximum, they can tolerate a temperature of 75°F(24°C). They’re great for anyone looking for cold water fish but are a strong choice in general. Live Cold Water Fish Home Delivery Now Available right to your door! Fancy-tailed guppies have a long, flowing rainbow-colored tail that may be twice as long as the body. They are suitable for a community tank but will voraciously eat live plants. In fact, there are so many different types to choose from that some aquarists have trouble picking! It’s worth noting that you’ll need a slight larger tank in order to keep them (a good portion of the fish we’ve covered so far are fine with small aquariums). Setting up a coldwater aquarium requires a lot of planning. Physical Characteristics: Silvery body, one black spot near the head and one near the tail; dorsal fin reddish with black spots (male); no barbels. Learn interesting information and join us in exploring them and choose the fish most suitable to your liking for your Aquarium. The Rainbow Shiners are hardy cold-water fish who can tolerate aquarium temperatures as low as 50 °F which is about 10 °C. Being a labyrinth fish, these aquatic creatures need the labyrinth organ to let in air. If you’re looking for an under the radar pick to add to your cold water tank, this is definitely a species to consider. One of the most renowned of all pet fish – the fancy goldfish is a classic choice for the cold water aquarium. Get the best deals on Cold Water Live Aquarium Fish when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. After all, most of the common freshwater fish need one! White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)2. They hail from Sumatra and Thailand. Bloodfin Tetras are a species we absolutely love. The notion of keeping a fish that doesn’t need a heater might feel weird at first. They’re peaceful which gives you a lot of options when it comes to tank mates as well. They’re not only quite colorful and pleasing to look at, but they’re easy to care for as well. They’re not very hard to care for and are rather active fish. Their simply color combination makes them very fun to observe especially since you’ll be keeping them in a group. This species is a great choice if you’re looking for a fish that will get along with anyone. This is one of the most popular species in the freshwater aquarium community as a whole, and they make great cold water fish. Hailing from Afghanistan and Bangladesh, this little fish is tolerant of temperatures in the mid-60's (Fahrenheit), or even lower. Your aquarium is as unique as you are. The Zebra Danio has a loyal following in the freshwater aquarium community. They’re very peaceful as well which allows you to match them with a variety of other species. The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Peaceful omnivores, they are easy to care for and are quite hardy. The Pygmy Sunfish is a very pretty species that’s one of the best fish for cold water aquariums. The darkness of its spots and the brightness of the red lateral color match the quality of its varied diet; feed live food, flake food, and some algae. Like the bloodfins, they are undemanding and easy to care for. If you’re a fan of the color red, you’ll love this fish. This fish can brighten up even the dimmest tank with its vibrant yellow. As far as aquarium fish go, the rock gunnel (Pholis gunnellus) has got to be among the toughest. How to care cold water fish. In our opinion, this is one of the most enjoyable fish to watch. You can keep them in small and cold aquariums, and you don’t have to worry about their diet or interactions with other fish. When you combine this with their ability to handle cooler water they get even more appealing. Millie is a passionate aquarist who caught the fishkeeping bug in high school and has been addicted ever since. These beautifully colored tank fish can thrive in a water temperature of about 50 to 71 degree Fahrenheit. They share a lot of the same colors and have a thin but chunky looking caudal peduncle. Choose between standard varieties and the albino variants. Most algae eaters see algae as food either exclusively or as supplements. Some of them are quite popular, and others are under the radar. An unhealthy fish will find it a lot harder to adjust to their new home and will have a much shorter life span. At a deceiving eight inches in the first year, this cute little fish (not a shark) quickly grows to four and a half feet long. A cold water aquarium is an aquarium kept at room temperature without a heater. A new gold-colored variant has become very popular, although very low temperatures will dampen their attractive coloration. Fancy goldfish are a popular type of goldfish that tend to have more of an elaborate aesthetic than some of the standard variations. Part of what makes the Asian Stone Catfish so adorable is their tiny size. … Counter to its name, this barb has no barbels at all. These fish are best for well-planted aquariums. One of the reasons these fish are so popular is their versatility. By using The Spruce Pets, you accept our, Cold Water Fish Species for Your Freshwater Aquarium, Rosy Barb (Red Barb) Fish Species Profile, Zebra Danio (Zebrafish) Fish Species Profile, Choosing a Danio Species for Your Aquarium. This build allows the fish to park themselves on a surface without working hard just to avoid getting swept away. This is easy to work around though. These fish are very active and are almost always in motion. Most cold water fish, like the goldfish and koi, are comfortable around 58°F to 65°F (14°C-18°C). Odessa barbs are often overlooked by freshwater aquarists. If you’re interested in this fish you might have to do a bit of searching before you find it in stock. They’re compatible with the majority of fish on this list. Coldwater fish often grow so large that they are only suitable for outdoor ponds. A dedicated river tank is not necessary, but some flow from a powerhead should be provided. They are easy to care for and are suitable for a community aquarium. Simply drop in some plants and you’ll be just fine! They’re not only quite colorful and pleasing to look at, but they’re easy to care for as well. When it comes to setting up their habitat there’s not much to worry about as well. Whether you are looking to buy live cold water fish online such as Goldfish, Lionhead, Ranchu, Sarassa Comet, Shubunkins, or something a bit more special we can help. Fancy goldfish will get along with many other species and don’t require a lot of effort to keep healthy. Rosy Red Minnows are one of our favorite species, and near the top of the list when it comes to cold water fish for your aquarium. This makes them a great nano fish for small tanks as well. But for some reason, this species doesn’t get the attention it deserves from the fishkeeping community. I’ve also listed this fish in my compilation posts of the most colorful and the coolest freshwater fish for aquariums. In an aquarium, cold water means water whose temperature is at or below 20 °C (68 °F). Couple that with the fact that they will tolerate temperatures in the 50's, they are excellent candidates for a cold water tank. They can survive in water temperatures as low as 50°F which means you can keep them in tanks without a heater (if it works with the rest of your setup). They look like beautiful little shiny darts flicking around the water. The Gold Barb is a really popular choice for cold water aquariums due to its hardy nature and beautiful bright colors. Siamese Algae Water Eater In fact, most of the aquarists who know about them are ones who like keeping cold tanks. We highly recommend taking some time to do a little extra research into this species before you decide to buy. With an ability to thrive in water temperatures as low as 50°F, the Dojo Loach should be at the top of your list for fish that don’t need heaters. Physical Characteristics: Silvery fish with a back of olive and brown; anal, abdominal, and dorsal fins are yellowish to reddish; red upper part of the iris of the eye; a dark diamond-shaped spot near the tail fin base. Out of all the fish on this list, the Pygmy Sunfish is up there in terms of its ability to handle low water temperatures. This species is hardy, easy to care for, and peaceful. If you need help choosing the correct tropical or cold water fish, come to The Trop Shop. Undemanding and beautiful, the rosy barb (Barbus conchonius) is also considered one of the hardiest barbs. While they’re not overly difficult, there are a few areas of care that you’ll need to be familiar with. Even so, you can own some of them, if you do everything by the book. Find your local AI retailer on website. To be honest, most of the aquarists we talk to don’t even know this species exists. They’re hardy, peaceful, and very easy to care for. Coldwater Aquarium Fish Although goldfish are often the first fishes that spring to mind for unheated aquaria, there’s a surprisingly large Read More Although goldfish are often the first fishes that spring to mind for unheated aquaria, there’s a surprisingly large selection of … The Roxy Barb is a species that has a dedicated following of aquarists for a number of additional reasons (aside from their coloration). If you are looking for healthy and well-fed fish and plants, we at All Pond Solutions have a superb selection on offer! The Bristlenose Pleco has a very interesting look that can’t be ignored. Though the plant is slow-growing, it’s also hardy and can be kept in cold water as well as tropical fish tanks, hence is ideal for first-time live aquatic plant keepers. These tine creatures are very easy to care for and don’t need a complicated tank setup in order to thrive. However, some aquarists like to keep them in tanks as well. Cold water fish (excluding Goldfish) are available to make your unheated aquarium something different, these fish can be added to ponds and aquariums with no heater required. Like the zebra danio, the pearl danio (Danio albolineatus) is very hardy and easy to care for. The Empire Gudgeon has some of the most interesting fins out there. But if we had to choose, this would probably be our favorite! With a minimum of 45°F, it’s hard to find another species that matches. Best Cold water & Temperate Freshwater Aquarium FishIn this video see my list of the best coldwater and temperate fish for an aquarium. This species is quite vibrant and will add a whole new visual dynamic to any aquarium they’re kept in. Physical Characteristics: Long thin fish with iridescent pinkish sides and large scales; unpaired abdominal fins that are saturated red at the base; bluish edged anal fins with a hooked outgrowth or barb (males). In fact, they’re one of the most popular…, Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. Adapted to the high shore, this eel-like species can tolerate very extreme conditions. There are many different types of aquarium catfish out there. Bay Pipe Fish Almost extinct in its native China due to pollution, this is one of the easiest fish to care for. Hence it is not appropriate for most aquaria. These striking bottom-dwelling fish are from South and East Asia. Cold Water Fish for Sale at All Pond Solutions. Hillstream loach (Balitoridae)4. Their adult size, however, is an important additional consideration. You can also breed them if that’s something you’re interested in as an owner. These fish will keep things bug-free! This behavior is quite interesting to watch, so if you’re a breeder you might be in for a treat! Due to their critically endangered status can be a bit pricey and not in stock at most fish stores. The gold barb (Barbus schuberti), also comes in a less common green variety. At Harvey’s we stock a huge selection of Aquarium Cold Water fish, Orandas and Fantails as well as the more unusual and all the accessories you will ever need read more. They’re a species that not many people pay attention to, but that’s something we’ve never understood. This makes them a great fish to observe. And yet there are many other interesting fish species that do not require a heated tank. While the majority of people don't use it, AnimalWised recommends that you add artificial light to your cold water aquarium. Avoid the one species known as the Wimple, the Freshwater Batfish, or the Chinese High-Fin Banded Shark, referencing its high triangle-shaped dorsal fin rear ofAnal Fin. We’ve always said that this species looks a bit like a skinny Pea Puffer. Paradise Fish have mesmerized aquarists for years with their bright colors and flowing tails (us included). We also have all the accessories, filters and food you'll need for your fish. Tropical and Cold Water Fish. You can keep them in a variety of different habitats without any issues as well. Caring for these fish is something that anyone can do. With their cool flat built, this fish will stand out among almost any other species. They can cause detrimental changes to your local aquatic environment by outcompeting native species for habitat and resources. These fish are fairly low maintenance, active, and peaceful. This type of tank comes with some specifications, namely that you will need to keep the aquarium away from hot areas and the sun, as higher temperatures will not suit the fish the best. Japanese sweet plant will tolerate light ranging from full-high to partial shade, a ph of 6.5 to 7.5 and an aquarium temperature anywhere from 50°F to 82°F. This really makes their beauty worth it! True to their name, the Rainbow Shiner is a mix of color and metallic glimmer. This is a species that’s mesmerizing to look at. As far as aquarium fishes are concerned, coldwater species prefer water that is typically around or below 68° Fahrenheit. The Galaxy Rasbora, also known as celestial Pearl Danio, is yet another tiny freshwater aquarium fish species. I love it mostly for its cool-looking colors which, you could think, are too stunning to be real. ... supplying live aquarium fish since 1968 and we are proud to house Australia's largest range of freshwater and marine aquarium fish. We're passionate about your aquarium because we're passionate about fishkeeping. Any questions, please feel free to ask. The most common cold-water fish species is the goldfish, followed closely by its larger counterpart, the koi. Physical Characteristics: Pink, albino, or gray body; elongated shape like an eel; 3 sets of barbels surrounding the mouth, appearing like a mop. This fish has scales ringed with black along with black-spotted fins, bold red stripes, and a stunning overall appearance. The gold barb (Barbus schuberti), also comes in … You’ll sometimes see this fish referred to as Poecilia wingei since it’s technically part of the common guppy family. Panda Corydoras are often used in community tanks because of this trait. Natives to Southern Brazil and Paraguay, both the standard bloodfin (Aphyocharax anisitsi), and the false bloodfin (Aphyocharax dentatus) tolerate temperatures as low as the mid-60s. We recommend these fish to pretty much any aquarist. This is my cold water aquarium with a wide selection of fancy goldfish. These creatures spend their time in waters with very fast currents. They’re very pretty fish that have a neat color pattern. Do some thorough research into their recommended habitat conditions first. A lot of the time they don’t even need heaters! They’re quite active and friendly, so they’re always up to something. Shirlie is a fish and aquarium lover with 16 years of experience writing on the topic of raising and keeping fish at home. The gold bard, or Chinese barb, is an extremely popular cold-water fish. They also have some neat colors too. They suit a community fish tank because they are very peaceful among each other and with others, especially if kept in a sizable group of 6+. For such a unique animal, the Axolotl is actually quite straightforward to keep. However, if you can find one they’re quite easy to keep. A group of these moving around an aquarium is something you need to see in person. Outside of the goldfish and the guppy, the zebra danio (Brachydanio rerio) is the most readily available of all the cold-water fish. Keeping these fish in your tank doesn’t need a heater and can thrive very well in low water temperature. ... Aquarium Industries Male S.betta S.betta Halfmoon Mustard Gas $39.99 Aquarium Industries Oranda Blue 5cm $13.99 Aquarium Industries Oranda Blue 9cm $44.99 Aquarium Industries Oranda Red … These are one of the most beginner-friendly fish out there. This makes them great for aquarists looking for a cold water option that doesn’t sit around at the bottom of the tank all day! The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a great freshwater fish that can thrive in colder temperatures. There are different ways the hardness, pH levels, etc. In order to purchase the appropriate tank and materials, you will first need to determine what kinds of fish, as well as how many fish, will be in the tank. We’re committed to making our guides as helpful as possible, and welcome the help. They’re quite affordable, easy to care for, and are compatible with many different kinds of fish. Like most types of tetras, these fish aren’t very large and can be kept in a pretty small tank. We often encourage aquarists to give this species a shot since because they’re such a pleasure to own. 1. They don’t need anything in particular when it comes to their habitat as well, so you can plan around their tank mates. What Are Coldwater Fish? Any aquarium containing gold barbs should maintain a moderate current. While these fish aren’t very popular, there’s a committed group of aquarists who’ve figured out what a great species Rainbow Shiners are to own. You’ll sometimes see this fish referred to as Poecilia wingei since it’s technically part of the common guppy family. Some of the basic requirements for Discus Fish are these: stable and clean water, a temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit in the water, pH level of 6.5 and water hardness of 4. The Sunset Platy is a great all-around fish that can do well in a number of different conditions. We also provide a range of fresh and frozen food products for reptiles, turtles and fish. Whereas common goldfish get far too large and fast for most aquariums, the fancy goldfish has a much calmer and more placid character. There aren’t very many fish with a bright yellow that can compete with the Sunset Variatus Platy. This is partly because they’re so pretty and partly due to their ease of care. 1. If you watch the Medaka Ricefish swimming with other species, they’ll barely even notice them! This is a very pretty fish that’s hard to get your hands on. Another common name for them is the Mexican Walking Fish because of the way they move around the water. Out of all the fish we recommend to our readers, this could be the species we suggest the most. They’re relatively easy to care for and do well in slightly cooler water. Shop Online Now. Originally from Northeast South America, Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) are probably the second most readily available fish in captivity, after the goldfish. The white cloud minnow (Tanichtys albonubes) does best in cooler temperatures. As you can see, there are a number of fish that can thrive in cold water aquariums. The Axolotl is an interesting creature that has rapidly grown in popularity over the last few years. Aquarium Source is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Reproducing aquarium species are difficult, if not impossible, to control or eradicate. This is one of the most popular fish in the aquarium scene. All our staff have practical knowledge of fishkeeping. Native to some parts of Asia, Paradise fish are considered one of the best cold-water aquarium fish. Physical Characteristics: Silver green, rosy pink, or gold body with red caudal and dorsal fin; brighter colors, slimmer in body, fan-shaped dorsal and anal fins (male); white distended abdomen, wedge-shaped fins (female). It’s recommended to keep this fish in a school, so that’s why they can’t get away with super small tanks. These fish get their name from their aggressive consumption of insect larvae. They’re very beginner-friendly! Readily available, the weather loach (Misgurnus angullicaudatus) or Pond Loach from East Asia is one of the easiest fish to care for. However, there hasn’t been a chance in classification yet. Their bodies are very textured and they almost look like they’ve been rendered by a bunch of polygons. Not only does this help replicate their natural habitat, but it also brings extra oxygen into the water (something this fish needs a lot of). This species is not found in very many tanks. If you are planning to set up your cold aquarium indoors, here are some coldwater fish that grow to only a small or medium size. That’s where this guide will come in handy. Caring for them is rather straightforward as well. 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