The post Red Aquarium Fish: 13 Types of Red Fish appeared first on A-Z Animals.
Setting up an aquarium requires more than just buying a tank and filling it with water. You must also determine tank size, water temperature, and, of course, the fish that will call the tank home.
To make an aquarium really pop with color, look for plants that will thrive in the aquatic environment, keeping the fish happy and healthy. Shelters and aquarium rock also enhance the tank’s aesthetic. But the real stars of the show are the fish that bring vibrant color and liveliness. When choosing colorful swimmers, many aquarium owners prefer red aquarium fish. Check out these 13 red aquarium fish that suit both small and large aquatic ecosystems.
Red Betta
Red betta fish tend to be more docile than other bettas.
©haireena/Shutterstock.com
With betta fish available in pet stores and online retailers, it may be surprising to learn that one of the species is considered threatened by the IUCN. However, that is the case for the red betta fish, whose numbers are in drastic decline in the wild.
Instead of taking red betta fish from the wild, betta enthusiasts breed them in captivity. Therefore, those that end up in home tanks are domesticated rather than wild fish. However, they are challenging to find and are substantially pricier than the bettas in the pet store. Those who desire a burst of scarlet color in their fish tank should expect to pay between $20 and $30 for the fish.
Like other bettas, red betta fish live for two to five years, as long as they have a sustainable habitat. Unlike other bettas, which are incredibly aggressive, the red betta fish is far more docile. Therefore, it is possible, depending on the temperament of the betta, to keep the red bettas in a tank with another red betta or other select fish. It just needs to be remembered to give the bettas plenty of room to swim and hide in their environment so that there is no competition for territory or food.
| Life Expectancy | Two to five years |
| Recommended Tank Size | Minimum of five gallons |
| Recommended Water Temperature | 76°F to 81°F |
| Fares Well With Tankmates | Yes, as long as peaceful fish |
Red betta fish hail from Southeast Asia. Therefore, they are tropical fish that need to be kept in temperate water in order to live their best lives possible.
Scarlet Badis
The Scarlet Badis is easy to care for but needs more tank space than most small tropical fish.
©Karel Zahradka/Shutterstock.com
For people looking to set up an aquarium for the first time, a great fish with wonderful red coloration to consider is the Scarlet Badis. This is because these fish are both small and hardy, making them easier to care for than other tropical fish.
That said, these small fish require a large tank given their size. This has to do with males being very territorial. Therefore, if just a pair of fish is chosen for a tank, a minimum of five gallons is needed for healthy fish. More than that requires a larger tank.
Scarlet Badis fish will eat a variety of food, from living to dry. It is up to the fish owner’s discretion as to which is most convenient to feed.
| Life Expectancy | Three to six years |
| Recommended Tank Size | Minimum five-gallon tank for male or pair, and larger for groups of three or more |
| Recommended Water Temperature | 72°F to 79°F |
| Fares Well With Tankmates | Yes, if they are non-aggressive fish |
Scarlet Badis fish are from India. Found in shallow, clear water ecosystems, these are tropical fish that require water temperatures of 72°F to 79°F for the best chance of a long life.
Red Platy Fish
Red platy fish are peaceful, easy-to-care-for fish.
©Pavaphon Supanantananont/Shutterstock.com
Red platy fish are very calm and peaceful. They are often kept in tanks with other like-minded fish, creating a sparkling aquarium scene to behold. Not only are they easy to care for, but they are also very active. This is likely why the red platy is one of the most popular fish among both enthusiasts and novice fish owners.
Because they are so active, red platies require a larger tank to remain healthy. They also enjoy live plants to swim around and through, keeping them mentally stimulated.
Unlike other tropical fish, platies are not prone to any particular diseases, making them a great addition to any aquarium in need of a little red.
| Life Expectancy | Two to three years |
| Recommended Tank Size | 10 gallons for one fish and an extra gallon for each additional fish |
| Recommended Water Temperature | 75°F to 80°F |
| Fares Well With Tankmates | Yes, if they are non-aggressive fish |
Red platy fish are found in Central and South America in warm, shallow bodies of fresh water. Therefore, it is necessary to keep this tropical fish in warmer water for it to thrive in an aquarium environment.
Red Neon Stiphodon Gobies
Red Neon Stiphodon Goby has slightly more red color than pictured above, requires a lid due to its ability to climb out of tanks.
©danurutn khamjai/Shutterstock.com
If you want a burst of color, the Red Neon Stiphodon Goby might be a great option. Not only are the gobies peaceful fish, but they are also bottom dwellers that eat algae. As long as a fish enthusiast has some experience with aquariums, gobies can make a great addition to their tank.
It should be noted that gobies, in general, can climb the glass of their aquariums. Therefore, a lid is a requirement if a Red Neon Stiphodon Goby is added to the habitat.
Additionally, because the gobies’ diet consists of algae and is supplemented with fish food, it is recommended to include algae-producing plants in the aquarium so that Red Neon Stiphodon Gobies always have plenty to eat.
| Life Expectancy | Five to 10 years |
| Recommended Tank Size | 10 gallons for a pair and 20 to 30 gallons for a school of six to eight |
| Recommended Water Temperature | 72°F to 78°F |
| Fares Well With Tankmates | Yes, if same size or smaller |
Red Neon Stiphodon Gobies are found in the Caribbean and the Western Central Atlantic. While these fish can withstand cooler water temperatures than other tropical fish, they still require temperatures between 72°F and 78°F to thrive.
Cherry Barbs
Cherry Barb fish are popular in aquariums, but their popularity has led to them becoming a threatened species.
©Besjunior/Shutterstock.com
The Cherry Barb is another easy-to-care-for fish that is very popular in aquarium environments. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but as long as they are appropriately cared for, they can live for several years in captivity.
In the wild, the Cherry Bard is considered a threatened species by the IUCN. This is due to the population decreasing, given the species’ popularity among fish enthusiasts.
If the Cherry Barb is chosen for an aquarium environment, it is recommended to purchase several at once, as they do not do well as singles. They require a school to truly thrive.
| Life Expectancy | Four to seven years |
| Recommended Tank Size | 25 to 30 gallons for a school |
| Recommended Water Temperature | 73°F to 81°F |
| Fares Well With Tankmates | Yes, schooling fish, so they should never be kept as a single |
Cherry Barb fish are found in shallow waters in Sri Lanka. These fish need warm water environments to remain healthy and disease-free.
Kisaki Killifish
Kisaki Killifish may be small, but they need a larger tank to thrive.
©Karel Zahradka/Shutterstock.com
One of the most striking red fish is the Kisaki Killifish. While the species comes in a variety of colors, red is the best choice for a vibrant shade.
In addition to their crimson color, Kisaki Killifish also have blue eyes. This, along with their peaceful nature, makes them very popular among fish enthusiasts. But despite their small size, Kisaki Killifish require larger tanks because they need plenty of space to swim and explore.
| Life Expectancy | One to two years |
| Recommended Tank Size | 10 gallons or more |
| Recommended Water Temperature | 72°F to 75°F |
| Fares Well With Tankmates | Yes, if fish are larger and non-aggressive |
Kisaki Killifish are found in Zanzibar in warm, shallow, temporary bodies of water. While the lifespan in captivity is short, it is even shorter in the wild. This is because in the dry season, the water dries up, leaving the fish to die. Therefore, those who can keep the Kisaki Killifish alive for one to two years have done well by the fish.
Red Discus Fish
Red Discus fish are the embodiment of tropical aquarium fish.
©Chandraxhojes/Shutterstock.com
If there was ever the embodiment of a tropical fish, the Red Discus fits the description to a “T.” Their gorgeous patterns, rounded shape, and bright scarlet coloration make for a joyful sight.
Red Discus fish are very peaceful fish that do well with others. The best tank companions are small fish with less pronounced fins, as the Red Discus will nip at the fins of other fish. Some say that bottom-dwelling fish are the best tank mates, as they stay out of the way.
It should be noted that Red Discus fish should be cared for by more experienced fish enthusiasts. The fish are prone to disease and require much larger tanks. But, if properly cared for, they can live up to eight years or longer.
| Life Expectancy | Eight to 10 years |
| Recommended Tank Size | 50 gallons for four to six fish and 75 to 100 gallons for more |
| Recommended Water Temperature | 82°F to 86°F |
| Fares Well With Tankmates | Yes, small active fish without large fins and bottom dwellers |
Red Discus fish are native to the Amazon River Basin in South America. Therefore, the water temperature needs to be higher than what other aquarium fish require. This can be tricky to regulate, which is why experienced aquarium enthusiasts are best suited for these particular fish.
Ember Tetras
Embra Tetra fish do best in a school of their own species.
©nektofadeev/Shutterstock.com
Ember Tetras’ color can range from bright orange to red. The area around the eyes and mouth is a bright red color, giving the fish the look of an ember in a fire.
Like other smaller fish, the Ember Tetra fish enjoys being in a school. They are social fish and tend to do well with most other species. Therefore, if adding Ember Tetras to a tank, it is recommended to include at least six in a minimum of 10 gallons of water, to allow the fish to swim and explore.
Ember Tetras also do well with live plants in their environment. Some even say that a more densely planted environment is best, given that it allows the fish a place to hide if necessary.
| Life Expectancy | Two to four years |
| Recommended Tank Size | Minimum 10 gallons |
| Recommended Water Temperature | 73°F to 84°F |
| Fares Well With Tankmates | Yes |
Found in Central Brazil, the Ember Tetra fish requires warm water to thrive. A heater will be needed to regulate the water temperature, which should be monitored to prevent spikes or drops below 73°F or above 84°F, to ensure a healthy environment for the Ember Tetra.
Red Guppy Fish
Red Guppies are excellent fish for experienced and novice fish enthusiasts.
©Rose Garden Guppyroom/Shutterstock.com
Red Guppies are bred specifically for their bright red coloring. They are a go-to for both experienced and novice fish enthusiasts, due to how hardy they are and the fact that, if well taken care of, they can live for several years.
There are multiple types of Red Guppy fish. The different species include:
- Full Red Albino
- Full Red Tuxedo
- Full Red Dumbo Ear
- Full Red Mosaic
- Full Red Big Tail
- Full Red Grass
- Full Red Swallow
- Full Red Ribbon
Any of these guppies would make a great addition to an aquarium environment, given their vibrant colors. They are also peaceful fish that do well in an aquatic habitat with other species.
| Life Expectancy | Two to three years |
| Recommended Tank Size | 10 gallons for five to six fish |
| Recommended Water Temperature | 72°F to 82°F |
| Fares Well With Tankmates | Yes, if small and peaceful |
Red Guppies are native to South America in shallow bodies of water. These tropical fish are easy to care for, but do require warm water to live out their full life expectancy in captivity.
Swordtail Fish
Swordtail fish are bright red and can live up to five years in captivity.
©tarttong/Shutterstock.com
A great tropical fish for beginners is the Swordtail fish. This fish can live up to five years if properly cared for. However, if looking to begin with a smaller tank, this is not the right fish, as they require at least a 15 to 20-gallon tank to thrive.
Swordtail fish come in a variety of colors. The red variety is one of the most popular due to the deep red coloration of the fish.
It should be noted that Swordtail fish are live-breeding fish. Therefore, if there are both male and female fish in the tank, there will be offspring. This means attention will need to be paid to ensure the tank does not become too crowded to allow the Swordtail and all other fish plenty of room to roam.
| Life Expectancy | Three to five years |
| Recommended Tank Size | 15 to 20 gallons for one fish, 30 gallons or larger for more than one or one with multiple other species |
| Recommended Water Temperature | 65°F to 82°F |
| Fares Well With Tankmates | Yes, if similar size and temperament |
Swordtail fish come from North and Central America. These tropical fish are among the easiest to keep, given the range of water temperatures they are comfortable with. This is why they are such popular tankmates for other fish.
Blood Parrot Cichlid
Blood Parrot Cichlids are controversial fish because of how they are raised.
©Asia Evtyshok/Shutterstock.com
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is an extraordinary-looking fish. Their bright red coloration and larger bodies make them a gorgeous addition to an aquarium habitat. However, this fish is for experienced fish enthusiasts, as a slight change in environment can make it ill.
Additionally, the Blood Parrot Cichlid requires a lot of space to be healthy. A 30-gallon tank is the smallest that can be used for one of the species. If adding more than one, an extra 10 gallons of water per fish is necessary.
What is most enjoyable about the Blood Parrot Cichlid is that, if properly cared for, they can live up to 15 years in captivity. This is something nearly unheard of in the world of tropical fish.
| Life Expectancy | 10 to 15 years |
| Recommended Tank Size | 30 gallons for one, an additional 10 gallons for each additional blood parrot cichlid |
| Recommended Water Temperature | 76°F to 80°F |
| Fares Well With Tankmates | Yes, if peaceful |
As beautiful as the Blood Parrot Cichlid is, it is also a controversial fish. The fish is not found in the wild and is specifically bred for its coloration. Due to many fish breeders treating their fish inhumanely, many reputable pet shops and online retailers will not sell the Blood Parrot Cichlid. Therefore, it is recommended to do homework before purchasing the fish, to ensure it is not only coming from a healthy environment, but a humane one.
Coral Red Dwarf Pencilfish
Coral Red Dwarf Pencilfish need large tanks to explore.
©Pavaphon Supanantananont/Shutterstock.com
Coral Red Dwarf Pencilfish are hardy fish with bright red coloration. They make for easy keepers, as long as there is plenty of room for the fish to swim. While some experts say the fish do well in as little as 10-gallon tanks, others claim the fish really need something 20 gallons or larger. This concerns the Coral Red Dwarf Pencilfish’s need for a school and their tendency to jump. On that note, a lid is recommended for these fish as well.
There are several species of pencilfish that all have a favorite area of a tank to dwell. The Coral Red Dwarf variety likes to swim mid-tank. Therefore, if choosing other fish for the tank, bottom dwellers may be a good option. This provides both variety and keeps the fish from one another’s environments.
| Life Expectancy | Two to five years |
| Recommended Tank Size | Minimum of 10 gallons |
| Recommended Water Temperature | 75°F to 82°F |
| Fares Well With Tankmates | Yes, with other small, non-aggressive fish |
The Coral Red Dwarf Pencilfish is native to Peru. They live in shallow, slow-moving bodies of water. Therefore, keeping the water temperate is a must for this little fish to survive.
Chili Rasbora
Chili Rasbora are small, tropical fish that live up to eight years in captivity.
©boban_nz/Shutterstock.com
Given their small stature, peaceful nature, and longevity, it is no surprise that the Chili Rasbora is a favorite tropical fish for aquariums. Chili Rasbora fish are bright red and with their swimming skills, make for an eye-catching sight in any tank.
While smaller tanks can be used for Chili Rasbora fish, a larger tank is ideal, given that they do better in a school. By keeping the water temperature and water quality constant and giving the small fish plenty of room to swim and explore, they will have a great chance of living out their full eight years in their aquarium habitat.
| Life Expectancy | Four to eight years |
| Recommended Tank Size | Minimum five gallons, but 10 gallons is ideal |
| Recommended Water Temperature | 72°F to 82°F |
| Fares Well With Tankmates | Yes, if similar size and peaceful |
Chili Rasbora fish are found in Borneo and Indonesia. The fish prefer shallow habitats with vegetation in temperatures ranging from 72°F to 82°F. This temperature range allows the Chili Rasbora to be cared for by experienced and novice fish enthusiasts, making it a popular fish in the industry.
The post Red Aquarium Fish: 13 Types of Red Fish appeared first on A-Z Animals.
November 02, 2025 at 06:02PMJessica Tucker.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments