The best Aquarium Red Fish Species You Can Keep

MD Mustakim Jabir
Read Time 3 Min

If you’ve ever dreamt of having an aquarium filled with striking, red-colored fish, I’ve got you covered! Not only do red aquarium fish add beauty, but they also come in various sizes, temperaments, and care needs. Below is a list of ten vibrant red species, each with their own unique charm. Let’s dive in!

1. Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)

A classic for community tanks, Cherry Barbs are peaceful and easy-going. Their deep red color is eye-catching, making them a favorite among hobbyists.

Quick Info:

Size: 2 inches
Lifespan: 4–6 years
Maintenance Level: Easy

Their diet includes high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live food. Regular water changes will keep them happy and healthy. They are schooling fish, so keeping a group of at least five is ideal for their well-being.

2. Red Axelrodi Rasboras (Sundadanio axelrodi “Red”)

If you’re looking for something small yet vibrant, the Red Axelrodi Rasbora stands out. These fish are active swimmers and add a stunning red hue to your tank.

Quick Info:

Size: 0.8 inches
Lifespan: 2–3 years
Maintenance Level: Intermediate

They do well in a planted tank with dim lighting, mimicking their natural habitat. Feed them micro-pellets or live foods like daphnia. Their size makes them perfect for nano tanks, but they thrive in groups of six or more.

3. Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)

Tiny and bright, Chili Rasboras are an ideal addition to nano tanks, adding a dash of red to your underwater world.

Quick Info:

Size: 0.7 inches
Lifespan: 4–6 years
Maintenance Level: Intermediate

These fish do best in a heavily planted tank with soft, slightly acidic water. Feed them micro-foods like baby brine shrimp. Due to their small size, they thrive in groups of 8 to 10 for maximum comfort.

4. Red Wag Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

For beginners, Red Wag Platys are a great choice. Their bold red coloring adds energy and life to any aquarium.

Quick Info:

Size: 2–3 inches
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Maintenance Level: Easy

Platys are very hardy and adaptable, making them great for first-time fishkeepers. Feed them a mix of plant-based flakes and protein-rich live foods. Their peaceful nature allows them to fit into most community tanks.

5. Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)

Ember Tetras are small, glowing fish that add a fiery touch to any tank, especially when kept in schools.

Quick Info:

Size: 1 inch
Lifespan: 2–3 years
Maintenance Level: Easy

They’re happiest in groups of at least six, swimming in open areas with plenty of plants for hiding. Their diet should include micro-pellets and small live or frozen foods. They also love densely planted tanks.

6. Full Red Albino Guppies (Poecilia reticulata)

Guppies are a lively bunch, and the Full Red Albino variant is especially eye-catching with their bold red coloration.

Quick Info:

Size: 1.5–2 inches
Lifespan: 2–3 years
Maintenance Level: Easy

Guppies are prolific breeders, so be ready for potential fry. A balanced diet of flakes, brine shrimp, and plant matter will keep their color vibrant. They thrive in community tanks with peaceful tankmates.

7. Scarlet Badis (Dario dario)

Known for their unique personalities, Scarlet Badis are miniature red fish with a lot of character. They’re not your typical schooling fish but prefer their own space.

Quick Info:

Size: 0.8 inches
Lifespan: 4–6 years
Maintenance Level: Intermediate

They need a peaceful, heavily planted environment and will appreciate a varied diet of live or frozen foods. They can be a bit picky, but once settled, they become a true centerpiece in nano tanks.

8. Red Beckford’s Pencil Fish (Nannostomus beckfordi var. “Red”)

With their elegant, slim bodies and deep red hue, Red Beckford’s Pencil Fish are a delight to watch as they gracefully swim in schools.

Quick Info:

Size: 1.5–2 inches
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Maintenance Level: Intermediate

These fish prefer slightly acidic water and plenty of plants. A diet rich in micro-pellets and small live foods will help them thrive. Keep them in groups of 6 or more for best results.

9. Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Although not a fish, Red Cherry Shrimp are a popular addition to many tanks for their striking color and ease of care.

Quick Info:

Size: 1–1.5 inches
Lifespan: 1–2 years
Maintenance Level: Easy

These shrimp are scavengers, so they help keep the tank clean by feeding on algae and leftover food. They also make great companions for peaceful fish species.

10. Super Red Pleco (Ancistrus sp. “Super Red”)

The Super Red Pleco is not only stunning but also functional, helping keep your tank algae-free while adding vibrant color.

Quick Info:

Size: 5–6 inches
Lifespan: 5–8 years
Maintenance Level: Intermediate

These fish require plenty of hiding spaces and a diet rich in algae wafers and vegetables. They’re bottom dwellers, so ensure there’s enough space for them to roam.

Feeding and Care Guidelines for Red Aquarium Fish

While each species has its own dietary needs, here are some general feeding tips:

Balanced diet: Offer species-specific flakes or pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods.
Avoid overfeeding: Uneaten food can lead to water contamination.
Water quality: Perform regular water changes (around 25% weekly) and monitor parameters like pH, ammonia, and nitrites. Consistency here reduces stress and prevents disease.

Common Health Issues and Prevention

Some health issues to watch out for include:

Ich (white spot disease): A common disease in aquarium fish, usually due to fluctuating water conditions.
Lethargy: If a fish is sluggish or hiding, it might be stressed or unwell. Ensure water parameters are stable and that they aren’t being bullied.
Quarantine new fish: Always isolate new additions for at least two weeks to prevent introducing illnesses into the main tank.

By following these guidelines, YOU and I can ensure our vibrant red aquarium fish thrive for years to come!

Peer-reviewed studies on water quality and fish health:

A study by Danylchuk et al. (2021) highlights how regular water changes reduce the risk of ammonia spikes, leading to healthier aquarium conditions.
The Journal of Fish Diseases discusses the importance of stable water parameters in preventing stress-related illnesses.