Most Intelligent Fish for Aquarium | List of 20 Best

Most Intelligent Fish for Aquarium

Affiliate Disclaimer

We may earn commission as an affiliate from qualifying purchase made through any of the link in this post thank you so much.

Most intelligent fish for aquarium. Intelligent fish are those that can learn and remember, much like dogs or cats. They’re also capable of solving problems and making decisions based on their surroundings.

Most commonly found in aquariums, these fish are easy to care for and make great companions!

You are here looking to buy fish for your aquarium. Stop right now! There are a couple of facts you need to know before getting into this hobby. Fish for aquariums can be expensive and demanding, but also lovely and fascinating to look at.

You need to love these small animals and want to take good care of them, especially when you see how adorable they are.

It is not only about choosing the best fish for your aquarium but also about the living conditions you provide them with. This guide will teach you how to select fish that require the least amount of effort from you.

The most intelligent fish for aquariums

We have compiled a list of the most intelligent fish for aquariums. The best active and intelligent fish for aquariums

1. Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens): One of the most popular aquarium fish, these beautiful and active little creatures are a great choice for beginners.

They are very easy to care for and do not require much space or food, making them ideal for those who want to keep fish but don’t have much experience.

2. Dwarf gouramis (Colisa lalia): These small fish are often sold as bettas at pet stores because of their bright colors, but they actually belong to their own genus of gouramis.

They are very friendly to humans and other animals and can be kept in schools of up to six individuals in an aquarium no larger than 10 gallons.

3. Siamese algae eaters (Crossocheilus siamensis): These fish are great additions to any community tank because they help keep algae growth down by eating it off plants and rocks in the tank.

while also helping control snail populations. Their only downside is that they have been known to nip at aquatic plants when they’re young; however, this behavior usually stops once they mature.

For further reading and a longer list of active and intelligent fish for aquariums, see the other 20 lists we have compiled for you.

Read more articles: Freshwater Puffer Fish

The top 20 intelligent aquarium fish

  • 1. Clownfish
  • 2. Neon Tetra
  • 3. Harlequin Tuskfish
  • 4. Plecostomus
  • 5. Inca Butterfly Cichlid
  • 6. Blue Tang
  • 7. Leopard Wrasse
  • 8. Green Chromis
  • 9. Bandit Catfish (Black Loach)
  • 10. Oscar Fish
  • 12. Oranda Goldfish
  • 13. Pacu Fish
  • 14. Blue Gourami
  • 15. Angelfish
  • 16. Common Pleco
  • 17. African Cichlids
  • 18. Silver Arowana
  • 19. Betta Fish
  • 20. Orange Chromide

1. Clownfish

Clownfish are one of the most popular pet fish. These reef fish are known for their bright orange stripes and round white eyes. They are found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, where they live in anemones.

Clownfish have evolved to eat algae off of their host anemone’s tentacles, which keeps them free from parasites and free-floating algae that can harm corals around them.

In return, clownfish help keep their hosts clean by eating dead tissue from other animals living within them (including certain species of crabs).

That would otherwise rot into large chunks that could become dangerous for other fish or coral nearby. Clownfish can also be found in the aquarium trade, where they are sold as pets.

Many new hobbyists are surprised to learn that clownfish are not reef-safe and cannot live in an established aquarium with other fish or coral. However, if you want to enjoy a clownfish without having to care for their tankmates, this is a great option.

Read more articles: Aquarium 200 Gallon

2. Neon Tetra

The neon tetra is a freshwater fish that is native to South America. It is one of the most popular tropical fish and has been bred in captivity since its discovery by scientists in the 1930s.

As such, it is easy to keep and makes an excellent addition to any home aquarium. Neon tetras are peaceful, small-sized fish that do not nip at plants or other inhabitants of their tanks.

They also come in many color morphs, which makes them highly sought after by aquarists interested in creating an attractive display tank!

Neon tetras are small, schooling fish that can be kept in a community tank. They are peaceful and do not nip at plants or other inhabitants of their tanks.

They are very active swimmers and will dart around the aquarium when startled by something unusual like a net being lowered into the water or when you first turn on your aquarium light.

3. Harlequin Tuskfish

The Harlequin Tuskfish is a saltwater fish that can be found in the Indian and Pacific oceans. This species has a distinctive coloration, which makes it easy to identify.

It has black dots on its white body and a red band running across its tail fin. This fish is very intelligent, so it should not be kept with aggressive fish or without proper supervision.

The Harlequin Tuskfish can usually get along with most other tankmates; however, they may sometimes dominate other species if they are not properly introduced into the tank first.

The Harlequin Tuskfish is a very active fish and should be kept in a tank that is large enough for them to swim around.

They are also aggressive eaters, so it’s important that you feed them high-quality foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other types of live or frozen seafood.

4. Plecostomus

Plecostomus fish, also known as Pleco or Plecostomus catfish, is a bottom-feeding freshwater aquarium fish. They are widely kept in aquariums due to their low maintenance and peaceful nature.

Plecos are generally sold with algae wafers to eat, but they can also be fed other foods such as flake food and frozen food. Plecos are also known as “algae eaters,” as they feed on algae in aquariums.

They have a flat head and shovel-like mouth that enable them to easily scrape off algae from the surfaces of rocks or plants. Plecos are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plants and animals.

Read more articles: 15 Gallon Aquarium

5. Inca Butterfly Cichlid

The Inca Butterfly Cichlid is a freshwater fish native to the Amazon River basin. It is a popular aquarium fish and can grow up to 12 inches long.

These cichlids are peaceful and beautiful, with bright colors that make them very attractive for aquariums. They are easy to care for and do well in most freshwater environments.

They are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including live, frozen, and flaked foods. They also enjoy snails and other meaty treats. The Inca Butterfly Cichlid is a popular aquarium fish because it can grow up to 12 inches long.

These cichlids are peaceful and beautiful, with bright colors that make them very attractive for aquariums. They are easy to care for and do well in most freshwater environments.

They are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including live, frozen, and flaked foods. They also enjoy snails and other meaty treats.

The Inca Butterfly Cichlid is a popular aquarium fish because it can grow up to 12 inches long. These cichlids are peaceful and beautiful, with bright colors that make them very attractive for aquariums.

6. Blue Tang

The blue tang, also known as the surgeonfish, is a popular aquarium fish that’s often used as a model for artificial intelligence. It has been trained by scientists to recognize its owner and perform tricks like an animal trained by a circus performer.

Blue tangs are very intelligent and curious fish, so they make great pets if you have time to spend with them. Blue tangs are extremely social and enjoy being in groups of their own kind or similar species, such as yellowtail damselfish or clownfish.

They can be kept in aquariums with live plants, but they should not be put together with aggressive fish species such as lionfish because they may get bullied out of their territories by larger or more aggressive tankmates.

The blue tang is generally a peaceful fish, but it does have an aggressive side. They can be territorial and fight with other fish that are too close to their territory or who wander into it by mistake.

The best way to avoid this is not only by placing the blue tang alone in its own tank but also by making sure that there are no other fish in the aquarium when you first introduce your new pet.

Read more articles: Aquarium Undergravel Filter

7. Leopard Wrasse

The leopard wrasse is a popular fish for aquariums because of its beautiful markings, but it’s also aggressive and territorial. It eats meaty foods and needs plenty of room to swim in order to live an active life.

The leopard wrasse can grow up to three feet long, so make sure that your tank is large enough for this fish before purchasing it!

The leopard wrasse is a carnivorous fish, and it should be fed meaty foods. You can give it chunks of squid, shrimp, or shellfish, or you can feed it frozen foods such as krill or bloodworms.

It’s important to keep an eye on your leopard wrasse and make sure that he’s eating well, otherwise he may develop health problems.

8. Green Chromis

The green chromis is an omnivore who eats both algae and zooplankton. These fish have a distinct coloring, with a green coloration that covers their bodies.

The male fish has more vibrant colors than the female, but both are beautiful to look at. The green chromis is territorial and prefers to be alone or in small groups of other green chromis.

They also enjoy hunting for food along with other members of their species, so if you want to add one or two of these fish to your aquarium, make sure there’s plenty of room for them!

The Green Chromis is a territorial fish and will spar with other members of its species. If you have multiple green chromis in your aquarium, make sure there’s plenty of room for them to roam around.

Read more articles: 20 Gallon Aquarium Kit

9. Bandit Catfish (Black Loach)

The Black Loach Bandit Catfish is a freshwater fish that can be kept in an aquarium. It is a very intelligent fish, and it can be kept with other community tankmates like tetras, danios, rasbora, mollies, and more.

The adult size of this fish is 6 inches, but they grow much larger in captivity. This species is also called the Banded Loach or Clown Loach because of its color pattern and behavior.

The Black Loach Bandit Catfish will eat your plants if you don’t keep an eye on it, so make sure you have enough algae in the tank to keep this fish happy!

This species is very hardy and can be kept in an aquarium. It is a very intelligent fish, and it can be kept with other community tankmates like tetras, danios, rasbora, mollies, and more.

The adult size of this fish is 6 inches, but they grow much larger in captivity. This species is also called the Banded Loach or Clown Loach because of its color pattern and behavior.

10. Oscar Fish

Oscars are one of the most popular fish in the aquarium hobby. They are also easy to care for and hardy, making them a great choice for beginners. Oscars are a type of cichlid that is native to South America.

They are a popular choice for aquarium hobbyists because of their striking colors and personalities. They can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long, but most stay around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm).

Most people keep Oscars in an outdoor pond or aquarium. They are omnivorous and will eat most types of food. You should feed your Oscar a variety of foods, including live and frozen worms, bloodworms, and brine shrimp.

Oscars are very territorial and will fight with each other. They should not be kept in the same tank as fish of similar size or temperament. You should also avoid keeping them with large, aggressive species like cichlids or catfish.

Read more articles: How Much Aquarium Salt per Gallon?

12. Oranda Goldfish

The Oranda Goldfish is a fancy goldfish that has an egg-shaped body and a double tail.They have a short, flat body shape with an enormous head that makes up about one-third of its total length.

Oranda Goldfish are one of the most popular breeds of goldfish because they are relatively easy to keep in aquariums, despite their large size. In fact, they can grow quite large—up to 15 inches (40 cm) long!

However, if you take care of them properly and provide them with enough space and good filtration in their tank environment, then your Orandas will not grow out of control like many other fish species do when kept as pets by humans.

The Oranda Goldfish is one of the most popular varieties of fancy goldfish. They are named after the Swiss city of Orande, where they were first bred and raised as ornamental fish.

These are large, round-bodied fish with a short, flat body shape, a very large head, and a double tail. Oranda Goldfish have been bred in many colors, including red, orange, white, and black.

13. Pacu Fish

It is one of the most intelligent fish in the world. Pacu Fish has a wide range of colorations, but it is mostly bronze or brown with light blue or cream stripes above their eyes.

They can grow up to 35 cm in length, although they are usually smaller than that. Pacu Fish are great pets for kids because they are not aggressive to other fish and have a distinct personality!

They thrive in tropical freshwater aquariums with lots of plants and hiding places (plants keep them from getting bored). Pacu Fish are omnivorous, which means they eat both meat and plants.

They can live up to 10 years in captivity, but usually live only 3-5 years due to poor conditions or being kept in a too-small aquarium. If you have a Pacu Fish, make sure that it has plenty of space for swimming around and hiding places for sleeping.

Read more articles: Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Snails?

14. Blue Gourami

The blue gourami is an egg-laying fish that can grow to be over 10 inches long. It comes from the family Trichogasteridae and is a freshwater tropical fish that originated in India, Myanmar, and Thailand.

This species of fish usually lives in waters with temperatures ranging between 72°F and 82°F.

Blue gouramis are popular aquarium fish due to their brilliant colors, which make them stand out against your decorations or if you choose to keep them without any décor at all.

They also have a more outgoing personality than other types of gouramis, such as Red Tail Bettas or Rams Horn Bettas, making them more suitable for beginners.

They are a very popular fish with aquarium owners and are often seen in pet stores.

The blue gourami is a tropical fish that can be kept in an aquarium at home, but you need to know what kind of water temperature and tank size they require.

15. Angelfish

Angelfish are beautiful, tropical fish that can be kept in a large aquarium. However, they should not be kept with other angelfish, as they will be aggressive with them.

They also require a lot of space, so it’s best to keep them in larger tanks only.

Angelfish are tropical fish and need warm water with a temperature between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. They also require a lot of space, so it’s best to keep them in larger tanks only.

They are an active species of fish and need a large tank with plenty of hiding spaces. Angelfish don’t usually eat live food, so they may not be the best choice for people who want to breed them.

However, they do eat flaky foods and frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms. Angelfish are beautiful, tropical fish that can be kept in a large aquarium.

However, they should not be kept with other angelfish, as they will be aggressive with them. They also require a lot of space, so it’s best to keep them in larger tanks only.

Angelfish are tropical fish and need warm water with a temperature between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. They also require a lot of space, so it’s best to keep them in larger tanks only.

Read more articles: Is Aquarium Water Good for Plants?

16. Common Pleco

The Common Pleco is a very hardy fish and can live in a wide range of water conditions. They are scavengers and bottom feeders, which makes them great for cleaning algae off of your tank’s substrate.

This fish does not require much light, but you may want to add more if your tank has low lighting since this species is nocturnal, so it will stay hidden during the day unless additional light is added to your aquarium.

The Common Pleco is an excellent algae eater that can help keep things clean in your aquarium!

They are also known as “hitchhiker” fish because they will latch onto other animals and ride along with them. This can be dangerous for some fish species, even killing them if the Common Pleco lets go at the wrong time!

Because of this, you may want to consider getting some plastic plants for your tank that will provide an easy way for your fish to hide from predators.

This species of fish has a very wide range of water conditions that it can survive in.

They are great for beginners, but if you want to be more advanced or breed them, you will need to do some research into their different needs and behaviors.

17. African Cichlids

African cichlids are great for a community aquarium. But as with any fish, you must make sure that they are compatible with other species of fish and have enough space to thrive.

They will eat plants, so make sure you provide enough artificial plants or live plants for them to eat. African Cichlids generally do well in temperatures between 72°F and 82°F (22°C and 28°C).

They require a lot of oxygen, so if you intend to keep African Cichlids in your tank, you should consider installing heavy filtration.

There are many types of African cichlids that you can choose from. It is best to research which species are compatible with each other before purchasing them. Peacock cichlids, haps, and convicts are the three types of cichlid fish that are brought into the United States the most often.

African cichlids are great fish to keep in your home aquarium. They are easy to care for, fun to watch, and can add color and interest to any tank.

Read more articles: How Much Aquarium Salt per Gallon for Betta Fish?

18. Silver Arowana

The silver arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) is a freshwater fish that belongs to the Osteoglossidae family and is one of the most popular aquarium fish.

The silver arowana is native to South America and has been introduced to other countries such as Australia, India, and China.

The silver arowana has a large body with a long dorsal fin, which can grow up to 20 inches in length. The male fish have longer fins than the females, but both sexes have black stripes on their bodies with white spots on their sides.

In addition to this, they also have red or orange coloration around their eyes when they are excited or stressed out.

This carnivorous species feeds on different types of aquatic animals, including insects, crustaceans, and small fish, as well as other invertebrates like snails, shrimp shells, etc.

19. Betta Fish

The Betta fish is one of the most popular aquarium fish, especially in Asia. It is a colorful and attractive fighting fish that can live for about two decades in captivity. The name Betta comes from a word meaning “wanderer” or “traveler” in the Malay language.

Because of its aggressive nature when kept with other fish, the Betta fish is also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish.

In fact, it is not advisable to keep more than one male betta in an aquarium as they will fight each other until one dies or one wins over another by inflicting mortal wounds on his opponent’s body, which eventually results in death!

However, if you have only one male betta, then make sure that you provide him with enough space to swim around without risking injury from bumping against hard objects like rocks, etcetera!

As far as feeding goes, this species thrives well on commercial foods, but once again, please do not feed any other animals with cat food unless otherwise specified by your veterinarian because cats aren’t supposed to eat meat!

Read more articles: How Much Aquarium Salt per Gallon for Betta Fish?

20. Orange Chromide (Etroplus suratensis)

The orange chromide is the most intelligent fish in the world. It has a brain that is almost as large as its body and can recognize people and objects. You can train it to do tricks such as jumping or swimming through hoops.

It can be kept in an aquarium, but you’ll need a big tank with lots of hiding places for this fish to feel comfortable in its environment.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for pet that’s very interactive with humans, this might be your best bet!

The goldfish is probably one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish. It’s easy to care for and doesn’t require any special equipment or supplies.

You can keep this fish in a bowl with some water plants and decorations, or you can get creative and build an elaborate tank setup. Goldfish are very social, so you’ll want to keep at least two in your tank.

They’re also good eaters; they’ll eat almost anything they can get their mouths around! You might want to feed them some vegetables once in awhile to make sure they get enough nutrients.

Conclusion

The above are some of the fish you can keep in an aquarium. The list is not exhaustive, but it covers some of the species that are relatively easy to maintain.

You should also consider other factors before choosing a particular fish species for your aquarium. Goldfish require a minimum tank size of 10 gallons, and most other types require at least 20 gallons.

Some even need up to 100 gallons! The larger the volume, the better for these creatures’ health because it reduces stress and increases their chances of survival once introduced into captivity.

Cost aside, keep in mind that there are more than enough options out there if you have an empty corner somewhere around your home where they can be kept without much fuss.

If not, then perhaps consider one of those plastic tanks that come with built-in filtration systems?

Read more articles: How Much Aquarium Gravel Do I Need?

Other related articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest posts