Goldfish

Carassius auratus

Don’t let their name fool you. Goldfish come in a stunning variety of colors. They also come in a range of shapes, sizes and fin types. Slim-Bodied goldfish are extremely hardy and make great first pets for those new to aquarium keeping. Fancy goldfish, such as black moors and orandas, are colorful, unique and more suited to keep as a hobby. Goldfish are competitive eaters and very interactive with their owners. Be careful not to keep bulk or feeder-type fish with fancy goldfish, as there is more of a chance to introduce disease.

Tropical

Tropical fish attract new and experienced aquarium owners for a variety of reasons –– their beauty, their behaviors, their showiness, affordability and more. Not to mention the seemingly endless array of shapes, colors, and sizes they come in as well as their varying personalities, from aggressive and loner fish to community, playful and active fish. There are lots and lots of breeds from which to choose. Some are easy to care for and are perfect for beginners. Others are more challenging but rewarding to own. Create your own interesting mix for your aquarium! But always do your homework on specific breed’s needs and compatibility with other fish.

Cichlid

Cichlidae

Originally from the brackish lakes of Africa and Central and South America, cichlids are a bold and interesting species. They come in many bright and colorful varieties, and can grow anywhere from just a few inches to over three feet long. These territorial, intelligent and highly adaptive fish are constantly engaged in their environment. You’ll always be entertained with cichlids around!

Betta

Betta splendens

Betta fish are best known for being small, colorful pets with big personalities. Male bettas in particular have an amazing variety of tail shapes, ranging from half-moon to spikey and crown-like. Since bettas require minimal maintenance, they're a great species for beginners. Just be careful not to unleash two males in the same aquarium these fish can get downright feisty.

GloFish^®

GloFish^® fluorescent fish are born brilliant! They are not painted, injected or dyed. They inherit their harmless, lifelong color from their parents. They get their stunning color from a fluorescence gene and are best viewed under a blue light. Great for any home, office or classroom, these fun little fluorescent fish are perfect for hobbyists and beginners alike.

Marine

If you feel like you have all the basics of aquarium ownership mastered and you’re at the point in your fishkeeping journey where maintaining, caring and troubleshooting have become routine, perhaps you’re ready to either step up to a saltwater aquarium or up your freshwater game.

Our sister brand, Instant Ocean®, serves marine aquarium enthusiasts of all levels. To learn more, visit their website or subscribe to their e-newsletter, Seascope. You can also read a few articles about the fundamentals of saltwater aquariums in our Information Center.

For those interested in a more advanced freshwater aquarium experience, be sure to check out our other sister brand, Marineland®, for premium aquariums, accessories and world-class equipment. You can also subscribe to their e-newsletter, Newswire!

Pond

Take your love of aquatics outdoors! Water gardening is a great way to expand the hobby while beautifying your home. A Koi pond or water garden can be a wonderful retreat where friends and family gather and enjoy a tranquil afternoon or relaxing evening together. Much like aquarium keeping though, maintaining a pond and caring for it isn’t a spectator sport. It takes work. But rest assured, whatever work you put into it, you’ll get back more. To start your new adventure, a little knowledge will go a long way. Visit the Tetra® Pond Learning Center or subscribe to our e-newsletter, Into The Pond!

BREEDS

For a glimpse at the most popular types of fish for ponds and water gardens, read more here.

Black Moor

Has the body of a Fantail, has bulging eyes, and is black, as the name would suggest.

Comet

The most common goldfish. Has a long, slender body. Orange color, but can also be white and red which is called Sarassa.

Fan Tail

Perfect for water gardens, the goldfish-shaped shubunkin features a stunning pale blue background with flecks of red, black and blue.

Koi

Prized world-over for their vivid coloration, striking patterns, and longevity, Koi are actually the colored variety of the common carp. There are many colors, shapes, and types to choose from.

Lionhead

Very similar to the Oranda’s head shape and Fantail, but lacks a dorsal fin (the fin that runs down the back of a fish).

Oranda

Short and plump like Fantails, but has bulging growths on its head, almost like a cap.

Shubunkin

Identical shape to the Comet; instead has a base color of light blue, covered in patterns of darker blue, red, brown, white, or black.

FUN FACTS

A pond is less maintenance than the same square footage of lawn. And less lawn means less pesticides.

Ponds improve property values. A well-constructed pond is a highly valued part of a landscape, considered almost as valuable as trees.

People in Japan believe that the Koi fish symbolizes wealth, prosperity, love, successful career and good fortune. Each variety is associated with one of those values.

Fact 4

The color of the Koi fish depends on the variety. They can be white, black, blue, red, cream and yellow in color.

SUGGESTED VIDEOS

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Planning

Chapter 3 Preformed Liners

Chapter 4 Flexible Liners

Chapter 5 Building a waterfall

Chapter 6 Equipment

Chapter 7 Plants fish water care

Chapter 8 More information

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