Keeping tropical fish is an enduring hobby that’s popular all over the world. I’ve enjoyed creating many beautiful aquascapes during my 40 years in this absorbing pastime, from tranquil freshwater habitats to the bustling ecosystems of saltwater reefs. Whatever your pleasure, every tank contains a glorious tapestry of colors, patterns, and personalities waiting to be explored and shared.
In this guide, I explore the realm of aquatic photography. If you keep any of the fish species featured in this article, get snapping and share your pics on your social media to inspire your followers to join you in this amazing hobby!
Key Takeaways
- This guide shines a light on the colorful and engaging world of fish photography, inviting hobbyists to capture and share images of their aquarium inhabitants on social media.
- Various freshwater and saltwater fish are featured for their photogenic qualities, including the elegant Discus and the iconic Clownfish, and details on their care requirements and behaviors are offered.
- Emphasizing the unique beauty and personality traits of each species, the article encourages aquarists to photograph their fish as a way to inspire others and highlight the wonders of fishkeeping.
Summary Table
If you can’t wait to discover the most photogenic fish on the planet, check out this at-a-glance table! Then, keep reading to learn more about each species.
| Species | Scientific Name | Minimum Tank Size | Fish Size | Behavior | Diet | Lifespan | Water Parameters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discus | Symphysodon spp. | 55 gallons | 8-10 inches | Peaceful, gregarious | Carnivorous | 10-15 years | Warm (82-86°F), soft, acidic water |
| Betta | Betta splendens | 5 gallons | 2-3 inches | Can be aggressive | Carnivorous | 2-4 years | Warm (76-81°F), neutral pH |
| Electric Blue Acara | Andinoacara pulcher | 30 gallons | 6-7 inches | Peaceful | Omnivorous | 8-10 years | Warm (72-82°F), slightly acidic to neutral pH |
| German Blue Ram | Mikrogeophagus ramirezi | 20 gallons | 2-3 inches | Peaceful | Omnivorous | 2-4 years | Warm (78-85°F), soft, acidic water |
| Dwarf Gourami | Trichogaster lalius | 10 gallons | 2-3 inches | Peaceful | Omnivorous | 4-6 years | Warm (77-78°F), neutral pH |
| Peacock Gudgeon | Tateurndina ocellicauda | 10 gallons | Up to 2 inches | Peaceful | Omnivorous | 3-5 years | Warm (72-79°F), neutral to slightly acidic pH |
| Mandarin Dragonet | Synchiropus splendidus | 30 gallons | 2-4 inches | Peaceful | Carnivorous | 6-8 years | Warm (75-80°F), stable, saltwater conditions |
| Flame Angelfish | Centropyge loriculus | 55 gallons | Up to 4 inches | Semi-aggressive | Omnivorous | 5-7 years | Warm (75-80°F), stable, saltwater conditions |
| Royal Gramma | Gramma loreto | 30 gallons | Up to 3 inches | Peaceful | Omnivorous | 5-7 years | Warm (72-78°F), stable, saltwater conditions |
| Blue Tang | Paracanthurus hepatus | 180 gallons | Up to 12 inches | Semi-aggressive | Herbivorous | 10-15 years | Warm (76-80°F), stable, saltwater conditions |
| Clownfish | Amphiprioninae | 20 gallons | Up to 3-4 inches | Semi-aggressive | Omnivorous | 6-10 years | Warm (75-80°F), stable, saltwater conditions |
| Regal Angelfish | Pygoplites diacanthus | 100 gallons | Up to 8 inches | Peaceful | Omnivorous | 7-15 years | Warm (76-80°F), stable, saltwater conditions |
Please note that this table includes general information; specific water parameters like pH, hardness, and salinity can vary slightly within the ranges given. Fish behavior can also change depending on the tank environment and the presence of other fish. It is always best to research each species thoroughly before adding it to your aquarium.
Freshwater Aquarium Stars
Here are my favorite photogenic freshwater fish that would grace any underwater catwalk!
Discus (Symphysodon spp.)
- Minimum tank size: 55 gallons
- Size: 8 to 10 inches
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Discus fish are gorgeous fish that make the perfect addition to a large tank. Their graceful swimming style and vibrant colors make them ideal subjects for captivating photos.
With colors ranging from glorious, vibrant red to electric blue, the Discus fish’s intricate patterns are crying out to be captured on camera. Their curious and interactive personalities make them perfect for capturing engaging moments that will surely mesmerize your social media followers.
Discus fish are native to the Amazon River basin in South America, particularly in slow-moving waters with dense vegetation and submerged branches.
Betta (Betta splendens)
- Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
- Size: 2 to 3 inches
- Lifespan: 2 to 4 years
Betta fish are native to Southeast Asia’s rice paddies, swamps, and shallow waters, particularly Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. They inhabit stagnant or slow-flowing waters with dense vegetation, where they have adapted to survive in oxygen-deprived environments.
Betta fish are one of the most photogenic fish out there. Their flowing, glamorous fins and glorious myriad colors make these fish a firm favorite among photography enthusiasts.
Bettas strike fabulous poses, flaring their gill covers, resting majestically on broad-leaved plants, and creating amazing bubble nests. They’re curious creatures, too, interacting with their owners and learning simple tricks like jumping through a hoop or leaping out of the water to grab a morsel of food. All in all, Siamese Fighting fish provide endless opportunities for captivating snapshots you simply have to share!
Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher)
- Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
- Size: 6 to 7 inches
- Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
These fish come from South America’s freshwater streams and tributaries, particularly the Amazon and Orinoco rivers. They inhabit slow-moving waters with sandy or muddy substrates and areas of dense vegetation.
The Electric Blue Acara boasts glorious iridescent blue coloration that shimmers and glistens under your aquarium lighting, providing opportunities for some simply stunning photos. I love to display these fish against a backdrop of dark substrates and lush green plants to add depth and visual appeal to my setup.
These curious fish are naturally inquisitive and happy to pose for photographers, often coming right up to the aquarium viewing panes and into your shots.
German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
- Size: 2 to 3 inches
- Lifespan: 2 to 4 years
German Blue Rams are native to South America’s slow-moving rivers and tributaries, especially the Orinoco and Amazon rivers. They prefer areas with sandy or muddy substrates and dense vegetation and are often found living in shallow waters.
With their vibrant blue and yellow hues, German Blue Rams are sure to steal the limelight in any aquarium photograph! These fish often display complex patterns and beautiful colors, making them an ideal photographic subject.
Known for its peaceful behavior and playful antics, the German Blue Ram offers photographers endless opportunities to capture truly memorable and sharable images.
Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius)
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Size: Up to 2-3 inches
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Dwarf Gouramis are prized for their stunning array of beautiful colors, including vibrant reds, blues, and oranges, adding brilliance to any aquarium photograph.
They’re found in freshwater rivers and streams in South Asia, especially India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, preferring slow-moving waters with dense vegetation, like rice paddies, swamps, and ponds.
These labyrinth fish must swim to the water’s surface periodically to breathe, often hanging there for a few seconds as they gulp air. As they float motionless or socialize with their tank mates, the gouramis’ metallic scales catch the light from different angles, presenting the perfect photo opportunity.
Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda)
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Size: Up to 2 inches
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
The Peacock Gudgeon, with its dazzling iridescent colors and distinctive markings, is a hidden gem in the world of freshwater aquariums. These seldom-seen freshwater superstars come in many different hues, ranging from electric blues to blazing oranges, setting the aquarium alight with their beauty.
Their striking looks and playful behavior make Peacock Gudgeons perfect for close-ups. Whether exploring the substrate, zipping through the fronds of aquatic plants, or peering at you through the aquarium viewing panes, these little beauties are captivating.
Peacock Gudgeons are native to the freshwater streams and rivers of Papua New Guinea and Australia. They inhabit slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters with sandy or muddy substrates.
Marine Supermodel Species
Although I love freshwater fish for their quirky personalities, ease of care, and myriad varieties, the vibrant colors and weird forms of many marine species make them the undisputed supermodels of the fish world!
Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus)
- Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
- Size: 2 to 4 inches
- Lifespan: 6 to 8 years
The Mandarin Dragonet is one of the most beautiful reef fish in the ocean. What it lacks in size, this gloriously colored creature makes up for in its array of vibrant colors and elaborate patterns in dazzling shades of blue, orange, green, and red.
These beautiful fish come from the tropical reefs of the Indo-Pacific region, including the warm waters around the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia. They gravitate to shallow, sheltered coral reefs at depths from 3 to 50 feet, where the copepods and small crustaceans that form a significant part of their diet are abundant.
Mandarin fish are elegant swimmers that move gracefully around the aquarium, presenting many amazing photo opportunities for hobbyists and enthusiasts alike on social media platforms.
Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus)
- Minimum tank size: 55 gallons
- Size: Up to 4 inches
- Lifespan: 5 to 7 years
Flame Angelfish come from the tropical reefs of the Indo-Pacific region, including the waters around Indonesia, Fiji, and the Great Barrier Reef. They inhabit coral-rich areas with plenty of hiding spots and caves and are often found in depths ranging from 10 to 100 feet.
The Flame Angelfish is famous for its vibrant orange-red body decorated with impressive vertical black stripes, creating a visually striking appearance in any reef tank. One of these fish adds a stunning splash of color when displayed against corals and hardscape constructions, making it the perfect candidate for dramatic images.
These stunning fish aren’t shy, readily approaching the aquarium glass and making it easy for photographers to snap a gorgeous closeup.
Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto)
- Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
- Size: Up to 3 inches
- Lifespan: 5 to 7 years
Royal Grammas are native to the Caribbean Sea and the western Atlantic Ocean, where they’re found around coral reefs in the Bahamas, Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico. They live in caves and crevices within coral formations, often at depths of 10 to 100 feet.
The Royal Gramma, with its distinctive mauve and lemon-yellow coloration, is a standout species in reef aquariums, adding a pop of contrasting hues to the underwater scenery. These tiny two-tone fish captivate onlookers as they flit in and out of rocky decorations and corals in the reef tank.
These peaceful, beautiful fish can be pretty playful, too, offering endless photo opportunities that capture the dynamic beauty of the reef ecosystem.
Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)
- Minimum tank size: 180 gallons
- Size: Up to 12 inches
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Blue Tangs are found in the Indo-Pacific, including the waters around the Maldives, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef. They live in rocky reefs and coral-rich areas with a strong water flow at depths ranging from 10 to 130 feet.
Blue Tangs are one of the most beloved fish species in the aquarium hobby. With its sleek, streamlined silhouette, dazzling electric blue body, and striking yellow tail fin, these elegant fish are a captivating focal point in any underwater photograph.
As a bonus, the Tang’s active swimming behavior and nosy nature provide snap-happy aquarists with ample chances to grab engaging, sharable shots that highlight the beauty of this species.
Clownfish (Amphiprioninae)
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
- Size: Up to 3-4 inches
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Clownfish are semi-aggressive fish belonging to the Pomacentridae family of reef-dwelling fish.
Rather than swimming in the open water environment around the rocky outcrops and corals on the reefs of their native Southeast Asia, Australia, and the western Pacific Ocean, the fish bond to a sea anemone. This symbiotic relationship sees the anemone protecting the fish via its toxic venom while the fish cleans the anemone of debris and provides it with scraps of food. In addition, the fish defends its host against potential predators.
Clownfish are classified into six Complexes:
- Percula
- Maroon
- Tomato
- Clarkii
- Skunk
- Saddleback
The most popular species is the Common clownfish of Finding Nemo fame. These cute fish, with their bold orange coloration and distinctive white stripes, are iconic inhabitants of reef aquariums.
Common clownfish make fabulous subjects for photos! Their unique patterns, bright colors, and charming personalities provide plenty of inspiration for aspiring underwater photography. As these beauties dart among coral branches or peek out from among their anemone host’s tentacles, they provide endless captivating moments that showcase the dynamic beauty of the reef ecosystem.
Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)
- Minimum tank size: 100 gallons
- Size: Up to 8 inches
- Lifespan: 7-15 years
Regal Angelfish are true reef tank showstoppers. Enrobed in bright electric blue accented by complex black-and-white patterns, these graceful fish glide majestically through the reef, making them a captivating subject for underwater photography.
When it comes to wildlife underwater photography, these elegant fish always steal the spotlight, whether swimming gracefully among coral formations or exploring the depths of the aquarium.
Regal Angelfish come from the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the East African coast to the central Pacific Ocean, including the Great Barrier Reef. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcrops in clear, shallow waters with plenty of hiding spots and algae growth.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to sharable wildlife photography, nothing beats the ever-changing underwater world of a well-aquascaped tropical freshwater aquarium or the dramatic hardscape of a reef tank.
In these environments, a plethora of vibrant colors, amazing forms, and fabulous characters await the avid amateur snapper. And you don’t need a fancy camera to get some impressive shots; your smartphone will do just as well!
