25 Most Beautiful Fish in the World (With Pictures)

Who doesn’t want to have a fascinating aquarium with all sorts of bright-colored, beautiful fishes swimming in it? Pretty fishes are everyone’s favorite! No matter if you own a freshwater or saltwater aquarium, you get to choose from plenty of fish options. 

Beautiful fish adds to the charm of any fish tank. Starting from fishes with gorgeous striped bodies to those with multi-colored ones, you would be confused about which ones you should pick. 

But we are here to help you out! We have prepared a fully compact list of the 25 most beautiful fish in the world. 

Have a look at its beauty and behavior and choose instantly which beautiful fish you wish to keep in your stunning aquarium. 

#25: Threadfin Butterflyfish 

Threadfin Butterflyfish is a beautiful fish with deep yellow and white colors, adding a tremendous contrasting effect to its body. 

The perpendicular black stripes on its body lead to the rise of a great pattern. 

Butterflyfishes are hardy fish species and can withstand a variety of extreme conditions. 

Do note that Threadfin Butterflyfishes can be highly aggressive if they encounter a fish of different species having an appearance similar to itself. 

So, it is better to keep the butterflyfish species singly in the tank. 

Threadfin Butterflyfish is a top choice among a major section of aquarists. 

The ‘chevron’ designs make it one of the most sought-after fishes among hobbyists. 

#24: Goldfish 

A majority of people have the misconception that a goldfish is not a beautiful fish as they think of it as having only a tiny, golden body. 

Do you know that a majority of the laymen and even some hobbyists are not aware that goldfishes grow to have a body size ranging from 10 to 12 inches? Quite a vast fish it becomes, you see? 

The picture that you see above is that of a standard goldfish. There are several variations of a goldfish. Want to know what those are? The other types of goldfish include shubunkin goldfish, sky blue shubunkin, mimic koi, pearl scale, bubble-eye, etc. 

#23: Guppies 

Guppies are fishes with immense beauty, but they are highly underrated. 

Several species of this beautiful fish come with varied colors and body patterns. The intricate designs of lines on their bodies against the rich body colors give them an utterly regal look. 

Guppies are pretty resilient and very hardy. So, it won’t be too difficult for you to take care of these adorable creatures. 

Tank water should maintain proper water hardness. This is essential because the guppies prefer living in hard water. 

If you are a beginner and you don’t wish to invest much initially, setting up a 10-gallon tank will be a pretty good idea. You can even keep 3 guppies in that tank, say, one male guppy and two female guppies. 

Just choose the guppy strain that you think will fit into your aquarium. Mosaic and albino guppies have a stunning, majestic appearance. No doubt, your aquarium’s aesthetics will be heightened by the presence of the guppies. 

#22: Orange Basslet/ Sea Goldie 

In the western part of the Indian Ocean, Orange Basslets are found. This area primarily involved the Red Sea and also the Pacific Ocean. 

Sea goldie or Orange basslets show differences in their appearance depending upon the gender to which they belong. 

The male sea goldies have a fuchsia-hued dorsal fin and a deep red patch on the pectoral fin. 

The female orange basslets have a bright golden or orange-colored body with a captivating violent streak just below the eye. 

Sea Goldies is a true asset of any saltwater or freshwater tank. Aquariums look all the more impressive with their presence. 

#21: Betta Fish 

Talking of the most beautiful fish in the world and not listing Betta Fish among them will be no less than a sin. 

Betta fishes are also known as Siamese Fighting Fishes and are a hot favorite among aquarists.

Fish betta is a freshwater fish species, and it is mainly found in the Southeast Asian countries of Myanmar, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Do you know that betta fish is the national aquatic animal of Thailand? 

The deep blue and red hue on the body of the betta fish gives it a highly fascinating look. 

Betta’s bright appearance has made it earn the nickname of “Designer Fish of the Aquatic World.” The fin and tail can be of varying colors such as blue, orange, black, violet, red, and green. 

You can easily take care of them, as looking after them is not something complicated. Depending upon the species of the fish betta, you may use either a 5-gallon or 10-gallon tank. 

#20: Clown Triggerfish 

Clown Triggerfish is yet another beautiful fish that is a popular choice for aquariums. It is largely found in the tropical along with the subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the western part of the Pacific Ocean. The outer reef slopes where clear water is present are the common inhabiting spots of the triggerfish. 

Do you know that Clown Triggerfish is also known as the Big Spotted Triggerfish? The bright colors of this Indo pacific aquarium fish and the presence of extensive white spots have made it earn the name of “big spotted triggerfish.” 

This marine fish grows to about 19.7 inches. Its dorsal fin and anal fin are decorated with a yellow line at the bottom. The caudal fin looks beautiful because of a yellowish patch at the center along with the black margin present here. 

Triggerfish sometimes exhibit aggressive behavior as they grow. Even if you are a beginner, triggerfish can be easily managed and taken care of. 

Do note that triggerfish require a vast space in the aquarium. Make sure to set up a tank of a minimum of 120 gallons for the fish to swim and dwell peacefully. 

#19: Flame Angelfish 

Flame Angelfish is a native fish of the tropical waters of the vast Pacific Ocean. Its bright orange-red or flame-colored body gives it a gorgeous look. 

Angelfish are largely found in various vibrant reefs present in Oceania. To be more specific, angelfish lives in the Marshall, Cook, and Line Islands of Oceania. 

A small number of angelfishes are also found in the exotic Hawaiian Islands. 

The flamish body hue of the angelfish has acquired several other names such as Flaming Angelfish, Japanese Pygmy Angelfish, and Flame Angel. 

The tall, elongated black lines and spots on the body of the angelfish with four or five of these bars located on the sides give it a regal appearance. 

The posterior region of both the dorsal and anal fins also have somewhat purple and black colored short bands. 

Angelfish’s fiery appearance drives every aquarist crazy over it. Such are the attractive stripes or body patterns of the Angelfish!

Angelfishes usually have a body of 6 sizes when they have reached the highest point of their growth stage. 

If you take proper care of your dear angelfishes, they can live for up to 7 years or even more than that. 

#18: Electric Yellow Cichlid 

The beautiful Electric Yellow Cichlid is a purely freshwater aquarium fish. It is one of the most popular African cichlids among aquarists. 

The bright, electric yellow body color of the fish gives it a charming look. The mature yellow cichlids have quirky black stripes and vertical bars that give their body a unique pattern. 

Do you know that the Electric Yellow Cichlid is locally known as Yellow Lab or simply Electric Yellow Lab?

Before keeping the yellow cichlids in your aquarium, make sure the tank floor consists of sand, rocks, and caves. 

Electric Yellow Cichlids are quite shy and peace-loving fishes. But they may grow aggressive if they come across fish of some other species having the same body structure and bright yellow color as theirs. 

The yellow cichlids think of these fishes to be competitors for food, space, and mates. And that is when the otherwise calm yellow cichlid exhibits aggressive behavior. 

It is recommended that you keep this freshwater cichlid together with the Cichlids from South America, say, Convict Cichlid. This would prevent the parasite risks on the cichlids. 

#17: Rusty Parrotfish 

Are you already impressed with the beauty of the Rusty Parrotfish from the above picture? Well, it is expected to be so! Such a myriad of bright purple, blue, violet, green and yellow colors make it simply the most beautiful aquarium fish. 

Do you know that the Rusty Parrotfish is one of the most sought-after fishes among aquarists? 

The Parrotfish belongs to a marine ray-finned fish species. They tend to settle in the coral reefs present in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. 

When the Rusty Parrotfish is in its terminal stage, it has a multi-colored body with stunning blue and green hues dominating it. 

The body of the Parrotfish is somewhat brownish when it is in the initial phase of life. The dark bands and the bright yellow tail give it a beautiful look. 

#16: Altum Angelfish 

Altum Angelfish has a unique charm in them. They are highly elusive, so you can’t find them easily. This Angelfish usually inhabits the Orinoco River Basin and the Upper Rio Negro present in the southern parts of Venezuela and Colombia, and Northern Brazil. 

As much as the Altum Angelfish is hard to find, it is also very expensive. You really need to spend a massive fortune on this angelfish if you wish to keep it in your fish tank. 

Altum Angelfish grows up to 10 inches. So, you must use an aquarium that is quite tall and large, having a minimum capacity of 60 gallons. 

Altum Angelfish is a highly demanding species. So, if you are a beginner, you might face problems handling it. 

This fish has specific tank water parameters that are to be maintained. Besides, food of the highest quality has to be fed to the angelfish to keep them healthy. It is an excellent choice for expert aquarists. 

#15: Crown Killifish 

Crown Killifish also has another name of banded panchax. It is a freshwater fish found mainly in the South African areas of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. 

The fish has a ring-like lateral pattern. Killifishes, in general, don’t have a long lifespan. But one of its variants is Crown Killifish that has got a pretty good lifespan. 

The bright yellow and brown stripes on its body along with its tails having attached fans, give it a fantastic look. 

The perfect balance and symmetry of blue, red, and orange on the tail fins give it a unique attribute of beauty. 

Since Crown Killifish is a very small fish and grows to only 1.5 inches, you don’t have to own huge aquariums to keep it. A fish tank with just a minimum capacity of 10 gallons will be absolutely fine. 

#14: Powder Blue Tang 

Powder Blue Tang is basically a tropical marine fish. It can be found largely in the Indian Ocean waters and the reefs with flat tops. 

This Blue Tang Fish is herbivorous in nature. It may display aggressive behavior if it faces any other surgeonfish in its way. 

The body of this Tang fish has blue sides, and its dorsal fin and caudal fin base are yellow-colored. It has a deep blackhead, and its anal and pelvic fins are white-hued. 

The pectoral fins of the Powder Blue Tang are purely transparent with a beautiful yellow reflection. The greater the intensity of the blue color of the fish, the healthier it is. 

It is advised that only expert aquarists keep Powder Blue Tang as it has a strict diet routine and is quite demanding. 

#15: Mandarinfish 

Mandarinfish is highly popular among aquarists for its rich, bright colors, as it has been presented in the photo above. The fish’s bright blue, black, and orange hues make for a great addition to the saltwater aquarium. 

Mandarin usually dwells in the warmer waters of the Pacific Ocean. The regions of its availability include the Ryukyu Islands. 

The cellular pigment present in the Mandarinfish has given it blue body color. The vivid stripes and rich, graphical pattern has made it one of the most sought-after fish species among hobbyists. The dorsal fin of the males has a beautiful orange and blue design. The Mandarinfish has red eyes with deep black pupils. It can be a perfect addition to your aquarium. 

#14: Peacock Gudgeon 

Peacock Gudgeon is a kind of freshwater fish species that are usually found over the substrate present in rivers and ponds. The fish may grow to a size of 3 inches. Even if you have a 15 or 20-gallon tank, the Gudgeon fish can be easily accommodated in it. The best thing about this fish is that you can keep it together with other fishes of other species. Peacock Gudgeon is compatible with different groups of fish. If you can create caves in the fish tank, the gudgeon fish will surely love it. Its silvery body with various pink, black and yellow marks with red dotted patterns have given the fish a purely regal appearance. 

#13: Royal Gramma 

As you can see from the photo, Royal Gramma is a popular aquarium fish having a sweet shade of purple at its head that turns to a deep coloration of red and violet in the middle, and finally ending with a tinge of yellow near its tail. 

This fish is very small and grows to 3 inches, and won’t occupy much space in the aquariums. 

Are you a beginner aquarist? If yes, you can easily keep this pretty fish in your aquarium. 

#12: Lionfish 

The spike-like fins and stripes-adorn body of the lionfish have given it a beautiful look. But, you need to be very careful while keeping at home. This is because its stings are highly venomous. Just a sting from its sharp fins and you will be subjected to suffer various problems such as searing pain, vomiting or nausea, heartburn, and shortness of breath. 

The Lionfish is a fish species native to the Indo-Pacific areas, and they are mostly found near the reefs and lagoons. 

It has a hypnotic beauty but is equally harmful to humans. So, it is better not to keep it in your tank unless you are well-versed with the proper handling techniques. 

#11: Clownfish 

Do we even have to say anything about clownfish? Yes, you have guessed it right! It is that very fish that you have seen in the popular film Finding Nemo. In fact, it has grown so popular that the fish is even called ‘Nemo’ by many people. If you have watched Finding Nemo, you will quickly identify it. The species of clownfish is endemic to the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and in certain coral reefs forming a part of the Great Coral Reef. The red-orange body of the clownfish with dark black-rimmed white stripes give it a regal, fabulous look. 

#10: Firefish Goby 

Firefish Goby is a perfect example of saltwater fish. Its fantastic body coloration makes the aquarists and hobbyists go crazy over it. They grow only to have a size of 2 to 3 inches. So, they can easily survive in a 20-gallon tank. This is an excellent choice to have as it is coral and other invertebrate protected. This fish is native to the Indo-Pacific region. The bright colors of the Firefish Goby have made it a favorite choice among many aquarists. 

The bright yellow head of the fish, its white body, and the orange tail give it an elegant look. Just as you can see from the photo above, it can be a pretty addition to the aquariums. What do you say?

#9: Endlers Livebearers 

Remember we had just talked about guppies? Endlers Livebearers resemble guppies but have an extra flared layer. Their body pattern looks more of a gorgeous mosaic design. The forked fin with its shiny silver body and slight bluish and greenish tinged tail make them look all the more beautiful. It is not exactly a tropical fish but is native to Venezuela. 

#8: Marine Betta 

Marine betta fish or comet is a tropical fish and is native to the Indo Pacific ocean. They are predators and feed upon snails and small fishes. Can you see that large spot on the dorsal fin of the betta fish from the above photo? 

It is called the eyespot of the betta fish. 

Do you know why this fish is called a comet? This is because its body appears to be a galaxy with all those white spots spread across the vast expanse of the dark. 

Make sure if you have got a tank having a capacity of 55-gallon as this Indo Pacific Betta fish can accommodate in a 55-gallon tank. 

#7: Neon Tetra 

Neon Tetra is a tropical, freshwater fish that has a beautiful appearance. Its iridescent blue body coloration and red tail give it a classy look. 

They love to swim around in the tank with their group. 

As they move around in groups, it creates a dazzling effect that makes your aquarium look fantastic. Taking care of the neon tetras is an effortless thing to do. So, even if you are a beginner, you can easily keep them in your fish tank. 

#6: Discus Fish 

Discus is actually a cichlid and belongs to the Amazon river basin. It has a circular body and vivid, bright colors that give it a fantastic look. They grow up to 7 inches in diameter. 

You can keep any type of Discus in your aquarium, but consider keeping the blue discus if you wish to give your tank a gorgeous look. 

Blue discus fishes look heavenly!

#7: Picasso Triggerfish 

Picasso Triggerfish has a gorgeous appearance, as you can already see from the above photo. It is a native species to the Indo-Pacific Ocean. 

The Picassos grow up to 30 cm in length. 

Its oval body and silvery gray body color interspersed with blue stripes, black shades, and orange lines make it look attractive. 

The bluish transparent tail is a cherry on the top. 

#6: Pufferfish 

Pufferfishes have a cute, ball-like structure, but they are poisonous. This fish is native to the tropical areas of South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. They may vary from size, color to body patterns depending upon the variations. They take in water inside their body and thus have a swelled look. 

#5: Mbuna Fish 

As you can observe from the above photo, Mbuna fish has a bright blue body with navy blue stripes. It is native to Lake Malawi in Africa. While you can easily take care of the Mbuna, do note that they are pretty aggressive. 

Mbuna Fishes don’t like any other fish to come and invade their territory. Quite an angry fish, you see? 

#4: Coral Beauty

Coral Beauty is a kind of angelfish that grows to be 3 inches long. They look just the same as it is presented in the above photo. The beautiful blue body with the yellowish and red stripes give it an attractive look. 

Coral Beauty loves to live in the coral reefs and lagoon areas of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. 

#3: Bolivian Ram 

As you can already understand, Bolivian Ram is native to Bolivia. 

It doesn’t have a colorful body but has a dazzling, silvery look with a slight shade of red in its fins. 

Do you know it is also known as Butterfly Ram? 

It definitely makes for a perfect freshwater aquarium fish. 

#2: Pearl Gourami 

Isn’t the speckled pattern on the Pearl Gouramis’ body a treat to the eye?

The silver hue of the fish with a black central line across its body gives it a beautiful look. 

They may grow up to measure 5 inches. Pearl Gouramis are really calm and peace-loving. 

They are also quite hardy and resilient. Beginners can also take due care of this beauty. 

#1: Paradise Fish 

Just like the Pearl and Kissing Gourami, Paradise Fish is also a member of the Gourami family. 

The reddish-orange body of the fish, along with the unique shaped fins, give it a marvelous look. Look at those blue stripes from the photo! Aren’t these simply awesome? 

But they are quite aggressive. So, it is recommended that you don’t keep any other small fish along with the Paradise Fish in the same tank. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)