Tropical fish should not be kept with cold water fish. They got their name from the fact that they always mate on one side. With a minimum water temperature tolerance of 68°F, you can keep these in colder tanks without any issues. Odessa barbs are often overlooked by freshwater aquarists. Due to the fact that the population of this species is in crisis, it’s important to be absolutely sure before you get one. If you’re looking for a cold water fish that adds a lot of color, we recommend giving these creatures a shot. As long as you give them some variety in their diet and provide a solid habitat, Odessa Barbs will be quite happy. This is quite a popular fish because of its unique look and ease of care. The reason Hillstream Loaches have a low and flat body comes from their natural habitat. Temperature range: 65 – 72°F. They are schooling fish and should have at least six in their shoal. Unless you’re looking for a very cold tank, there’s no reason not to give them a shot. Some, but not all, of these species are capable of surviving in very low temperatures, including ponds, lakes, or rivers that freeze over winter. This is why they’re also called the Bushy Nose Pleco. This species is hardy, easy to care for, and peaceful. I can't think of any common aquarium COLD water fish off hand. Caring for them is rather straightforward as well. Size: 2 inches Difficulty: Beginner Minimum Tank Size: 10-15 gallons Water Temperature: 64°F to 72°F As long as that’s not a problem, give them a shot! Due to high demand, Gold Barbs can be a little tricky to get your hands on! After all, most of the common freshwater fish need one! Fish kept in colder water do move slower, however, and it’s likely that it may affect some of their metabolic functions. Simply keep them with peaceful fish that are too big to be picked on! However, there hasn’t been a chance in classification yet. This is one of the most popular fish in the aquarium scene. When you combine this with their ability to handle cooler water they get even more appealing. First, they can locate the good cover spots beneath the water surface such as rock ledges or fallen logs. They’re very peaceful as well which allows you to match them with a variety of other species. Fancy goldfish are a popular type of goldfish that tend to have more of an elaborate aesthetic than some of the standard variations. They’re very pretty fish that have a neat color pattern. This is why so many people like them for ponds. Like most types of tetras, these fish aren’t very large and can be kept in a pretty small tank. However, if you can find one they’re quite easy to keep. This gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to the kind of habitat you want to keep them in. Eliminate high protein diets when the water temperature gets to 60-65°F and start feeding them "Spring and Autumn Fish Food" or those designed for cold water feedings. They’re very beginner-friendly! It’s a bunch of fun to watch these fish swim around in a group. When the water temperature falls below 50-55°F, it is classified as been too cold for the goldfish. The Zebra Danio has a loyal following in the freshwater aquarium community. No, Oscar Fish cannot live in cold water for a long time. Mosquito fish are extremely easy to care for and are quite hardy. They’re a very mellow and easygoing fish that is compatible with plenty of other species as well. The funny thing is not many people know about this fish (even the ones that want to keep fish without a heater). By the time you’re done reading it, you’ll know which species interest you the most. We’ve been fans of them for years and love the versatility their hardy nature provides. This species goes by two names, the Medaka Ricefish and the Japanese Ricefish. But hey, the more, the merrier, right? If you’re interested in this fish you might have to do a bit of searching before you find it in stock. They’ll be just fine! At this temperature, they are quite active, and growth is excellent. This really makes their beauty worth it! The Rainbow Goodeid is hardy, low-maintenance, easy to feed, and tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and parameters. Rosy Red Minnows are one of our favorite species, and near the top of the list when it comes to cold water fish for your aquarium. The One-Sided Livebearer is a simple, yet elegant fish that can thrive in low temperatures. This species is also a good choice if you favor low-maintenance fish. As Betta fish water temperature changes, the fish’s body temperature will also change. In cold temperature, a Betta fish’s body will become cold, and to preserve the warmth of the body, homeostasis will automatically decrease the body’s metabolic activity. They’ll handle almost all living conditions with ease. This type of fish food is better for the dietary requirements for the fish and won't pollute the water with excess ammonia. This is partly because they’re so pretty and partly due to their ease of care. True to their name, the Rainbow Shiner is a mix of color and metallic glimmer. Source. Their colorful stripes mean they put on an impressive show whenever they move around the tank. While they’re not overly difficult, there are a few areas of care that you’ll need to be familiar with. Another common name for them is the Mexican Walking Fish because of the way they move around the water. Panda Corydoras are often used in community tanks because of this trait. Most of the aquarists we know keep a ton of these fish in their tank. As long as you know their fundamental requirements you shouldn’t have any trouble keeping this fish. As you can see, they can thrive in a wide range of water temperatures. The Bristlenose Pleco has a very interesting look that can’t be ignored. We have a special place in our hearts for livebearers (or fish that bear live … This small fish is very easy to care for and is a great option for anyone looking for a species that won’t take up a lot of their time. The Celestial Pearl Danio is a gorgeous species that many aquarists love. There are very few fish like it! They can even be used as feeder fish if you so choose. You’ll sometimes see this fish referred to as Poecilia wingei since it’s technically part of the common guppy family. Some examples are koi, goldfish, weather loaches, hillstream loaches, many species of barbs, sunfish of the family Centrarchidae, many Central American cichlids, and a variety of other species. These little critters are one of our favorite freshwater catfish species to keep in cold tanks. Endler’s Livebearers — Poecilia wingei. Fancy goldfish will get along with many other species and don’t require a lot of effort to keep healthy. Other species beat the super-cold salty water at its own game. However, it’s usually best to keep them in a species-only tank. The ideal temperature for Oscar Fish is 77° Fahrenheit. These fish have an extremely interesting look that makes them stand out (or blend in) compared to many other species. Thus, if the air temperature is 70 °F (21 °C) then the water temperature will be lower. The Endler’s Livebearer is a fantastic cold water fish for your aquarium. They’re compatible with the majority of fish on this list. They’re not very hard to care for and are rather active fish. This makes them great for aquarists looking for a cold water option that doesn’t sit around at the bottom of the tank all day! These fish most likely died from lack of oxygen before becoming lodged in ice. When it comes to setting up their habitat there’s not much to worry about as well. The Panta Cory is a species that can be found in many tanks all over the world, and for good. But once you get over the strange feeling it’s quite a luxury! This build allows the fish to park themselves on a surface without working hard just to avoid getting swept away. They’re not only quite colorful and pleasing to look at, but they’re easy to care for as well. Coldwater fish are fish species that prefer to live in cooler water temperatures than most tropical fish. Tropical fish are those that require heated water, generally in the range of 75-80°F (24-27°C). These creatures spend their time in waters with very fast currents. They’re quite affordable, easy to care for, and are compatible with many different kinds of fish. Mollies. Some, but not all, of these species are capable of surviving in very low temperatures, including ponds, lakes, or rivers that freeze over winter. The most commonly kept coldwater pet fish that you see in home aquariums are goldfish. This part is obvious but there are variables in water temperature that is related more to weather than the actual warming hours of the sun. Suggested Water Temperature: 65 to 80°F … We highly recommend taking some time to do a little extra research into this species before you decide to buy. We’re huge fans of the Least Killifish, especially if you plan on keeping the water temperature a bit on the low side. A group of these moving around an aquarium is something you need to see in person. They can do well in cooler waters and will happily coexist with a variety of different tank mates. If you’re a fan of the color red, you’ll love this fish. There are many different types of aquarium catfish out there. They share a lot of the same colors and have a thin but chunky looking caudal peduncle. They do great in tanks without a heater and don’t have a lot of funky care requirements. We recommend these fish to pretty much any aquarist. The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a great freshwater fish that can thrive in colder temperatures. With an ability to thrive in water temperatures as low as 50°F, the Dojo Loach should be at the top of your list for fish that don’t need heaters. Since platy fish are originally a species of tropical water, it requires the water temperature to be between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or between 24 to 28 degrees Celsius to survive. Breeding can be stimulated in mature fish by a rise in temperature to 80° – 82°F combined with a partial water change. This species is one of the more unique creatures on the list. They’re addicting to watch swim around in the tank. They’re hardy, peaceful, and very easy to care for. Marine fishes must constantly export ions to maintain osmotic balance. However, they may well also be able to thrive in the higher temperatures experienced by so called tropical fish. These fish prefer a temperature of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit so make sure to keep it that way. Coldwater fish water temperatures. These fish are very hardy and can thrive in a variety of different conditions. However, some aquarists like to keep them in tanks as well. Rain, hot summer days and cold winter nights all work together to ensure that fish in their natural environment do not experience the same temperature for too long. Tiger barbs are magnificent cold water ornamental fish that adds vibrancy to the … It’s recommended to keep this fish in a school, so that’s why they can’t get away with super small tanks. Caring for these fish is something that anyone can do. The Axolotl is an interesting creature that has rapidly grown in popularity over the last few years. In fact, most of the aquarists who know about them are ones who like keeping cold tanks. Mollies are pretty, adaptable fish that are strong to survive different water conditions. This species is quite vibrant and will add a whole new visual dynamic to any aquarium they’re kept in. The term is also used to refer to fish species in the wild (such as lake trout, Arctic char, and Arctic grayling), that prefer colder waters. Fish also dislike extreme changes in temperature, they much prefer consistent temperatures and gradual changes, so a vicious cold snap or a … For whatever reason, these fish don’t get the attention they deserve. These tine creatures are very easy to care for and don’t need a complicated tank setup in order to thrive. This behavior is quite interesting to watch, so if you’re a breeder you might be in for a treat! This is one of the most popular species in the freshwater aquarium community as a whole, and they make great cold water fish. No matter what your preference is, we thought it would be foolish not to include them on our list. Their bodies are very textured and they almost look like they’ve been rendered by a bunch of polygons. It’s worth noting that you’ll need a slight larger tank in order to keep them (a good portion of the fish we’ve covered so far are fine with small aquariums). What is the ideal temperature for Oscar Fish? These are one of the most beginner-friendly fish out there. They share a lot of the same traits as other goldfish, they just look different. But wow are they pretty! If you watch the Medaka Ricefish swimming with other species, they’ll barely even notice them! In fact, freshwater fish can experience daily temperature swings of 30°F or more. The Clown Killifish is a gorgeous species that has gotten a lot of attention in recent years. These fish will keep things bug-free! Tiger Barbs. For such a unique animal, the Axolotl is actually quite straightforward to keep. Could cold water fish be right for you? Out of all the fish on this list, the Pygmy Sunfish is up there in terms of its ability to handle low water temperatures. It can be hard to spot them at times! This is a species that’s mesmerizing to look at. The Roxy Barb is a species that has a dedicated following of aquarists for a number of additional reasons (aside from their coloration). In fact, there’s still some debate about their ideal water parameters! Their interesting pattern and colors make them a great choice for anyone looking to bring some color to their tank. ORIGINS Southeastern Canada and the eastern US, near the Great Lakes; also in Louisiana and Mississippi. Because many of the ornamental fish considered to be “coldwater fish” are more accurately eurythermal fish and many prefer temperatures similar to, or even warmer than those preferred by certain tropical fish, the term “coldwater fish” in the aquarium context is essentially meaningless, and often misleads pet owners into keeping fish below their preferred temperature. The Empire Gudgeon has some of the most interesting fins out there. You can put them in almost any tank, with almost any other species. The notion of keeping a fish that doesn’t need a heater might feel weird at first. This species is not found in very many tanks. It is important to note that just because these fish are capable of surviving in unheated aquaria, their temperature preferences may vary. Note: The above contains a mix of true coldwater fish and sub-tropical fish that can survive and thrive at room temperature which ranges from 15 °C (59 °F) and to 30 °C (86 °F).[3]. To be honest, most of the aquarists we talk to don’t even know this species exists. There are usually some species-specific details you need to be aware of, but nothing extreme. Simply drop in some plants and you’ll be just fine! Some examples are koi, goldfish, weather loaches, hillstream loaches, many species of barbs, sunfish of the family Centrarchidae, many Central American cichlids, and a variety of other species. While there are some elements of their care you’ll need to familiarize yourself with, they’re not very difficult to keep. This is one of the most aesthetically-pleasing species on the list. The Sunset Platy is a great all-around fish that can do well in a number of different conditions. Coldwater fish, in the context of aquariums, refers to fish species that do not require a heater to remain within tolerable temperatures in a typical indoor aquarium. However, this does not mean that they should be kept in cold water. Some argue that this fish should technically be considered part of the killifish family or not. Unlike tropical aquariums, you don't need to provide a heater for your cold water fish tank, however, it's a good idea to use a thermometer, so you can ensure it's kept at a nice comfortable, constant temperature for your fish. With that being said, they can show a little bit of aggression when put in the wrong situation (or with the wrong tank mates). A steady 70-72 °F (21-22 °C) in-door air temperature during the cold winter months should be enough to warm up the water of your fish tank. They look like beautiful little shiny darts flicking around the water. We often encourage aquarists to give this species a shot since because they’re such a pleasure to own. This is a fairly low-maintenance fish as well. We’ve been massive fans of the dojo loach for quite some time. For ordinary maintenance of angelfish, a temperature of around 75°F could be considered ideal. They’re quite active and friendly, so they’re always up to something. Keep your cold water plants with fish like goldfish, minnows, weather loach, and danios because they don’t have a problem living in chilly conditions. They’re low-maintenance, beautiful, and get along with a large number of other fish. You will have to navigate some aggression from time to time, but if you set then up with a great habitat from the start that won’t be a problem you have to deal with. Not only does this help replicate their natural habitat, but it also brings extra oxygen into the water (something this fish needs a lot of). 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