Author: Sean Perry, DVM

5. There Are Many Different Types of Koi Fish There are over 100 different types of koi fish that are separated into 16 groups based on Zen Nippon Airinkai (the original koi club), a club that oversees the breeding and judging standards of koi. Koi can be differentiated by coloration, pattern, and scalation. New varieties of koi are constantly being developed by selective breeding. Three core colors make up many koi varieties: Red (Hi) White (Shiro) Black (Sumi) Other colors that are commonly seen include: Yellow Orange Blue Cream Some fish may have a silver or gold metallic sheen to their appearance. Known as “gin rin.” It is common for koi to be tri-colored, but they can also be either single, bicolored, or multicolored.,6. Koi Fish Can Get Very Big So, how big do koi fish get? It depends on the species—some koi fish can reach up to 3 feet long! In general, koi fish should have 250 gallons of pond space per fish. A pond size of 500 gallons per fish is required for large show fish or reproductively active females.,Koi fish are an extremely popular and colorful form of the fish species Amur carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus). These fish are commonly kept as an ornamental fish in outdoor ponds or garden water features. They have a rich history in Asian culture dating back thousands of years. A koi fish’s bright vibrant colors and behaviors can provide a splash of color and activity to any outdoor pond.

WRITTEN BYSean Perry, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Sean Perry completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Santa Cruz, earning a Bachelor of Science in…,Betta fish (Betta splendens), also called Siamese fighting fish, are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish in the world due to their beautiful colorations, various fin shapes, and their relative ease of care. If you are looking into keeping ornamental fish, bettas can be a great option. There are over 70 different types of bettas that have been selectively bred for specific traits, including fin appearance, pattern, and coloration. Learn more about these cool fish with these interesting betta fish facts.

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6. Betta Fish Photo by NatalyaAksenova/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Betta fish can be great beginner pets for a small aquarium, and you’ll find bettas in virtually any pet store. As one of the most readily available fish to bring home, it’s no wonder betta fish are a common first pet for kids. But betta fish are aggressive. Males of this species should be housed alone, while females can be housed in groups of five to six fish called sororities. Male bettas are typically more colorful with flowing and elaborate fins. Females are less colorful but still have subtle coloration and are a great addition to any tank!,7. Dwarf Gouramis Photo by libin jose/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Dwarf gouramis are a beautiful small red fish with blue vertical striping and make for a vibrant addition to a small tank. Many different color patterns exist, and they range in size from 3.5–4.5 inches. Dwarf gouramis are a docile fish species that mainly likes to live in the upper portion of the tank. This easy-to-keep fish can live well with other fish species, as they are not aggressive. But because they are a larger fish, they do require more space. For a 10-gallon tank, you can safely house a single dwarf gourami, but size up for a group. When mixing species, one or two will work well with other non-aggressive fish like tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and catfish.,Thinking of starting a fish tank? Many freshwater aquarium fish species make great additions to a beginner fish tank. The best aquarium fish for beginners are not only rewarding for pet parents, but they also make great first pets for children who can learn about responsible skills such as feeding and fish tank cleaning. You will also need to conduct regular water quality testing, which is required of any fish tank. Here are some of the best beginner fish for first-time aquarists. Best Beginner Fish for Aquariums 1. Celestial Pearl Danios Photo by Adobe Stock/besjunior Celestial pearl danios (CPDs) are a small (up to 1 inch), dark blue fish that have either white, yellow, or tan pearlescent dots over their body. Their appearance is sometimes associated with a galaxy, hence their “celestial” name. CPDs could be great residents of a space-themed tank! These fish like to live in small areas where they can hide within rocks and plants in groups of 10 or more. They also get along well with other community fish, making them an easy addition to any first fish tank. They will eat a variety of food, including flakes, micro pellets, or even some other fish or brine shrimp.

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