

Betta fish are popular due to their beauty and easy care level. One of America’s most popular fish is also one of the most aggressive fish for freshwater aquariums. Betta Image Credit: panpilai paipa, Shutterstock However, tank mates should be chosen carefully, and they shouldn’t be housed with timid tank mates, especially those that may share parts of the water column with them.Ģ6. They do best in shoals and keeping them in large enough groups can often dissuade aggressive tendencies. Their unassuming size and bright colors mean that many people underestimate these fish. Tiger Barb Image Credit: Grigoriev Mikhail, ShutterstockĪlthough small, only growing to around 4 inches or less, Tiger Barbs are one of the more popular aggressive fish. Usually, these fish require 5 gallons each with plenty of space and plant cover to feel safe and comfortable.Ģ5. Pea Puffers generally don’t get along with other Pea Puffers, though, and they can become territorial. These tiny fish can be a great addition to some community tanks, but they will eat smaller tank mates, especially invertebrates like shrimp and snails. Pea Puffer Image Credit: Toxotes Hun Gabor Horvath, Shutterstock It’s recommended to keep them with other large fish, and they can be housed with aggressive fish that won’t seek them out to bully or nip, like Arowanas.Ģ4. These fish are not necessarily aggressive so much as they are willing to eat smaller tank mates. However, they are very sensitive to water parameters and need extremely large tanks with plenty of floor space for swimming. Freshwater Stingray Image Credit: CC0 Public Domainįreshwater Stingrays are unique fish that can be eye-catching in an aquarium. Be aware that Green Terror Cichlids will form bonded pairs when kept in groups, and this can increase aggressive tendencies toward other tank mates if they feel the need to protect their partner or territory.Ģ3. They will eat smaller tank mates, so they’re best kept with other large tank mates. They reach up to a foot in length and can be kept in community aquariums under specific circumstances. The Green Terror Cichlid is one of the most brightly colored and beautiful Cichlid fish for freshwater aquariums. Green Terror Cichlid Image Credit: Piqsels These carnivores will happily eat smaller tank mates and will behave aggressively toward large tank mates.ġ3. Very few tank mates are recommended for these fish, with the exception of large Plecos, like the Common Pleco, which can withstand bullying from the Jaguar Cichlid. They are known for aggression toward tank mates, especially during breeding periods. Since these fish can grow to around 4 feet in length, you’d have to have a truly massive tank to safely house two Arowanas together.Ī post shared by Paul Needham Jaguar Cichlid is a large variety of Cichlid that can reach up to 2 feet in length. Arowanas are especially intolerant of other Arowanas in their space. The most expensive freshwater fish ever sold was a Platinum Arowana that sold for almost half a million dollars. The Arowana isn’t just one of the most aggressive fish you can get for a freshwater aquarium, but it’s also the most expensive. Arowana Image Credit: Arunee Rodloy, Shutterstock

The 26 Most Aggressive Freshwater Aquarium Fish 1. Maybe you’ve even owned the fish in question and wondered why they didn’t work out in your community tank. Or, in some cases, maybe you’re used to seeing some of these fish in home aquariums. Here are some of the most aggressive freshwater aquarium fish that you’re unlikely to see on a regular basis in most aquariums. However, it’s not unusual for some fish to not be popular with the average fishkeeper due to aggressive tendencies that make it difficult to select tank mates or even manage the fish. Sometimes, people take a particular interest in oddball fish that are not common in most home aquariums.

Regardless of the fish, it’s important to select appropriate tank mates that will be a safe match in the aquarium. When it comes to freshwater aquariums, we’re all used to seeing things like Goldfish, Bettas, Neon Tetras, and various types of snails.
