Koi fish can be kept in an aquarium indoors, but the practice is not recommended. We would definitely recommend a Koi pond for those who have the space. An advantage to housing them in a pond is that it is easier to appreciate their shapes, colors, and patterns when viewed from above.

LiveAquaria® offers many interesting and colorful Koi fish for those pond keepers who are searching for something other than ordinary varieties.

Available color strains: Black, white, orange, gold, red, brown, blue, yellow, tan

Goldfish are prime examples of freshwater fish that are suited for life in aquariums as well as ponds. They are members of the Carp family Cyprinidae and are the most common freshwater fish in the northern hemisphere. Quite different from the common Comet Goldfish, Fancy Goldfish have taken the place of honor as prized specimens housed for the attractiveness they offer. They are specifically bred to enhance certain colors, patterns, or body characteristics. Because they do not grow as large as Koi, Fancy Goldfish make them an extremely popular fish for aquariums, smaller ponds, and water gardens. Fancy Goldfish add color and beauty to any aquarium or water garden.

In addition to Fancy Goldfish mentioned above, the fish shown below make excellent choices for hobbyists who wish to infuse color into their freshwater aquariums.

Available color strains: Purple, blue, black, red, white, yellow, clear/white, gold, orange, pink, green, silver

Guppies are hardy colorful freshwater fish that add excitement and brilliance to the passive community aquarium. Unique color strains have been developed through selective breeding programs. Guppies stay small (under two and one half inches in length) and will add interest and color to the small community aquarium. Some of the colorful varieties that have been bred include Albino strains as well as Mosaic and Tuxedo varieties, among others. Different colors, patterns, and tail varieties round out the intriguing varieties now available to the aquarium community. Keeping them in groups adds to the dramatic color they will infuse into freshwater aquariums.

Available color strains: Orange, white, yellow, pink, red, blue, green, purple, white, clear, black, silver

Tetras are active schooling fish that work well in peaceful community aquariums, kept in groups. Tetras are members of the Characidae family that can be recognized by the adipose fin (a small, rounded fin between the dorsal fin and tail). These fish have several bones that join the inner ear and swim bladder, which enhances their hearing. They are hardy and have peaceful temperaments and are good choices for beginners.

Tetras do best in a well-planted aquarium with moderate lighting with compatible tankmates.

Cardinal Tetras and Neon Tetras are some of the most popular and colorful species of Tetras, especially when kept in groups, or when multiple schools are kept together.

Available color strains: Blue, green, purple, orange, red, pink

GloFish® are the perfect starter fish for your desktop, kid's room, or specialty setup! Keeping GloFish® is as easy as keeping Danios, Barbs, Tetras, and Tetras. For best care, keep this peaceful fish by themselves in small aquariums or in small schools with equally non-aggressive fish. GloFish® are the result of genetic editing in order to achieve the different color varieties.

Okay, now that you have sourced your colorful freshwater fish, here are some tips to help display them at their best.

• Lighting - Research what is the ideal intensity for the species you have selected. Lower levels of lighting may cause colors to intensify. LiveAquaria® has plenty of helpful articles on the topic.
• Aquarium Décor - Aquarists should aim to let aquatic life be the star of the aquarium, adding interest through color and motion. However, including aquascaping such as real or resin rocks, plants, ships, etc., may add additional areas for fish to hide within and enable them to feel safe and secure, which could have the benefit of bringing out their colors.
• Selecting Substrate – Some aquarists like using dark gravel and décor to show off more intense colors of their fish. This practice compliments bright colors, instead of detracting from them.
• Color Palettes – Some aquarists use single-species tanks to effectively add drama by spotlighting a specific color theme.
• Fish Health - Keeping fish healthy and happy will impact color in a positive way.
• Diet - Healthy food, like enriched varieties offered by LiveAquaria®, can have the added benefit of intense coloration.
• Stocking - Reduce or eliminate stress by selecting only compatible tankmates. Also, resist the desire to overstock your aquarium.
• Housekeeping - Keep aquarium clean to keep your aquatic life healthy and provide an unobscured view.
• Water Quality and Maintenance – Maintain correct water parameters to keep fish healthy.
• Know Your Fish - Some fish may display more vibrant colors when courting, defending territory or spawning.

We hope this article provides inspiration for ponds and freshwater aquariums. We encourage you to research the ones you wish to house and learn as much about them as possible. In addition to these, there are a multitude of other options for experience levels from beginner to more experienced aquarists. Even beginners should be able to create a wonderful, vibrant pond or aquarium.