Welcome to our guide on the best animals for your 50 gallon fish tank! If you’re a beginner or a seasoned aquarium enthusiast, choosing the right aquatic creatures to populate your tank can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect fish and invertebrates to make your tank come to life.
With so many different types of aquatic creatures available, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we’ll cover everything from freshwater fish to colorful invertebrates, and marine fish to bottom dwellers that thrive in a 50 gallon tank. We’ll also discuss the importance of tank size, compatibility, and water quality to help you make informed decisions.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful community tank, a dazzling display of color, or a unique and interesting ecosystem, we’ve got you covered. So, sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the world of aquatic creatures that can thrive in a 50 gallon fish tank!
Keep reading to discover the best aquatic creatures for your 50 gallon fish tank and turn your aquarium into a beautiful and thriving underwater oasis!
Table of Contents
Freshwater Fish for Your 50 Gallon Tank
If you’re looking to add some aquatic life to your 50-gallon freshwater aquarium, you have plenty of options. One of the most important factors to consider is the size of your tank, as overcrowding can lead to health issues and stress for your fish. Community fish are a popular choice for 50-gallon tanks, as they are peaceful and can coexist well with others. Some of the most popular community fish include tetras, corydoras, and guppies.
Another consideration is the behavior of your fish. Do you want active swimmers or peaceful, slow-moving creatures? Barbs and danios are known for their active personalities and are great for adding movement to your tank. Betta fish are also a popular choice, with their vibrant colors and unique personalities.
When it comes to maintenance, some fish are easier to care for than others. Livebearers, such as guppies and mollies, are known for their hardiness and ability to adapt to various water conditions. Rainbowfish and killifish are also relatively easy to care for, but they do require a bit more space than some other species.
Lastly, if you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, there are plenty of unique fish to choose from. Discus fish are prized for their brilliant colors and distinctive shape, while angelfish are known for their striking appearance and graceful movements. Electric blue acara and German blue rams are also eye-catching options for your 50-gallon aquarium.
Whether you’re a seasoned fish keeper or just starting out, there are plenty of freshwater fish that will thrive in your 50-gallon tank. Do your research and choose species that are compatible with each other and with your tank’s environment, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful and healthy aquatic community.
Neon Tetras
Appearance: Neon tetras are a popular choice for a 50 gallon tank due to their striking colors. They have a vibrant blue and red stripe that runs across their body, making them a beautiful addition to any tank.
Behavior: These fish are known for being peaceful and easy to care for, making them a great option for beginners. They are also quite social and should be kept in groups of at least six to thrive.
Diet: Neon tetras are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods. It’s important to provide a balanced diet to ensure their health and well-being.
If you’re looking for a colorful and easy-to-care-for fish for your 50 gallon tank, neon tetras are a great choice. With their peaceful temperament and stunning appearance, they’re sure to be a favorite in your aquarium.
Colorful Invertebrates Perfect for 50 Gallon Tanks
If you want to add some color and personality to your 50-gallon tank, consider adding some invertebrates to the mix. Here are five options to consider:
Cherry Shrimp: These brightly colored shrimp are easy to care for and add a pop of color to any tank. They also help keep the tank clean by eating algae and other debris.
Freshwater Clams: Clams are excellent filter feeders and help keep the water in your tank clean. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a great addition to any tank.
Nerite Snails: These small, colorful snails are great for controlling algae in your tank. They come in a variety of patterns, from solid colors to intricate designs.
Amano Shrimp: Amano shrimp are larger than cherry shrimp and are excellent algae eaters. They also have a unique appearance, with long, translucent bodies and bright red or yellow spots.
Sea Anemones: For a truly unique and eye-catching addition to your tank, consider adding a sea anemone. These invertebrates come in a variety of colors and have long, flowing tentacles that add movement and interest to your tank.
No matter which invertebrates you choose, make sure to research their specific care requirements and ensure they are compatible with your other tank inhabitants. With the right care, these colorful invertebrates can thrive in your 50-gallon tank and add a unique touch to your aquatic environment.
Cherry shrimp are a popular and colorful addition to any 50-gallon aquarium. These tiny invertebrates are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making them perfect for beginners. Breeding cherry shrimp is also relatively easy, so you can easily grow your colony over time.
Cherry shrimp are peaceful creatures and make excellent tank mates for other non-aggressive fish and invertebrates. However, they are known to be a favorite food of some fish species, so it’s important to choose their tank mates carefully. Planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots are ideal for cherry shrimp, as they provide a safe haven for them to retreat to when they feel threatened.
One of the benefits of keeping cherry shrimp in your tank is that they are excellent cleaners. They are scavengers and will feed on uneaten food and algae, keeping your tank clean and healthy. Additionally, they are fascinating to watch as they scuttle around your tank.
Cherry shrimp are also easy to care for. They don’t require any special diet and will happily feed on algae, fish food, and any other organic matter in your tank. They are also relatively low-maintenance and don’t require any special equipment or supplements.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a colorful, peaceful, and easy-to-care-for invertebrate for your 50-gallon tank, cherry shrimp are an excellent choice. With their vibrant colors, hardy nature, and cleaning abilities, they are sure to bring life to your aquarium.
The Electric Blue Crayfish is a strikingly beautiful invertebrate that can add some serious wow factor to your aquarium. Their vibrant blue coloration is truly unique and is sure to catch the eye of anyone passing by your tank. They are relatively hardy and easy to care for, making them a great option for both novice and experienced aquarists alike.
These crayfish are active creatures that love to explore their surroundings and are especially fond of hiding places. They also have a somewhat aggressive temperament and are known to be territorial, so it’s important to keep them with non-aggressive tank mates.
In terms of water conditions, Electric Blue Crayfish are adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of pH levels. However, they require good water quality and can be sensitive to ammonia and nitrite levels, so regular water changes are a must. They also appreciate a well-aerated tank with plenty of hiding spots and places to explore.
If you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching invertebrate to add to your 50 gallon tank, the Electric Blue Crayfish is definitely worth considering. With proper care and attention, these fascinating creatures can live for up to 5 years or more in captivity.
Keep in mind that Electric Blue Crayfish are known for their ability to escape from their tanks, so make sure your tank has a tight-fitting lid to prevent any unexpected escape attempts!
Golden Mystery Snail
If you’re looking for an invertebrate that can help keep your tank clean and add a pop of color, consider adding a Golden Mystery Snail to your 50 gallon tank. These snails have bright, golden shells and are very hardy, making them a great addition to any freshwater aquarium.
Golden Mystery Snails are also known for their ability to consume algae and other unwanted debris in the tank, which can help keep the water clean and healthy for your fish. They are peaceful creatures and won’t harm your other aquatic inhabitants.
These snails prefer a diet of algae, fish food, and plant matter, and will eat just about anything that falls to the bottom of the tank. They also lay their eggs above the waterline, so you won’t have to worry about a sudden snail population explosion in your tank.
To ensure the health of your Golden Mystery Snail, make sure to provide them with a balanced diet, a clean tank, and plenty of hiding places. With proper care, these snails can live for up to two years and will provide endless entertainment for you and your fish.
Small and Friendly Creatures That Thrive in a 50 Gallon Fish Tank
If you are looking for small and friendly creatures to add to your 50-gallon fish tank, you have several options to choose from. Platies are a great choice, as they are peaceful and easy to care for. They come in a variety of colors and are known for their playful behavior.
Otocinclus Catfish are another popular option. These tiny fish are great for controlling algae in your tank and are also very social creatures. They prefer to be kept in groups and can be a great addition to any community tank.
Dwarf Gouramis are also a good choice for a 50-gallon tank. They are small, colorful, and peaceful, and can be kept with a variety of other peaceful fish. They are known for their bright colors and unique patterns, which can add a lot of visual interest to your tank.
No matter which small and friendly creatures you choose to add to your 50-gallon tank, it’s important to do your research to ensure that they are compatible with the other fish and creatures in your tank. With a little bit of planning, you can create a thriving community of small, friendly creatures that will bring joy and life to your aquarium.
Dwarf Gourami
Personality: Dwarf Gouramis are peaceful, friendly, and relatively easy to care for. They are active and love to swim around, but they also enjoy lounging in the plants or on the bottom of the tank.
Appearance: Dwarf Gouramis have vibrant colors and striking patterns, with males being more colorful than females. They have a distinct iridescent blue-green coloration on their scales that sparkles in the light.
Care: Dwarf Gouramis prefer a planted tank with plenty of hiding places, so be sure to provide them with a variety of plants and decorations. They also prefer slightly acidic water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.Feeding them a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods will keep them healthy and happy.
Best Bottom Dwellers for a 50 Gallon Aquarium
If you’re looking to add some variety to your 50 gallon aquarium, consider adding some bottom-dwelling fish. These fish are known for spending most of their time near the bottom of the tank, scavenging for food and exploring their environment. Here are some of the best bottom dwellers for a 50 gallon aquarium:
Corydoras Catfish: These are small, peaceful fish that are perfect for community tanks. They come in a variety of colors and patterns and are known for their playful behavior. Corydoras catfish are bottom feeders and will happily scavenge for food on the bottom of your tank.
Bristlenose Pleco: This is a hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They are known for their unique appearance, with a flat body covered in bony plates and a distinctive bristle-like growth on their nose. Bristlenose plecos are excellent algae eaters and will help keep your tank clean.
Dojo Loach: These fish are long and slender, with a snake-like appearance. They are peaceful and social and will thrive in groups of three or more. Dojo loaches are active bottom dwellers and will add some excitement to your tank.
Kuhli Loach: These are small, eel-like fish that are popular among aquarists. They are peaceful and shy, so make sure to provide plenty of hiding places for them. Kuhli loaches are excellent scavengers and will help keep your tank clean.
Otocinclus Catfish: These are small, peaceful fish that are great for keeping your tank clean. They are known for their love of algae and will happily munch on any algae growth in your tank. Otocinclus catfish are social and should be kept in groups of six or more.
Adding some bottom-dwelling fish to your 50 gallon tank can add some variety and excitement to your aquarium. Just make sure to choose fish that are compatible with your existing fish and provide plenty of hiding places for them to explore.
Corydoras Catfish
- Appearance: Corydoras catfish are small, bottom-dwelling fish with a distinct armored appearance. They have a flattened body with a triangular-shaped head and three pairs of barbels around the mouth.
- Behavior: These catfish are peaceful and social, often seen in groups of 6 or more. They spend most of their time foraging along the bottom of the tank and will benefit from a substrate that won’t harm their delicate barbels.
- Diet: Corydoras catfish are omnivores, so they will eat a variety of foods. They enjoy sinking pellets, frozen or live foods, and vegetables such as blanched zucchini or cucumber.
Overall, corydoras catfish are great bottom dwellers for a 50 gallon aquarium. Their unique appearance and peaceful nature make them a great addition to any community tank. Just be sure to keep them in a group and provide them with a suitable substrate and a varied diet to keep them happy and healthy.
Kuhli Loaches
Appearance: Kuhli Loaches are eel-like in shape, with elongated bodies and small, pointy heads. They are typically a light brown color with dark, worm-like stripes along their bodies.
Behavior: Kuhli Loaches are a peaceful species and make great additions to a community tank. They are social creatures and should be kept in groups of 5 or more. They are primarily nocturnal and spend most of their time burrowing in the substrate or hiding in caves and crevices.
Diet: Kuhli Loaches are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp or bloodworms. It is important to ensure they have a balanced diet and that any uneaten food is removed from the tank to prevent water quality issues.
Community Fish That Can Coexist in a 50 Gallon Tank
If you want to create a community aquarium in a 50-gallon tank, it’s important to choose fish that can coexist peacefully. Here are some of the best community fish that can thrive in a 50-gallon tank:
Neon Tetras: These bright and colorful fish are a popular choice for community tanks. They are peaceful, easy to care for, and can be kept in groups of 6 or more.
Guppies: Guppies are another great choice for a community tank. They come in a variety of colors and are very active and social. They are also easy to care for and can be kept in groups.
Harlequin Rasboras: These small, peaceful fish are great for community tanks. They are easy to care for and can be kept in groups of 6 or more.
Cherry Barbs: These colorful fish are a great addition to a community tank. They are peaceful and can be kept in groups of 6 or more.
Honey Gouramis: These beautiful fish are a great choice for a community tank. They are peaceful and easy to care for, and can be kept in pairs or small groups.
When selecting fish for a community tank, it’s important to choose species that have similar water temperature and pH requirements. It’s also a good idea to avoid aggressive or territorial fish that may harm other tankmates. With the right combination of fish, you can create a beautiful and harmonious community tank in your 50-gallon aquarium.
Guppies
Colorful: Guppies are known for their bright and vivid colors, making them a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts.
Peaceful: These small fish are peaceful and friendly, making them an ideal choice for a community tank.
Easy to Care for: Guppies are easy to care for and can adapt to a wide range of water conditions, making them a great choice for beginners.
Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. They are also known for their fast breeding habits, so it’s important to keep the male-to-female ratio balanced to prevent overpopulation in the tank. With proper care, guppies can live for up to two years.
Mollies
Mollies are another popular choice for community tanks. They are a hardy fish that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Mollies can adapt to various water conditions, but they prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH between 7.5 and 8.They also prefer a temperature range between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mollies are peaceful and friendly fish that can coexist well with other community fish. They are active swimmers and can add a lot of movement and color to your aquarium. Mollies are omnivorous and will eat both plants and meat, so make sure to provide them with a balanced diet.
One thing to note is that mollies are livebearers, which means they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. If you have both male and female mollies in your tank, be prepared for them to breed and produce offspring.
Swordtails
Colorful: Swordtails come in a variety of colors, making them an attractive addition to any community tank.
Peaceful: These fish are peaceful and won’t bother other tankmates, making them great for community tanks.
Easy to care for: Swordtails are hardy fish and are easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginner aquarists.
Marine Fish and Invertebrates That Can Live in a 50 Gallon Aquarium
Clownfish: One of the most popular saltwater fish, clownfish are hardy and easy to care for. They come in a variety of colors and can be kept in pairs or small groups.
Blue-legged hermit crabs: These small, colorful crabs are great for cleaning up leftover food and algae in the tank. They are peaceful and won’t harm other tank inhabitants.
Firefish: These brightly colored fish are peaceful and easy to care for. They are also very active swimmers, which can add a lot of movement to your tank.
Peppermint shrimp: These shrimp are great for controlling unwanted pests like Aiptasia anemones. They are also very hardy and easy to care for, making them a great addition to any marine tank.
Gobies: Gobies come in a variety of colors and sizes, and they can be great for adding movement and activity to your tank. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish and invertebrates.
Ocellaris Clownfish
Ocellaris Clownfish are one of the most popular marine fish species among aquarists. They are also known as the false percula clownfish and are widely recognized due to their appearance in the movie, Finding Nemo. They are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners. These fish are also known to form a symbiotic relationship with anemones, which can add an interesting dynamic to your tank. Ocellaris clownfish are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet of frozen foods, pellets, and flakes.
When it comes to tank size, a 50-gallon aquarium is suitable for one or two Ocellaris Clownfish. These fish are peaceful and can coexist with other reef-safe fish species such as gobies, blennies, and tangs. It’s important to note that Ocellaris Clownfish are not suitable for a reef tank with anemones, as they can cause damage to corals and other invertebrates in the tank.
Ocellaris Clownfish are hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. The ideal water temperature for these fish is between 75-82ยฐF, with a pH level of 8.1-8.4 and a salinity level of 1.020-1.02It’s important to perform regular water changes and maintain a high-quality filtration system to keep your fish healthy and happy.
Royal Gramma
- Appearance: The Royal Gramma is a small, brightly colored fish with a purple head and yellow tail.
- Behavior: These fish are peaceful and can be kept in a community aquarium with other non-aggressive fish.
- Diet: Royal Grammas are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as frozen shrimp, krill, and small pieces of fish.
While they may be small, Royal Grammas can bring a lot of color and personality to a 50 gallon marine aquarium. They prefer to have plenty of hiding places and may become territorial if their space is too limited. These fish are hardy and relatively easy to care for, making them a great addition to a beginner or intermediate aquarist’s collection.
Peppermint Shrimp
Scientific Name | Common Name | Size |
---|---|---|
Lysmata wurdemanni | Peppermint Shrimp | Up to 2 inches |
Peppermint shrimp are a popular addition to marine aquariums, as they are known to consume unwanted pests such as bristleworms and some species of mantis shrimp. These shrimp have a striking red and white coloration, making them an attractive addition to any tank. They are relatively hardy and can tolerate a range of water conditions, but prefer well-established tanks with plenty of hiding spots.
Peppermint shrimp are peaceful creatures and are unlikely to bother other tank inhabitants, but they may occasionally squabble with each other. They are also known to be sensitive to copper-based medications, so care should be taken when introducing them to a new tank. Overall, peppermint shrimp are a beneficial and low-maintenance addition to a 50-gallon marine aquarium.
If you plan to keep peppermint shrimp, be sure to provide them with plenty of hiding spots such as caves or live rock. They are active at night and may require supplemental feeding if there is not enough natural food in the tank. In terms of tankmates, peppermint shrimp can coexist with a variety of peaceful fish and invertebrates, but should be avoided in tanks with aggressive species such as large angelfish or triggerfish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some community fish that can live in a 50 gallon aquarium?
There are several species of community fish that can thrive in a 50 gallon tank. Some popular options include guppies, mollies, and swordtails. It is important to research the specific needs and behaviors of each species before adding them to your tank.
Can marine fish and invertebrates be kept in a 50 gallon aquarium?
Yes, there are many marine fish and invertebrates that can live in a 50 gallon aquarium. Some popular options include Ocellaris clownfish, royal gramma, and peppermint shrimp. However, it is important to research the specific needs and compatibility of each species before adding them to your tank.
How many fish can a 50 gallon aquarium hold?
The number of fish that can be safely kept in a 50 gallon aquarium depends on factors such as the size of the fish and their activity level. As a general rule of thumb, a 50 gallon tank can comfortably house around 10-15 small community fish or 1-2 larger fish.
What are some factors to consider when choosing fish for a 50 gallon tank?
When choosing fish for a 50 gallon tank, it is important to consider factors such as the size of the fish, their activity level, and their compatibility with other species in the tank. You should also consider the water parameters and temperature requirements of the fish.
Can I mix freshwater and saltwater fish in a 50 gallon aquarium?
No, you should not mix freshwater and saltwater fish in the same aquarium. These two types of fish have different water requirements and incompatible needs. Mixing them together can lead to stress and potentially fatal health problems.
Do I need a filter for a 50 gallon aquarium?
Yes, a filter is necessary for a 50 gallon aquarium to maintain a healthy and clean environment for your fish. The filter helps to remove waste and debris from the water, as well as providing beneficial bacteria to support the nitrogen cycle. It is important to choose a filter that is appropriately sized for your tank and the type of fish you have.