Temperate Fish

Temperate fish are freshwater species that are happy at cooler temperatures than a typical tropical tank, often around 16 to 22°C. They suit unheated or lightly heated aquariums, which makes them a good fit for rooms that stay cool or for fishkeepers who want colour without running a tropical setup.

Popular temperate fish include White Cloud Mountain minnows, some danios and barbs, and a number of small shoaling fish from subtropical rivers. Many are active, hardy and colourful, and they mix well with each other in a planted community tank. Some can also share a tank with cherry shrimp and freshwater snails.

Check the preferred temperature for each species and keep it steady. In a cool room, a low-wattage aquarium heater set to the bottom of the range stops the tank dropping too far in winter, and an aquarium thermometer lets you check it daily. Hardy live plants grow well at cooler temperatures and give fish cover. Use dechlorinator at every water change and feed small amounts of quality flake food. For heated tanks, see our tropical fish range.

Charterhouse Aquatics keeps a changing selection of temperate fish, and our team can help you plan a cool-water community tank.