7 Yellow Freshwater Fish Perfect for Your Aquarium

Written by Em Casalena
Updated: July 10, 2023
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There are many types of excellent aquarium fish out there, but not all of them are yellow. When crafting the perfect aquarium, there’s nothing quite like a pop of yellow to really give it a natural, tropical look. Luckily, there are quite a few yellow freshwater fish out there that are perfect for at-home aquariums of various sizes. Let’s check some of them out!

7 Yellow Freshwater Fish Perfect for Aquariums
These beautiful yellow fish add a splash of sunshine to any freshwater aquarium.

1. Electric Yellow Cichlid

The popular yellow freshwater fish species known as Electric Yellow Cichlids are native to Lake Malawi in Africa. They get their name because of their distinctive yellow color, which can range from a brilliant lemon yellow to an intense electric yellow. These cichlids are appropriate for medium-sized aquariums since they are quite little, growing to an average size of three to four inches.

Electric Yellow Cichlids often eat tiny insects and algae in the wild. They have a flexible diet in captivity and are amenable to a wide range of foods. Although high-quality pellet or flake food made specifically for cichlids is an excellent mainstay, it’s also advisable to sometimes add live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia to their diet to offer extra nutrients.

For a number of reasons, Electric Yellow Cichlids make great aquarium fish. To start, their brilliant yellow color transforms any aquarium into an eye-catching show by adding a vivid flash of color. In a community tank setup, they get along well with other non-aggressive fish species since they are also pretty docile for cichlids.

Just as well, Electric Yellow Cichlids are resilient and flexible. They can survive in a variety of aquatic environments. They are suited for both novice and seasoned aquarists because of their ease of maintenance. These cichlids have a reputation for engaging in somewhat humorous behavior and are capable of showing unusual social interactions with other members of their own species.

Electric Yellow Cichlids (pictured) are excellent basic yellow freshwater fish for beginners.

©Theatrus / Creative Commons

2. Golden Dwarf Barb

Another small, calm yellow freshwater fish on our list is called the Golden Dwarf Barb. These fish are indigenous to Southeast Asia. They are also frequently referred to as Golden or Gold Barbs. As their name indicates, they have a lovely golden hue that gives any aquarium a touch of elegance. Golden Dwarf Barbs are appropriate for small community aquariums due to their compact nature. They normally grow to a length of one-and-a-half to two inches.

Golden Dwarf Barbs consume worms, tiny insects, and plant detritus in their natural habitat. They are omnivorous and will readily consume a variety of diets in an aquarium setting. They need high-quality flake or pellet food as their main source of nutrition, with the occasional addition of frozen or live meals like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.

For various reasons, Golden Dwarf Barbs are great aquarium fish. When housed in groups, their brilliant golden hue enhances any tank’s aesthetic appeal. They are good for community tanks since they are calm and often get along well with other fish species. They are perfect for planted tanks or smaller aquarium settings because of their little size.

These barbs are enthusiastic swimmers that take pleasure in discovering new places. They behave in an intriguing way and engage in amusing encounters with members of their own species. Golden Dwarf Barbs are a calm species with very minimal care needs, making them a good choice for both inexperienced and seasoned aquarists.

Golden Dwarf Barbs and Golden Barbs (pictured) both make excellent aquarium fish.

©tupulointi/Shutterstock.com

3. Lemon Tetra

Small, colorful, and yellow freshwater fish known as Lemon Tetras provide a dash of brightness to any aquarium. They are South American natives and get their name from the lemon-yellow coloring that covers both their bodies and fins. Since lemon tetras are schooling fish, it is best to keep them in groups of at least six or more for optimal growth.

Lemon Tetras eat tiny insects, worms, and crustaceans in their native environment. They readily eat a variety of meals in captivity, including premium flake or pellet food made for tropical fish. Just as well, it is a good idea to add live or frozen items like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms to their diet in order to enrich them with extra nutrients.

For many reasons, Lemon Tetras are great aquarium fish. Their bright yellow coloring puts on a truly arresting show, especially in schools. They engage with other tetras and exhibit intriguing schooling behavior. They are calm and friendly, as well.

These tetras are good for beginner aquarists since they are quite resilient and easy to care for. They are able to survive in community tanks with other calm fish species and adapt well to a variety of water conditions. Lemon Tetras are enthusiastic swimmers and appreciate an aquarium with lush plants and lots of swimming areas.

closeup-lemon-tetra-swimming

Lemon Tetras (pictured) are known for their neon yellow coloration and mild translucency.

©iStock.com/Juan Carlos Juarez Jaramillo

4. Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Another very chill freshwater fish worth considering is called the Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnow. These fish are exclusive to China’s White Cloud Mountain region. They are a version of the well-known White Cloud Mountain Minnows, but they have a golden hue. These small, lively fish have a stunning gold coloring that gives any aquarium a touch of elegance rather than vibrance. They are a popular option for community tanks and smaller aquariums.

Because they are omnivorous, these minnows will eat a range of things. High-quality flake or pellet food can be the mainstay of their diet, with tiny live or frozen items like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms serving as supplements. They also enjoy the occasional bit of algae and plant matter.

For a number of reasons, these minnows make great aquarium fish. Their strikingly beautiful golden coloring enhances the tank’s aesthetic appeal, especially when several of them are swimming together. They are good for community tanks since they are calm and often get along well with other fish species.

The resilience and adaptability of the Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnow to varied water conditions are well documented. They are perfect for a newbie since they can survive a broad variety of temperatures and pH levels. They make fantastic selections for smaller aquariums or planted tanks because of their modest size and active temperament.

golden breed of white cloud mountain minnow, adult pregnant female of dwarf coldwater species, bright blurred healthy plants, Amano style design, balance of nature

Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows are calm and get along well with other fish species.


Image: Aleron Val, Shutterstock

©Aleron Val/Shutterstock.com

5. Gold Angelfish

A stunning and popular variation of the common angelfish is the Gold Angelfish. These fish have long, flowing fins and stunning golden color. With their triangular bodies and vertical stripes, gold angelfish have a charming and exquisite look.

Gold Angelfish are omnivorous in terms of food. They frequently eat a range of meals, with a high-quality flake or pellet food serving as a mainstay. To provide them with the vital nutrients needed in their diet, their diet must be supplemented with live or frozen items such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia.

Gold Angelfish are extremely popular aquarium fish. To start, the tank is given an air of grandeur and elegance by the fish’s gorgeous golden hue and overall presence. They form eye-catching centerpiece fish in bigger aquariums thanks to their distinctive shape and beautiful swimming styles.

They are good for community tanks with other non-aggressive species because of their typically placid nature. Care should be used while selecting tank mates, though, since angelfish may be aggressive and will sometimes nip at smaller fish or species with long fins.

Gold Angelfish can survive in a variety of water conditions since they are quite durable and versatile. They are also quite intelligent and may develop relationships with their owners over time and recognize them when it is time for feeding.

Gold Angelfish (pictured) can come in a wide range of yellow and white hues.

©Visa Kopu, Roxeteer / CC BY-SA 3.0 – License

6. Golden Gourami

The beautiful labyrinth fish called Golden Gouramis can add a touch of golden brightness to aquariums. They are a popular variation of the Three-Spot Gourami, with vivid golden-yellow coloring and hints of blue or black. Their long, flowing fins and labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe air, give them a unique appearance.

Golden Gouramis are omnivorous in terms of diet. They accept a broad variety of meals and have a diversified appetite. They need high-quality flake or pellet food as a mainstay of a balanced diet. Also, they like frozen or live meals like brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia.

For various reasons, golden gouramis make great aquarium fish. First of all, it has a brilliant and eye-catching golden color. Their flowing fins and beautiful swimming motions make them aesthetically attractive to watch.

They can cohabit with a range of non-aggressive fish species since they are often docile. Care should be used while selecting tank mates since Gouramis can be a bit aggressive toward smaller or similar-looking fish and can be territorial.

Golden Gouramis can survive in a variety of water conditions because they are resilient and adaptive. They are suited for both novice and seasoned aquarists because of their ease of maintenance. They make entertaining and lovable pets due to their interactive behavior and ability to identify their owners.

Golden or Honey Gourami (pictured) have a tendency to be slightly territorial in aquariums.

©Przemek Iciak/Shutterstock.com

7. Yellow Betta Fish

The Yellow Betta Fish is a colorful and attractive variety of the well-known Betta Fish. They are also commonly known as Yellow Betta Splendens or Yellow Siamese Fighting Fish. They can have tints ranging from light lemon to dark golden yellow but are most renowned for their vivid yellow coloring. Because of their eye-catching look, these fish are widely sought out in the pet trade.

The carnivorous yellow Betta Fish often eat tiny invertebrates in their native environment. They can be fed a diet made up of premium pellets or flake food created especially for Bettas while kept in captivity. To provide them with the critical nutrients they need, it is wise to sometimes add live or frozen meals to their diet, such as brine shrimp or bloodworms.

When it comes down to it, who doesn’t love Betta Fish? They’re one of the most popular pet fish in the world. To start, any tank can be brightened by this fish’s vivid yellow color, which is absolutely entrancing. Their elegant swimming strokes and fabric-like flowing fins add to their visual appeal.

An individual Yellow Betta Fish can be housed in a smaller tank because this species of fish are naturally solitary. They don’t require elaborate filtering systems to survive and thrive in appropriately-sized aquariums. These fish can also tolerate a variety of water conditions because of their relative hardiness and adaptability. Bettas can exhibit personality qualities, like reacting to stimuli and even “flaring” their fins during territorial displays. They also often come to recognize their owners.

What do Betta Fish Eat - Row of Betta Fish

Bettas (pictured) come in a wide range of colors, including yellow.

©panpilai paipa/Shutterstock.com

These yellow freshwater fish a perfect for many different types of aquariums! While some might be harder to find than others, these fish are all excellent choices for your freshwater setup.

Summary of 7 Yellow Freshwater Fish Perfect for Your Aquarium

#Fish
1Electric Yellow Cichlid
2Golden Dwarf Barb
3Lemon Tetra
4Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnow
5Gold Angelfish
6Golden Gourami
7Yellow Betta Fish

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Ekachai050050


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About the Author

Em Casalena is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on plants, gardening, and sustainability. Em has been writing and researching about plants for nearly a decade and is a proud Southwest Institute of Healing Arts graduate and certified Urban Farming instructor. Em is a resident of Arizona and enjoys learning about eco-conscious living, thrifting at local shops, and caring for their Siamese cat Vladimir.

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