Whether a seasoned pro, or new to the fish-keeping hobby, learning about temperate fish and their unique needs and features can help further your knowledge and understanding of the hobby, and maybe even introduce you to new options for your existing or future tank.
Temperate fish also known as subtropical fish are species that will thrive in moderate temperature ranges, defined between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C).
Let’s dive deeper into the world of temperate fish, the different species available, and some benefits these fish offer you in the fish-keeping hobby.
What Defines a Temperate Fish?
Being able to not only survive, but preferring these moderate temperatures allows these species to fit nicely between tropical fish that enjoy warmer temperatures, and cold-water species.
Since a typical home stays within the temperature range of these fish, they may also be referred to as room-temperature fish.
Examples of Temperate Fish
Many species are considered temperate fish, these include:
Flagfish
Flagfish, a type of killfish, is mostly found in Florida.
These fish can handle both tropical and subtropical climates but prefer the temperate climate with temps staying between 64°F and 72°F (18°C – 22°C). Making them a perfect temperate fish.
They average in length between 2 and 2.5 inches when fully grown and can handle a wide range of pH parameters of 6.5 to 8.5.
When dealing with algae in a temperate tank, these fish will rise to the occasion.
They are known to be excellent algae eaters, even being able to help control both hair algae and black beard algae.
Being a temperate fish they also make a great addition to outdoor ponds, where they can control algae and mosquitoes by eating the larvae.
Zebra Danio
With their iconic blue striping, these small surface-dwelling fish are an excellent example of a temperate species, preferring water temperatures ranging from 64°F to 75°F (18°C – 24°C).
They will be roughly an inch in length when fully grown and enjoy pH levels between 7 and 8.
They are shoaling fish, meaning they would like to be kept in groups of six or more.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
A fish native to China, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is almost entirely tank-bred due to its limited wild population.
With their extreme hardiness and their preference for water temperatures between 65°F and 77°F (18°C – 25°C), these small, colorful fish make excellent beginner temperate fish.
They will typically grow to around 1.5 inches and will be found swimming in the top and mid-levels of an aquarium. They also prefer a pH range between 6.5-8.5 making them a great fish for a wide variety of tanks.
Variatus Platy
Coming in a variety of colors, the Variatus Platy may be one of the most colorful temperate fish.
Growing to a size between 2 and 3 inches, these temperate fish thrive in water temperatures in the range of 61°F – 75°F (16°C – 24°C).
They also like pH levels between 7 and 8.
Another interesting thing about the Variatus Platy is unlike the other fish in this list, these fish are live-bearers, meaning that instead of laying eggs, these fish give birth to live free-swimming fry.
Ricefish
These easy-to-care-for fish are a great addition to any temperate tank as these fish prefer temperatures between 61°F – 75°F (16°C – 24°C), making a heater not required.
They are easy to breed, so if you are looking for a temperate fish to breed, these might be an excellent choice, and thrive in a wide range of pH levels, being able to handle levels between 6.5 and 8.5.
Rosy Barbs
A staple temperate fish, Rosy Barbs will have a reddish pink hue in the males, while the females have a goldish to silver coloration that will give a striking color addition to any tank.
They enjoy temperatures between 64°F – 72°F (18°C – 22°C), and pH levels in the range of 6-8.
These fish will be found roaming the middle levels of the tank, and will typically grow to an average of 4 inches.
Keeping Temperate Fish
Keeping temperate fish is very similar to keeping other fish, albeit without the need to keep them in water heated in most cases.
Because of the fish liking temperatures that resemble those of a typical temperature-controlled home, the water temperatures will naturally match these preferred temps.
Feeding these fish is also quite easy.
Some foods are sold as dedicated temperate fish food.
However, generally, the ingredients contained in these are nearly identical to those of tropical fish food, and for the most part, can be used interchangeably.
Benefits of a Temperate Fish Tank
These fish offer a unique balance that can be very beneficial in different circumstances.
One of these benefits is that these fish do not require a tank environment that needs the heating that tropical fish species thrive with, or cold environments that cold species enjoy.
These setups can reduce the overall equipment needed to run these tanks, as a heater is not required for these fish to survive inside of a home, allowing for a less complex setup.
This can also be beneficial if the placement of your tank will be in an area that receives direct air from a home’s air unit.
Instead of having your heater combating this, having a temperate tank allows the temperature of the tank to be fine and room temperature.
Final Thoughts
When considering your next tank, remember to consider a temperate tank.
These fish give many options in terms of their colors, and the benefits of needing less equipment than their tropical fish counterparts.
Understanding what these temperate fish offer may give you more options for you to consider in your fish-keeping journey.