Cold Water Living 8 Aquarium Fish
If you’re looking for aquarium fish that live in cold water, keep reading. The fish types listed here are the most durable aquarium fish that can live without a heater.
We’ve listed the top 8 durable aquarium fish for you that can live in cold water without a heater.
Many aquarium fish live in waters ranging from 22-28 degrees Celsius. In this list, you will learn about the fish species we have specially selected for you, which can even live at temperatures as low as 15 degrees Celsius.
1. Gold – Golden Barb (Barbus Semifasciolatus)
The golden barb is a popular choice among cold water fish due to its sturdy body and attractive appearance. This type of barb, with its lively and bright colors, is a gentle fish that is compatible with many ornamental fish.
It is suitable to keep this ornamental fish, also known as the gold barb, in small schools (5-6 pieces) by nature. As for size, they can grow up to 8 cm in length, so they don’t require very large aquariums.
- Care level: Easy
- Water temperature: 18°C – 24°C
- Maximum size: 8 cm
- Aquarium volume: 60 Liters+
2. Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax Anisitsi)
You can see this type of tetra in many aquarium shops. They are often chosen for their ease of care and because they are durable aquarium fish that live in cold water.
Bloodfin tetra is also a schooling fish, and it is suitable to keep them in groups of 6 or more. They usually swim at the surface and are very active fish. As long as you provide the necessary conditions and do not neglect their care, they can be with you for many years.
- Care level: Easy
- Water temperature: 17°C – 28°C
- Maximum size: 6 cm
- Aquarium volume: 50 Liters+
3. Ancistrus cirrhosus (Ancistrus Sp.)
Although the average temperature for the Ancistrus cirrhosus, which is one of the pleco species, is 22°C, it can withstand water temperatures down to 18°C. With the right conditions, they can be added to the list of cold water fish.
One of their best features is that they are compatible with almost every species. Thanks to the horn-like protrusions on their head, they will definitely add a unique touch to your aquarium.
- Care level: Easy
- Water temperature: 18°C – 26°C
- Maximum size: 15 cm
- Aquarium volume: 80 Liters+
- Bristlenose Pleco Fish Guide
4. Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius)
With its iridescent pink tones, the rosy barb is one of the most durable barb species that can live in cold water. The care for the rosy barb isn’t difficult, and it can be comfortably maintained in water temperatures as low as 17°C.
In addition to their resistance to cold water, they are quite peaceful and gentle species. Therefore, they are suitable for mixed-species aquariums.
- Care level: Easy-Medium
- Water temperature: 17°C – 22°C
- Maximum size: 15 cm
- Aquarium volume: 120 Liters+
5. Butterfly Hillstream Loach(Beaufortia kweichowensis)
The Butterfly Loach (also known as Hillstream loach) is among the most resilient bottom-dwelling fish. Although this species prefers cold waters and is typically kept in temperatures between 18-24°C, it is known to tolerate temperatures as low as 16°C.
In addition to their resilience, they are very attractive aquarium fish with fins resembling butterfly wings. They have evolved in this manner to withstand their natural habitats which possess high currents.
- Care level: Easy-Medium
- Water temperature: 18°C – 24°C
- Maximum size: 8 cm
- Aquarium volume: 120 Liters+
6. Fantail (Carassius auratus)
The Fantail Goldfish can be described as a fancier version of the standard goldfish. They are more cold water tolerant than many other types of goldfish. In fact, goldfish in general are considered cold water fish, but this particular species is one of the most resilient.
In addition to this feature, they have a very distinct appearance. You can be sure they will add a unique touch to your aquarium with their magnificent tail fins. They are among the fish that can be cared for without the need for a heater. It is also known that they are kept in open-air ornamental ponds in Japan.
- Care level: Easy
- Water temperature: 17°C – 24°C
- Maximum size: 20 cm
- Aquarium volume: 60 Liters+
7. Zebra Danio (Brachydanio rerio)
Known also as the zebra fish, the zebra danio can tolerate temperatures down to 17°C. Another fish in its species that is resistant to cold water is the pearl danio.
Although you might see them in vibrant colors at fish stores, their actual color consists of silver stripes over a dark blue base. They have been genetically modified to produce various colors.
- Care level: Easy
- Water temperature: 18°C – 24°C
- Maximum size: 6 cm
- Aquarium volume: 50 Liters+
8. Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis)
The Paradise Fish might be the most visually stunning fish on our list of cold-water aquarium fish. Its resilience combined with its breathtaking appearance makes it a choice for many hobbyists. It’s among the cold water fish that can live in water with temperatures as low as 16°C without the need for a heater.
It’s not a difficult species to care for. As long as the maintenance of the aquarium isn’t neglected and the needs of the fish are met, it’s suitable even for beginners.
The only point of caution is to carefully select the species you introduce alongside the Paradise Fish. Otherwise, it might exhibit aggressive behavior.
- Care level: Easy-Medium
- Water temperature: 16°C – 26°C
- Maximum size: 10 cm
- Aquarium volume: 70 Liters+
There are many aquarium fish that live in cold water. We tried to make things easier for you by selecting the most popular and easy-to-care-for species.
Some believe there aren’t fish that can live without a heater. Although many aquarium fish require tropical conditions, there are also species that thrive in cold water.
Lastly, please do not hesitate to leave a comment for any questions or opinions you might have.
FAQs
Can Aquarium Fish Live in Cold Water?
While many require tropical conditions, there are also aquarium fish that can live in cold water. We have listed 8 of them for you.
Do Goldfish Live in Cold Water?
Yes, while some require water temperatures of 20°C and above, there are goldfish that can live in aquarium water as low as 15°C. For example, the fantail goldfish.
