7 Most Hardy Species of Fish For Fish bowl

Betta fish in a round fish bowl

A fish bowl in the world of aquariums is a mostly round tank where the fish you keep in them is visible, from every direction and dimension. It really showcases the fish’s beauty and serenity.

In the present times, you can see one of these in every household. A fish bowl is not the biggest tank, and is quite compact when it comes to size. Still, there is a variety of magnificent breeds you can keep and care for.

In this article, we will talk about some species or the best fish for fish bowl. Let us get started.

Fish that can live in a Fish Bowl

A fish bowl can glorify the visual aesthetics of any fish, but a fish needs to be hardy enough. This type of bowl cannot be crowded, so every intricate detail is visible to our eyes.

In order to cover a few perfect choices that are apt, we must delve deep into the choice of fishes that are hardy enough, to make it to the list of best fish for fish bowl:

01

Dwarf Gourami

A Dwarf Gourami comfortably swimming in a 2-gallon fish bowl.

Let us have a quick look at a few important aspects:

Number of fishes to keep1
Fish bowl size2 gallons
Temperature25 Degrees Celsius
SizeAbout 3 inches.
Other informationThere is no need for air pump as they breathe atmospheric air.

In a fish-bowl situation, it is always recommended to not overcrowd it. It is round and has limited space and outlet for resources, in case of the two fishes that are fine kept together in a 2-gallon tank. The temperature of at least 25 Degrees Celsius must not be unstable, as it is very important for their sustenance and nourishment. They grow up to the size of 3 inches. Additionally, there is no specific need for an air pump as they can breathe atmospheric air and survive. 

To have a closer look at the species, let us check this out:

OriginSouthern Asia (Pakistan, India- West Bengal, Assam and Bangladesh)
FamilyOsphronemidae
SocialPeaceful
DietOmnivorous
Care LevelIntermediate
LifespanAbout 6 years.
Colour/PatternPowder blue
Neon blue
Honey
Flame Red
Blue

Being a fish of shy nature, Dwarf Gourami fishes prefer a peaceful community. This variant of Gourami fishes swim together, if kept in a pair. They are known as labyrinth fish as they have a special organ, which is just like the lung. This labyrinth organ requires them to have access to the surface of the water. The Dwarf Gourami is a freshwater fish of immense beauty, originating from slow-moving streams of Southern Asia.  

Neither they are very complicated to care for, nor do they have problems with their diet. From the family of Osphronemidae, these top-mid dwelling fishes from Southern Asia, living for as long as 6 years they are a perfect fit for your fish bowl at home.

02

Guppy 

Guppy fish can survive in a 1.5-gallon bowl with ease.

Let us brief you with some things you might need to know:

Number of fishes to keep
Fish bowl size1.5 gallons
Temperature25 Degrees Celsius
SizeAbout 2 inches.
Other informationAir pump can be helpful.

In a bowl situation of at least 1.5 gallons, the Guppies are a perfect pick. They only grow about 2 inches, which makes it easier to pair them up. The temperature needs to be maintained as the warmth in water is necessary, an average temperature of about 25 Degrees Celsius is suggested. An air pump, although, is necessary, as they cannot depend on atmospheric air for their breathing purpose.

Let us have a closer look at the species:

OriginNative parts of the Caribbean
Native parts of South America
FamilyPoeciliidae
SocialPeaceful
DietOmnivorous
Care LevelEasy
Lifespan2 years
Colour/PatternVariety of colours ranging from iridophore pigment where they can change colours as a defensive mechanism to most available colours.

The Guppy fish is an aquarist favourite, and a peaceful species of fish. Originally from the Poeciliidae family, Guppies are available in multiple colours. They have a special ability to change their colour, in the presence of a predator, just like a chameleon. Living for up to 2 years, and being easy to care for, they are a perfect pick for your bowl. 

The feeding is easy too, as there is a variety of feedable you can choose from. They are omnivorous beings originating from the native fragments of South America, and the Caribbean. They are a perfect pick for your fish bowl as a result of their serenity and flexibility. The rare iridophore pigment and their interesting ability to change colours automatically, makes them a choice pick for the bowl.

03

Zebra Danio

A Zebra Danio can survive with up to three companions in a fish bowl.

Let us have a quick look at some key elements in a bowl:

Number of fishes to keep2-3
Fish bowl size1.5 gallons
Temperature25 Degrees Celsius
Size2 inches.
Other informationAir pump can be helpful.

In a fish bowl of at least 1.5 gallons, up to three fishes can be kept together. They are not very big in size and only grow about 2 inches. The warm waters of about 25 Degrees Celsius is necessary for a healthy life. They might be able to survive with atmospheric air, but get highly benefited from an air pump.

To have a closer look at the species, let us have a quick look at this:

OriginMyanmar, Pakistan, parts of India and Bangladesh.
FamilyCyprinidae
SocialPeaceful
DietOmnivorous
Care LevelEasy
Lifespan3.5-5.5 years
Colour/PatternNatural blue and silver striped, albino, golden and glo morphs.Distinct horizontal stripes.

They are fishes of peaceful nature, compatible with the same species.  Getting along with most tank mates, so pairing them up with other fishes in the bowl should not be a problem. As long as the bowl is not overcrowded, these beautiful breeds of Danios are easy to care for and feed. Zebra Danio omnivorous beings of the Cyprinidae family, available in a variety of colours, they are found all over the parts of Myanmar, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. 

These are majestic beings, which can well-adapt to the bowl situation and this makes them a perfect selection for your bowl at home. Additionally, their variations in colour and pattern speak volumes about their presence in the bowl making them apt for this list of best fish for fish bowl.

04

Siamese Fighting Fish or Betta

A beautiful Betta fish can live comfortably in a 1.5-gallon bowl.

Let us have a look at the stats before we get started:

Number of fishes to keep1
Fish bowl size1.5 gallons
Temperature25 Degrees Celsius
Size2.5 inches.
Other informationThere is no need for an air, pump as they breathe atmospheric air.

In a fish bowl scenario of at least 1.5 gallons, it is recommended to keep only one at a time. Growing up to a size of 2.5 inches, almost about 3 inches, they are some of the bigger fishes in this list. This aggressive breed is very appealing to the eye and its majestic presence in the bowl is precious. There is no need for an air pump, as they have the ability to survive on atmospheric air that is naturally available.

To have a closer look at the breed, let us brief you through a few things:

OriginSoutheast Asia- Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand.
FamilyOsphronemidae
SocialAggressive
DietOmnivorous
Care LevelEasy
Lifespan2-5 years
Colour/PatternVariety of colours and patterns ranging from plain whites or blacks and so on, to vibrant variants like pastel and etc.

Originating from Southeast Asia, this aggressive breed or Betta fish is from the Osphronemidae family. The Siamese Fighting Fish is beginner-friendly, and a veteran aquarist favourite. They live about 5 years where feeding is not a complicated task for their omnivorous nature.

Ranging from both plain or solid colour variants, to the most vibrant ones which look beautiful in the bowl, they are a perfect pick or rather, a must in the exclusive list of the best fish for fish bowl.

05

Paradise Fish

This beautiful Paradise fish can exist easily in a 2-gallon fish bowl.

Let us brief you up with some things you might want to have a quick look at:

Number of fishes to keep1
Fish bowl size2 gallons
Temperature22 Degrees Celsius.
Size3 inches.
Other informationThere is no need for an air pump as they breathe atmospheric air.

Growing up to the size of almost 3 inches, about one fish is recommended to be kept in a fish bowl. The waters should have a constant 22 Degrees Celsius temperature maintenance. In a minimum bowl size of 2 gallons, this breed is a fit for your tank at home, as they do not require any additional pump for air supply and can survive with ease with just proper feeding and atmospheric air.

Let us have a look at a few key specifications of the breed:

OriginEast Asia- Korean Peninsula to Northern Vietnam.
FamilyOsphronemidae
SocialPeaceful
DietOmnivorous
Care LevelIntermediate
Lifespan8-10 years
Colour/PatternBlue and Red stripes.

Originated from the Osphronemidae family, this species of Gourami is relatively peaceful. Being comparatively larger in size than the other fishes in the list, pairing needs to be done after a thorough thought. Paradise fish species is not friendly to small fish, so we recommend you keep them in a species-only bowl for its suitability.

The care level for them is intermediate, so aquarists with little experience can handle them better for its flexibility. Feeding them is easy, there is a lot to choose from for them being omnivores. They live long and come in beautiful colours, like striped red or blue. Originating from East Asia, these exquisite beings are a choice of worth for your fish bowl. The two-tone red and blue stripes look very interesting, making it a sharp choice for the bowl.

06

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

A regular White Cloud Mountain minnow, about 5 of them can survive in a 3-gallon fish bowl.

Let us have a look at the stats before we get started:

Number of fishes to keep3-5
Fish bowl size3 gallons
Temperature15 Degrees Celsius
Size1-1.5 inches
Other informationAir pump can be helpful.

In a fish bowl, with just about 1-1.5 inches the White Cloud Mountain Minnow fishes can be kept. The minimum bowl size needs to be 3 gallons, in order to accommodate about a school of 3-5 fish. The water temperature should be at least 15 Degrees Celsius, and the fishes will benefit from the air pump as they have issues in breathing from atmospheric air.

To dive in deep into a few brief key features of the species, here goes a few:

OriginWhite Cloud Mountains of China.
FamilyCyprinidae
SocialPeaceful and friendly.
DietOmnivorous
Care LevelEasy
Lifespan5 years
Colour/PatternIridescent pink and black stripes along the lateral lines with silver and green scales.

Originally belonging to the Cyprinidae family, this is a friendly and peaceful species. These species are small in size, so an average bowl can accommodate about five fishes. The omnivorous preference gives you a wide range of feedable to choose from. Majestic beings with an easy-care routine, is what actually makes them a perfect pick for your personal choice of best fish in a fish bowl.

Mostly originating from the mountainous region of China, these species are an interesting choice to be in the bowl. Their iridescence in pink and black stripes alongside the silver and green scales, make it look surreal in the bowl. It instantly increases your bowl’s appeal.

07

Pygmy Corydoras

Up to 4 Pygmy Corydoras can survive in a 3-gallon bowl.

Before we get started, here are a few bowl specifications:

Number of fishes to keep4
Fish bowl size3 gallons
Temperature22-26 Degrees Celsius
Size1 inch
Other informationAir pump can be helpful.

Probably one of the smallest fishes in the list, Pygmy Corydoras are moderately good in the bowl situation. The temperature requirement stands at 22-26 Degrees Celsius. An average bowl of 3 gallons can hold about four fishes. An air pump is necessary in this case, as they are not very good at surviving with atmospheric air.

A more detailed look at the species itself, here goes a few elements:

OriginMadeira River basin in Brazil and tropical inland waters in South America.
FamilyCallichthyidae
SocialPeaceful  
DietOmnivorous
Care LevelEasy 
Lifespan3 years  
Colour/PatternSilver with horizontal lines in black.  

Originating from the basin region in Brazil and tropical inland waters in South America, the Pygmy Corydoras belongs to the Callichthyidae family. They are peaceful by nature and temperament. 

The omnivorous diet preference makes it quite easy to feed them, as there is a list of feedable to choose from. Living for up to 3 years this species is a good pick for your bowl as they are hardy by nature and look extremely pulchritudinous. 

The silver looks striking, along with the black line-like markings.

Bonus Point

Air  pump

A small external pump with an air stone that can be submerged. They are not very expensive, and help in oxygen supply. It is mostly helpful when the breed is unable to breathe, or survive on atmospheric air.

Conclusion

Conclusively, this Top 7 is the best pick for your fish bowl. Most fishes mentioned above are not very big in size, and the numbers have been presented for your ease. The care level range is easy-intermediate. Most of the care tactics for these are beginner-friendly, and are also fit for veteran aquarists. 

Their omnivorous diet makes feeding easy, as there is a huge variety of foods to choose from. In a bowl, these fishes would do just fine, if certain needs are met. The above-stated list is filled with hardy fishes, that can adapt to a wide range of water parameters. Most might require an air pump, but that falls under the bare minimum requisitions for the tank.

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