When it comes to choosing fish for your aquarium, it’s important to consider their requirements. Some fish prefer calm waters, while others thrive in strong currents. If you have a filtration system or powerheads that provide additional flow in your tank, you may want to consider adding one of these 21 fish species that are known to enjoy strong currents.
Hillstream Loach
If you’re looking for an amazing companion that can thrive in strong currents, Hillstream Loach could be the perfect pet you’re looking for. This fascinating fish species can be a great addition to any aquarium, as they are not only great to look at but also have an incredible ability to adjust themselves to different water conditions. Here are some key facts to keep in mind if you’re considering adding Hillstream Loach to your tank:
- Tank Size: 20 gallons or more (76 liters or more)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Adult Size: 5 inches (13 cm)
- Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – Algae, vegetables, insects, and small crustaceans.
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Behavior: Peaceful and active fish that love to explore their environment.
Hillstream Loach are good for algae control as they love to graze on it. They are very active and like to swim against the current, making them an excellent choice for tanks that have a strong current. Though they can be a bit challenging to care for, the amount of activity they provide is well worth it.
Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish are a beautiful option for those looking for fish that thrive in strong water currents. Their sleek body and vibrant color make them an excellent addition to any aquarium. Here are some things to keep in mind when caring for rainbowfish:
- Tank Size: Rainbowfish require at least a 30-gallon tank (114 liters) to accommodate their active swimming habits.
- Care Level: They are relatively easy to care for, making them a suitable choice for beginners.
- Adult Size: They can grow up to 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length.
- Temperature: Rainbowfish prefer a water temperature between 75 and 82°F (24 to 28°C).
- Diet & Feeding: These omnivores thrive on a diet that includes both plants and meat-based food, such as flake and frozen food.
- Lifespan: With proper care, rainbowfish can live up to 5 to 7 years on average.
- Behavior: Rainbowfish are known for their peaceful and social behavior. They enjoy the company of other fish and tend to swim in the middle layers of the aquarium.
Bala Shark
Bala Shark, scientifically known as Balantiocheilos melanopterus, also known as the Silver Shark or the Tricolor Shark, is a great addition to an aquarium with strong water current. Here are some key points to know about these fish:
- Tank Size: They require at least a 75-gallon (283.9 liters) aquarium.
- Care Level: Bala Sharks are relatively easy to care for.
- Adult Size: They grow up to a length of 13-14 inches (33-36 cm).
- Temperature: They prefer a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C).
- Diet & Feeding: Bala Sharks are omnivorous and feed on flake, pellet, freeze-dried, and live foods.
- Lifespan: With proper care, they can live up to 10-15 years in captivity.
- Behavior: Bala Sharks are peaceful in nature but can become territorial during breeding and feeding time.
It’s important to keep them in small groups of 6 or more, provide lots of swimming space, and perform regular aquarium maintenance to ensure their well-being.
Zebra Danios
If you’re looking for a hardy and active fish to add to your aquarium, the Zebra Danios could be the perfect fit. Here are some of the important facts you need to know:
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) or larger
- Care Level: Easy
- Adult Size: Up to 2 inches (5.1 cm)
- Temperature: 65°F to 77°F (18.3°C to 25°C)
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – eat flakes, pellets and live/frozen food
- Lifespan: Up to 5 years
- Behavior: Peaceful and active, they do well in groups of 6 or more and enjoy a strong current.
Zebra Danios are known for their distinct black and white stripes, and they love swimming in strong currents. They are fast swimmers and are highly active, which makes them a great addition to your tank. They are also peaceful, making them great tankmates for most fish species.
Gold Barb
Gold barbs, or Puntius sachsii, native to Sri Lanka, are hardy fish that can live in various aquarium conditions, including strong water currents. This species is known for its bright gold color, which becomes more vivid in stronger light.
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters) or more
- Care Level: Easy
- Adult Size: 2-3 inches (5-8 cm)
- Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; live, frozen or dried food such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and flakes.
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Behavior: Gold barbs are peaceful but can be somewhat territorial during breeding times. They can be kept with other friendly fish such as danios, gouramis and rasboras. These barbs are active and fast swimmers, and appreciate a well-planted aquarium with enough hiding spots.
Rainbow Shark
The Rainbow Shark is a popular freshwater fish known for its vibrant coloration and active behavior. Here are some things you need to know if you want to keep Rainbow Sharks thriving in your strong current aquarium.
- Tank Size: You should keep Rainbow Sharks in a 50-gallon tank for the first one, and 20 gallons more for each additional fish.
- Care Level: The Rainbow Shark is easy to care for as it is a hardy fish.
- Adult Size: They can grow up to 6 inches in length.
- Temperature: The Rainbow Shark likes warm water and needs a temperature range of 75-81°F (24-27°C).
- Diet & Feeding: They are omnivores, so a balanced diet of pellets, flakes, and live or frozen food is ideal. They also enjoy munching on algae, so you can supplement their diet with greens.
- Lifespan: These fish have a lifespan of around 5-8 years in captivity.
- Behavior: They are territorial and can be fairly aggressive toward other bottom-dwelling fish. Be sure to provide them enough hiding spaces to reduce stress.
Clown Loach
The Clown Loach is a lovely fish that adds vibrant color to your aquarium. These fish are well-known for their playful behavior and striking striped pattern. Here are some important details you should know if you plan to keep clown loaches in your aquarium.
- Tank Size: 75 gallons (283.91 liters) or larger
- Care Level: Moderate
- Adult Size: 12 inches (30.48 cm)
- Temperature: 75-86°F (24-30°C)
- Diet & Feeding: Sinking pellets or frozen bloodworms
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- Behavior: Peaceful and social with other clown loaches. They might hide more when they feel threatened.
Denison Barbs
If you’re looking for a colorful fish capable of thriving in a strong current, the Denison Barb is an excellent choice. Also known as the red-lined torpedo barb or roseline shark, this species is native to India and can grow up to 6 inches in length.
Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: 40 gallons / 151 liters or larger
- Care Level: Moderate
- Adult Size: 4 to 6 inches
- Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, flake and pellet food, live and frozen food
- Lifespan: Up to 5 years
- Behavior: Peaceful, prefers to swim in schools
Denison Barbs enjoy plenty of space to swim and are peaceful fish that do well in a community aquarium. They enjoy swimming in strong currents and must be kept in groups of six or more. Denison Barbs require consistent water parameters, a nutritious diet, and a well-maintained aquarium for optimal health.
Rasboras
Rasboras are hardy fish that are ideal for aquariums with strong water currents. Here are some important details to consider when caring for Rasboras:
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (37 liters) or larger.
- Care Level: Easy.
- Adult Size: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in length.
- Temperature: 72-82 °F (22-28 °C).
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous. They can be fed a diet of high-quality flakes, frozen, and live foods.
- Lifespan: 3-5 years.
- Behavior: Active swimmers that are generally shoaling fish. Rasboras should be kept in groups of six or more. They are peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful fish species.
There are various species of Rasboras, including harlequin, lambchop, scissor-tail, and blackline Rasboras. These fish prefer planted tanks with a flow rate of 6-10 times the volume of the tank per hour. Keep in mind that Rasboras are sensitive to water parameters, so make sure to regularly check the water parameters and maintain clean water conditions.
White Cloud Minnow
The White Cloud Minnow, also known as the White Cloud Mountain Minnow, is a small and active freshwater fish that is ideal for strong current aquariums. Here are some key points to consider:
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) or larger.
- Care Level: Easy.
- Adult Size: Up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) in length.
- Temperature: 64-72°F (18-22°C).
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, they will accept most fish foods including flakes and pellets.
- Lifespan: 3-5 years on average, but can live up to 7 years with proper care.
- Behavior: Peaceful and active schooling fish that enjoy swimming in strong currents. They are easy to care for and can handle a wide range of water parameters.
The White Cloud Minnow is a hardy and adaptable species that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making it a great addition to any aquarium. They are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in strong current environments. In addition, their vibrant colors and peaceful temperament make them a popular choice among fish enthusiasts.
Tiger Barb
Tiger Barb is known for their striking coloration and active behavior. They thrive in strong currents and make a great addition to any aquarium.
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) or more
- Care Level: Easy
- Adult Size: Up to 3 inches (7.6 cm)
- Temperature: 74 – 82°F (23 – 28°C)
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, flake food, and small live or frozen food
- Lifespan: 5-7 years
- Behavior: Aggressive species, should be kept in groups of six or more, otherwise can become fin nippers.
These fish like to swim and play in groups, so it’s best to keep at least six tigers together. Their active nature and bright colors make them a great addition to a tropical aquarium. Tiger Barbs are known to be fin nippers, so be sure to keep them with other robust fish species. With proper water conditions and nutrition, Tiger Barbs can be stunning fish that will enhance the beauty of any aquarium.
Hatchetfish
Hatchetfish are slender and cylindrical fish that are found in South America and Africa. They are known for their unique triangular body shape and their ability to jump out of the water to escape predators. Hatchetfish are great for aquariums with strong currents, and they are also peaceful and easy to care for.
Here are some important details about Hatchetfish to help you decide if they are the right fish for your aquarium:
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (37.9 liters) for a small school, but larger schools will require more space
- Care Level: Easy
- Adult Size: Generally less than 2 inches (5.08 cm) in length
- Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, and will eat both live and frozen foods and flakes
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Behavior: Peaceful and sociable, but can be intimidated by aggressive fish. Hatchetfish are able to swim close to the surface of the water thanks to their unique body shape, and can jump out of the water to escape predators. They should be kept in schools of at least six individuals.
Panda Garra
Panda Garra is a great fish for a strong current aquarium. They are easy to care for and will grow up to 3 inches. Here are some important facts about Panda Garra:
- Tank Size: At least 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Adult Size: 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm)
- Temperature: 70-76°F (21-24°C)
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, they can eat flake, pellet, and frozen foods. Livestock including snails and insects can also help keep the Panda Garra busy.
- Lifespan: Up to 5 years
- Behavior: They are peaceful creatures that do best when housed in groups of 6 or more. Provide plenty of hiding places and rocks.
Panda Garra is a great addition to an aquarium with a swift current. They are hardy and peaceful fish that can add interest to your aquarium.
Chinese Algae Eater
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (113 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Adult Size: 10 inches (25 cm)
- Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, algae wafers, vegetables, meaty foods
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Behavior: Semi-aggressive, active
Chinese Algae Eaters are a popular choice for aquariums that require strong current. They are known for their ability to clean algae and resist strong currents. With a lifespan of up to 10 years, they are a long-term investment. They are easy to care for, but the aquarist will need to ensure that it has enough food and that the water parameters are kept in balance. Chinese Algae Eaters can become more aggressive as they get older, so it’s important to monitor their behavior and add other fish accordingly. They are also known to jump out of the water, so a tight-fitting lid is highly recommended.
Kuhli Loach
The Kuhli Loach is a small-bodied, eel-like fish that thrives in strong currents and makes a great addition to any aquarium. These social creatures are often found hiding in the nooks and crannies of rocky substrates in their native South Asian habitats. Below are some of the essential details you need to know about caring for them:
- Tank Size: A 30-gallon tank or bigger is perfect for Kuhli Loaches.
- Care Level: Easy to keep. They are peaceful fish, but prefer to live in groups and need lots of hiding places.
- Adult Size: The average size of a Kuhli Loach is around 4 inches in length.
- Temperature: The recommended temperature range for Kuhli Loaches is from 73 to 77°F (23-25°C).
- Diet & Feeding: They are omnivores and enjoy both live and frozen foods. Make sure you feed them a varied diet of pellets and flakes, supplemented with brine shrimp or bloodworms.
- Lifespan: In optimal conditions, Kuhli Loaches can live up to 10 years.
- Behavior: They are social creatures that love to hide in caves, under rocks, and in dense vegetation. In addition, they are active at night. Ensure you maintain a good filtration system to keep the water clean and oxygen-rich.
Red Tail Shark
Red Tail Sharks are an excellent choice for aquariums with strong water currents. They are found in fast-flowing rivers and streams in Asia and are accustomed to navigating in these conditions. Here are some important features and care tips for Red Tail Sharks:
- Tank Size: 50 gallons (189 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
- Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; pellet or flake food supplemented with live or frozen food
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Behavior: Can be territorial; solitary or kept in small groups; prefers hiding spots and plenty of swimming space
Red Tail Sharks are relatively easy to care for and can be a beautiful addition to any strong current aquarium. Be sure to provide them with the appropriate diet and tank space to ensure their health and longevity.
Panda Garra
The Panda Garra is a freshwater fish that is part of the Cyprinidae family. This fish is also known as the Miniature Dragonfish or Panda Loach. Here are some important factors to consider when keeping Panda Garra in an aquarium:
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) or more.
- Care Level: Intermediate.
- Adult Size: Grows up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) long.
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C).
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous.
- Lifespan: Up to 8 years when kept in optimal conditions.
- Behavior: This species is peaceful but can become territorial when breeding. They are relatively active swimmers and should be kept in schools of at least 6 individuals.
The Panda Garra prefers aquariums with strong water currents and plenty of hiding spots. Since they are omnivores, they should be fed a varied diet consisting of both plant and animal-based foods. They are known to eat algae and other small organisms in the aquarium. Their name “panda” comes from their black and white coloring, which resembles that of a panda bear.
Bristlenose Plecos
Bristlenose Plecos are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts who are looking for fish that can survive in strong currents. These fish come in different colors, patterns, and sizes, making them appealing to look at. Here are some features of Bristlenose Plecos that you need to consider:
- Tank Size: Bristlenose Plecos require a minimum tank size of 30 gallons (113 liters).
- Care Level: These fish are easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
- Adult Size: Bristlenose Plecos can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long.
- Temperature: They prefer a temperature range of 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
- Diet & Feeding: Bristlenose Plecos are herbivores and require a diet that is high in vegetables and algae.
- Lifespan: You can expect your Bristlenose Plecos to live for up to 6 years if you provide them with good care.
- Behavior: These fish are peaceful towards other fish, but males can be territorial towards each other. They spend most of their time on the bottom of the tank and prefer to hide in caves or under driftwood.
Flying Fox Fish
The Flying Fox Fish, also known as the Siamese algae eater, is a popular freshwater fish among aquarium enthusiasts. Native to Southeast Asia, this fish grows up to 6 inches and has a unique look, with a black body and a golden stripe.
Here are some important things to know about Flying Fox Fish:
- Tank Size: This fish requires a minimum tank size of 30 gallons (114 liters).
- Care Level: These fish are easy to care for and maintain.
- Adult Size: Flying Fox Fish can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long.
- Temperature: The ideal temperature for these fish ranges between 75°F to 81°F (24°C to 27°C).
- Diet & Feeding: These fish are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including algae and commercial fish foods.
- Lifespan: With proper care, Flying Fox Fish can live up to 10 years.
- Behavior: These fish are generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful fish in a community aquarium. However, they may become aggressive towards their own kind or similar-looking fish.
Overall, Flying Fox Fish are a great addition to any aquarium with strong water currents and plenty of hiding spots.
Blue Botia
Blue Botia, also known as Yoyo Loaches, are a popular choice for aquariums with strong currents. They are highly active fish that enjoy swimming and playing in fast-flowing water.
Here are some key care requirements for Blue Botias:
- Tank Size: Blue Botias require a tank that is at least 30 gallons (113.5 liters) or larger.
- Care Level: They are relatively easy to care for and are suitable for beginner aquarists.
- Adult Size: Blue Botias can grow up to six inches (15 centimeters) in length.
- Temperature: They require a water temperature between 74-82°F (23-28°C).
- Diet & Feeding: They are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, such as flakes, pellets, live or frozen foods, and vegetables.
- Lifespan: With proper care, they can live up to 8 to 10 years.
- Behavior: They are social fish and should be kept in groups of five or more. They are also known for their playful behavior and love to swim among plants and decorations in the aquarium.
Siamese Algae Eaters
Siamese Algae Eaters are a great addition to any aquarium with strong water flow. With their strong swimming abilities and ability to eat a range of algae types, they can make a great addition to any aquatic community.
- Tank Size: 20+ gallons (75+ liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm)
- Temperature: 75-79°F (24-26°C)
- Diet & Feeding: Algae flakes, frozen and live foods
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Behavior: Active and peaceful, can sometimes be aggressive towards fish with similar body shape and coloring
These fish are known for their algae eating capabilities, which means they can keep your aquarium clean while adding a unique look. They are also a smart choice for a community tank due to their docile nature, making them a favorite of many fish keepers. If you’re looking for a hardworking fish that can handle a strong current, Siamese Algae Eaters may be perfect for you.
Corydoras
Corydoras, also known as cory cats or corydoras catfish, are popular for their peaceful demeanor and unique appearance. They can tolerate a wide range of water parameters and are known to do well in strong currents.
- Tank Size: 20-gallon (76 liters) for small groups, up to 50 gallons (190 liters) for larger groupings
- Care Level: Easy
- Adult Size: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – feed a mix of high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Behavior: Social – they should be kept in groups of at least 3-4, and prefer a well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding places and open-swimming areas. They are peaceful and get along with most other fish.
Conclusion
These 21 aquarium fish that thrive in strong water currents can make a beautiful display in your tank. With their different features and behavior, they can add color and life to your aquarium. Before getting any of these fish, be sure to research their specific needs, and make sure you provide them with the right tank setup and water conditions.
Now that you know more about these fish, which one(s) do you plan on getting for your strong current aquarium? Leave a comment below and let us know!