What is the difference between tropical fish and freshwater fish?

It's important to understand that "tropical fish" and "freshwater fish" are not mutually exclusive categories. Here's the breakdown:

* Tropical Fish: This term generally refers to fish that originate from tropical regions, meaning they prefer warmer water temperatures (typically 72-82°F). These fish come in a wide variety of species, some living in freshwater, some in saltwater.

* Freshwater Fish: This refers to any fish that live in freshwater environments, like rivers, lakes, and ponds. These can include species found in tropical, temperate, and even cold climates.

Here's a helpful way to visualize it:

* Freshwater Fish: A broad category that includes all fish living in freshwater.

* Tropical Fish: A subset of freshwater fish that specifically live in warmer tropical waters.

Therefore, some tropical fish are freshwater fish, but not all freshwater fish are tropical fish.

Examples:

* Tropical Freshwater Fish: Angelfish, Betta fish, Discus, Neon Tetras

* Temperate Freshwater Fish: Goldfish, Koi, Guppies

* Tropical Saltwater Fish: Clownfish, Tangs, Angelfish (different species than freshwater angelfish)

When choosing fish for your aquarium, consider the following:

* Water temperature: Tropical fish need warmer water than temperate fish.

* Water parameters: Different fish have specific requirements for water chemistry (pH, hardness, etc.).

* Tank size and setup: Different fish have different space and environment needs.

If you're unsure, it's always best to research the specific fish you're interested in to ensure it's compatible with your aquarium setup and your level of experience.