colorful freshwater fish

[orchidpetal]

My husband and i are thinking of starting a fish tank, we really like the look of coral reefs how colorful and intersesing they are, but we don't really want the high maintenance and expense of a saltwater aquarium. Are there any really colorful low maintenance and affordable fresh water fish variety that could simulate a coral reef like look.

 

[TMaier]

This?

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3387772

 

[Andy Sager]

The most closely colored fish to saltwater fish are the African Cichlids however, they can be expensive as well and usually very aggressive. Next down are the livebearers (Guppies, Platies, Mollies and swordtails.) These come in reds, blues, greens, yellows, blacks, whites, and multicolored. These are also mostly very prolific fishes so if you do not want to have to deal with baby fish, just get males of the species. They tend to also be the more colorful or flamboyantly finned (especially male Guppies. )

 

[orchidpetal]

thanks all. we will look into those options.