Freshwater Aquariums

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Freshwater Aquariums

What Does the Word Tropical Mean?

By Shirlie Sharpe, About.com

Question: What Does the Word Tropical Mean?

Answer: The term refers to any fish that originates from waters lying between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, especially freshwater species imported for ornamental aquariums.

Tropical fish may be freshwater or saltwater, and can belong to a variety of families. The primary factor they have in common beyond their region of origin, is the fact that they come from warm rather than cold waters. In the aquarium trade the term is often used to refer to virtually any fish kept in an aquarium.

More Freshwater Aquariums Q&A
Suggested Reading

Global map of the Tropics

Shirlie Sharpe
Guide since 1998

Shirlie Sharpe
Freshwater Aquariums Guide

Explore Freshwater Aquariums

About.com Special Features

Green Your Clean

Rid your home of grime and harsh chemicals by cleaning with these natural items. More >

Basic Cleaning Supplies

Every home is different, but this basic cleaning supply list is a good starting point. More >

Freshwater Aquariums

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Freshwater Aquariums
  4. FAQs
  5. Fish Questions
  6. What Does the Word Tropical Mean?

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.