15 Best Aquarium Fish for Beginners

Creating an underwater paradise all your personal could be immensely satisfying. Now could be the proper time to begin should you’ve been dreaming of diving into the world of aquariums. Sadly, deciding which fish to get can overwhelm many newbie aquarists.

We compiled this checklist of the 15 greatest aquarium fish for newbies that can assist you begin. From the hardy goldfish to the colourful betta, these newbie aquarium fish will add life and coloration to your new tank!

1. Goldfish

There is a purpose why the goldfish is maybe probably the most recognizable fish in existence. These iconic pets are hardy, straightforward to handle and stay comparatively lengthy.

There are numerous variants of goldfish on the market. You may have the widespread goldfish, which is the same old concept folks have whenever you say guppies. There are additionally fancy varieties with lengthy, flowing fins, such because the Comet, the Ryukin, and the Oranda.

Goldfish thrive in cooler waters, which means you may maintain them in unheated tanks. They like a pH of 7-8 and temperatures round 65°F to 72°F.

One factor it’s essential be careful for is your tank’s bioload. Goldfish produce plenty of waste, so guarantee you might have correct filtration to maintain the tank clear.

2. Betta

Bettas are tropical fish initially endemic to the calm waterways of the Mekong and are significantly quite a few in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. These small, colourful fishes are infamous for being aggressive in direction of different fish, therefore the nickname “Siamese preventing fish.”

Bettas do not want a lot when it comes to upkeep. They are often housed in comparatively small aquariums, particularly in the event that they’re the only occupant. In truth, they’re typically touted as one of many greatest fish for a 5-gallon tank.

Nonetheless, they do greatest when saved in a 10-gallon planted tank, with some hiding spots and driftwood for adornment. Suitable tank mates embody invertebrates similar to shrimp and snails.

Moreover, as a result of they’re labyrinth fish, they will breathe air from the floor. This implies they will technically stay and not using a filter or an air bubbler, though that setup remains to be best.

Do not forget that should you stay in a cold-weather local weather, you may additionally want a heater, as these fish choose balmy waters. The optimum water temperature of Betta fish is at the very least 75°F and will at all times be saved constant.

3. Guppies

Guppies are small, energetic fish that may add a splash of coloration to any tank. They arrive in an array of vibrant hues and patterns. Better of all, they do not require an excessive amount of upkeep, making them a superb choice for newbie aquarists.

Guppies needs to be saved in teams of at the very least six to stop them from changing into careworn and agitated. They’re greatest suited to a planted aquarium of round 15-20 gallons, with temperatures hovering between 72°F to 82°F.

Their peaceable demeanor means they’re nice group fish that may stay with different non-aggressive freshwater fish species. They may also be housed in a single-species tank if it meets their necessities.

Nonetheless, understand that these fish are livebearers. They reproduce reasonably rapidly, so if you do not need them to overcrowd your tank, it is best to go all-male or all-female.

4. Mollies

Mollies share the identical genus as guppies, and that is as a result of they’re genetic cousins that diverged from a typical ancestor. As such, they share many comparable traits: each are livebearers, require a college to thrive, and like heat waters.

Just like the guppy, the molly fish is available in totally different colours and patterns. A number of the most typical variants for newbie fish keepers embody the Brief-Fin, the Sailfin, and the Lyretail.

A bit enjoyable truth: mollies are identified for one thing known as the “shimmies,” which is after they out of the blue begin shifting their our bodies in side-to-side slithering movement. It could sound amusing, nevertheless it’s really a stress response that ought to cease as soon as circumstances enhance within the tank.

5. Tetras

Tetras are a number of the best fish to take care of newbies. They’re stylish within the newbie fishkeeping group as a consequence of their small measurement and shiny colours.

These education fish have to be saved in teams of at the very least 5 people, as they have an inclination to really feel weak when saved alone. Be sure you present them with loads of hiding spots to maintain their stress ranges low.

Because of their exercise ranges, Tetras do greatest in a large tank of at the very least 20 gallons. Nonetheless, some smaller varieties, such because the Neon Tetra, are best fish for a 10-gallon tank. The important thing to protecting them snug is so as to add a lot of hiding spots and vegetation, as these could make them really feel safer and safer.

Tetra varieties that do nicely in newbie setups embody Cardinals, Rummy-noses, and Embers.

6. Danios

Danios are zippy, tropical freshwater fishes native to South and Southeast Asia. They’re lively swimmers that may deliver life and coloration to any freshwater aquarium.

Danios are a superb alternative for newbie aquarium house owners as a result of they’re straightforward to take care of. This hardy, albeit small, fish is not delicate to temperature. They will thrive in unheated tanks so long as the room temperature is constant. With correct care, they will stay as much as 5 years.

They’ve an unlimited vary of colours, from shiny blues to yellows and greens. Widespread choices embody Zebra Danios, Large Danios, and Pearl Danios. Do not confuse it with the Celestial Pearl Danio, which is not a danio in any respect however reasonably a distant cousin.

Like different education fish, they have to even be saved in teams with at the very least 5 people. If the numbers are too low, they will change into careworn or territorial.

7. Rasboras

The Rasbora fish is a superb choice for aquarists of any expertise degree. These peaceable freshwater aquarium fish are native to South and Southeast Asia. Nonetheless, they’ve been well-liked within the aquarium commerce for many years.

Rasboras are hardy and adaptable fish which are snug in cool and heat water so long as they’re well-oxygenated.

Like most different fish with education behaviors, rasboras, together with the favored Harlequin rasbora, needs to be saved in teams of at the very least 5 to scale back stress ranges and promote exercise. Like danios, they’re lively swimmers.

They’re additionally a incredible alternative for group tanks as a consequence of their small measurement and peaceable temperament. They like planted tanks as a result of it helps them really feel safe and provides them loads of hiding spots.

8. Barbs

Barbs are one other incredible alternative for first-time aquarium house owners. They’re straightforward to take care of and are available numerous colours, making them a great addition to any aquarium, particularly when you have zero expertise.

They’re many barb varieties, every differing wildly in temperament, look, and measurement, which might have an effect on whether or not they’re appropriate for newbies.

For example, barbs are often 2.5-6 inches lengthy. Cherry barbs do not often exceed 2.5 inches, however Tinfoil barbs can attain lengths of 10 inches or extra. Clearly, Cherry barbs are extra becoming for newbie aquarists, together with Tiger barbs, Rosy barbs, and Gold barbs, that are extra aggressive than the opposite three.

Whatever the selection, these energetic education fish have to be saved in teams of at the very least 5-6 people and given loads of hiding spots to scale back stress ranges and encourage their pure behaviors.

9. Minnows

Chances are you’ll be accustomed to the time period “minnow” because it’s used to refer to varied freshwater fish discovered all through america, particularly by fishing fanatics.

For newbie aquarium house owners, although, probably the most appropriate sort of minnow is the white cloud mountain minnow. It is a small, peaceable fish originating from East Asia.

White clouds are fairly small, hardly ever rising bigger than 1.5 inches. They’re education fish that take pleasure in being with different white cloud minnows, so ensure your tank is sufficiently big to help them. You possibly can maintain 5-7 people in a 10-gallon aquarium. They need to ideally be in a 20-gallon-long tank with dense vegetation and driftwood.

Apparently, white cloud minnows choose cooler waters than many different freshwater fish. Due to this, some pet shops promote them as appropriate companions to goldfish, one other cool-water fish. Nonetheless, this is not a good suggestion. Goldfish can develop very massive, and since white clouds sometimes keep small, they will simply get eaten by grownup goldfish.

10. Gouramis

Gouramis are one other well-liked fish species for amateur aquarium house owners. They’re endemic to South and Southeast Asia and could be present in lakes or slow-moving streams and rivers.

To this point, scientists have found over 130 species of gourami. Every one is exclusive, from its character to its colours and patterns.

A number of the most typical choices for newbies embody Pearl gouramis, Glowing gouramis, and Honey gouramis. These variants are usually smaller and never aggressive, so that you need not fear about compatibility.

Gouramis are greatest saved in pairs or small teams since they’re peaceable fish that have a tendency to highschool collectively. Ten gallons needs to be adequate for 2 gouramis under 4″ every. Nonetheless, it is at all times higher to go up in measurement should you can.

11. Platies

Platy fish, additionally known as platies, are a small however colourful freshwater species. Initially hailing from Central America, they’ve been within the aquarium commerce for over a century. They sport numerous colours and patterns, together with gold, purple, yellow, inexperienced, and blue.

Platies attain a median grownup measurement of 2-3 inches, making them a great alternative for smaller aquariums. A number of the most uncomplicated variants to handle embody the Blue Wag platy, the Pink Wag platy, and the Sunburst platy.

Concerning water parameters and chemistry, platies are hardy and fast to adapt. They will tolerate temperatures starting from 65°F-82°F with a pH of seven.5-8.5. They do nicely in each planted and unplanted tanks. In fact, extra hiding locations needs to be offered if there is not any vegetation within the tank, as platies like to cover typically.

Platies are social and playful, however they do undergo from gender-related aggression. To maintain your platies calm and comfy, make sure you solely have one male for each 2-3 females.

12. Plecos

Plecos, brief for plecostomus, is a sort of armored catfish generally saved as a companion to many fish species. They’re so resilient that many aquarists do not trouble catering to their wants contained in the aquarium. In any case, they will adapt to no matter their tank mates’ wants are.

There are lots of of pleco species, they usually are available all kinds of sizes and shapes. Nonetheless, the most suitable choice for newbie aquarium house owners is the Bristlenose pleco.

Bristlenose plecos are omnivorous, which means they eat each plant and animal matter. They could nibble on the algae in your tank however take pleasure in stay and frozen meals, similar to bloodworms and tubifex worms.

These scaly fish love hiding, so you need to present loads of locations to take action, like driftwood, caves, or rocks. They’re typically peaceable, however they are often territorial round different plecos. It is best to maintain one particular person per tank until your aquarium is massive sufficient for extra.

13. Otocinclus

For beginner aquarium house owners in search of a stress-free pet that will not require an excessive amount of work – look no additional than the charming little Otocinclus. Generally often called Otos, they’re small, algae-eating fish that may make an fascinating addition to any freshwater fish tank.

These South American natives have lengthy, slender our bodies with colours starting from brown, grey, black, and yellow. They hardly ever exceed 2″ in size, making them a fantastic addition to nano tanks.

Like plecos, additionally they like hiding behind the hardscape in your aquarium. They’re happiest when there may be loads of algae to snack on. Nonetheless, different meals, similar to zucchini or cucumber, must also be offered to keep up balanced vitamin.

Otos thrive in barely acidic water with a pH degree starting from 6.5-7.2 and temperatures between 70°F-81°F. These peaceable education fish needs to be saved in teams of at the very least three people to allow them to swim collectively with out feeling threatened.

14. Corydoras

Corydoras, generally known as Cory catfish or just Corys in fishkeeping circles, are bottom-dwelling scavengers greatest saved in small teams of at the very least six people. They’re native to South America however have been frolicking round aquariums for a very long time.

Corys are greatest saved with different group tank species that recognize the identical water circumstances. Not solely are they enjoyable to observe, however additionally they require low upkeep.

They will tolerate a spread of pH and temperature, making them excellent for newbies simply beginning out with an aquarium and wanting a stress-free expertise.

As bottom-feeders, they take pleasure in snacking on sinking pellets, bloodworms, and different tasty treats. If obtainable, they can even graze on algae to allow them to be a part of your aquarium’s cleanup crew.

Many Cory species exist, however the most effective ones for aquarium newbies embody Pandas, Peppers, and Bandits.

15. Cichlids

Cichlids consult with an ever-growing household of bony fish discovered worldwide. As of this writing, the variety of recognized cichlid species is round 1300-1700, with scientists estimating as excessive as 2500.

Clearly, there’s a wide array of care ranges and necessities concerning cichlids. Some species are greatest saved in a big, specialised tank, whereas others do nicely with a fundamental setup and minimal repairs. A number of the best cichlids for newbie fishkeepers are Angelfish, Bolivian Rams, and Firemouths.

Regardless of which varieties you select, all cichlids want a couple of issues to be joyful: common 10%-20% water adjustments, area for swimming, and appropriate tank mates, should you resolve to present them any.

What Makes a Good Newbie Aquarium Fish?

Now we all know the most effective aquarium fish for newbies, however what are the traits of beginner-friendly fish?

Hardy: A fish adaptable to totally different water circumstances shall be simpler to take care of than one with specific wants.
Tolerant of newbie errors: Newbies at all times make errors when feeding and doing water adjustments. A fish that can get sick should you do one factor unsuitable is greatest left to skilled hobbyists.
Peaceable: Except you intend on organising a species-specific tank, it is best to stick with mild-mannered fish. Aggressive fish can harm their tank mates or worse. Most newbies usually are not expert sufficient to handle these conditions.
Require minimal gear: Not all newbies are prepared to shell out cash for a posh filtration system. Fish that may get by with a easy filter and tank setup is best for brand new hobbyists.
Immune to ailments: All fish can get ailments, however these significantly liable to getting sick should not be within the care of a novice.
Do not develop too massive: There are some exceptions, just like the goldfish, however basically, you need manageable fish as a result of they have an inclination to have extra particular wants and care necessities.
Not a choosy eater: Fish with sophisticated diets want expert aquarists. Newbie-friendly fish will eat commercially ready fish meals, which is broadly obtainable.

On the finish of the day, protecting an aquarium is a rewarding and satisfying expertise that may deliver plenty of pleasure to many individuals. And for sure, these aquarium fish for newbies are your ticket to a enjoyable and wholesome aquarium that can delight and encourage you for years to return.

With the right tank setup and care routine, you can create an attractive aquarium that is energetic. So, what are you ready for? Begin exploring and make your underwater goals come true!

This text was produced by Wealth of Geeks.