15 Finest Aquarium Fish for Newbies

Creating an underwater paradise your whole personal will be immensely satisfying. Now’s the proper time to start out if you happen to’ve been dreaming of diving into the world of aquariums. Sadly, deciding which fish to get can overwhelm many newbie aquarists.

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

1. Goldfish

There is a cause why the goldfish is probably essentially the most recognizable fish in existence. These iconic pets are hardy, straightforward to deal with and reside comparatively lengthy.

There are a lot of variants of goldfish on the market. You’ve got the frequent goldfish, which is the same old thought individuals 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 possibly can preserve them in unheated tanks. They like a pH of 7-8 and temperatures round 65°F to 72°F.

One factor you could be careful for is your tank’s bioload. Goldfish produce numerous waste, so guarantee you’ve got 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 the direction of different fish, therefore the nickname “Siamese combating 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 reality, they’re usually touted as one of many finest fish for a 5-gallon tank.

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

Moreover, as a result of they’re labyrinth fish, they’ll breathe air from the floor. This implies they’ll technically reside with out a filter or an air bubbler, though that setup continues to be preferrred.

Keep in mind that if you happen to reside in a cold-weather local weather, you will 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 all the time be saved constant.

3. Guppies

Guppies are small, full of life fish that may add a splash of shade 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 possibility for newbie aquarists.

Guppies ought to be saved in teams of at the very least six to stop them from turning into burdened and agitated. They’re finest fitted 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 neighborhood fish that may reside with different non-aggressive freshwater fish species. They may also be housed in a single-species tank if it meets their necessities.

Nonetheless, take into account that these fish are livebearers. They reproduce quite shortly, 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 faculty to thrive, and like heat waters.

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

A bit enjoyable truth: mollies are identified for one thing referred to as the “shimmies,” which is once they all of the sudden begin transferring their our bodies in side-to-side slithering movement. It might sound amusing, nevertheless it’s really a stress response that ought to cease as soon as situations enhance within the tank.

5. Tetras

Tetras are among the best fish to take care of newcomers. They’re fashionable within the newbie fishkeeping neighborhood as a consequence of their small measurement and vivid colours.

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

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

Tetra varieties that do properly 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 energetic swimmers that may carry life and shade to any freshwater aquarium.

Danios are a superb selection 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’ll reside as much as 5 years.

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

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

7. Rasboras

The Rasbora fish is a superb possibility for aquarists of any expertise stage. These peaceable freshwater aquarium fish are native to South and Southeast Asia. Nonetheless, they’ve been widespread 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, ought to be saved in teams of at the very least 5 to scale back stress ranges and promote exercise. Like danios, they’re energetic swimmers.

They’re additionally a incredible selection for neighborhood 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 offers them loads of hiding spots.

8. Barbs

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

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

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 should 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 acquainted with the time period “minnow” because it’s used to refer to numerous freshwater fish discovered all through the US, particularly by fishing lovers.

For newbie aquarium house owners, although, essentially the most appropriate type 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 make sure that your tank is large enough to help them. You possibly can preserve 5-7 people in a 10-gallon aquarium. They need to ideally be in a 20-gallon-long tank with dense vegetation and driftwood.

Curiously, 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’ll simply get eaten by grownup goldfish.

10. Gouramis

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

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

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

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

11. Platies

Platy fish, additionally referred to 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, pink, yellow, inexperienced, and blue.

Platies attain a mean grownup measurement of 2-3 inches, making them a super selection for smaller aquariums. A few of the most uncomplicated variants to deal with embody the Blue Wag platy, the Purple 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 properly in each planted and unplanted tanks. After all, extra hiding locations ought to be offered if there isn’t 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, quick for plecostomus, is a kind 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’ll adapt to no matter their tank mates’ wants are.

There are tons of of pleco species, and so they are available all kinds of styles and sizes. 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 might nibble on the algae in your tank however take pleasure in reside and frozen meals, similar to bloodworms and tubifex worms.

These scaly fish love hiding, so it’s best 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 except 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 known as Otos, they’re small, algae-eating fish that may make an attention-grabbing 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 an incredible addition to nano tanks.

Like plecos, in addition 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 take care of balanced diet.

Otos thrive in barely acidic water with a pH stage starting from 6.5-7.2 and temperatures between 70°F-81°F. These peaceable education fish ought 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 referred to as Cory catfish or just Corys in fishkeeping circles, are bottom-dwelling scavengers finest 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 finest saved with different neighborhood tank species that respect the identical water situations. Not solely are they enjoyable to look at, however in addition they require low upkeep.

They will tolerate a variety of pH and temperature, making them good for newcomers 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 accessible, they can even graze on algae to allow them to be a part of your aquarium’s cleanup crew.

Many Cory species exist, however one of the best 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 range of care ranges and necessities concerning cichlids. Some species are finest saved in a big, specialised tank, whereas others do properly with a primary setup and minimal repairs. A few of the best cichlids for newbie fishkeepers are Angelfish, Bolivian Rams, and Firemouths.

Irrespective of which varieties you select, all cichlids want a couple of issues to be comfortable: common 10%-20% water modifications, house for swimming, and appropriate tank mates, if you happen to resolve to offer them any.

What Makes a Good Newbie Aquarium Fish?

Now we all know one of the best aquarium fish for newcomers, however what are the traits of beginner-friendly fish?

• Hardy: A fish adaptable to totally different water situations will probably be simpler to take care of than one with explicit wants.
• Tolerant of newbie errors: Newbies all the time make errors when feeding and doing water modifications. A fish that can get sick if you happen to do one factor improper is finest left to skilled hobbyists.
• Peaceable: Except you intend on establishing a species-specific tank, it is best to stick with mild-mannered fish. Aggressive fish can harm their tank mates or worse. Most newcomers should not expert sufficient to handle these conditions.
• Require minimal tools: Not all newcomers 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 spanking new hobbyists.
• Immune to illnesses: All fish can get illnesses, 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 typically, you need manageable fish as a result of they have a tendency 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 accessible.

On the finish of the day, preserving an aquarium is a rewarding and pleasant expertise that may carry numerous pleasure to many individuals. And undoubtedly, these aquarium fish for newcomers are your ticket to a enjoyable and wholesome aquarium that can delight and encourage you for years to return.

With the correct tank setup and care routine, you’ll create a wonderful aquarium that is lively. So, what are you ready for? Begin exploring and make your underwater goals come true!

This text was produced by Wealth of Geeks.