Keeping fish can be an incredibly rewarding hobby, both for the pleasure of keeping and caring for a pet as well as the satisfaction of seeing your tank beautifully decorated. For beginners, it can be daunting to know where to start; thankfully some species are relatively easy to take care of for those starting in their aquatic adventure.
In this blog we’ll discuss the 12 easiest fish to take care of for beginners, dispelling some myths regarding different species’ needs and helping you build confidence in creating a successful tank!
1. Angelfish
Angelfish are a popular fish amongst beginner aquarists due to their ease of care. They are hardy, beautiful fish with an exotic look that adds a lot of visual impact to any tank. Angelfish come in wild and tank-bred varieties and can be found in multiple colors. While they can grow up to 6 inches in length, most of the time they stay closer to the 4-inch mark, making them suitable for tanks 20 gallons and larger.
Feeding your angelfish is easy – a combination of flakes, pellets, or frozen foods will keep them healthy. Additionally, the temperature and pH levels you need slightly vary from species to species, so figure out which kind you have before settling on those two parameters. All-in-all, if you’re just starting with fish keeping and want something visually stunning and relatively easy to care for – angelfish should be among the top contenders!
2. Guppies
Gudgeons, otherwise known as guppies, are a type of freshwater fish that make great beginner pets! Guppies are relatively easy to take care of and require minimal maintenance in their enclosures. They can live in tanks as small as four gallons, but one larger than 10 gallons is ideal. It’s best to keep them in groups of four or more; they do not do well alone.
Guppies eat flake food and will also happily consume bloodworms and other aquatic insects. They are hardy and tolerant of small fluctuations in water conditions, though regular water changes will help with their overall health. Altogether, guppies make excellent pets for those just getting started with aquarium fish keeping!
3. Platyfish
With their fun, vibrant colors and laid-back personalities, Platyfish is the perfect beginner pet for Aqua-Masters-in-training. Somewhat small and generally non-fin nipping, they are peaceful companions that don’t present very many challenges to aquarists of any level from novice to expert. These curious fish, which primarily originate from Central America, are best kept in groups or pairs.
They thrive when given plenty of spaces and structures to explore in their tanks; ideally, a pair can be kept in environments no smaller than 10 gallons. Overall, Platyfish is one of the most suitable options for those stepping into the world of fish keeping as they require low maintenance and add plenty of color to your tank!
4. Betta (Siamese Fighting) Fish
Betta Fish are one of the most popular fish kept in tanks around the world and are considered to be the 12 easiest fish for beginners to take care of. Originating from the murky waters of southeast Asia, these bright and colorful creatures can bring both beauty and tranquility to any home or office.
They do not require much space as they are very comfortable living in small aquaria and don’t need elaborate tank setups; just a filter is usually enough. Betta Fish also requires minimal maintenance, simply disconnecting the water pump once a week and changing the water twice per month. That’s why they are ideal starter pets for unwary aquarium enthusiasts!
5. Swordtail fish
Swordtails, originating from Central and South America, are great beginner fish since they require minimum care. They are very hardy, adapt quickly to living conditions, and don’t grow too big, making them easy to fit in a tank ranging in size from 10 to 30 gallons. Swordtails also come in many different varieties and colors; the wild type is typically pale yellow or green with red and black markings down the sides of their sleek body.
Generally, they will get on well with most other similarly sized fish due to their peaceful temperament, but some males can be aggressive towards one another. As far as diet goes swordtails do best on a varied diet which should include flakes and freeze-dried pellets along with live food such as bloodworms or mosquito larvae that can be found easily in pet stores.
Swordtails make an excellent choice for new owners as they are relatively low on effort and don’t require complicated tank systems or advanced equipment.
6. Mollies
The Molly fish is native to North America and is a popular choice among beginner aquarium owners due to their easy maintenance and hardy nature. The average size for mollies ranges from two to four inches, with some species such as Lyretail Mollies potentially reaching up to six inches in length.
Generally, molly fish come in a variety of bright colors that can range from mahogany or black, to orange or pink. In terms of diet, mollies are omnivores that enjoy a mix of regular flakes, vegetable matter, and freeze-dried food like mosquito larvae. Depending on the number of mollies you keep.
You will be needing at least a 15-gallon tank with good filtration and plenty of hiding places to create an optimal environment for them. Above all else, they are one of the easiest kinds of fishes out there – so no matter what kind of experience level you’re at when it comes to caring for aquatic pets, they’ll make a great starter option!
7. Barbs
Starting a fish tank is a great way to relax and enjoy the soothing atmosphere that aquariums provide. Barbs are one of the best fish for beginner aquarists to take care of because they are hardy, adaptable, and easy to feed. They usually live in groups so they need to be kept with at least six or seven other barbs if possible.
Furthermore, most species do not require any special lighting or parameters, making them easy to keep in many different types of aquariums. When it comes to feeding, barbs prefer high-protein snacks such as small pellets compared to flakes or seafood treats. As long as water changes are done regularly and you provide enough space for swimming and hideouts, these fish will thrive!
8. Zebra Danios
Zebra Danios are a species of small, schooling fish that make great additions to any beginner aquarium. Zebra Danios are relatively easy to care for as they adjust well to different water conditions and prefer lively, lightly-planted aquariums. Additionally, they often feed on commercial flake food and do not require any special diets.
They are hardy fish and can survive in colder temperatures so they don’t need a heater. Zebra Danios are also very social and should be kept in groups of three or more so they will remain active across the tank. Overall, if you’re looking for an easy fish species to keep as a beginner, the Zebra Danio is an excellent choice!
9. Tetras
Tetras are small, schooling fish that are native to Africa and South America. As one of the most popular aquarium fish available, tetras are also some of the easiest fish for beginners to take care of. They’re perfect for smaller tanks due to their size and can handle a broad range of water conditions — from hard to soft water — and variations in temperatures.
Plus, almost all tetras do well in groups, so keeping them alone is not recommended. To provide your group of tetras with a vibrant home, use plenty of plants and crevices for them to hide. Most tetras prefer live or frozen food but may accept flakes too as part of their diet. With these general guidelines in mind and proper care, you can enjoy watching your school of vibrant and active Tetras emerging from behind the rocks!
10. Goldfish
Goldfish are a perfect choice for beginner fish keepers looking to make an underwater splash. With just a few days of preparation, newcomers can be ready and prepared to take care of goldfish with ease. These beloved fish are easy to feed, simple to see in the tank and have hardy scales that are built to last through any amateur aquarist’s hiccups.
Goldfish also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from fancy frill-tailed beauties to small single-tailed comet varieties, giving you plenty of options when it comes to stocking your new household aquarium. Plus, these little aquatic jewels can live for more than 10 years if taken care of properly!
So if you’re willing and able to put the time and effort into learning about these wonderful creatures, goldfish may be the best choice to help you dip your toes into the captivating world of fishkeeping.
11. Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras is the ideal fish for beginner aquarists. These catfish are very peaceful and don’t require too much to keep them happy, making them a great option for those just starting with raising fish. Corydoras are native to the freshwaters of South America and come in a variety of colors and sizes.
This small but hardy species is a sociable creature that enjoys living in groups, so get at least three if you do decide to add some to your tank. A great trait of Corydoras is they will scavenge around looking for food while also cleaning up the uneaten matter on the bottom, ensuring your tank stays clean and healthy all the time. These fun-loving catfish need an aquarium with water temperatures between 72 – 82°F (22-28°C), low light levels, plants or decorations to hide among, and plenty of places to explore.
12. Dwarf Gouramis
Dwarf Gouramis are an excellent choice for those beginning the hobby of fishkeeping, as they are very low-maintenance and require minimal care. These lovely fish make a wonderful addition to any community aquarium due to their small size and peaceful nature. Dwarf Gouramis can be found in shallow slow-moving waters throughout southeastern Asia.
In the home aquarium, these fish like soft acidic water in the range of 6.8 to 7.4 pH and will thrive in temperatures between 73 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit; gravel is also needed for them to dig and build bubble nests. They primarily eat freeze-dried blood worms, brine shrimp, or any other kind of high-quality dried food, but live foods such as tubifex worms can also be added.
Its maximum size is only around 2 inches long, making it an ideal choice for small tanks or bowls. These beautiful little fish come in various colors such as orange or green/blue so they will add some eye candy to your aquarium!
In conclusion
Being a beginner in the world of fishkeeping is not an easy feat! It can be daunting to know what to do and how to ensure that your fish are being taken care of properly. Thankfully, there are some great options out there if you’re just getting started. The blog provides you with the necessary information on selecting the best matches for your tank and setting up the perfect environment for your new aquatic friends.
Fishkeeping offers many rewards, from stress relief and relaxation to simply enjoying watching their beautiful swimming patterns. You’ll find it quite enjoyable trial-and-erroring until finding the right balance of fish peppering your tank!
