Best Pet Fish for Beginners!

When embarking on your fish-keeping adventure, choosing the right pet fish is crucial, especially for beginners. In the world of aquatic companions, there are plenty of low-maintenance species to choose from.

In this article, we will discuss a variety of options, including tetras, bettas, guppies, catfish, and zebras. In the end, you can make an informed decision about which one is the best pet fish for you. With our expert care advice and selection tips, you're in good hands.

So, let's dive right in and help you find the perfect fish for your aquarium!

Tank Size

A 10-20 gallon tank is suitable for most tetra species. Tank size may vary depending on the specific type and number of tetras you plan to keep. Make sure to provide plenty of hiding places and plants for them to explore.

Water Parameters

Maintain stable water parameters with a pH level around 6.5 to 7.5 and a water temperature between 72-78°F (22-26°C). Regular water testing and changes are crucial to keep your tetras healthy.

Diet

Tetras are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods. Offer them a balanced diet of high-quality flake food, pellets, and occasional treats. Good options are live or frozen brine shrimp or bloodworms.

Behavior

Tetras are social fish that live in groups in the wild. They are kept in groups of at least six individuals. This approach will help them feel safe and allow them to demonstrate their natural behavior.

Compatibility

Tetras are generally peaceful, but some may be fin nippers. Be cautious when choosing tankmates and avoid housing them with aggressive fish.

Pros & Cons

Tetras are ideal for beginners due to their hardiness, vibrant colors, and peaceful nature. They add beauty to any aquarium and are relatively low-maintenance.

However, they thrive in groups, which may require a larger tank. In addition, some species can be fin nippers, so careful consideration of tank-mates is necessary.

They are a great choice for those looking to keep a single, captivating fish as a centerpiece in their aquarium.

Tank Size

You should keep Betta fish in at least a 5 gallon tank, though larger tanks are even better. Ensure the tank has a lid as bettas can jump.

Water Parameters

Betta fish prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Temperature should be range of 78-82°F (25-28°C). Keep the water clean and change about 25-30% of it weekly.

Solitary Nature

Betta fish are territorial and you should house it alone. They are prone to aggression when housed with other bettas or similarly colorful fish.

Tank Decorations

Provide your betta with places to hide, such as caves or plants. They appreciate resting spots near the water's surface as they are air-breathers.

Diet

Betta fish thrive on a varied diet of high-quality betta pellets. Good options are live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, and occasional treats like daphnia.

Pros & Cons

Betta fish are renowned for their stunning appearance and ease of care, making them a great choice for beginners. They're solitary by nature, which simplifies tank dynamics, and they're relatively tolerant of water parameter variations.

On the downside, they must be housed alone to avoid aggression.

Tank Size

Guppies are small, but they still need ample swimming space. A 10 gallon tank or larger is ideal, especially if you plan to keep a small group.

Water Parameters

Guppies do well in slightly alkaline to neutral water with a pH between 7.0 and 7.8 and a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C). Keep water conditions stable with regular water changes.

Social Behavior

Guppies are social fish and thrive in groups. They are also peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish species.

Diet

Guppies are omnivorous and readily accept a variety of foods. Offer them a mix of high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods. Good options are daphnia and brine shrimp for optimal health and coloration.

Breeding

Guppies are prolific breeders, and if you have both males and females, expect them to reproduce. Provide hiding spots for fry or consider a separate breeding tank if you wish to control the population.

Pros & Cons

Guppies are adaptable and visually striking, making them an excellent choice for novice aquarists. Their livebearing reproduction offers an educational experience.

However, they reproduce prolifically, which may lead to overpopulation if not managed. Regular water quality maintenance is crucial to keep them healthy.

Catfish spend much of their time scavenging the substrate for leftover food and debris.

They have a distinctive armored appearance with rows of bony plates along their bodies and are generally peaceful and social. These features making them great tank mates for various community fish.

Corydoras catfish play a vital role in keeping a fish tank clean. They diligently foraging for uneaten food, decaying plant matter, and other detritus that can accumulate in the substrate.

This scavenging behavior helps maintain water quality. Cory cat reduce the risk of algae growth, and contributes to a healthier and more balanced aquarium environment.

Tank Size

Corydoras should be kept in a tank of at least 20 gallons or more. They are social fish that prefer being in groups of three or more, so consider their need for space when planning your tank.

Water Parameters

Maintain water conditions with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5 and a temperature range of 72-78°F (22-26°C). Ensure good water quality by performing regular water changes and using a suitable filtration system.

Tank Decorations

Provide a soft substrate like sand or fine gravel in the tank, as Corydoras have sensitive barbels that they use to search for food. A smooth substrate will prevent injuries to these barbels.

Diet

Corydoras are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. They primarily feed on sinking pellets or wafers, but they also appreciate live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Ensure that their food reaches the substrate, as they like to forage for it.

Compatibility

Corydoras are peaceful fish that get along well with a wide range of tankmates. They are a great addition to community aquariums and can help keep the bottom of the tank clean.

Pros & Cons

Corydoras catfish are charming and social bottom-dwellers that help maintain tank cleanliness. They're peaceful and suitable for community setups.

However, they require ample swimming space, which might necessitate a larger tank, and their sensitive barbels need a soft substrate to avoid injury.

Their striking appearance and active swimming make them a delightful addition to any home aquarium. Their social nature makes them a great choice for community tanks with other compatible fish species.

Tank Size

Zebra Danios are active swimmers and should be kept in a tank of at least 10 gallons. They appreciate open swimming space and do well in schools of five or more to reduce stress.

Water Parameters

Maintain a pH level between 6.5 to 7.0 and a temperature range of 65-77°F (18-25°C). These fish are adaptable and can tolerate a range of water conditions, but stable parameters are essential.

Diet

Zebra Danios are not picky eaters and will readily accept a variety of foods, including high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like daphnia and brine shrimp. Offer a balanced diet to keep them healthy and vibrant.

Schooling Behavior

Zebra Danios are schooling fish, and they thrive when kept in a group. A group of six or more will exhibit their natural schooling behavior and look more active and attractive in the aquarium.

Compatibility

They are generally peaceful but can be slightly nippy, especially if they are not kept in a large enough group. Avoid pairing them with slow-moving or long-finned fish that may become targets for their playful antics.

Pros & Cons

Zebra Danios are known for their striking appearance and easy care, making them a popular choice. They're peaceful but can be slightly nippy in smaller groups. They require open swimming space and do best in schools of five or more for optimal activity.

While they tolerate varied water conditions, stability is still essential for their well-being.

Creating the perfect aquarium setup can be a daunting task, with numerous options and considerations to take into account.

To simplify this process, we have created some setup examples for various scenarios to help you easily decide on the ideal aquarium configuration for your specific needs.

Fish

Choose a stunning solitary fish like a Betta or Dwarf Gourami, as they are not only visually captivating but also relatively low-maintenance, making them ideal for beginners who are just starting their aquarium journey.

Tank

A 5 gallon aquarium provides stability and space for your single fish to thrive within the tank and also reduces the frequency of fluctuations in water parameters, making it easier for beginners to maintain a healthy aquatic environment.

For example, betta fish grow no more than 3 inches. Therefore, 3-5 gallons of water is enough for her.

Equipment

Use a small filter and heater if needed. A filter helps keep the water clean by removing debris and harmful substances, while a heater ensures the water temperature stays within the ideal range for your fish, promoting their overall well-being.

Additionally, consider adding some decorative elements like plants and rocks to create a natural and aesthetically pleasing habitat for your fish.

Tank

Since a small fish community contains between 6 and 13 fish, let's imagine that one fish is 2 inches long. For this quantity, choose an aquarium between 12 and 26 gallons. Depending on the size of the fish.

Fish

Choose peaceful, small fish that can coexist in a small space. Examples include Neon Tetras, Cherry Shrimp, and Corydoras Catfish.

Equipment

The equipment is the same kit, which includes a larger filter system and a heater. In addition, you will need lighting, but this depends on the size of the aquarium.

Tank

This is an average aquarium with a capacity of 10 to 20 fish. Based on the information above about how much water you need to use per inch of fish, you will need a tank that is between 20 and 40 gallons in size.

Fish

Consider active fish like Platies, Swordtails, and Rasboras.

Equipment

Since the medium fish community is larger than the others described above, you will certainly need ample decorations such as rocks and live plants, a larger filtration system, a heater and lights.

Each fish species brings its unique charm to your aquarium, and while we provide you with information to help you choose the best beginner pet fish, it's important to follow your heart and select fish that you genuinely like. Take the time to read about your chosen fish species and ensure you are well-informed about their care requirements.

By prioritizing the well-being of your aquatic friends through proper care and responsible fishkeeping practices, you can create a thriving and beautiful underwater world for your finned companions. With dedication and knowledge, everything will be just fine in your fishkeeping journey.

Now, dive into this rewarding hobby and create a thriving underwater world of your own!

See you in the next article!