Starting your first aquarium can feel exciting but also a bit scary. The best pet fish for beginners are species that are hardy fish for beginners, meaning they can handle small mistakes while you learn. These easy fish to take care of include Betta fish, Goldfish, and Guppies – all known for being friendly to new fish owners.
Getting into the world of freshwater aquarium fish doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. With the right beginner aquarium setup and some low maintenance fish, anyone can enjoy the peaceful hobby of fishkeeping. This guide will help you pick the perfect fish friends for your home.
Why Choose Easy Fish to Take Care Of?
When you’re new to keeping fish, picking the right species makes all the difference. These fish are special because they:
- Can handle water changes better than sensitive fish
- Don’t get sick easily
- Eat simple foods you can find at any pet store and Enhance your fish colour and growth
- Are happy in smaller tanks
- Don’t fight with other fish
Low maintenance fish are perfect for people who want beautiful pets without spending hours every day taking care of them. They give you time to learn and enjoy your new hobby without stress.
Top 15 Best Pet Fish for Beginners
1. Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)
Betta fish are one of the most popular choices for new fish owners. These colorful aquarium fish come in amazing colors like bright red, blue, and purple. Male Bettas have long, flowing fins that move like silk in the water.
Tank Size: 5 gallons minimum Special Needs: Male Bettas must live alone Why They’re Great: Very hardy and beautiful to watch
2. Goldfish
Goldfish are classic pets that many people remember from childhood. These friendly fish can live for many years with proper care. They come in different types, from the common goldfish to fancy varieties with bubble eyes.
Tank Size: 20 gallons for one goldfish Special Needs: They produce a lot of waste, so good filtration is important Why They’re Great: Very social and can recognize their owners
3. Guppies
Guppies are small, happy fish that are perfect for beginners. The males have bright colors and fancy tails, while females are usually more plain but still pretty. These are easy fish to breed if you want to try that later.
Tank Size: 10 gallons for a small group Special Needs: They like to live in groups of at least 3-4 Why They’re Great: Very active and fun to watch
4. Neon Tetras
These tiny fish have bright blue and red stripes that seem to glow under aquarium lights. Neon Tetras are peaceful community fish that love swimming together in groups called schools.
Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum Special Needs: Need to live in groups of 6 or more Why They’re Great: Beautiful colors and very peaceful
5. Mollies
Mollies are friendly fish that come in many colors including black, white, and orange. They’re part of the tropical fish for beginners group because they’re so easy to care for.
Tank Size: 20 gallons Special Needs: Like a little salt in their water Why They’re Great: Very social and hardy
6. Platies
Platies look similar to mollies but are usually smaller. These small pet fish for home aquariums are perfect for families because they’re so peaceful and easy to care for.
Tank Size: 10 gallons Special Needs: Like living in groups Why They’re Great: Come in many pretty colors
7. Swordtails
Male swordtails have a long, pointed tail that looks like a sword. These fish are active swimmers and are great for people who want fish with personality.
Tank Size: 15 gallons Special Needs: Males can be a bit bossy, so keep more females than males Why They’re Great: Very active and interesting to watch
8. Zebra Danios
These fish have black and white stripes like a zebra. They’re very fast swimmers and love to play in the water current. Zebra Danios are some of the hardiest fish you can find.
Tank Size: 10 gallons Special Needs: Like cooler water than most tropical fish Why They’re Great: Very hardy and playful
9. Cherry Barbs
Cherry Barbs are small, peaceful fish with a beautiful red color. Unlike some other barb species, these fish are gentle and won’t bother other fish in the tank.
Tank Size: 15 gallons Special Needs: Like to live in small groups Why They’re Great: Beautiful color and very peaceful
10. Corydoras Catfish
These cute bottom-dwelling fish help keep your tank clean by eating leftover food. They have whiskers and look like tiny underwater cats. Corydoras are perfect peaceful community fish.
Tank Size: 15 gallons Special Needs: Like sandy bottoms and living in groups Why They’re Great: Help keep the tank clean
11. Harlequin Rasboras
These small fish have a beautiful orange body with a black triangle mark. They’re very gentle and make great tank mates for other small fish.
Tank Size: 10 gallons Special Needs: Prefer to live in schools Why They’re Great: Very peaceful and pretty
12. White Cloud Mountain Minnows
These fish are special because they’re some of the few fish that don’t need heater in many homes. They can handle cooler water temperatures, which saves money on heating.
Tank Size: 10 gallons Special Needs: Actually prefer cooler water Why They’re Great: Don’t need expensive heating equipment
13. Endler’s Livebearers
These tiny fish are related to guppies but stay much smaller. Males have beautiful, bright colors and are very active swimmers.
Tank Size: 5 gallons for a small group Special Needs: Very small, so be careful with tank mates Why They’re Great: Tiny but full of personality
14. Glass Catfish
These see-through fish are amazing to watch because you can see their bones and organs inside their clear bodies. They’re gentle giants that add something special to any tank.
Tank Size: 30 gallons Special Needs: Like to live in groups and need good water flow Why They’re Great: Completely unique appearance
15. Honey Gouramis
These peaceful fish have a beautiful golden color and are much gentler than other gourami species. They can breathe air from the surface, which makes them very hardy.
Tank Size: 10 gallons Special Needs: Need access to the water surface to breathe air Why They’re Great: Beautiful and very peaceful
Choosing the Right Fish for Your Tank Size
Best Fish for 10 Gallon Tank
If you’re starting with a smaller tank, several fish work perfectly:
- Betta fish (alone)
- Small group of guppies
- School of neon tetras
- A few platies
Remember that smaller tanks need more frequent water changes, but they’re perfect for learning the basics.
Setting Up Your Beginner Aquarium Setup
Essential Equipment You’ll Need
- Tank: Start with at least 10 gallons
- Filter: Keeps water clean and healthy
- Heater: Most tropical fish for beginners need warm water
- Light: Helps you see your fish and keeps them healthy
- Decorations: Hiding spots make fish feel safe
Fish That Can Live Without Air Pump
Some fish don’t need extra air bubbles in their water because they can get enough oxygen from a good filter:
- Betta fish
- Gouramis
- Some catfish species
This can save money when you’re starting out.
Creating a Peaceful Community
Best Peaceful Community Fish Combinations
Some fish get along great together:
- Guppies, mollies, and platies
- Neon tetras with corydoras catfish
- Cherry barbs with harlequin rasboras
Always research before mixing different types of fish to make sure they’ll be friends.
Cost-Effective Options
Low Budget Aquarium Fish
Starting with fish doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Some pet fish for kids and families that don’t cost much include:
- Goldfish
- Guppies
- Mollies
- Zebra danios
These fish are usually available at most pet stores and don’t need expensive special foods or equipment.
Family-Friendly Choices
Pet Fish for Kids
Some fish are especially good for families with children:
- Goldfish (hardy and interactive)
- Guppies (colorful and active)
- Mollies (friendly and social)
- Betta fish (beautiful but need adult help with care)
Kids love watching fish swim and can learn responsibility by helping with feeding and basic care.
What is the best pet fish for beginners?
Easy Fish to Breed
Once you get comfortable with keeping fish, some species are fun to breed:
- Guppies
- Mollies
- Platies
- Swordtails
These fish have babies easily, but make sure you have room for baby fish or a plan for finding them new homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pet fish for beginners?
Betta fish is considered the best pet fish for beginnersbecause it’s hardy, easy to care for, doesn’t require complex equipment, and thrives in smaller tanks—making it perfect for first-time aquarium owners.
What is the best fish to start liking?
The best fish to start with are Betta fish or goldfish. Betta fish are colorful, have personality, and are very hardy. Goldfish are classic pets that can live for many years and often seem to recognize their owners. Both are forgiving of beginner mistakes while you learn proper care.
What is the best low maintenance pet fish?
Zebra Danios and White Cloud Mountain Minnows are the most low maintenance options. They can handle different water conditions, don’t need heaters in most homes, and rarely get sick. Betta fish are also very low maintenance since they can live alone and don’t need complex tank setups.
What fish should I stay away from?
Beginners should avoid fish like Discus, Angelfish, and most cichlids because they need perfect water conditions and can be aggressive. Also stay away from very large fish like Oscars, saltwater fish, and any fish that need special diets or equipment until you have more experience.
What is the most affectionate pet fish?
Betta fish and goldfish show the most personality and can seem affectionate. Bettas often swim to the front of the tank when they see their owner and may follow your finger along the glass. Goldfish can learn to recognize feeding times and their owners, sometimes even letting you pet them gently.
What’s the cleanest pet fish?
Corydoras catfish are the cleanest because they eat leftover food from the bottom of the tank. However, all fish produce waste, so “cleanest” really means fish in a properly maintained tank with good filtration. Smaller fish like neon tetras produce less waste than larger fish.
What is the easiest fish to pet?
You shouldn’t actually touch most fish as it can hurt their protective slime coating. However, some goldfish become tame enough to gently touch during feeding. The “easiest to pet” in terms of interaction would be Betta fish, which often seem to enjoy human attention and will swim to greet their owners.
What is the easiest pet to take care of?
Among fish, Betta fish are often considered the easiest single pet because they can live alone in a simple setup. However, if you want the absolute easiest pet overall, consider that fish still need daily feeding, weekly water changes, and proper equipment. Sea monkeys (brine shrimp) or hermit crabs might be easier for very young children.
Final Tips for Success
Starting with freshwater aquarium fish is a wonderful hobby that can bring years of enjoyment. Remember these key points:
- Start small and simple
- Research your fish before buying
- Set up your tank before adding fish
- Be patient – good things take time
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions at your pet store
With the right fish and proper care, you’ll soon have a beautiful underwater world right in your own home. These colorful aquarium fish will bring peace and beauty to any room while teaching you about the amazing world of aquatic life.
Whether you choose a single Betta fish or a community of different species, the joy of fishkeeping awaits. Start your journey today with one of these beginner-friendly options, and you’ll soon understand why millions of people around the world love keeping fish as pets.
