Are you starting your first aquarium? Are you wondering which fish would be perfect to start with? Setting up your first freshwater aquarium can be an exciting and rewarding experience. To help you succeed, I’ve compiled a list of ten easy-to-care-for, beginner freshwater fish that are hardy, adaptable to various water conditions, and perfect for new aquarists. So, read on for detailed descriptions, care tips, and advice on creating a healthy and vibrant aquatic environment. So, let’s find out what the best beginner freshwater fish are. I’m sure you’ll be on your way to developing a bad case of MTS (“Multiple Tank Syndrome”) in no time!
Table of Contents
What are Guppies?
Description: Guppies are small, colorful fish that come in various patterns and hues. Guppies are live bearers!! Meaning, they give birth to live fry, making them exciting to watch and care for. Guppies add vibrancy and activity to any aquarium with their lively, fun behavior.
Appearance: Guppies have small, slender bodies and fan-shaped tails. Males display more vibrant colors than females, including shades of red, blue, green, and yellow.
Behavior: They are peaceful, active swimmers. Because of this, guppies get along well with other community fish. They prefer having a tank full of plants and hiding spots in their tank for exploration and comfort.
Water Parameters: Guppies like a moderately higher ph, between 7.0 and 8.0, total dissolved solids (TDS) of 200-400 ppm, and a general hardness (GH) of 8-12 dGH. Keep their water temperature between 72°F and 82°F for optimal health. Higher temperatures usually result in a shorter lifespan.
Habitat: Guppies originate from the streams and ponds of South America, where they inhabit warm, slow-moving waters. So, mimic that in their aquarium.
Breeding Methods: Guppies breed prolifically, so provide a well-planted tank with hiding spots for fry if you want to encourage breeding. You can use a breeding box to separate fry from adults, ensuring their safety (sometimes fish other than the parents will attack or eat the others’ fry).
Diet: Feed guppies a varied diet that includes flake food, frozen or live brine shrimp, and daphnia. This variety ensures they receive all the necessary nutrients for growth and vibrant color. And they’re not picky, so don’t stress about that.
Life Span: Guppies typically live 2-3 years, but with proper care, some can live longer — Good food and lower temperatures.
Size: Adult guppies are still small and grow to about 1.5 to 2 inches in length.
Origin: Guppies are native to the northeastern regions of South America.
Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank suits a small group of guppies, but more space leads to happier fish. You also have to consider how many you are putting in the tank. The typical rule is 1-gallon per inch of fish. Also, they’re live bearers, so expect lots of babies who need space too!
Difficulty in Keeping: Guppies are easy to care for, making them perfect for beginners. They’re forgiving of minor water quality issues, just keep it clean with some regular water changes.
Possible Community Mates: Guppies live peacefully with neon tetras, corydoras, and platies. Avoid aggressive fish like bettas, which may fight with other fish and cause stress.
Care: Perform regular water changes and monitor water parameters. Maintaining a clean tank and providing a balanced diet will keep your guppies healthy and thriving.
What are Neon Tetras?
Description: Neon Tetras are well known for their vibrant blue and red colors, creating a stunning visual effect when kept in groups. Their peaceful nature makes them great additions to a community tank. They’re just SO happy 🙂
Appearance: Neon Tetras have a bright blue stripe running from their nose to their adipose fin, complemented by a striking red stripe extending from the middle of their body to their tail. They’re sometimes mistaken for Cardinal fish, which have the same coloration, but the Cardinal’s red stripe runs the entire length of their body.
Behavior: Neon Tetras are schooling fish, so they thrive in groups of six or more. It will actually cause them stress to be in a tank without friends, so only purchase Neon’s if you plan to buy AT LEAST six of them. These calm fish enjoy swimming in the mid to upper levels of the aquarium, making them a great tank mate for plecos or corydoras.
Water Parameters: Neon Tetras prefer lower pH, or slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH of 6.0-7.0, a TDS of 50-100 ppm, and a GH of 4-8 dGH. Keep their temperature between 70°F and 81°F for optimal health. Again, lower temperatures result in longer lifespans.
Habitat: They originate from the blackwater and clearwater streams of the Amazon Basin. Neon Tetras prefer shaded environments with dense vegetation. No give them lots of floating plants and long tendrilled plants to enjoy swimming amongst.
Breeding Methods: Breeding Neon Tetras can be challenging. They require the perfect water — soft, acidic and dim lighting to encourage breeding behavior. Since they scatter eggs, consider using a breeding net or separate tank for protection. If you don’t remove the eggs, they will certainly be eaten by their friends.
Diet: Neon’s are not picky, and prefer a varied diet of flake food, micro-pellets, and small live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms will keep Neon Tetras healthy and colorful.
Life Span: With proper care, Neon Tetras can live for 5 to 10 years. They’re like dogs!
Size: They are some of the smaller fish available and grow up to 1.5 inches in length.
Origin: Native to the Amazon Basin in South America, including Peru, Brazil, and Colombia. Olá!
Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank accommodates a small school of Neon Tetras, but larger tanks allow more space for their schooling behavior. If they’re confined, you may not see this as much.
Difficulty in Keeping: While relatively easy to care for, Neon Tetras require stable water conditions. Regularly monitor water quality to ensure happiness!
Possible Community Mates: Neon Tetras coexist well with peaceful species like guppies, corydoras, and small rasboras. Because of their small size, avoid large or aggressive fish that may pose a threat and make them dinner.
Care: Maintain clean water and stable parameters. Watch for signs of stress (hiding, holding fins close to body, etc) or illness, especially in a community tank.
What are Zebra Danios?
Description: Zebra Danios have horizontal, white stripes on their body. Their playful and are excellent additions to community tanks. Their hardy nature makes them a good choice for beginner aquarists.
Appearance: Zebra Danios have a slender, torpedo-shaped body with blue and white stripes running from head to tail, giving them a unique look. There are also GloDanio’s, which are similar different.
Behavior: They’re lively fish love swimming in the upper levels of the tank. Social by nature and thrive in groups of at least five or more.
Water Parameters: Zebra Danios are very tolerant, and can handle a wide range of conditions, with a pH between 6.5-8.0, TDS of 150-400 ppm, and a GH of 5-12 dGH. Keep their temperature between 64°F and 77°F.
Habitat: Zebra Danios inhabit fast-flowing waters rich in plants. Lots of plants!
Breeding Methods: As egg scatterers, Zebra Danios benefit from a separate breeding tank with mesh to protect eggs from being eaten. Put a male and female in their own tank, then remove them after several says of being on their own. This will give the eggs a chance to hatch without being bothered or eaten.
Diet: A balanced diet of flakes, small pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods like daphnia and mosquito larvae will keep Zebra Danios healthy and active.
Life Span: Zebra Danios typically live 2 to 5 years, but with proper care, they may live longer.
Size: They reach about 2 inches in length.
Origin: Zebra Danios are found in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank suits a small group, but more space allows them to swim freely, enhancing their natural behavior and reducing stress.
Difficulty in Keeping: Zebra Danios are easy to care for and forgiving of water quality fluctuations, making them ideal for beginners.
Possible Community Mates: They mix well with guppies, platies, and other peaceful fish. Avoid aggressive species that might nip at their fins.
Care: Ensure a clean tank with proper filtration. Monitor for stress signs, especially if housed with more dominant species, to keep Zebra Danios thriving.
What are Platies?
Description: Platies have vibrant colors and a peaceful nature, making them an excellent addition to any aquarium. And, they’re LIVEBEARERS! They breed easily and add a lively dynamic to most tanks.
Appearance: Platies have a stocky body and rounded fins, exhibiting a wide range of colors and patterns that appeal to aquarists.
Behavior: Social and peaceful, Platies prefer swimming in groups. They enjoy exploring their environment and interacting with tank mates. Like many fish, keep them in six or more.
Water Parameters: Platies thrive in a pH of 7.0-8.2, a TDS of 150-300 ppm, and a GH of 10-25 dGH. Maintain their temperature between 70°F and 77°F for optimal health.
Habitat: Platies inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams rich in vegetation.
Breeding Methods: Platies breed easily in a community tank. Provide plenty of plants for fry to hide, and consider using a breeding box to protect young fish from adults. Like many fish, babies and eggs will often end in someones dinner if left to their own devices.
Diet: Feed them a varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms.They’re not picky!
Life Span: Platies can live for 3 to 5 years with proper care.
Size: They are a medium-small fish and typically grow to about 2 to 3 inches in length.
Origin: Platies are native to Mexico and Central America.
Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank suits a small group, but larger tanks allow for more natural behavior and social interactions. In this case, bigger is always better.
Difficulty in Keeping: Easy peasy — making them an excellent choice for beginners.
Possible Community Mates: They get along well with guppies, mollies, and other non-aggressive fish. Avoid keeping them with fin-nippers to prevent stress. After all, who wants a nipped fin?!
Care: Regular water changes and monitoring for illness signs are essential. While Platies are hardy, they appreciate, like most fish, stable water conditions for optimal health.
What are Mollies?
Description: Mollies, known for their adaptability and fun colors, add excitement to any aquarium. These LIVEBEARERs thrive in both freshwater and slightly brackish environments, offering versatility for aquarists.But let’s be honest, we’re talking about beginner stuff… Stay away from “brackish” for now.
Appearance: Mollies come in various colors and types, including black, dalmatian, and sailfin. Sailfin mollies boast larger dorsal fins, making them stand out. But don’t put sailfins with nippy fish, because they will be easy, sad targets.
Behavior: Active and curious, mollies swim throughout the tank, exploring their environment. While generally peaceful, they may occasionally nip fins, so monitor their behavior closely. Be sure give them lots of space and places to hide in case they get their feelings hurt.
Water Parameters: Mollies prefer a pH range of 7.5 to 8.5, a TDS of 300-500 ppm, and a GH of 15-30 dGH. Keep their temperature between 72°F and 82°F — The lower end will make them grow slower and live longer.
Habitat: Mollies inhabit the brackish and freshwater environments, often in slow-moving waters rich in vegetation — Plants, plants, plants!
Breeding Methods: Like their other livebearing counterparts, Mollies breed very easily. Provide a well-planted tank with lots of hiding spots for fry and consider separating young fish from adults to ensure they don’t get eaten.
Diet: A varied diet of algae-based foods, vegetables, and occasional protein sources like brine shrimp will keep mollies healthy. Veggies?! What are these, dinosaurs?
Life Span: Mollies typically live for 3 to 5 years.
Size: Depending on the species, mollies can grow between 3 to 6 inches in length, so keep in mind their tank size at maximum size.
Origin: Mollies are native to the coastal regions of Mexico, Central America, and the southern United States.
Tank Size: A 20-gallon tank is recommended for mollies due to their active nature and potential size.
Difficulty in Keeping: Mollies are easy to care for, but maintaining the right water conditions is crucial for their health.
Possible Community Mates: Mollies get along with other livebearers like platies and guppies. Avoid aggressive species that may stress them, or provide them with an ample dose of Zoloft if keeping with scary, angry fish.
Care: Regular maintenance and monitoring of water parameters are essential. Keep an eye on any signs of aggression or stress.
What are Corydoras Catfish?
Description: Corydoras, or Cory Cats, are small, bottom-dwelling fish known for their peaceful nature and playful behavior. Their unique appearance and scavenging skills make them a favorite among aquarists. They’re often referred to as being part of the “clean up crew,” because they spend most of their time burrowing around on the bottom of the tank. They’re SO fun.
Appearance: Corydoras have a short, rounded body with barbels on their snout — Like friendlier looking catfish. They exhibit various colors and patterns, depending on the species, adding diversity to your aquarium.
Behavior: Social by nature, Corydoras thrive in groups and enjoy sifting through the substrate for food. They coexist peacefully with other fish, making them perfect for community tanks. Try to keep them in groups of six or more for optimal mental health.
Water Parameters: Corydoras thrive in soft to slightly hard water with a pH of 6.5 to 7.8, a TDS of 100-300 ppm, and a GH of 2-15 dGH. They prefer temperatures between 72°F and 78°F.
Habitat: Native to the rivers and streams, Corydoras prefer sandy or fine gravel substrates with plenty of hiding spots.
Breeding Methods: Breeding Corydoras requires soft, acidic water and cooler temperatures to mimic rainy seasons. They lay eggs on flat surfaces or plant leaves, ensuring a safe environment for fry. You’ll see them begin to shimmy and shuffle against the plants and glass to stick their eggs down. It’s so fun.
Diet: Corydoras feed on sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. They’re not picky at all, but the food needs to get down to them.
Life Span: With proper care, Corydoras can live 5 to 10 years, so get used to them!
Size: Depending on the species, Corydoras grow between 1 to 3 inches in length.
Origin: They are found in various parts of South America, from Argentina to Colombia.
Tank Size: A 20-gallon tank is recommended for a small group of Corydoras, providing plenty of space for them to explore and socialize. It will be worth it!
Difficulty in Keeping: Corydoras are easy to care for but require clean, well-oxygenated water — Consider adding a bubbler. Regular maintenance ensures their health and happiness.
Possible Community Mates: They mix well with peaceful species like tetras, guppies, and rasboras. They’re kind of like goldfish, and act like little puppies. Avoid aggressive or large fish that may disturb them.
Care: Maintain a clean substrate and monitor water quality. Ensure a varied diet to meet their nutritional needs and keep them thriving.
What are Betta Fish?
Description: Betta Fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, captivate with their vivid colors and long, flowing fins. While they often live alone due to their territorial nature, they can coexist with specific peaceful species in a carefully planned tank… Beware of this strategy. To see a Betta shred another fish is a sad sight to see.
Appearance: Bettas possess a striking appearance with long, flowing fins and multiple colors. Like all the colors. Males tend to be more colorful, while females display shorter fins and subtler hues.
Behavior: Betta Fish are territorial and may display aggression toward other males. They appreciate a tank with plenty of hiding spots and plants, offering them comfort and security. They’re best on their own, and are perfectly happy that way.
Water Parameters: Bettas prefer warm water, with temperatures ranging from 76°F to 82°F, a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, a TDS of 100-300 ppm, and a GH of 5-15 dGH.
Habitat: Bettas inhabit rice paddies, slow-moving streams, and ponds, adapting to various environments. Make their tank as similar as you can and they’ll be happy campers.
Breeding Methods: Difficult. Breeding Bettas requires separate tanks for males and females. Males create bubble nests for their eggs, guarding them until hatching. They’re pretty cranky fish, so getting two to pair kindly is a bit tough.
Diet: Bettas thrive on a diet of high-quality pellets, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, and occasional bloodworms, ensuring vibrant color and energy. They attack their food, it’s a fun process.
Life Span: Betta Fish typically live for 2 to 4 years, but with proper care, they can enjoy a longer life.
Size: They grow to about 2.5 to 3 inches in length.
Origin: Betta Fish are native to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Tank Size: Betta fish are notorious for being treated poorly. A 5-gallon tank suits a single Betta, but larger tanks are recommended for community setups, providing space for interaction. Even 5 is a little small.
Difficulty in Keeping: Bettas are relatively easy to care for but require stable water conditions and a suitable environment to thrive.
Possible Community Mates: Betta Fish can coexist with peaceful species like corydoras, kuhli loaches, and snails. But be wary if you’re mixing them with other fish. Avoid fin-nippers and aggressive fish that may cause stress.
Care: Maintain a clean tank and monitor for signs of stress or illness. Regularly check water parameters to ensure a healthy environment for your Betta.
What are Swordtails?
Description: Swordtails, named for the male’s distinctive sword-like tail, come in various colors and bring a fun, uniqueness to your community tank.
Appearance: Swordtails exhibit an elongated body with males having sword-shaped tail. They display a range of colors, including red, green, and black, offering visual diversity.
Behavior: They are very active swimmers, and enjoy exploring their environment when it’s right for them. They generally display peaceful behavior but may exhibit territorial tendencies among males if overcrowded.
Water Parameters: Swordtails do well in water with a pH of 7.0 to 8.4, a TDS of 200-400 ppm, and a GH of 10-30 dGH. Maintain their ideal temperature between 72°F and 82°F.
Habitat: Rivers and streams, Swordtails prefer areas with plenty of plants and hiding spots, maximizing their comfort and safety.
Breeding Methods: As LIVEBEARERs, Swordtails breed easily in aquariums. Provide ample plants for fry to hide and consider a breeding box to protect young fish from adults. Again, babies/eggs = food.
Diet: A varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods keeps Swordtails healthy and vibrant, showcasing their beautiful colors.
Life Span: Swordtails typically live for 3 to 5 years with proper care and attention.
Size: They can grow to be fairly large, about 4 to 6 inches in length, with males generally being larger due to their tail extension. So keep that in mind when planning for tank size and hiding spaces.
Origin: Swordtails are native to Mexico and Central America.
Tank Size: A 20-gallon tank or larger is recommended for Swordtails, providing ample space for swimming and social interactions, promoting their well-being.
Difficulty in Keeping: Swordtails are easy to care for but require stable water conditions and regular maintenance to thrive.
Possible Community Mates: They mix well with platies, mollies, and other peaceful livebearers. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species that might stress them, and making their tail an easy target.
Care: Regular water changes and monitoring of water parameters are essential. Ensure a balanced diet to meet their nutritional needs, keeping Swordtails healthy and active.
What are Cherry Barbs?
Description: Cherry Barbs and a peaceful demeanor and will do well in any community tank. As schooling fish, they bring vibrancy and social interaction to your aquarium. So, be sure to keep them in groups of six or more.
Appearance: Cherry Barbs possess an elongated body with vibrant red coloration in males and more subdued brownish-red in females, offering a visually appealing look and diversity to your tank.
Behavior: Social by nature, Cherry Barbs thrive in groups of six or more and prefer swimming in the mid-level waters of the tank. Their peaceful nature makes them perfect companions for other community fish.
Water Parameters: Cherry Barbs prefer water temperatures between 74°F and 80°F, a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0, a TDS of 100-200 ppm, and a GH of 5-15 dGH. Very hardy and adaptable.
Habitat: Streams and rivers, Cherry Barbs prefer densely planted areas with plenty of hiding spots, creating a comfortable environment.
Breeding Methods: Like most fish, breeding Cherry Barbs requires a separate breeding tank with plants or a breeding net to protect eggs from being eaten by adults.
Diet: A balanced diet of flake food, small pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods like daphnia and brine shrimp will keep Cherry Barbs healthy and beautiful.
Life Span: Cherry Barbs can live for 4 to 6 years with proper care and a stable environment.
Size: They are fairly small and grow to about 2 inches in length, making them a perfect fit for community tanks.
Origin: Cherry Barbs are native to Sri Lanka.
Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank is suitable for a them, but if you want good schooling behavior you’ll want a 20-gallon tank or bigger. Providing enough space for their schooling behavior and social interactions.
Difficulty in Keeping: Cherry Barbs are easy to care for and adapt well to a range of water conditions, making them ideal for beginners.
Possible Community Mates: They coexist well with other peaceful species like tetras, guppies, and small rasboras. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish that may cause stress.
Care: Maintain clean water and monitor for any signs of stress or illness. Regular water changes and a balanced diet are essential to keep Cherry Barbs healthy and thriving.
What are White Cloud Mountain Minnows?
Description: White Cloud Mountain Minnows, known for their hardiness and subtle yet beautiful coloration, thrive in cooler water, making them perfect for unheated tanks.
Appearance: White Cloud Mountain Minnows possess a slender body with a silvery hue and a red stripe running from their nose to their tail, offering a subtle charm.
Behavior: These schooling fish prefer being kept in groups and enjoy swimming in the mid to upper levels of the tank, showcasing their peaceful nature.
Water Parameters: White Cloud Mountain Minnows thrive in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 72°F, a pH of 6.0 to 8.0, a TDS of 100-300 ppm, and a GH of 5-15 dGH.
Habitat: Native to the mountain streams of China, they prefer cooler waters with plenty of oxygen and vegetation, creating a natural habitat for these hardy fish.
Breeding Methods: Breeding is relatively easy, with a breeding tank and fine-leaved plants providing egg deposition and fry protection, ensuring a safe environment for young fish.
Diet: Feed them a balanced diet of flake food, small pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods like daphnia and brine shrimp to maintain their health and vibrancy.
Life Span: With proper care, White Cloud Mountain Minnows can live for 5 to 7 years, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.
Size: They grow to about 1.5 inches in length, making them suitable for various tank sizes and setups.
Origin: White Cloud Mountain Minnows are native to China.
Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank suits a small school, but larger tanks provide more space for their schooling behavior and social interactions.
Difficulty in Keeping: These fish are easy to care for and adapt well to various water conditions, making them ideal for beginners and unheated tanks.
Possible Community Mates: They mix well with other peaceful species like tetras, danios, and guppies. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish that may disrupt their peace.
Care: Maintain clean water and monitor for any signs of stress or illness. Regular water changes and a balanced diet are essential to keep White Cloud Mountain Minnows healthy and thriving.
*Photo by GabrielDouglas