Being a lover of aquariums, I find the underwater world truly captivating. Many people are drawn to the idea of a home aquarium, but starting can feel overwhelming. So, I want to share my favorite long-living, sturdy fish for those new to the hobby. These fish, besides bringing life and color to your space, help you learn the basics of taking care of fish.
When it comes to fish that live long in aquariums, they are hardy, need little care, and are calm. They are also vibrant and colorful, making them a beautiful choice for your aquarium. Top choices include rasboras, goldfish, tetras, corydoras catfish, platies, betta fish, barbs, Bolivian cichlids, kuhli loaches, and angelfish. These fish are easy to care for, eat simple foods, and adapt to various water types. This makes them a good fit for both new and experienced fish keepers.
Key Takeaways
- Long life fish are a great choice for beginner aquarists due to their hardy, low-maintenance, and peaceful nature.
- These fish species are vibrant and colorful, adding visual appeal to any home aquarium.
- Top picks include rasboras, goldfish, tetras, corydoras catfish, platies, betta fish, barbs, Bolivian cichlids, kuhli loaches, and angelfish.
- Long life fish are commercially raised, easy to feed, and can thrive in a variety of water conditions.
- These fish are suitable for both experienced and novice aquarists, making them an excellent choice for beginners.
Introduction to Long-Lived Aquarium Fish
If you’re new to aquariums, looking for the right fish is key. Long-lived aquarium fish are perfect for beginners. They can handle different water conditions. Also, they’re not as picky about pH levels or water quality as some other fish.
The Benefits of Choosing Hardy Fish Species
For those just starting, hardy aquarium fish are a great choice. They help beginners learn without being too fragile. These low-maintenance fish can take some beginner mistakes. They’re known as beginner fish species and easy care aquarium fish.
Considerations for Beginners in Fishkeeping
Long-lived aquarium fish also usually get along well with others. They don’t pick fights or nip fins. This is good news for those starting small. With limited tank space, you want fish that can share without issues.
Rasboras: Colorful and Lively Schooling Fish
Rasboras make a great pick for those just starting with fish tanks. They are bright and move about in groups. This makes them fun to watch and easy to look after. The harlequin rasbora and lambchop rasbora are especially loved by many.
Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
Harlequin rasboras have a cool feature – a black triangle on their orange body. This unique look stands out in a community aquarium. They stay small, about 2 inches, which is perfect for smaller aquariums.
Lambchop Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei)
Lambchop rasboras look a lot like harlequin rasboras but are longer in shape. They are also easy to care for and like living with other fish.
Some other popular rasboras are the tiny neon green rasbora and the bigger scissortail rasbora. They come in many bright colors and are a hit with new fish lovers.
Common Goldfish: A Classic Beginner’s Choice
Common goldfish (Carassius auratus) are perfect for those starting in the aquarium world. Experienced fish owners might say big no to goldfish because of their size. However, they’re actually ideal for newbies. Goldfish are tough and not picky about their living water. This makes them a good choice for people learning the ropes.
Goldfish can reach up to 12-14 inches long. So, they need a big space, around 30 gallons for one fish. For two fish, a 55-gallon tank will be better. They enjoy eating spirulina algae, veggies, and foods like Repashy Super Gold. But, they might eat smaller fish in the tank. It’s usually best to keep goldfish alone, especially for those just starting out.
Tetras: Vibrant and Peaceful Community Fish
Tetras are an excellent choice for those new to fishkeeping. They are vibrant, peaceful schooling fish. They do well in community tanks. Some popular types include the neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) and the cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi). Neon tetras shine with blue and red hues, while cardinal tetras boast a bold red line. Both are tiny, growing to about 1.5 inches.
Also, new tetra species to consider are the black neon tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) and the bigger Congo tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus). Tetras do best when kept in groups of 6 or more and like their water slightly acidic to neutral. This ensures they are beginner-friendly and great for easy care aquariums.
Corydoras Catfish: Bottom-Dwelling Scavengers
Corydoras catfish are great for beginners. They are peaceful scavengers that stay at the bottom. These small catfish (1-3 inches long) clean up the tank floor. They do this by eating leftover food and bits. It’s best to keep them in groups of 3-6 of the same kind. This way, they act naturally and are happier.
Bronze and Albino Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus)
The bronze and albino Corydoras aeneus are among the most loved species. These corydoras catfish are strong and fit well with other fish. If the water is dirty, they might get sick. Still, they’re thought of as good for beginners and easy to care for.
Panda Corydoras (Corydoras panda)
The panda Corydoras (Corydoras panda) are also a favorite. They have a cool black and white look. This makes them stand out in a tank with other fish. They like to be in groups too. They look for food in the tank’s bottom layer.
Platies: Colorful and Prolific Livebearers
Platies are great for beginner fish. They are colorful, hardy, and have lots of babies. They grow to about 3 inches long. You can find them in many bright colors. The variatus platy (Xiphophorus variatus) is a favorite among fish keepers.
Variatus Platy (Xiphophorus variatus)
The variatus platy stands out for its bright colors. It can be solid orange or have mixes of yellow, red, and black. These fish do well in groups and like water that’s a bit hard. They eat a lot and enjoy various foods, which is fun to watch.
Other Platy Varieties
Besides the variatus platy, there are many more types. You can get red, sunset, or multi-colored platies. They are perfect for those new to fish keeping. These fishes are easy to look after and fit well in small tanks.
Betta Fish: Vibrant and Personable Labyrinth Fish
Betta fish, or Siamese fighting fish, stand out because of their bright colors. This makes them a top pick for new aquarists. They need small tanks with gentle filters or larger tanks if with friends.
Betta Tank Setup and Care
To make bettas feel at home, their tanks should have many plants and places to hide. They come from areas like rice paddies, so calm waters are key. Change some of the water regularly, and feed them high-quality food to keep them happy and healthy.
Suitable Tank Mates for Bettas
Bettas can be aggressive, especially towards other male bettas. Yet, they can do well with certain kinds of fish. Peaceful fish that swim in groups, like tetras, and fish that stay at the bottom, like corydoras catfish, can be good friends. Just remember, never put two male bettas in the same tank.
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