As someone who loves aquariums, I know how rewarding it is to keep fish. But for newcomers, starting an aquarium can seem tough. Today, I’m happy to introduce you to the best most hardy aquarium fish for beginners.
Keeping a low maintenance fish tank can pose a challenge. However, by choosing resilient fish species, it gets easier. These easy care aquarium fish are perfect for beginner fish keepers. They do well even in not-so-perfect conditions. Whether you prefer colorful robust tropical fish, strong tough freshwater fish, or sturdy durable saltwater fish, these aquarium hardy-heads form an ideal base for your aquarium.
Key Takeaways
- Selecting the right resilient fish species is key for new aquarium enthusiasts to enjoy a successful hobby for a long time.
- Low maintenance fish that are easy care make starting your aquarium journey easier.
- Hardy aquarium fish can do well in various conditions, welcoming new owners with a forgiving nature.
- Colorful robust tropical fish, sturdy tough freshwater fish, and durable saltwater fish are great choices for beginner fish keepers.
- Choosing resilient fish species helps in creating a thriving, forgiving pet fish home for first-time fish parents.
Rasboras: Colorful and Peaceful Nano Fish
Rasboras are top picks for people starting in fish keeping. They have bright colors and calm attitudes, fitting well in small tanks with other fish. As hardy fish, rasboras need only basic care, perfect for beginners.
Harlequin Rasbora
The harlequin rasbora stands out with its black patch and orange glow. This small schooling fish looks best in large groups, making the tank alive and colorful.
Lambchop Rasbora
The lambchop rasbora brings life to any aquarium. Like the harlequin, they love being with their kind to show off their beauty and peaceful nature.
Neon Green Rasbora
The neon green rasbora is small but catches everyone’s eye with its glowing green color. This tiny small schooling fish shines brightly in the tank.
Scissortail Rasbora
The scissortail rasbora is big compared to others in the family. Its unique shape and colors make a beautiful and peaceful tank for beginners.
Common Goldfish: Resilient and Easy to Care For
Many expert fish keepers advise against keeping common goldfish due to their size. However, these resilient fish are perfect for beginner aquarists. Common goldfish are very hardy and easy to care for. They are a top pick for first-time fish owners. These fish can get as big as 12-14 inches. They need at least 30 gallons of water each. Or, house them in a 55-gallon tank if you have two.
Although they grow big, common goldfish are not picky about water conditions. But, you must change their water often to keep it clean. It’s best not to put anything else in the tank with them. They might try to eat smaller fish or plants. Because of their vibrant colors, friendly behavior, and low-maintenance needs, they are a great choice for new aquarium keepers.
Tetras: Vibrant Schooling Fish for Community Tanks
Tetras are a top pick for those new to aquariums. They are colorful, small fish that like swimming together. Some favorites are the neon tetra, cardinal tetra, black neon tetra, and Congo tetra. These fish do well in tanks where they can live together.
Tetras are not hard to look after. They like water with a pH around 7.0 to 7.8. This makes them a good choice for many aquarium owners.
They really enjoy being part of a big school, so it’s best to get at least six of them. This helps them feel safe and happy. Tetras also get along with other calm fish, such as rasboras and corydoras catfish.
Corydoras Catfish: Bottom-Dwelling Scavengers
Corydoras catfish, or “cories,” are a hardy and peaceful fish perfect for beginners. There are over 160 species. These fish are known to live at the bottom of the tank, eating leftover food and waste.
Bronze and Albino Cory
The bronze and albino cory (Corydoras aeneus) are very popular. They stand out with brown or white colors. They enjoy living in groups and help keep the aquarium clean.
Panda Cory
The panda cory (Corydoras panda) has a beautiful black and white pattern. These peaceful community fish make the aquarium more interesting. They need a diet rich in sinking foods to stay healthy.
Emerald Green Cory
The emerald green cory (Corydoras splendens) adds color to a corydoras catfish community. They are small and live about 1-3 inches long. Keeping them in groups is best for their well-being.
Platies: Hardy Livebearers for Beginners
Platies are a great pick for those starting with fish tanks. They’re tough and easy to care for. They give birth to live babies, making them even more interesting. They grow to be about 3 inches long.
These fish can live happily in various water conditions. They eat a lot and will enjoy most foods for community fish. One favorite type is the variatus platy (Xiphophorus variatus).
Platies are perfect for tanks with different fish. They peacefully coexist, adding color and energy.
Betta Fish: The King of Beginner Fish
Betta fish, or Siamese fighting fish, top the list for new aquarium owners. They are brightly colored and don’t need too much care. They do well in small tanks with a gentle filter. If you want to keep them with others, a 10-gallon or bigger tank is needed.
They should be kept by themselves because they like to fight. But, they can live with peaceful fish like tetras and corydoras.
Betta fish eat meaty foods like betta pellets and frozen bloodworms. Their beauty and easy care make them perfect for anyone new to keeping fish.
Barbs: Lively and Action-Packed Community Fish
Barbs are lively and add a lot of action to any fish tank. Some barb types can be a bit aggressive, but this changes when you keep them in big groups of six or more. This reduces any mean behavior. Great choices for new fish owners are the tiger barb, Odessa barb, and cherry barb.
Tiger Barb
The tiger barb grows to be 3-4 inches long. They do well with other peaceful fish like rasboras, tetras, and corydoras. Their bright colors and how they swim around make them very interesting for beginners.
Odessa Barb
Then there’s the Odessa barb with its striking black and orange stripes. This barb is full of life and makes any tank more exciting. It’s a favorite among those who love community tanks.
Cherry Barb
The cherry barb is a peaceful, smaller type that fits well in a community tank. Its red color is beautiful. It’s ideal for new fish owners wanting active, colorful fish.
Bolivian Cichlids: Colorful and Easy to Breed
For those looking into Bolivian cichlids, the Bolivian ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is a top pick as a beginner cichlid. They have a look similar to the German rams but are easier to care for. Known for their unique actions, yellow and black bodies, and how easy they are to breed, Bolivian rams are about 3 inches long. They thrive in water that’s slightly basic, not too hot or cold, making them friendly for a community tank fish.
Bolivian rams are not just pretty; they have fun personalities and are usually calm. They fit well in tanks that are not too big and add a lot of life to the place. This makes them perfect for someone just starting out in the aquarium hobby.
Kuhli Loaches: Unique Bottom-Dwellers
Kuhli loaches (Pangio kuhlii) are amazing bottom-dwelling fish. They draw in beginner aquarists with their snakelike look and interesting habits. They can grow up to 4 inches long. They are known as nocturnal scavengers.
They often hide at the tank bottom, among plants and rocks. It’s best to keep them in groups of three to six. This helps them feel safe. Though they’re shy, kuhli loaches get more lively and at home in a well-set aquarium.
Feeding these bottom-feeders should be special. They need their own food, apart from what’s dropped in the tank. Because they are very tough, kuhli loaches do well in different water conditions. This makes them great for those starting their aquarium.
Most hardy aquarium fish: Low-Maintenance Resilient Species
When you start in the aquarium hobby, picking the right most hardy aquarium fish is key. Look for those known for being hardy and needing simple care, like low maintenance fish. These “hardy-head” fish can handle changes in water quality and not-so-perfect conditions. This gives new fish owners room to make mistakes as they set up and keep their aquarium going.
Choosing resilient fish species means first-timers can look forward to a great aquarium experience. They won’t have to worry much about fish getting sick or dying. The beginner fish, robust tropical fish, tough freshwater fish, and durable saltwater fish we mention are great for those new to the hobby.
Angelfish: Striking Showpiece Cichlids
Angelfish stand out with their unique look. They have flowing fins and bright striped patterns. These large cichlids are perfect as the main feature in aquariums. They need tanks of 55 gallons or more. Some types are marble, zebra, koi, and veil angelfish.
Angelfish get along well with other fish. But, it’s wise to have only one in a tank to prevent fights. They like lots of open swim space. They mix well with calm fish such as rasboras, tetras, and corydoras catfish. For those just starting, angelfish are a great choice if you have a big enough tank.
Conclusion: Top Choices for Beginner Aquarists
Starting in the aquarium hobby, it’s critical to choose beginner aquarium fish that are sturdy and easy to care for. Fish such as rasboras, hardy aquarium fish like goldfish, tetras, corydoras catfish, platies, betta fish, barbs, Bolivian cichlids, kuhli loaches, and angelfish are top picks for those new to this world. They are beginner-friendly and need low maintenance.
Choosing these resilient aquarium species means less worry about sick or dying fish. With the right groundwork, planning, and regular care, beginner aquarists can have a lively aquarium. It’ll be home to these hardy and resilient fish species.
Success for those starting with beginner aquarium fish comes from picking forgiving, adaptable types. By looking at these top fish for beginners, new fish fans build a solid start. They create a place where aquarium pets live well with low stress.
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