The joys of keeping fish as pets are well-known by amateur and experienced hobbyists alike. With a seemingly endless variety of species, a novice fish keeper may be faced with some tough choices. Which types of fish should I get? How many? Keeping these questions in mind we are going to explain which are the best and coolest freshwater aquarium fish for beginners.
A good way of making your choices is to pick the species which have been proven to be appropriate for beginner fish. Generally, they are hardy, small in size, aren’t picky eaters, (some fish will not only eat “live” foods) don’t produce massive amounts of waste, have a harmonious disposition, and will tolerate other fish. (Meaning they are not particularly territorial) These traits make them easy to care for.
It would be good to set up your freshwater aquarium in the appropriate environment that your fish are used to. For example, if you have lots of schooling fish, make sure to leave ample space for them to gather and swim. If you have a fish that is generally shy or secretive, give him a few hiding spots. Doing some research on the characteristics of the fish you decide to keep will assure that your wet pets are happy.
Now, onto the species…
- Tetras – These are perhaps the most common starter fish available. There are numerous kinds and all are very inexpensive. As they are considered “schooling” fish, they do well in groups of 6 or more.
- Minnows, Danios, Rasboras, and Barbs – Very hardy. They come in multiple colors and design patterns. Interesting, if not endearing schooling behavior.
- Gouramis – Generally peaceful, they have an interesting look and come in various colors. There is also a type of this species known as “kissing” gourami. Surely these fish can add a bit of personality to your tank.
- Guppies, Platies, and Swordtails – Very colorful and have unique features. They stay small. (Usually, no more than 3 inches) Very peaceful and thrive in a community environment.
- Loaches, Cory Cats, Plecostomus, and other bottom feeders – Let’s start with loaches. These fish have a unique look as they have a bottom-oriented snout. Good for taking care of your snail population, if you happen to have a problem with it. Usually secretive and nocturnal, these would do well in pairs.
- Cory Cats are named aptly so because they have what appear to be whiskers. They use these to sift the bottom for excess food. These guys are dynamic and seem to have lots of energy.
- Plecostomus are a good addition because they mainly feed on algae and excess food. They have tough scales and boast a suction cup mouth. They are quite interesting to watch when feeding. There are some rare ‘plecos’ that do cost more, but the regular ones are widely available and fairly cheap.
One important aspect you must remember is the size of your tank (it is usually advisable to have no less than 10-15 gallons) will determine the number of fish that are appropriate to have. A general rule of thumb is one inch of fish for every gallon of water. Do not make the common mistake of overpopulating your starter tank. If you do, you will soon find the levels of dangerous chemicals (produced by waste) will quickly get out of hand.
Keep your fish happy and healthy and they will provide you with an interesting, if not relaxing view into their world.
Further Reading
Are You Interested In Any Of These Popular Aquarium Accessories?
(Limited Supply Again, Click The Images To Check Current Availability.)
Read These For Your Aquatic Friends:
👉 Trending
- How To Get Rid Of Fungus In Turtles? Symptoms And Treatments
- Tiny Fish You Cannot Find In Wild Anymore: More About Haplochromis Guiarti “Red Eye”
- Best Phosphate Remover/3 Recommendations For You Aquarium
👉 Species Introduction
- Tankmate For Aggressive Species: All About Julidochromis Marlieri
- Saltwater Fish That Reminds You The Celebrity: Raising Haplochromis sp. Madonna
- Is Copper Sulphate Safe For Fish Treatment?
👉 Aquarium Guide
- Altolamprologus Compressiceps Photos
- Looking For A Large Fish? List Of Information About Nimbochromis Fuscotaeniatus
- Aggressive Defender: Check More About Labidochromis sp. Perlmutt
👉 Water Heating Products And Info
- 11+ Best Aquarium Accessories & Essential Fish Tank Accessories.
- Best Aquarium Product Deals On Amazon Prime Day For Your Aquatic Friends Get The Best Bargain For The Best Quality Now!
- All The Best Aquarium Gifts/Deals For Saltwater And Fresh Water Aquatic Animals 2022
👉 Water Pump Products And Info
- 11+ Best Aquarium Accessories & Essential Fish Tank Accessories.
- Best Aquarium Product Deals On Amazon Prime Day For Your Aquatic Friends Get The Best Bargain For The Best Quality Now!
- Best Aquarium Air Pump 2022 Review and Buying Guide
👉 Aquarium Filter And Info
- Everything You Need To Know About Aquatic Filtration: FAQs on Pumps, Protein Concentration And Dangers (2022)
- How To Choose The Best Amazon Aquarium Air Driven Filters?
- How To Choose The Best Amazon Aquarium Undergravel Filters?
👉 Turtle Guides
- How To Get Rid Of Fungus In Turtles? Symptoms And Treatments
- Learn How To Care For Freshwater Turtles FAQ-3 (2022)
- Facts You Should Know To Breed Australian Freshwater Turtles FAQ-1 (2022)
👉 Water Plants
- Decoration Tip For Your Aquarium: Aquatic Plant Sagittaria Latifolia
- Basic Knowledge About Aquatic Plant “Mondo Grass”
- Live Plants For Your Aquarium: Floating “Duckweed”
👉 Fresh Water Aquarium Guides
- Decoration Tip For Your Aquarium: Aquatic Plant Sagittaria Latifolia
- Why Is My Turtle Not Active Nor Responding? Understanding Potential Turtle Problems FAQ-4 (2022)
- Know More About Lipochromis Parvidens: Photos And Profile You Should See
👉 Marine Aquarium Guides
- So You Want To Start An Aquarium?
- Best Phosphate Remover/3 Recommendations For You Aquarium
- Water Parameters For Freshwater Vs Saltwater Fish Aquariums
👉 Other Essential Products