10 Ideal Aquarium Fish for Beginners

Freshwater fishkeeping is a captivating hobby that can bring a real touch of nature and life into your home. If you are embarking on this adventure for the first time, choosing the right fish is a crucial step. The selection should not be made at random; it is important to choose appropriate fish to stock your aquarium.

In this article, we present 10 aquarium fish perfectly suited for beginners. You will discover their characteristics, their specific needs, and the reasons why they are the ideal companions for those starting out in the world of fishkeeping.

This article was written by Léon Barbot, a freshwater fishkeeping enthusiast and creator of the Aquarium Facile blog. 

1. The Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Ah, the guppy! Who could resist its shimmering colors and graceful movements? Native to the freshwater of South America, this little treasure is a true star of fishkeeping. It is undoubtedly one of the best-known beginner aquarium fish!

It is not only its beauty that is appealing, but also its lively and sparkling behavior. They thrive in slightly alkaline water, with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 8. As for the temperature, water at 22 to 25°C is perfect for them.

Regarding their temperament, they are naturally sociable and peaceful. These little companions do not just stay at the bottom or the surface; no, they swim joyfully at all levels of your aquarium, bringing life and dynamism to every corner. Another asset? Their hardiness. They adapt well and breed easily, making them perfect for those embarking on the aquatic adventure.

But beware! If you decide to welcome guppies, think about their offspring. In a suitable environment, adults can reproduce at an incredible speed! You will therefore need to make sure to control the population.

2. The Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

If you are looking for a small fish radiating energy and colors, let me introduce you to the platy. Coming straight from the freshwater of Central America, it exudes a natural elegance that will charm any observer. For it to feel at home, opt for slightly alkaline water with a pH between 7 and 8. A temperature between 22 and 26°C will be its little corner of paradise.

Are you looking for tank mates for your other fish? Platys are sociable and curious by nature and they love to go on adventures in their new habitat, while forming bonds with their swimming neighbors. What is great about platys is their resilience. They adapt well to different environments, making life a little easier for beginner fishkeepers.

But remember: like all fish, they like good things. Offer them a varied and rich diet, and make sure their water is clean to see them fully thrive.

3. The Neon Tetra (Tanichthys albonubes)

Imagine a silvery flash crossing your aquarium, brightened by vivid touches of red... That is the “neon tetra”. A discreet beauty originating, as its name “Chinese barb” indicates, from the freshwater of southern China and northern Vietnam. For it to feel truly comfortable, it needs water with a pH between 6 and 7.5. A cozy climate of 18 to 22°C is ideal for it.

Did you know it is also very sociable? Indeed, these fish like company. You will often see them swimming together, forming magnificent schools, bringing a touch of serenity to your aquarium.

Perfect for a temperate water community tank, its peaceful temperament will make the other inhabitants happy. And for those who are bursting with enthusiasm but lack experience, good news! Chinese neons are hardy and their maintenance remains easy.

4. The Panda Cory Catfish (Corydoras panda)

Ah, the Panda Cory Catfish! With their distinct black spots around their eyes, they are like the little masked bandits of the aquarium. These charming creatures come from the freshwater of South America. To feel their best, they like slightly acidic to neutral water, a pH between 6 and 7, and a temperature of 25°C. What is fun about them is their sociable nature and their love for the bottom of the aquarium. By watching them thoroughly sift through the substrate, you will discover a whole new dimension of fishkeeping.

For those looking for easy-going companions to start in the aquatic world, Panda Cory Catfish are perfect. Don't forget to offer them a varied diet and a few discreet corners where they can snuggle up and feel safe.

They are aquarium fish that any beginner will appreciate!

5. The Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)

When it comes to dazzling with color, the cardinal tetra (or red neon) is an undisputed star of the aquarium. Native to the enchanting waters of South America, they proudly sport a bright blue stripe, which makes them irresistible, placed above a red stripe.

For them to also shine with health, they need slightly acidic water, with an acidic pH ranging from 5 to 6.5, as well as a cozy temperature between 24 and 28°C. But it is not only their color that makes them so special. They have a schooling nature and like to swim together, forming enchanting colorful schools that dance through the water, offering a real spectacle to any observer.

If you are new to the world of fishkeeping, the cardinal tetra is a renowned choice. Peaceful by nature, it will allow you to get started without hassle. But don't forget, for them to stay in great shape, healthy water adapted to their needs is essential.

6. The Molly (Poecilia sphenops)

When you think of a fish that combines elegance and a wide range of colors, mollies are surely what comes to mind. These jewels of Central America stand out for their parade of colors and their graceful silhouette. For them to feel at home, think of alkaline water with a pH between 7.5 and 8.5, and water heated between 22 and 25°C.

Their curiosity drives them to discover every corner of their habitat, thus adding dynamism to the whole aquarium. For all those starting out and who wish to add a touch of color without the stress of complex maintenance, mollies are a viable solution. Just like platys and guppies, beware of overpopulation! Their mode of reproduction is (very) intensive.

7. The Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius, Colisa Lalia)

When talking about delicacy in the aquatic world, one cannot help but think of the Dwarf Gourami. Native to the waters of Southeast Asia, this little treasure stands out for its sparkling shades and its delicately drawn fins. For it to thrive, it needs water ranging between acidity and neutrality, with a pH around 7, and a gentle warmth between 22 and 28°C.

If you have ever dreamed of an aquarium where each fish has its own character, the Dwarf Gourami is for you. Despite its sometimes territorial temperament, it remains relatively peaceful and coexists well with other species. Not the easiest of the beginner aquarium fish, but still approachable.

8. The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)

With them, little sparks of bright red cross your aquarium: here are the cherry barbs. These sparkling fish come from the freshwater of Sri Lanka. They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH ranging from 6 to 7, and a welcoming temperature between 23 and 27°C.

With their lively appearance and their love for group life, cherry barbs enliven the aquarium, offering a colorful ballet that will enchant young and old. They are not only beautiful, but also easy to handle.

9. The Zebra Danio (Danio rerio)

It is well known that southern Asia offers us real aquatic treasures, and among them, the Zebra Danio stands out for its striped elegance and its liveliness. As if they were wearing party outfits, these fish proudly sport stripes that shimmer with every movement. For them to feel at home, opt for slightly alkaline water, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a gentle aquatic climate of 18 to 25°C.

Watch them zigzag with enthusiasm, occupy every corner of your tank and transform the aquarium into a space full of life and energy. For those starting out in the aquatic adventure, the Zebra Danio is a spectacle in itself. One tip: give them space to express all their joy of living, and make sure their water is clear.

10. The Betta Fish (Betta splendens)

How else to conclude this list than with the fighting fish? It is a fish whose color and the beauty of its fins are as impressive as its character is assertive. Regarding habitat, they prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, and appreciate a temperature between 24 and 26°C. However, the beauty of these fish comes with a particular temperament: they are solitary and territorial. Above all, you must avoid keeping two males together, at the risk of seeing fights break out.

If you are new to fishkeeping, the idea of welcoming a Betta fish may appeal to you. But beware: they require special attention. It is essential to emphasize that the small "bowls" often sold for bettas are absolutely not suitable. Indeed, for the well-being of these majestic fish, it is recommended to keep them in an aquarium of at least 30L. This volume allows them to move around serenely.

Click here to learn more about the ideal aquarium for a betta fish.

Creating a harmonious community aquarium

These ten fish are all accessible to beginners, but they do not all live in the same water. Before making your selection, compare their needs: two species coexist well when their temperature and pH ranges overlap significantly.

Also think about the number: schooling fish (neon tetra, cardinal tetra, cherry barb, danio, cory catfish) feel better in groups, which requires sufficient volume. Our article how many fish in an aquarium helps you do the math.

Before welcoming your fish: preparing the aquarium

The leading cause of failure among beginners is not the choice of fish, but their arrival in an aquarium that is too young. Fish waste produces ammonia, which bacteria convert into nitrites, then into less toxic nitrates. Until these bacteria are established, the water can become dangerous: this is the nitrogen cycle, detailed in our article what are nitrites in an aquarium.

Which is your favorite?

Each fish we have presented here has its own personality, its specific needs and brings a unique touch to an aquarium. But as with any living being, their well-being depends largely on the quality of the care we provide them. If you are new to fishkeeping, these fish are excellent choices to start your adventure, but it is essential to remember that they are not simply decorative elements.

It is therefore paramount to research each of them thoroughly before welcoming them into your home. Ultimately, fishkeeping is a wonderful hobby that, when practiced with passion and respect, offers a unique window into the aquatic world, while creating a space of relaxation and serenity in your home. A real pleasure 😉!

Your frequently asked questions about beginner fish