10 Ideal Aquarium Fish for Beginners

Freshwater aquariums are a captivating passion that can bring a true touch of nature and life into your home. If you are starting this adventure for the first time, choosing the fish is a crucial step. Selection should not be left to chance; it is important to choose appropriate fish to populate your aquarium.

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

This article was written by Léon Barbot, a freshwater aquarium 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? Originating from the fresh waters of South America, this little treasure is a true star of the aquarium hobby. It is undoubtedly one of the most well-known aquarium fish for beginners!

It is not just its beauty that captivates, but also its lively and sparkling behavior. They thrive in slightly alkaline water, with a pH ranging between 6.5 and 8. As for temperature, water from 22 to 25°C suits them perfectly.

Regarding their temperament, they are sociable and peaceful by nature. These little companions don't just stay at the bottom or the surface; rather, they swim happily at all levels of your aquarium, bringing life and dynamism to every corner. Another asset? Their hardiness. They adapt well and reproduce easily, making them perfect for those starting their aquatic adventure.

But be careful! If you decide to welcome guppies, think about their offspring. In a suitable environment, adults can reproduce at a crazy speed! You will therefore need to be careful to control the population.

2. The Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

If you are looking for a little fish radiating energy and color, let me introduce you to the platy. Coming straight from the fresh waters of Central America, it exudes a natural elegance that will charm any observer. To make it 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 slice of paradise.

Looking for roommates for your other fish? Platys are sociable and curious by nature and they love to go on adventures in their new habitat, all while forming bonds with their swimming neighbors. What is great about platys is their resilience. They acclimatize well to different environments, making life for aquarium beginners a little easier.

But remember: like any fish, they love good things. Offer them a varied and rich diet, and ensure the cleanliness of their water to see them flourish fully.

3. The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)

Imagine a silver flash crossing your aquarium, brightened by vivid touches of red... This is the "White Cloud Mountain Minnow". A discreet beauty native, as its name suggests, to the fresh waters 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 that it is also very sociable? Indeed, these fish love company. You will often see them swimming together, forming beautiful schools, bringing a touch of serenity to your aquarium.

Perfect for a temperate community tank, its peaceful temperament will delight other inhabitants. And for those who are full of enthusiasm but lack experience, good news! White Cloud Mountain Minnows are hardy and their care remains easy.

4. The Panda Corydoras (Corydoras panda)

Ah, the Panda Corydoras! With their distinct black patches around the eyes, they are like the little masked bandits of the aquarium. These charming creatures come from the fresh waters of South America. To feel their best, they like slightly acidic to neutral water, a pH between 6 and 7, and warmth of 25°C. What is fun about them is their sociable nature and their love for the bottom of the aquarium. By watching them meticulously search 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 Corydoras are perfect. Don't forget to offer them a varied diet and some discreet nooks where they can huddle and feel safe.

These are aquarium fish that every beginner will enjoy!

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 vibrant blue stripe, which makes them irresistible, placed above a red stripe.

For them to also shine with health, they need gently acidic water, with an acidic pH navigating between 5 and 6.5, as well as a cozy temperature between 24 and 28°C. But it is not just their color that makes them so special. They have a schooling nature and like to swim together, forming mesmerizing colorful schools that dance through the water, offering a true 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 remember, for them to stay in top 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 Central American gems stand out for their parade of colors and 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 dynamics to the entire aquarium. For all those who are starting out and wish to add a touch of color without the stress of complex maintenance, mollies are a viable solution. Just like platys and guppies, be careful of overpopulation! Their reproduction rate is (very) intensive.

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

When we talk 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 nuances and delicately patterned fins. For it to thrive, it needs water oscillating between acidity and neutrality, with a pH around 7, and 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 pacifistic and cohabits well with other species. Not the easiest aquarium fish for beginners, but still approachable.

8. The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)

With them, little sparks of vivid red cross your aquarium: here are the cherry barbs. These sparkling fish are native to the fresh waters of Sri Lanka. They enjoy gently acidic to neutral water, with a pH navigating between 6 and 7, and a welcoming temperature between 23 and 27°C.

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

9. The Zebra Danio (Danio rerio)

It is well known that South Asia offers us true aquatic treasures, and among them, the Zebra Danio stands out for its striped elegance and vivacity. As if they were wearing party clothes, these fish proudly sport stripes that shimmer with every movement. For them to feel at home, prioritize gently 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 their aquatic adventure, the Zebra Danio is a spectacle in itself. One piece of advice: give them space to express all their zest for life, and ensure the clarity of their water.

10. The Betta (Betta splendens)

How can we conclude this list other than with the Siamese fighting fish? It is a fish whose color and the beauty of its fins are as impressive as its assertiveness. Regarding habitat, they prefer gently 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, one must avoid keeping two males together, at the risk of seeing clashes break out.

If you are new to fishkeeping, the idea of welcoming a Betta may entice you. But be careful: 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 evolve serenely.

Click here to discover more about the ideal aquarium for a Betta.

Creating a harmonious community aquarium

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

Also consider the number: schooling fish (White Cloud Mountain Minnow, cardinal tetra, cherry barb, danio, corydoras) feel better in groups, which requires sufficient volume. Our article how many fish in an aquarium will help you with the calculation.

Before welcoming your fish: preparing the aquarium

The primary 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, and then into less toxic nitrates. As long as these bacteria are not 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?

Every fish we have introduced here has its own personality and specific needs, and adds 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. 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 items.

It is therefore essential to research each one 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 true pleasure 😉!

Your frequently asked questions about fish for beginners