Top 5 Fish for First-Time Aquarists

Starting your first aquarium is a moment of joy, curiosity, and maybe just a hint of nervousness. With so many species to choose from, how do you know which fish are truly beginner-friendly? You want something that’s hardy, low-maintenance, peaceful, and a delight to watch. That’s where this guide comes in.

Whether you’re setting up a planted freshwater tank or just starting with a simple setup, this blog post will walk you through the best beginner fish for new aquarists. We’ll explore species that are easy to care for, resilient to common mistakes, and perfect for creating a thriving tank. By the end, you’ll know exactly which easy aquarium fish to pick and why they make ideal companions in your aquatic adventure.

Why Choosing the Right Fish Matters for Beginners

New aquarists often underestimate the importance of species selection. Some fish are stunning but notoriously hard to care for. Others are tough but aggressive, which can cause problems in a community tank.

Starting with hardy pet fish ensures:

• Lower risk of loss due to water quality swings
• Easier feeding and compatibility
• More enjoyable learning curve

Think of it as choosing training wheels for your first bike—you’re setting yourself up for success, not frustration.

What Makes a Good Beginner Fish?

When choosing your starter fish, look for species that tick the following boxes:

1. Hardiness

Can they tolerate small mistakes, like minor temperature changes or less-than-perfect water conditions?

2. Peaceful Nature

Avoid territorial or aggressive species if you’re planning a community tank.

3. Low Maintenance

Simple dietary needs, no complicated habitat requirements.

4. Readily Available

You can find them in most pet stores or aquatics centres.

5. Tank Size Flexibility

Ideal for smaller starter tanks (10-30 gallons).

Top 5 Fish for First-Time Aquarists

Let’s dive into our curated list of fish that are beginner-approved and beloved by aquarists around the world.

1. Zebra Danios (Danio rerio)

Why They’re Great:

• Extremely hardy
• Thrive in a wide range of conditions
• Social and active

Quick Facts:

• Size: 2 inches
• Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum
• Temperature: 18°C–22°C
• Diet: Omnivore (flakes, pellets, live/frozen food)

Zebra Danios are constantly on the move, making them entertaining to watch. They’re also schooling fish, so keep at least 5-6 together. Their peaceful temperament means they get along well in community setups.

Fun note: They’re often used in science labs for their resilience, which gives you an idea of their durability.

2. Platies (Xiphophorus maculatus)

Why They’re Great:

• Colourful and easy to breed
• Very forgiving of minor tank issues
• Compatible with most peaceful fish

Quick Facts:

• Size: 2.5 inches
• Tank Size: 10-20 gallons
• Temperature: 20°C–25°C
• Diet: Omnivore

Platies are the confetti of the aquarium world—they come in every colour imaginable and are a joy to watch. They’re also livebearers, meaning you might witness baby fish without any special setup.

Beginner bonus: They’re great practice for fish breeding without the complications.

3. Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras spp.)

Why They’re Great:

• Bottom-dwelling cleanup crew
• Peaceful and social
• Tolerant of a variety of conditions

Quick Facts:

• Size: 2–3 inches
• Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum
• Temperature: 22°C–26°C
• Diet: Sinking pellets, wafers, and occasional veggies

Corydoras are schooling fish that should be kept in groups of 4 or more. They’ll happily scurry along the tank bottom, vacuuming up uneaten food and bringing character to your setup.

Care hack: Use sand or smooth gravel to protect their sensitive barbels.

Related post: Community Tank Basics: Fish That Live Well Together

4. Betta Fish (Betta splendens)

Why They’re Great:

• Stunning appearance
• Easy to keep solo
• Breathe surface air (less dependent on perfect oxygenation)

Quick Facts:

• Size: 2.5–3 inches
• Tank Size: 5+ gallons
• Temperature: 24°C–28°C
• Diet: Protein-rich pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp

Bettas are beautiful and full of personality. While they can be aggressive toward other males and certain tank mates, they’re perfect for those who want a low-maintenance, single-species tank.

Important note: Don’t keep them in tiny bowls. They deserve heated, filtered tanks like any other fish.

5. Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi)

Why They’re Great:

• Striking blue and red stripes
• Schooling behaviour adds life to any tank
• Hardy, if the tank is properly cycled

Quick Facts:

• Size: 1.5 inches
• Tank Size: 15-20 gallons
• Temperature: 22°C–25°C
• Diet: Flakes, micro pellets, frozen daphnia

Neon tetras are best kept in groups of 6 or more. Their shimmering colouration adds a pop of vibrancy to planted aquariums, and they generally coexist peacefully with other community species.

Beginner note: Make sure your tank is well-cycled, as they can be sensitive to poor water conditions initially.

Honourable Mentions

While these didn’t make the top 5, they’re still excellent for beginners with a little extra care:

• Guppies: Great colour variety and very easy to breed.
• Cherry Barbs: Peaceful and less nippy than other barbs.
• Mollies: Adaptable but need slightly more stable conditions.

How to Set Up for a Beginner Fish

Basic Equipment Checklist:

• 10 to 20-gallon tank
• Sponge or hang-on-back filter
• Heater with thermostat
• LED lighting (especially for planted tanks)
• Substrate (gravel or sand)
• Decor and hiding spots
• Water test kit (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH)

Water Prep:

• Use a water conditioner to dechlorinate tap water.
• Cycle your tank fully before adding fish.

Need help with cycling? Check out: How to Cycle a New Aquarium the Right Way.

Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

1. Adding Too Many Fish Too Soon

Overstocking causes stress, poor water quality, and potential fish deaths.

2. Skipping the Nitrogen Cycle

Uncycled tanks can lead to toxic ammonia spikes.

3. Mixing Incompatible Fish

Some peaceful fish can become stressed by fin-nippers or territorial species.

4. Neglecting Water Changes

Weekly 25% water changes are essential for clean, stable conditions.

5. Feeding Too Much

Excess food leads to waste buildup. Feed only what they can eat in 2 minutes.

Hack: Keep a journal to track water parameters, feeding, and tank additions.

Real-Life Case Study: First-Time Tank Success

Meet Sofia: A first-time aquarist who started with a 20-gallon tank, zebra danios, and platies. With weekly 25% water changes, careful feeding, and some guidance from her local fish store, she created a thriving ecosystem within two months.

Sofia says, “Watching the danios zoom around and the platies interact gave me so much joy after work. The tank became my stress-free zone.”

Her next goal? Add corydoras to the mix and maybe a few cherry shrimp.

Conclusion: Start Simple, Learn Joyfully

Choosing the best beginner fish makes all the difference in your aquarium journey. With easy aquarium fish like zebra danios, platies, corydoras, bettas, and neon tetras, you’ll build a low-stress, rewarding hobby that can last for years.

Stick with hardy pet fish, give them the right environment, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your confidence grows.

So, which fish are you thinking of starting with? Leave a comment below or share your first fish story with us!