If you have never owned any fish before, you’ll want to learn about some of the best low-maintenance options.
The fact is that certain fish are better than others for beginners. When you take the time to learn about these fish, you’ll know which ones to look for.
10 Low Maintenance Fish for Beginners
1. Platies
Platies are excellent fish even for those who have never had a wet friend before. They are available in a wide range of beautiful and vibrant colors. You can give them pretty much any type of food, including dry flakes or frozen food.
You’ll want to be cautious about keeping Platies with other fish, as they might gobble up their offspring. This is a very calm and peaceful species that isn’t aggressive at all.
2. Swordtail
The swordtail is another great choice for beginners, as it has an incredibly tranquil demeanor. You can get them in many different colors, and they tend to live quite a long time. These fish get their name from their sword-shaped tailfin.
You’ll want to make sure that this fish is kept in a tank with a minimum 15-gallon capacity. If you are going to keep both sexes, one male to three females is the ideal ratio.
3. Danios
Danios are known for getting along well with just about any fish that is put in their tank. They can be kept in small tanks as little as five gallons, but more is always better. Make sure that you keep it at a temperature of 65 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll also need to get a filter to keep the water clean so they stay healthy.
4. Cardinal Tetras
The Cardinal Tetra is a vibrant and beautiful fish that is pretty hyperactive. You can keep up to five of them in a fairly small tank without any issues whatsoever. You’ll want to get a heater and filter for their tank.
It is also important that you put a decent number of plants in your Tetra’s aquarium. This will keep them happy and therefore healthy for years to come.
5. Guppies
guppies are also great-looking fish that are extremely popular pets. They are easy to care for and do not require a very large aquarium. You will, however, need to make sure that the water stays at a temperature between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep in mind that Guppies tend to produce a ton of offspring. If you don’t want a large number of new fish all of a sudden, you should keep only males or females.
6. Bettas
Betta fish are also a classic choice and absolutely perfect for beginners. You should have no problem whatsoever caring for these fish. You don’t want to keep two males in the same tank, as they will fight like crazy. This will only serve to stress out one if not both of them.
You will have to change out some of the water in your Betta’s tank on a semi-regular basis. It is also important that you invest in a high-quality filter for the inside of the aquarium.
7. Neon Tetras
The Neon Tetra is a nice docile fish with shiny scales that shimmer in the water. These fish require an aquarium light as well as a good filter. Take the time to find some nice LED lights to put in the tank. You should get at least a 10 gallon tank for these fish so they have plenty of room to swim around.
8. Kuhli Loach
The Kuhli Loach is a somewhat overlooked fish, but it is absolutely perfect for beginners. While it isn’t a fish by strict standards, it is beautiful and easy to keep. You will need to keep their aquarium at a temperature somewhere between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is also necessary to get a good filter so that these eel-like creatures stay healthy over the long term. If you are going to keep three of them, you’ll want to have a minimum 20 gallon tank.
9. Barbs
Barbs have a beautiful orange-red sheen and sparkle in the water, making them quite stunning to look at. These fish require a fairly large tank of at least 40 gallons. You will also want to put a good amount of plants in their tank, either artificial or real.
One of the great things about these fish is that they get along really well with most other fish. Make sure that you keep their tank at a temperature between 75 to 80 degrees. You also want to invest in a solid HOB filter to maintain the overall water quality.
10. Rosy Red Minnows
The Rosy Red Minnow is a common pet fish and a great choice for anyone who wants to start keeping these slippery creatures. They are inexpensive and easy to breed as well as take care of overall.
You will be able to keep three or four of these fish in a 10 gallon tank, provided you have a high-quality filter. These fish don’t need to be kept in special conditions, and they can eat just about any fish food you get from the store.
Conclusion
- Platies are friendly fish that have a beautiful vibrant look, but their offspring can be tempting for other fish you might have in the tank.
- Swordtails are excellent for beginners, as they are easy to care for and typically live a long time.
- Danios are known for getting along with most other fish you might put in their tank, but you need a quality filter.
- Tetras are very hyper fish with quirky personalities, and they thrive in a tank with lots of plant life.
- Guppies are popular fish for beginners, and they don’t need to be kept in a very big aquarium.
- Bettas are also low maintenance and easy to care for, but you don’t want to keep two males in the same tank.
- Neon Tetras have a calm demeanor and need lots of light in their tank.
- The Kuhli Loach is a somewhat uncommon pet fish but a great choice for your first one.
- Cherry Barbs are gorgeous fish that require a larger tank and need a good HOB filter to stay healthy.
- Rosy Red Minnows are extremely cheap and perfect for those who don’t want a lot of upkeep.
