Beginner's Guide: What Are The Best Fish to Keep in An Aquarium?

by We Know Pets March 16, 2023

Aqua One Nano Focus Aquarium for Beginners!

Starting an aquarium for the first time can seem like a daunting task. From selecting the right fish to creating the perfect environment, there are a lot of elements to consider. With plenty of experience and fish keeping experience under our belts, we have narrowed down a long list of hardy fish for beginner aquarium enthusiasts.

To help make this process easier, we've compiled a list of the best fish for beginners to keep in their aquariums.

Neon Tetra

For those who are just starting their journey in fish keeping, some of the best Neon Tetras are a colourful beginner fish fish to consider for an aquarium include tetras. These small freshwater fish come in a variety of colors and are relatively easy to care for, perfect for beginner fishkeepers!
Neon tetras are small, brightly-colored schooling fish that make the perfect addition to any beginner aquarium. They prefer soft, acidic water with a pH between 6-.0-7.0, and water temperatures between 20-26 degrees, they can tolerate a wide range of conditions.

Neon tetras are peaceful fish and do best when kept in groups of six or more. These fish prefer to have heavily planted tanks with places to hide, so be sure to add plenty of plants for them to explore.

The majority of tetras are omnivores, they enjoy a diet of pellets and brine shrimp.

Betta Fish

Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are very popular in aquariums and make a great choice for beginner aquarists. Bettas are incredibly hardy fish that can live in a variety of water conditions. They prefer temperatures above 18 degrees 25 degrees is perfect!) and will require a heater in cooler climates like the Southern Highlands of NSW. They can grow up to 8cm long. Interestingly, Bettas belong to the Anabantid family and have the abilty to breath oxygen out of the air!

Bettas are beautiful and come in many different varieties with varying tail shapes, fin types, such as crown fin, short fin, delta, half moon, full moon and veil tail. They do best when kept in their own tanks, as they can be aggressive towards other species. Because of this, it is important to monitor their behavior carefully if you decide to house them with other fish. The size of your aquarium should be about 7L.

They can eat a variety of foods, including Betta granules, blood-worms, and brine shrimp. Keeping a Betta in your tank is sure to add some flare and personality! Remember, only one male per aquarium as males will fight.

Guppies

Guppies are an excellent beginner fish for those looking for a small but colorful set of inhabitants for their tank. These active and social fish prefer to live in groups, though they can get along with other community fish too.

They need warm water between 24-26 degrees and should be kept in tanks no

smaller than 10 gallons. Guppies come in a wide variety of stunning colors, and they are generally hardy and peaceful, making them great companions for new aquarists.

Guppies are livebearing fish and prefer their water slightly hard and alkaline. They prefer a pH between 7.0-7.5 and can grow to 5cm. Guppies are very active and will eat most flake foods, and frozen or live food. They should be fed small amounts twice a day.

Mollies

Molly fish are great for beginner aquariums

Mollies are another great fish to keep in an aquarium. Similar to guppies, they can survive in both freshwater & saltwater aquariums. They prefer warm water between 25-28 degrees.

They typically live in schools of at least four mollies and should be kept either alone or with other peaceful community fish such as platy or guppies. They may produce a lot of waste, so you should use strong filtration equipment when keeping them in your tank!

Platys

Platys are a great fish for beginner aquarists as they can withstand a wide Platys are ideal beginner fish range of temperature changes, pH levels, and don't need as much oxygen. These fish prefer warmer temperatures around 24-28 degrees. They often come in a variety of bright colors and are quite active, so they make an interesting addition to your tank! Like most fish, platys should be kept in schools of at least four fish and will generally get along with other peaceful community aquarium species.Platys are not picky when it comes to diet. They will eat any type of flake foods, as well as most frozen live foods. Platys are livebears and are available in sizes that range from 4-6cm.
Platys are well suited to the nano size aquariums.