The 7 Best Aquarium Fish for Beginners

The best aquarium fish for beginners are hardy, easy to care for, and adaptable to different aquarium conditions.

Considering starting an aquarium? Many species of freshwater aquarium fish make great additions for beginners.

These fish can also make great first pets for children, helping to teach them responsibility through daily feeding and routine aquarium maintenance.

Here are some of the best beginner fish for beginning aquarists.

1. Heavenly Pearl Danios

Heavenly Pearl Danios (CPD) are small, peaceful fish that make great additions to beginner aquariums.

These fish grow up to 1 inch long and have dark blue bodies covered with pearly white, yellow, or tan spots. Their galactic appearance is what inspired their “celestial” name.

Sky Pearl Danios are compatible with many other peaceful community fish and thrive in aquariums with plenty of plants, rocks, and hiding places. As they are schooling fish, they should be kept in groups of at least 10.

They eat a variety of foods including flakes, micropellets, and brine shrimp.

2. Golden Dwarf Beards

Golden dwarf barbs are hardy community fish that do well in beginner freshwater aquariums.

These small fish have a golden coloring with faint black bands and are approximately 1.5 inches long. They generally live 2 to 3 years.

Due to their peaceful temperament, golden dwarf barbs are compatible with many community fish species. They are also schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six to eight.

Golden dwarf barbs are omnivorous and readily accept a variety of prepared foods.

3. Neon Grouse

Neon tetras are popular beginner fish, known for their bright, iridescent coloration and peaceful temperament.

Native to South America, these small freshwater fish display vibrant blue, red, and white stripes that give them their “neon” name. Neon tetras typically grow to around 1 to 1.5 inches long.

Because they are schooling fish, neon tetras should be kept in groups. Their active swimming behavior and vibrant colors can add movement and visual interest to community aquariums.

Neon tetras are peaceful and generally compatible with other non-aggressive fish species. Although they are relatively easy to care for, stable water parameters are important to maintaining their health and coloring.

4. Pygmy Corydoras

Pygmy corydoras are tiny bottom-dwelling catfish that work well in peaceful community aquariums.

These small silver and black freshwater fish are well suited to small aquariums and are popular among beginning fish keepers because of their calm temperament and ease of care.

Pygmy corydoras must be housed in groups and are generally compatible with other small freshwater fish species. A 10-gallon tank can support up to eight pygmy corydoras, although larger aquariums are recommended to provide additional swimming space.

Avoid housing pygmy corydoras with large or aggressive fish, as their small size can put them at risk of being eaten.

5. Guppies

Guppies are colorful freshwater fish known for their elaborate tails and their adaptability to a variety of aquarium setups.

These little fish are about 2 inches long and come in many bright colors and patterns.

Guppies are relatively easy to care for and accept a wide variety of foods, making them popular display fish for beginner aquariums.

They can be housed in single-species aquariums or alongside other peaceful freshwater fish such as neon tetras and pygmy corydoras. Avoid keeping guppies with aggressive fish species that may nip their fins.

6. Betta Fish

Betta fish are popular beginner fish that are easy to find and suitable for small aquariums. They are widely available in pet stores and are a common first pet for beginners.

Despite their popularity, bettas can be aggressive, especially males. Male bettas generally need to be housed alone, while females can sometimes be kept in groups of five to six called sororities.

Male bettas are generally more colorful with flowing, elaborate fins. Females are less colorful but still have subtle coloring and are a great addition to any aquarium.

7. Dwarf Gouramis

Dwarf gouramis are brightly colored freshwater fish that are well suited to peaceful community beginner aquariums.

These fish are usually seen in shades of red with blue vertical stripes, although they are available in many color variations. Dwarf gouramis are typically between 3.5 and 4.5 inches long and tend to swim near the top of the tank.

Because they are generally peaceful, dwarf gouramis can be housed with many other non-aggressive fish species, including tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and small catfish.

A single dwarf gourami can live in a 10-gallon tank, although larger aquariums are recommended for groups or communities.