Did you know that spending time caring for and watching fish can significantly improve your physical and mental health? It’s true! While fish might not be cuddly or affectionate like other common pets, they still make an excellent addition to any family.
However, like any pet, fish require a bit of knowledge and a lot of care. And believe it or not, some fish are more difficult to care for than others. If you’re just getting started with your home aquarium, it’s best to stick with those easiest to manage.
Read on to learn all about the best aquarium fish for beginners!
1. Zebra Danio
Zebra danios are one of the best options for beginners. They’re hardy little fish and will be able to handle any mistakes you make as a new fish owner.
These beautiful black and white fish can withstand just about any water temperature, so they don’t need a water heater. They’re about 2 inches long, live around 5 years, and only require a 10-gallon tank.
2. Ruby Barb
Barbs come in a variety of colors, but one of the most popular is the black ruby barb. Like zebra danios, ruby barbs are 2 inches long and have a life expectancy of about 5 years.
You’ll need at least a 30 gallon fish tank for your ruby barbs, as they require plenty of room to school and explore. Though they like their space, ruby barbs are easy to care for and will get along with other peaceful fish in your tank.
3. Neon Tetra
So named for their brightly colored scales, neon tetras originate from South America. They’re only 1.5 inches long, and though they’re a touch more difficult to care for than barbs and danios, they’re peaceful and not hard to keep happy as long as they have 5 or 6 of their own kind in the tank.
Neon tetras are omnivores, meaning they’re able to eat both animal and plant material. If you only have room for a smaller tank, neon tetras are a good choice, as they’ll thrive in a 10-gallon tank.
4. Forktailed Rainbowfish
Sadly, forktailed rainbowfish live slightly longer than the others on this list, with a life expectancy of only 3 years. Like the other options, however, they’re omnivores and will eat flake food, micropellets, or small frozen foods.
Forktailed rainbowfish need at least a 30-gallon tank but will get along well with other small fish. They’re a shoaling species, meaning that they need to be kept with 6-10 fish of their own kind.
Build the Ultimate Starter Tank With the Best Aquarium Fish for Beginners
Fish not only make great pets, but their habitat is also a stunning decor piece. Though fish don’t require as much attention as other pets, they need quite a bit of care to stay happy and healthy.
That said, the best aquarium fish for beginners included in this list won’t be difficult to care for even if you’ve never owned fish before.
In need of more advice for becoming the best pet parent, you can be? Take a look at our blog!
