7 Best Small Freshwater Fish for Beginners

1. Rasboras

There are tons of rasbora species out there, but some are definitely better suited for beginners than others. They're generally peaceful and add a splash of color to any tank. Rasboras are a great choice for beginner aquarists because they are hardy and relatively easy to care for.

Some popular types include:

• Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha): These guys are known for their orange color and that cool black triangle. They usually max out around 2 inches.
• Lambchop Rasboras (Trigonostigma espei): Similar to Harlequins, but maybe a bit more orange. Super peaceful.
• Chili Rasboras (Boraras brigittae): These are tiny, like under an inch! They have a bright red color with a black stripe. They can be a bit shy, so keep them in a good-sized group.

Rasboras are schooling fish, so you'll want to keep at least six of them together. They feel safer and show off their best colors when they're in a group. A school of rasboras swimming together is a really cool sight to see.

When setting up a tank for rasboras, aim for a setup that mimics their natural environment. This means soft, slightly acidic water and plenty of plants. They appreciate a well-planted tank with hiding spots. Also, make sure the tank is fully cycled before adding them.

Here's a quick guide for Harlequin Rasboras:

Feature	Details
Size	Around 2 inches
Difficulty	Beginner
Minimum Tank	10 gallons
Water Temp	74°F (23°C)
pH	Around 6.5
Origin	Southeast Asia

They aren't too picky about food. Flake food works fine, but they also enjoy small live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia. This helps bring out their colors and keeps them healthy. Just make sure the aquarium fish are getting enough to eat!

2. Guppies

Guppies are a fantastic choice for beginner aquarists, and it's easy to see why. Their vibrant colors and patterns bring a flash of color to any tank. They're also super adaptable and can tolerate a range of water conditions, which is great if you're still learning the ropes. Plus, they're peaceful fish, so they get along well with other community fish.

Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. This can be exciting, but be prepared – they breed like crazy! You might want to consider getting only males or only females if you don't want to be overrun with baby guppies. They are definitely a good choice for beginners.

• Easy to care for
• Come in a wide variety of colors and patterns
• Peaceful temperament
• Relatively small size

One thing to keep in mind is that guppies can be prone to certain diseases, like fin rot, so it's important to maintain good water quality and keep an eye out for any signs of illness. Regular water changes and a well-maintained filter are key to keeping your guppies healthy and happy.

3. Platies

Platies are awesome for beginners because they're super hardy and come in a bunch of cool colors and patterns. Seriously, you can find different platy varieties that look like tiny works of art swimming around your tank. They're also livebearers, which means they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Get ready for baby fish!

Platies are pretty adaptable to different water conditions, making them a forgiving choice for new fish keepers.

Here's a quick rundown:

• Size: Usually around 2-3 inches.
• Temperament: Peaceful and gets along with most other community fish.
• Diet: They'll eat pretty much anything, but a good quality flake food is a great base.
• Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank is usually fine for a small group, but bigger is always better.

Just a heads up, platies are prolific breeders. If you have both males and females, you're going to end up with a lot of baby platies. If you don't want a population explosion, you might want to stick to just males or just females.

They're not too picky about water parameters, but they do best in water that's slightly alkaline. Aim for a pH between 7.0 and 8.0. Also, they appreciate a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots. It makes them feel more secure and gives the babies a place to escape from being eaten. Overall, platy fish care is pretty straightforward, making them a great choice for anyone just starting out in the aquarium hobby.

4. Mollies

Mollies are another great choice for beginner aquarists. They're pretty hardy and come in a wide array of colors and fin shapes, making them visually appealing. They're also livebearers, which means they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. This can be exciting, but be prepared for baby mollies if you have both males and females!

Mollies are algae grazers, so they'll help keep your tank clean. You can supplement their diet with sinking algae wafers or even slices of cucumber. Just make sure the cucumber is weighted down so they can easily graze on it. They do best in groups, so aim for at least three mollies, preferably with more females than males to reduce aggression. If you are having issues with your aquarium predators, make sure to separate them.

Mollies are generally peaceful fish, but it's important to provide them with enough space. While they can tolerate smaller tanks, they'll thrive in larger setups where they have room to swim and explore. Overcrowding can lead to stress and disease, so give them the space they need to be happy and healthy.

Here's a quick guide to keeping mollies:

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a small group.
• Water Temperature: 72-78°F.
• pH: 6.7-8.5 (they prefer slightly alkaline water).
• Diet: Omnivorous; algae-based flakes, sinking wafers, and occasional treats like blanched vegetables.

5. Betta Fish

Betta fish, often called Siamese fighting fish, are popular for their vibrant colors and unique personalities. I remember when I first got a betta; I was amazed by how much personality such a small fish could have. They're relatively easy to care for, which makes them a good choice for beginners, but there are a few things you should know.

Bettas are known for their territorial nature, especially the males. This means you can't keep two male bettas together in the same tank, as they will fight, often to the death. Females can sometimes be kept together in a group (called a sorority), but this requires careful monitoring and a large, well-planted tank to minimize aggression. A gentle filter is a must.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when caring for betta fish:

• Tank Size: While you might see them in tiny cups at the store, bettas need at least a 5-gallon tank to thrive. Bigger is always better!
• Water Quality: Bettas need clean, warm water. Regular water changes are essential to keep them healthy. Aim for a temperature between 78-82°F.
• Tank Mates: If you want to keep your betta with other fish, choose peaceful species that won't nip at their fins. Good options include some types of tetras or snails. Avoid brightly colored, long-finned fish that might be mistaken for another betta.

Bettas are carnivores, so they need a diet rich in protein. You can feed them betta pellets, frozen bloodworms, or daphnia. Be careful not to overfeed them, as this can lead to health problems. A beautiful betta fish tank is easy to achieve with the right setup.

Bettas are truly captivating fish, and with the right care, they can bring a lot of joy to your aquarium. They are some of the most gorgeous around.

6. Barbs

Barbs can really liven up your aquarium! They're active and add a lot of movement. Most grow to be around three or four inches, but some can get bigger, so it's important to choose the right kind. Popular types include tiger barbs, Odessa barbs, and cherry barbs. Some barbs can be a little nippy, so it's best to keep them in groups of six or more. This helps spread out any aggression. Good tank mates include rasboras, tetras, and corydoras. Avoid keeping them with long-finned fish like angelfish or betta fish, as they might nip at their fins. You can find quality barbs at most local fish stores.

Barbs are a diverse group of fish, and their behavior can vary quite a bit. It's always a good idea to do some research on the specific type of barb you're interested in before adding them to your tank. This will help you make sure they're a good fit for your community.

Here's a quick look at some popular barb species:

• Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona)
• Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya)
• Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)
• Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius)

Barbs are generally hardy and easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginner aquarists. They are also pretty active swimmers, so make sure they have enough space in the tank to move around. They tend to stay in the middle and front areas of the tank, so you'll get to see them a lot. They are part of the Cyprinid family and are found throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia.

7. Tetras

Tetras are another super popular choice for beginner fish keepers, and for good reason! There are tons of different kinds, so you're bound to find one you love. Think about black neon tetras, cardinal tetras, or even Congo tetras. They're generally pretty easy to take care of, which is a big plus.

Tetras are schooling fish, so it's best to keep them in groups of at least six. They like being with their buddies, and it makes them feel safer. Plus, watching a school of tetras swim around is really cool!

They usually do well with other peaceful community fish, like rasboras. Just make sure to do your research on the specific type of tetra you're interested in to make sure you can provide the right environment for them.

Keeping tetras is a rewarding experience. They bring color and activity to your tank, and they're relatively low-maintenance. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy these little guys for years to come.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Picking out your first fish doesn't have to be a big headache. There are lots of good choices out there that are pretty easy to care for and look nice in a tank. Just remember to do a little research on the fish you like, make sure your tank is ready for them, and don't be afraid to ask for help at the pet store. With a little planning, you'll have a cool, thriving aquarium in no time. It's a fun hobby, and these fish are a good way to get started.