10 Low-Maintenance Fish for Beginners

Starting your first aquarium can be exciting, but also a little overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need to dive in with complicated species or high-maintenance setups. Many beautiful, hardy fish are perfect for beginners and don’t require much more than clean water, proper food, and a little attention. Here are 10 low-maintenance fish that make great first-time pets.

Betta Fish

How Long Can Betta Fish Go Without Food
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With their flowing fins and vivid colors, Bettas are as striking as they are simple to care for. These fish prefer smaller tanks (at least 5 gallons) and don’t need company—males especially are best kept solo. They’re hardy, tolerate a range of water conditions, and have big personalities for such small fish.

Zebra Danios

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Zebra Danios are tiny powerhouses of energy. Their active swimming and social nature make them fun to watch. They thrive in schools of five or more and do well in tanks as small as 10 gallons. Danios aren’t picky about water parameters and can handle a few beginner mistakes.

Guppies

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Guppies are cheerful, colorful fish that breed easily and adapt to many tank conditions. They come in a variety of fin styles and color patterns, making your tank feel like a moving piece of art. A group of three to five males (to avoid overbreeding) is ideal for a stress-free setup.

Corydoras Catfish

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These bottom-dwelling fish are peaceful, social, and great tank cleaners. Corydoras should be kept in groups of at least four and prefer soft substrate to protect their barbels. They help clean up uneaten food and are happy in most community tanks.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows

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Often called “the poor man’s neon tetra,” these minnows are hardy, cold-water fish that can even thrive without a heater. They’re peaceful, attractive, and best kept in groups. Their shimmering bodies and ease of care make them a solid beginner pick.

Platies

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Platies are colorful, friendly fish that get along with most peaceful tankmates. They’re livebearers, so if you mix sexes, expect babies! They’re adaptable to a wide range of conditions and enjoy exploring every level of the tank.

Cherry Barbs

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Cherry Barbs are a less aggressive alternative to other barbs and show off a beautiful red coloration, especially in males. They’re shy at first but become more confident in small groups. Easygoing and resilient, they add a pop of color without adding drama.

Bristlenose Pleco

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If you’re looking for a low-key tank janitor, the Bristlenose Pleco is a great choice. These algae eaters are smaller than the common pleco and are far more manageable. They prefer a bit of driftwood and hiding spots, but otherwise need little beyond good water and a clean tank.

Endler’s Livebearers

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These tiny relatives of guppies pack a punch with their brilliant colors. Endler’s Livebearers are easy to care for, non-aggressive, and thrive in small groups. Like guppies, they breed easily, so keep only males if you don’t want a population boom.

Neon Tetras

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Bright blue and red, Neon Tetras are small but stunning. They prefer to be in groups of six or more and do best in a stable, cycled tank. While they need a little more care than some others on this list, they’re still considered beginner-friendly and worth the slight extra effort for their dazzling appearance.

  • Please Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI and thoroughly edited by a human before publishing.

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