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Whether you're just beginning your fishkeeping journey or seeking low-maintenance additions to your tank, we've got some excellent fish for you to consider. These species are known for their adaptability, hardiness, and easygoing nature, making them perfect for creating a vibrant and thriving aquarium with minimal effort. Each fish not only adds a splash of color but also brings its own unique charm and personality to your aquatic setup.
In the following sections, we'll introduce you to five beginner-friendly fish that are ideal for newcomers and those looking to simplify their fishkeeping routine. These choices offer a blend of beauty and practicality, ensuring a rewarding experience as you build and maintain your aquatic world. Let's dive into these recommended species and discover how they can enhance your tank!
If you’re looking for a show stopper with vibrant colors and a variety of patterns you need to get some guppies! Guppies are known for their vibrant mix of colors, including blues, reds, whites, and blacks, which add beauty and color to any aquarium. They are easy to care for, making them a perfect addition for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.
These peaceful fish thrive in community aquariums and are particularly comfortable in densely planted environments. Guppies are omnivores, allowing them to cohabit easily with other fish that may have specific dietary needs.
In terms of diet, guppies can be fed dry vegetable food, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae or Artemia, as well as live foods. In our care, we feed them a variety of frozen, live, and prepared foods, including live baby brine and black worms, supplemented with Northfin Veggie, Community, and Bug Pro.
Here are the tank parameters we maintain for our guppies:
pH: 6.5 to 7.8
GH: 6 to 18
KH: 2 to 6
TDS: 100 to 200
Temperature: 72 to 80°F
The Long Fin White Cloudis a great addition to any aquarium, whether planted or un-planted. This fish has the same appearance as the regular White Cloud, with the notable difference of elongated fins in adults, giving them a flashier look that many hobbyists find desirable. They feature striking color contrast, with a white-to-gold body and red fins and tail, making their colors stand out more than those of regular White Clouds. They display schooling behavior, particularly in groups of ten or more.
These fish are well-suited for small tanks of 10 gallons and up. They can reach a size of 1.5 inches and are known for being excellent community and beginner fish due to their adaptability to a wide range of water parameters. However, they are not recommended to be kept with shrimp if you are trying to grow a shrimp colony, as they can target baby shrimp.
In our care, we feed them a mix of frozen foods, including daphnia, baby brine, and occasionally Northfin Veggie. They will also accept live foods if prepared.
Here are the tank parameters we maintain for our Long Fin White Clouds:
Endlers are known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Similar to guppies, Endlers grow to only one to two inches, making them ideal for nano aquariums. Be mindful of mixed-sex groups, as they are prolific breeders! They’re suited for both beginner and experienced aquarists due to their hardy nature, friendly temperament, and ease of care. They can thrive in both small and large tanks and are safe to pair with other peaceful fish. However, avoid housing them with nipping fish, as their floaty tails can be a target.
Endlersare highly active and friendly fish, making them enjoyable to observe. They love to investigate their surroundings and are best kept in groups as they are naturally schooling fish. Their vibrant colors look particularly impressive when swimming together. They prefer heavily planted aquariums with sandy substrates and floating plants to provide comfortable hiding spots. They typically occupy the top level of the tank but enjoy swimming in open water, so provide enough space for activity. Ensure the tank has a tight-fitting lid, as Endlers are known to jump.
We feed our Endlers a mix of frozen, live, and prepared foods, including live baby brine and black worms, supplemented with Northfin Veggie, Community, and Bug Pro.
Here are the tank parameters we maintain for our Endlers:
pH: 6.5 to 7.8
GH: 6 to 18
KH: 2 to 6
TDS: 100 to 200
Temperature: 72 to 80°F
The Cherry Barb is an ideal choice for new and experienced aquarists alike, thanks to its ease of care and captivating beauty. Suitable for tanks of 20 gallons and larger, this small fish brings vibrant colors and lively behavior to your underwater world.
Male Cherry Barbs feature striking red coloration, while females display hints of red. These fish thrive in community tanks with mild-tempered fish, and providing ample hiding places helps them feel secure and comfortable.
Cherry Barbs are social creatures, best kept in groups of at least five to exhibit their most natural behaviors. They reach a maximum size of about 2 inches and thrive on a balanced diet of frozen foods like daphnia, baby brine, and bloodworms.
Here are the tank parameters we maintain for our Cherry Barbs:
pH: 7.2 to 7.5
GH: 8 to 16
KH: 4 to 7
TDS: 180 to 250
Temperature: 70 to 74°F
We also have a Longfin Cherry Barb that is so cool!
Plecos are peaceful freshwater fish native to the rivers of South America. Known for their distinctive whisker-like structures, Plecos are fun to watch and bring unique character to any tank. These fish can grow up to 6 inches in length and have a lifespan of up to 12 years, making them an excellent choice for family aquariums.
They’re best suited for both beginner aquarists due to their hardy and low-maintenance nature. Their peaceful demeanor allows them to coexist well with other community fish like guppies and tetras. However, male Plecos can be territorial towards each other, so it’s best to keep only one male per tank or provide ample hiding spots to reduce stress.
Plecos thrive in highly oxygenated aquariums with ample vegetation, fast-growing plants, and moderate water movement. They are algae and biofilm eaters and benefit significantly from natural woods and organic structures in their tank. Rocks and driftwood pieces provide cozy hiding places that Plecos appreciate.
In our care, we feed our Plecos a mix of Northfin Veggie and Community foods, with their main food being Northfin Kelp Wafers and unsalted green beans.
Here are the tank parameters we maintain for our Plecos:
pH: 7.2 to 7.5
GH: 8 to 16
KH: 4 to 7
TDS: 180 to 250
Temperature: 70 to 74°F
For new fish keepers, choosing hardy and colorful species can make your aquarium experience both rewarding and enjoyable. Opting for fish that are easy to care for and adaptable will ensure a smoother start and help you build confidence as you embark on your fishkeeping journey.
These beginner-friendly fish offer vibrant colors, lively behavior, and practical benefits such as algae control. They thrive in various tank setups and coexist well with other peaceful species, making them ideal for creating a dynamic and flourishing aquarium.
Dive into the world of fishkeeping with these accessible options and enjoy the beauty and serenity they bring to your aquatic environment!
