Beginners guide: 5 Easy Nano Fish

Whether you're just beginning your fishkeeping journey or seeking the easiest fish to keep alive as additions to your current tank, we've got some 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. 

In the following sections, we'll introduce you to five beginner friendly fish that are ideal for new hobbyists or 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 tank. Let's dive into these recommended species!

Guppies | Poecilia reticulata

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 mix of 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

Longfin White Cloud Minnow | Tanichthys albonubes

The Longfin White Cloud is a great addition to any aquarium, whether planted or un-planted. With elongated fins, a white-to-gold body, and red fins and tail, they display a flashier look than the regular White Cloud. They school best in groups of ten or more.

These fish are well-suited for small tanks of 10 gallons and up. They reach about 1.5 inches and adapt to a wide range of water parameters. However, they may target baby shrimp, so avoid them if you’re growing a shrimp colony.

We feed them a mix of frozen daphnia, baby brine, and occasionally Northfin Veggie. They will also accept live foods if prepared.

Here are the tank parameters we maintain for our Longfin White Clouds:

• pH: 7.2 to 7.5
• GH: 8 to 16
• KH: 4 to 7
• TDS: 180 to 250
• Temperature: 70 to 74 °F

Endlers | Poecilia wingei

Endlers are known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Similar to guppies, they grow to only 1–2 inches, making them ideal for nano aquariums. They’re prolific breeders, so mixed-sex groups will quickly multiply!

Endlers are hardy, friendly, and easy to care for. They thrive in both small and large tanks, especially heavily planted ones with sandy substrate and floating plants. Keep them in groups to encourage schooling behavior, and ensure a tight-fitting lid—they’re jumpers.

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

Cherry Barb | Puntius titteya

The Cherry Barb is ideal for tanks of 20 gallons and larger. Males show bright red, while females have subtle red highlights. They’re best kept in groups of five or more and need hiding spots to feel secure.

We feed them 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

Plecos are peaceful freshwater fish native to South America, known for their whisker-like barbels. They can reach up to 6 inches and live for 10–12 years, making them a long-term family favorite.

Plecos thrive in highly oxygenated tanks with ample driftwood and vegetation. They eat algae, biofilm, and enjoy natural wood structures. Males can be territorial, so either keep only one male or provide plenty of hiding spots.

We feed ours Northfin Veggie, Community, and Northfin Kelp Wafers, plus 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. These beginner-friendly fish offer vibrant colors, lively behavior, and practical benefits like 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 in and enjoy the beauty and serenity they bring to your aquatic environment!