What is the easiest pet fish to take care of?
Fish are one of the most effortless and least high-maintenance pets available, as they don’t require walking and won’t shed on the carpet. In addition, watching them is highly relaxing. But when it comes to ease of care, not all fish are equal. For beginners, selecting the right type of fish is very important in ensuring that their experience with keeping fish will be positive and free from stress.
In this blog, we will tell you about the easiest pet fish to care for by providing all the necessary information that can get you started on your aquatic journey.
Before going into the specifics of which kind of fish are easy to take care of, let’s discuss why fish make great pets, especially for beginners:
- Low Maintenance: Compared to dogs, cats, or even birds, fish require comparatively little day-to-day care.
- Space-Efficient: Fish tanks can squeeze into tight spots, making them perfect for apartments or homes where space may be minimal.
- Therapeutic Benefits: The swimming motion of fish has been proven to decrease stress and anxiety.
- Educational: Keeping fish can be an excellent way of teaching children responsibility, as well as basic biology and ecology.
With these advantages, now it is time to discover the easiest fishes to care for, starting from the most beginners-friendly species.
1. Betta Fish Siamese Fighting Fish
Overview
Betta fish, or Siamese Fighting Fish, are one of the most popular options among aquarists at the beginning of their journey. Brightly colored with flowing fins, Bettas are good-looking as well as relatively easy to care for.
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: While a minimum of 5 gallons is preferable, they could survive in less.
- Water Temperature: 76 to 82 °F (24 – 28°C).
- Diet: Betta Pellet/C flakes mainly, supplemented sometimes with blood worms or brine shrimp.
- Tank Setup: They are suited for still internal water and must have a limited current. Good for live/silk plants while considering covers for their shade.
Why They Are Easy
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Hardy Nature: They can handle most water conditions and are relatively hardy.
Solitary: They require no tank mates, which simplifies care.
Low Space Requirements: A small tank will do, which is ideal for smaller apartments.
Considerations
Aggression: They are territorial, and only one male should be kept.
Water Quality: Water changes must be performed regularly for the health of your Betta.
2. Goldfish
Overview
Goldfish are probably the most traditional pet fish for beginners. They vary in color, size, and can make excellent long-time companions if their living conditions are apt.
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: The minimum amount is 20 gallons for a single goldfish, with an additional 10 gallons added when adding more fishes.
- Water Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Diet: Goldfish flakes or pellets, supplemented with vegetables such as peas and zucchini.
- Tank Setup: A filter is necessary, since goldfish are fairly wasteful creatures. Water changes must be done regularly.
Why They’re Easy
- Hardy: Goldfish are pretty hardy and can survive in a variety of water conditions.
- Long-Lived: If properly cared for, goldfish can live 10-15 years or longer.
- Interactive: Goldfish can become familiar with their owners and might even learn a few tricks.
Considerations
- Tank Size: These fish, contrary to their reputation, require a lot of space.
- Water Quality: They are dirty fish and, therefore, require a decent filtration system with frequent water changes.
3. Guppies
Description
Guppies are small, colorful fish that are extremely easy to look after, which perhaps explains why they are so popular among beginning aquarists. They also happen to be one of the most prolific breeders in the aquarium hobby.
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons.
- Water Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C).
- Diet: Flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp.
- Tank Setup: Guppies enjoy planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots.
Why They’re Easy
- Hardy: Guppies are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of water conditions.
- Breeding: They reproduce easily, which can be fascinating to observe.
- Social: Guppies are peaceful and do well in community tanks.
Considerations
- Overpopulation: Guppies breed fast, so be prepared for population control.
- Water Quality: They need frequent water changes to stay healthy.
4. Neon Tetras
Overview
Neon Tetras are small, bright fish that are extremely popular due to their iridescent blue and red colors. They are non-aggressive and suitable for community aquariums.
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons.
- Water Temperature: 70-81°F (21-27°C).
- Diet: Flakes, micro-pellets, and occasionally live or frozen foods.
- Tank Setup: Neon Tetras prefer planted tanks with subdued lighting.
Why They’re Easy
- Peaceful Nature: They get along well with other non-aggressive fish.
- Hardy: Neon Tetras are relatively resilient and can adapt to various water conditions.
- Schooling Behavior: They are best kept in groups, which makes for a visually stunning display.
Considerations
- Schooling: Neon Tetras should be kept in schools of at least six to minimize stress.
- Water Quality: Poor water conditions will stress them, thus frequent maintenance is needed.
5. Platies
Overview
Platies are also excellent beginner fishes. Small and colorful, easy to care for, platies are popular for the community tank.
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons.
- Water Temperature: 70-77°F (21-25°C).
- Diet: Flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods.
- Tank Setup: Platies enjoy planted tanks with plenty of swimming space.
Why They’re Easy
- Hardy: Platies are resilient and can tolerate a range of water conditions.
- Peaceful: They are non-aggressive and do well in community tanks.
- Breeding: Like guppies, platies are livebearers and can reproduce easily.
Considerations
- Overpopulation: Platies breed quickly, so be prepared to manage their numbers.
- Water Quality: Regular changes of water.
6. Corydoras Catfish
Overview
Corydoras, Cory Catfish are small, peaceful bottom-dwellers and very peculiar in appearance. They are great cleaners for any aquarium and thus are appropriately called “janitor fish.”
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum of 10 gallons.
- Water Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C).
- Diet: Sinking pellets, algae wafers with live or frozen foods on rare occasions.
- Tank Setup: Corydoras are sandy substrate, lots of hiding spots kinds of guys.
Why They’re Easy
- Peaceful: These fish are docile and have no problem in community tanks.
- Hardy: They’re pretty resistant to all sorts of water conditions.
- Tank Cleaners: They will pick up leftover food and help clean algae.
Considerations
- Schooling: These should be in groups of at least six.
- Substrate: Sandy substrates are preferred to protect their delicate barbels.
7. Zebra Danios
Overview
Zebra Danios are small, active fish that are also known for their striking blue and silver stripes. They are very hardy, thus easy to care for, and make a great choice for beginners.
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons.
- Water Temperature: 64-74°F (18-24°C).
- Diet: Flakes, pellets, and occasionally live or frozen foods.
- Tank Setup: Zebra Danios like to be in a tank with ample swimming space, and the flow of water in the tank should be about moderate.
Why They’re Easy
- Hardy: Zebra Danios are really tough and can withstand all sorts of water conditions.
- Active: This fish is highly entertaining because they actively swim.
- Peaceful: It is not aggressive; therefore, they are good in community tanks.
Considerations
- Schooling: Should be kept in at least a school of six.
- Water Quality: Hardier than others, but water changes are necessary on a regular basis to keep them fit and healthy.
8. White Cloud Mountain Minnows
Overview
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is small, peaceful, and very easy to care for. This species is quite hardy and will tolerate cooler water temperatures.
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons.
- Water Temperature: 64-72°F (18-22°C).
Diet: Generally flakes, pellets, and frozen/live foods upon occasion
Tank Setup: In general, a preference is for planted tanks with a mild current.
Why They are Easy
Hardy: They can be very hearty and tolerate extreme levels of water fluctuation.
Cool Water: Where other tropical fish just can’t work in cooler environments, White Cloud can really thrive without ever needing a heater
Peaceful: Are non-aggressive and do fair well in most community tanks.
Considerations
- Schooling: White Clouds are schooling fish and should be maintained in schools of at least six or more.
- Water Quality: Require frequent water changes to stay healthy.
9. Mollies
Overview
Mollies represent another popular option among beginning aquarists. These little fish are colorfully bright and easy to maintain; hence, they are a nice addition to the community tanks.
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons.
- Water Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C).
- Diet: Flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods.
- Tank Setup: Mollies like planted tanks with lots of swimming space.
Why They’re Easy
- Hardy: Mollies are robust and can put up with quite a wide range of water conditions.
- Peaceful: They are not aggressive and can be kept in community tanks.
- Breeding: Similar to guppies and platies, mollies are livebearers and breed quite easily.
Considerations
- Overpopulation: Mollies breed rapidly and one should be prepared for the consequences in population.
- Water Quality: Needs changing regularly to ensure healthiness.
10. Swordtails
Introduction
Swordtails are small, brilliantly colored fish. They are featured to have a noticeable sword-like tail fin. They are very easy-going and have no problems living in community tanks.
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 15 gallons.
- Water Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C).
- Diet: Flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods.
- Tank Setup: Swordtails like planted tanks with plenty of swimming space.
Why They’re Easy
- Hardy: Swordtails are hardy and can survive in a wide range of water conditions.
- Peaceful: They are non-aggressive and do well in community tanks.
- Breeding: Swordtails are livebearers and breed easily.
Considerations
- Overpopulation: They breed quickly, so plan for the populations.
- Water Quality: Regular water change keeps them healthy.
Conclusion
The right fish for your first aquarium can make all the difference in your experience as a beginning aquarist. The above-mentioned fishes are very good for the beginner fishkeeper due to their hardy nature, low maintenance required, and peaceful nature. Be it the vibrant Betta, the iconic Goldfish, or the schooling Neon Tetra, you’re sure to find a fish that suits your way of life and your preference.
Remember, they may be quite easy to raise but still would want proper regard in terms of environmental conditions, nutritional requirements, and water condition. Regular maintenance, like the periodic change of water and cleaning the inside of the tank, would go a long way towards healthy and joyous fish. A well-placed aquarium might also be very aesthetic and create a tranquility factor right there in the home with some little care and dedication.
