So, you've purchased or are considering purchasing a fish tank, and you're wondering what the 10 greatest tropical fish for beginners are. We have a wonderful variety for you to consider below.
All of the species listed below were chosen for a variety of factors, including hardiness, price, size, and feeding patterns.
Because your aquarium is new and does not yet have enough natural beneficial bacteria, it is prone to crashing. This means that the water quality can vary quickly, and chemicals from fish waste and surplus food can build up in the water and kill your fish. With time, your tank will be built with enough natural bacteria to handle any minor issue.
Let's look at the 10 Best Tropical Fish For Beginners.
#1 GUPPY
The Guppy Fish (Poecilia reticulata), often known as the million-fish or rainbow fish, is a well-known species all over the world. It is native to Northeast and South America, although it is now primarily bred in captivity. It is today, however, a common household tropical fish held by practically every aquarist at some point.
Furthermore, they come in a variety of colorful hues. This energetic fish is very easy to care for because it is minimal maintenance and has a calm disposition that is ideal for most Beginners.
These omnivores aren't fussy when it comes to food. They can eat almost everything without harming their health. Regular fish flakes, live or frozen brine shrimp, Daphnia, and blood worms are some of the foods they eat. It is quite normal for them to go a week without being fed; not that we condone this, but many beginners forget to feed them on a daily basis. It's a particularly powerful testament to the tenacity of these tiny creatures. Due to their small stomach size, they do not require frequent or huge feedings. Once or twice a day in very small meals is optimum.
Despite their small size, they should be kept in a hard-water aquarium with a least of a ten-to-twenty-gallon tank and plenty of hiding spots. They are extremely quiet and get along nicely with other fish. Keep the female to male numbers under control because they breed quickly.
#2 BETTAS
The Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens) is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish in the world. This is due to their aesthetically pleasing appearance. When kept under optimal conditions, they are a very resilient Labyrinth Fish, however, they are frequently kept in very small tanks, which is far from ideal.
They have a strong drive to live, as seen by their ability to survive in stagnant, oxygen-deficient water systems. Although they appear to be high-maintenance, these beauties are quite easy to care for and inexpensive. However, certain particularly bred show fish can bring enormous sums of money. They need both animal and plant food in the form of fish flakes or worms because they are omnivores.
A well-filtered aquarium no smaller than 10 gallons with acidic water and consistent temperatures of 24-28 degrees Celsius would be ideal for growing up to 3 inches. They can, however, withstand poor water quality and even confined areas, however, we don't encourage it. As a result, they are less likely to disappoint a beginner aquarium keeper because they do not perish easily.
They can be a little nippy, so keep an eye out for other residents nipping at their fins. They're also known as "fighting fish" for a reason. If two males are placed in the same aquarium, they will battle to the death.
Because they are not schooling fish, they should be kept alone. They can, however, coexist alongside peaceful species such as neons, barbs, rasboras, and mollies.
#3 MOLLY
Common Molly is another name for the Molly fish (Poecilia sphenops). They are originally from Malaysia and are known for their calm demeanor as well as their ability to adapt fast. They're plentiful, inexpensive and come in a variety of colors. Furthermore, they are a fantastic beginner fish because they are playful and energetic.
Because they only grow to be 3-5 inches long, you'll just need a 20 gallon tank filled with hard, alkaline warm water. It takes a while to acclimate, but once it does, it's easy to maintain and doesn't require a lot of attention.
This adaptable fish is an excellent choice for novices because it is hardy and less aggressive. Because of their nature, any calm, tropical community tank species is a good fit for them. In their well-lit tank, add plenty of live water plants and algae for them to feed on.
These fish are one of our favourites, although many skilled aquarists ignore them, which is a shame. They're also wonderful for keeping your tank clean because they like to algae and dig around in the substrate, loosening particles trapped in the gravel for the filter to pick up.
#4 ZEBRA DANIOS
Danio rerio, sometimes known as the ZebraFish, is a species of fish native to the Ganges and Himalayan regions. They have a zebra design that is instantly identifiable. They are ideal for rookie keepers who are unsure how to set up a tank due to their durability. Because they are schooling fish, they grow agitated and stressed if they are not purchased in groups of at least five. Because they are inexpensive, they can be purchased in groups of at least five. They have a natural aptitude to school in huge groups and look fantastic in a well-designed aquarium. They are often recognised as a superb schooling fish, so check out our movie on the subject.
They grow to only 3 inches long and require a 10-gallon tank. They can survive in most water conditions, but they look very beautiful in large schools of 20-30 fish in larger tanks. Because it has a tendency to jump, make sure your aquarium has a secure lid. These omnivores aren't choosy about their food and will eat practically anything. It can eat a variety of meals, including fish flakes, worms, and frozen items. These fish are among our all-time favourite tropical community fish.
#5 CATFISH
Catfish (Siluriformes), sometimes known as Cory Cats, have a long history in Brazil, South America, and the Upper Rio Guapore. A large variety of 140 species are available worldwide, with costs starting at $6 or more, making them an aquarium must-have. They have a calm demeanour despite being bottom-feeding catfish with a lifespan of up to twenty years.
They are a particularly friendly species that thrives in mixed-species community aquariums. They'll need a soft-bottom aquarium with 30 gallons of water because of their bubbly nature, even though most species only grow up to 3 inches. When it comes to rigorous tank cleaning, they are admirable and duty-driven. They are constantly picking up food scraps from the gravel. Even yet, a well-balanced diet comprising of dry, frozen live, and flaked items is required to satisfy their omnivorous appetite.
Don't forget about their nutritional requirements, and make sure you're providing the best catfish food you can as responsible fish keepers. We've compiled a list of the best to make it easier for you to provide them a well-balanced diet.Don't forget about their nutritional requirements, and make sure you're providing the best catfish food you can as responsible fish keepers. We've compiled a list of the best to make it easier for you to provide them a well-balanced diet.
#6 FIREMOUTH CICHLIDS
Thorichthys meeki (Fire Mouth Cichlid) is a Central American cichlid. Its iridescent turquoise blue body is emphasized by the red color of its scales, making it the ultimate of beauty. When it comes to filling your aquarium with unique and colorful fish, they are a great choice for Beginners to the cichlid world because they are frequently available and reasonably priced.
They are characterised as semi-aggressive, but only during the breeding season while they are spawning. Otherwise, they're generally amiable and can coexist with larger, more energetic fish in a freshwater aquarium. If you wish to acquire more than one fire mouth cichlid, make sure they're all the same size to avoid any problems. They also reach a height of about 6 inches. As a result, it is recommended that they be kept in at least 30 litres of water (21-24 degrees Celsius) with a fine gravel bottom for foraging and enough of rockwork for hiding. They like to dig and move the gravel about, so make sure it's cemented in place to keep it from falling on them.
They are omnivorous and do not have a particular dietary preference. They can be fed frequently available foods such as ocean plankton, flake food, and Cichlid pellets. The best cichlid for 2018 was reviewed, and you can see the review and findings here.
#7 OSCAR
Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus), often known as marble or velvet cichlid, is a South American fish. There are quite a few criteria for keeping this fish. The fact that these organisms are highly intelligent and lively is why they should be on a tropical fish beginner's list. To the point where they can be taught to obey directions and perform tricks.
They're classified as semi-aggressive and should be kept in their own tank (non-community-oriented species), however, they do well in pairs. If kept with other fish, they must be of comparable size and aggressiveness. Many purchasers are unaware that these 1-2-inch juvenile fish can grow to epic sizes of 12-14 inches in a short period of time. As a result, a 70-100 gallon tank with a deep gravel bottom and abundance of large heavy boulders is ideal. Basic aqua systems can withstand their high water hardness levels.
They produce a lot of trash, thus efficient water maintenance and filtration systems will come in handy. To remove the surplus waste and leftover food, you will need to do weekly water changes of roughly 25%.
The best thing is that you can hand feed these predators ocean plankton, small fish, bloodworms, flakes, tetra cichlid crisps, and earthworms to satisfy their insatiable appetites. They're a lot of fun to keep, but bear in mind that you'll need a big tank with good filtration.
#8 NEON TETRAS
The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a South American fish native to the Orinoco and Amazon basins. They have deservedly acquired the title the most popular tropical fish. Each month, over two million of them are sold in the United States, and the reason for this is not only because of their brilliant bodies, but also because of their unrivalled temperament.
A minimum of 10 litres of water would be the most optimal ambiance for them. In a matured, established tank, stable table water parameters, low lighting, dense plantation, soft water, low watt fluorescent lighting, and a regular sponge filter are ideal. They are entirely community-oriented tank-mates, even though shielded surroundings are their go-to. They can also live among other species such as cory catfish, barbs, and guppies. It's better to buy them in groups of about 10-15 because this helps with their transition and integration into their new home. They're also natural schooling fish; if you're not sure what that means, see our article on the subject.
Both, in the wild and in the home aquarium they portray omnivorous qualities making them unchallenging to feed. Incorporate within their diets larvae from insects, brine shrimp, algae, nano vertebrates, tubifex etc. They have a fairly laid-back nourishment regime in that they only need to be fed once or twice a day, so they don’t pose as burdensome responsibilities. They even live up to 8 years without much effort. Plus the fact that you can buy 6 for around $20 makes them the perfect tropical fish for beginners.
#9 ANGELFISH
The Angel Fish (Pterophyllum) hails from the Amazon Basin, Tropical South America, and Orinoco Basin.They are often regarded as a must-have tropical fish for any aquarist. These beautiful fish can reach a length of 8 inches and come in a variety of colours and patterns. They are tough and easygoing, yet they can be semi-aggressive at times. They'll need a 55-gallon tank, moderate current flows, floating, driftwood, and broadleaf plants, at the at least. Slow-moving water with dim lighting and dead branches, as found in the natural, is preferred. They can be kept with larger tetras, rainbowfish, catfish, and other fish. Because of their semi-aggressive temperament, they should be kept alone or in a large school where their hostility is reduced. Their diet consists of worms, small crustaceans, shrimp pellets, marine algae, frozen live foods, and other omnivorous foods (2-3 times per day).
They have incredible fins, so you'd think they'd enjoy other fish's fins, but they may nip and injure others' fins, which is ironic.
#10 SWORDTAILS
The Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a North and Central American species. They are by far the most popular species to date, and they are classified as a "beginners only" fish, which we disagree with. Even though they are well suited for that task, these fish are more than just novice fish.
Because of their simple care routine, this widely sought-after freshwater fish is a crowd pleaser at a bargain price of $5. They definitely belong in a community habitat because of their friendly features, but they should be kept alone because they may be territorial towards other males of the same species.
They usually capture the attention of hobbyists due to their distinct sword-like tail and will to live. Another point to consider is the incredible variety of solutions available. Marigold, Red Velvet, Black Nubian, Pineapple, and other varieties are available. They can grow to be roughly 4 inches long, thus 20 gallons of water is required to keep them alive (25-28 degrees Celsius). When it comes to water, though, people have low expectations. Their omnivorous appetites will be satisfied by commercially produced foods. Vegetable-based flakes, tubifex bloodworms, brine shrimp, and plant-based diets with algae are other examples.
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