Starting a fish tank can bring calm and color to your home. These seven fish need little work. They stay healthy in basic setups. Pick them for a bright display that lasts. Each one fits small to medium tanks. They get along well in groups or alone. Follow simple rules for water and food. Your tank will thrive with minimal effort.
Why These Fish Work for Beginners
New to aquariums? Focus on hardy types. They handle small mistakes in water checks or feeding. All live in freshwater. Most school together for lively views. Keep tanks at 72-82°F with a gentle filter. Change 25% of water weekly. Test pH at 6.5-7.5. Add plants for hiding spots. These steps build a stable home.
For tank mate ideas, try our pet compatibility checker to mix species safely.
1. Betta Fish: Bold Colors in a Small Space
Betta fish show off long fins and bright hues. One male works best alone. Females group in fours or more.
Basic Care Needs
- Tank Size: 5 gallons minimum. Use 10 for better flow.
- Water Temp: 78-82°F. Add a heater.
- Food: Pellets twice a day. Drop what it eats in two minutes.
- Personality: Calm with snails or shrimp. Skip other bettas.
Watch for fin rot. Use our pet symptom checker if issues pop up.
2. Guppy: Fast Breeders with Flashy Tails
Guppies add spots and tails in red, blue, or yellow. They birth live young. Start with three females per male to cut chasing.
Basic Care Needs
- Tank Size: 10 gallons for a group of six.
- Water Temp: 72-82°F. They adjust quick.
- Food: Flakes or pellets daily. Add brine shrimp weekly.
- Personality: Friendly in schools. Mix with tetras.
Guppies breed often. Give fry plants to hide in. For more on safe foods, see our pet food safety checker.
3. Neon Tetra: Blue Streaks for School Fun
Neon tetras glow with blue lines and red undersides. Buy six or more for tight groups.
Basic Care Needs
- Tank Size: 10 gallons for starters.
- Water Temp: 70-81°F. Soft water helps.
- Food: Tiny flakes or micro pellets. Feed small bits.
- Personality: Shy but active. Pair with rasboras.
They fade in poor light. Dim tanks keep colors sharp. Learn tank sizes with our pet age calculator for growth planning.
4. Corydoras Catfish: Bottom Cleaners That Play
Corydoras whisker the floor for scraps. Keep four in a group for bold moves.
Basic Care Needs
- Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum.
- Water Temp: 72-78°F. Smooth sand base.
- Food: Sinking wafers at night. No flakes only.
- Personality: Peaceful bottom dwellers. Good with loaches.
They rest on sides sometimes. It’s normal. Check health with our pet symptom checker.
5. Molly: Salt-Tolerant Swimmers
Mollies come in black, white, or dalmatian spots. They like a pinch of aquarium salt.
Basic Care Needs
- Tank Size: 10 gallons for four.
- Water Temp: 75-82°F. Add salt if stressed.
- Food: Algae flakes plus veggies like zucchini.
- Personality: Bold mid-water fish. Fits with danios.
Breed like guppies. Separate young if needed. For breed ideas, take our pet breed finder quiz.
6. Harlequin Rasbora: Orange Wedges in Packs
Harlequin rasboras form orange triangles when grouped. Six makes a full show.
Basic Care Needs
- Tank Size: 10 gallons for a school.
- Water Temp: 72-82°F. Neutral pH.
- Food: Flakes and frozen daphnia.
- Personality: Calm schoolers. Add to tetra tanks.
They prefer planted edges. Use java moss. For name fun, try our pet name generator.
7. Cherry Barb: Red Dots That School
Cherry barbs bring ruby reds to lower levels. Groups of six stay less shy.
Basic Care Needs
- Tank Size: 20 gallons.
- Water Temp: 74-80°F. pH 6-7.
- Food: Pellets and blanched spinach.
- Personality: Mild nips rare in groups. With corys.
Males turn brighter to court. Females stay duller. See our guide on what fruits can dogs eat for veggie swaps, but stick to fish-safe plants.
Quick Setup Tips for Any Tank
- Cycle your tank two weeks before adding fish. Use beneficial bacteria.
- Light 8-10 hours daily. Avoid direct sun.
- For small tanks, check Aquarium Co-op’s beginner guide for gear lists.
Common Questions from New Owners
What is the easiest fish for a tiny tank?
Bettas fit 5-gallon bowls best, but add a filter.
Can these fish share one tank?
Yes, in 20 gallons: tetras, rasboras, corys, and one molly group.
How often do I feed?
Once or twice daily. Small amounts to avoid waste.
What if my fish looks sick?
Spot white spots? Isolate and treat with meds. Use our pet symptom checker.
These picks keep your tank alive and bright. Start small. Watch daily. Enjoy the swim.