Starting an aquarium is exciting—but choosing the right fish can make the difference between a relaxing hobby and a frustrating one. Beginner-friendly aquarium species are typically hardy, peaceful, affordable, and adaptable to a range of water conditions.
Produced with help from Aqualease, the experts in aquarium rental, let us explore the 10 most popular beginner aquarium species, along with clear reasons why they’re ideal for first-time fishkeepers.
1. Betta Fish
Why beginners love them:
- Stunning colours and flowing fins
- Can live alone (no tankmates required)
- Low equipment needs
Betta fish are famous for their bold personalities and vibrant appearance. They don’t require aeration because they can breathe atmospheric air using a labyrinth organ. A heated, filtered tank of at least 5 gallons is recommended for long-term health.
Beginner tip: Never house two male bettas together—they’re extremely territorial.
2. Guppy
Why beginners love them:
- Extremely hardy
- Bright colours and active behaviour
- Easy to breed
Guppies adapt well to different water conditions and are very forgiving of beginner mistakes. They’re social fish and thrive in small groups.
Beginner tip: If you don’t want baby fish, keep only males.
3. Neon Tetra
Why beginners love them:
- Eye-catching neon-blue stripe
- Peaceful schooling fish
- Ideal for community tanks
Neon tetras are calm, small fish that look best in groups of 6 or more. They add instant colour and movement without aggression.
Beginner tip: Stable water parameters are key—avoid sudden temperature changes.
4. Zebra Danio
Why beginners love them:
- Exceptionally hardy
- Very active and entertaining
- Tolerates cooler water
Zebra danios are often recommended as the ultimate beginner fish. They’re fast swimmers, resilient, and perfect for learning aquarium basics.
Beginner tip: Keep a lid on the tank—they’re jumpers.
5. Platy Fish
Why beginners love them:
- Peaceful and social
- Easy care requirements
- Available in many colours
Platies are adaptable and thrive in community aquariums. Like guppies, they are livebearers and easy to breed.
Beginner tip: Keep a balanced male-to-female ratio to reduce stress.
6. Molly Fish
Why beginners love them:
- Hardy and adaptable
- Active and friendly
- Suitable for freshwater or brackish setups
Mollies are slightly larger than guppies and platies and are great for beginners wanting a bit more presence in their tank.
Beginner tip: Provide plenty of swimming space and good filtration.
7. Corydoras Catfish
Why beginners love them:
- Peaceful bottom-dwellers
- Help clean leftover food
- Social and fun to watch
Corydoras are excellent cleanup fish that scavenge the tank bottom without disturbing other fish.
Beginner tip: Use soft sand or smooth gravel to protect their barbels.
8. Harlequin Rasbora
Why beginners love them:
- Calm and peaceful
- Very hardy
- Perfect for planted tanks
Harlequin rasboras are ideal for community aquariums and pair beautifully with tetras and corydoras.
Beginner tip: Keep them in groups of 6+ for best behaviour.
9. White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Why beginners love them:
- No heater required
- Very resilient
- Peaceful schooling fish
These fish are excellent for beginners who want a simple setup without heating equipment.
Beginner tip: Avoid mixing with tropical fish that require warmer water.
10. Bristlenose Pleco
Why beginners love them:
- Excellent algae eater
- Smaller and easier than common plecos
- Peaceful temperament
Bristlenose plecos help keep algae under control and stay a manageable size compared to other pleco species.
Beginner tip: Supplement algae with sinking wafers and vegetables.
Best Beginner Aquarium Tank Setups
Choosing the right tank setup is just as important as choosing the right fish. Beginner aquariums should prioritize stability, simplicity, and ease of maintenance.
1. Freshwater Community Tank (Most Popular)
Ideal for: Guppies, platies, mollies, tetras, rasboras, corydoras
- Tank size: 10–30 gallons
- Heater: Yes (24–26°C / 75–79°F)
- Filtration: Internal or hang-on-back filter
- Maintenance: Weekly partial water changes
This setup offers flexibility, forgiving water parameters, and a wide choice of beginner species.
2. Single-Species or Feature Tank
Ideal for: Betta fish
- Tank size: 5–10 gallons
- Heater: Yes
- Filtration: Gentle, low-flow filter
- Maintenance: Low
Perfect for beginners who want a striking display with minimal stocking complexity.
3. Cold-Water Beginner Tank
Ideal for: White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Zebra Danios
- Tank size: 10–20 gallons
- Heater: No (in most homes)
- Filtration: Standard filter
- Maintenance: Moderate
Great for beginners who want fewer electrical components and lower energy costs.
4. Lightly Planted Beginner Tank
Ideal for: Tetras, rasboras, corydoras
- Live plants: Java fern, anubias, cryptocoryne
- Benefits: Better water quality, reduced algae, natural look
Planted tanks are easier than many beginners expect and improve fish health.
Beginner Fish Stocking Guide by Tank Size
Proper stocking prevents stress, disease, and poor water quality. Always stock gradually and avoid overloading the tank.
5-Gallon Tank
- 1 Betta fish
- Optional: 1 nerite snail
Not suitable for community fish.
10-Gallon Tank
- 6–8 guppies or
- 6 neon tetras or
- 6 zebra danios
- Optional: 2–3 corydoras (small species only)
15–20 Gallon Tank
- 8–10 tetras or rasboras
- 4–6 corydoras
- Optional: 1 bristlenose pleco (20 gallons minimum)
25–30 Gallon Tank
- 10–15 community fish (mixed species)
- 6 corydoras
- 1 bristlenose pleco
Ideal for stable, visually impressive beginner community tanks.
Final Thoughts
For beginners, success comes from choosing hardy, peaceful species, pairing them with the right tank size, and avoiding overstocking. Start slow, cycle your aquarium properly, and focus on consistency rather than perfection.
