Starting a small aquarium can be an exciting yet challenging journey, especially when it comes to selecting the right fish. For beginners, it’s essential to choose species that are hardy, low-maintenance, and capable of thriving in confined spaces. The right fish can ensure your aquarium remains vibrant and healthy, with less stress on you as the aquarium owner.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best small fish species for beginners, their care requirements, and how to create the perfect environment for them.
1. Betta Fish (Betta splendens)
Betta fish are one of the most popular choices for beginners due to their hardiness and striking colors. These fish are small, reaching only about 2.5 to 3 inches in length, making them an ideal choice for small aquariums. Betta fish are relatively easy to care for and can adapt to a variety of water conditions, although they prefer warm water with temperatures between 75°F and 80°F.
Care Requirements:
- Water: Betta fish are labyrinth fish, meaning they can breathe air directly from the surface, which makes them tolerant of low oxygen levels. However, they still prefer clean, filtered water.
- Tank Size: Betta fish do well in tanks as small as 5 gallons, but a 10-gallon tank is ideal for a more stable environment.
- Companions: Betta fish are best kept alone, especially males, as they can be aggressive toward other males or fish with long, flowing fins.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Betta fish are relatively low-maintenance and do not require a filter if the water is changed regularly.
- Their bright colors and personalities make them fascinating to observe.
2. Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi)
Neon Tetras are small, peaceful fish that are perfect for beginners. These fish are known for their vibrant blue and red coloration, which makes them a popular choice for small aquariums. They grow to a maximum length of about 1.5 inches, making them ideal for small tanks.
Care Requirements:
- Water: Neon Tetras thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The water temperature should be between 70°F and 81°F.
- Tank Size: A minimum of a 10-gallon tank is recommended, especially if you plan on keeping a school of Tetras.
- Companions: These fish are peaceful and do well in community tanks with other small, non-aggressive species.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Neon Tetras are easy to care for and can adapt to various water conditions.
- They are best kept in schools of at least 6 to 8, which helps them feel secure and reduces stress.
3. Guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
Guppies are another excellent choice for beginners due to their small size, hardiness, and vibrant colors. These livebearers typically grow to about 1.5 to 2 inches long and can be found in a variety of colors and patterns.
Care Requirements:
- Water: Guppies prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH between 7.0 and 8.0. They thrive in temperatures between 72°F and 82°F.
- Tank Size: Guppies do well in tanks as small as 5 gallons, but they prefer larger tanks if kept in schools.
- Companions: Guppies are peaceful and get along with most other species, but it’s important to note that they breed easily, so you may end up with more fish than you anticipated.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Guppies are very hardy and adaptable to different water conditions.
- Their colorful appearance and easy care make them perfect for small beginner aquariums.
4. Zebra Danios (Danio rerio)
Zebra Danios are small, active fish known for their distinctive horizontal stripes. These fish are incredibly resilient, making them a great choice for beginners. They grow to about 2 inches in length and are very active, often darting around the tank.
Care Requirements:
- Water: Zebra Danios prefer neutral to slightly alkaline water, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. They thrive in water temperatures between 64°F and 75°F.
- Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank is recommended for a small group of Zebra Danios.
- Companions: These fish are peaceful and do well in community tanks with other non-aggressive species.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Zebra Danios are hardy and adaptable to a variety of water conditions.
- They are active and entertaining, making them fun to watch in a small tank.
5. Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
Although not technically fish, Cherry Shrimp are an excellent choice for small aquariums. These tiny, colorful creatures are perfect for beginners who want a low-maintenance addition to their tank. Cherry Shrimp grow to about 1 to 1.5 inches and come in a range of colors, with red being the most popular.
Care Requirements:
- Water: Cherry Shrimp prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. They thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F.
- Tank Size: A 5-gallon tank is sufficient for a small colony of Cherry Shrimp.
- Companions: These shrimp are peaceful and can live with small, peaceful fish.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Cherry Shrimp are low-maintenance and help keep the aquarium clean by feeding on algae.
- They are fascinating to observe and add an interesting element to any tank.
6. Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras spp.)
Corydoras Catfish are small, peaceful bottom-dwelling fish that are ideal for beginners. These fish are great at helping to keep the aquarium clean, as they feed on leftover food and debris from the substrate. Corydoras grow to about 2 to 3 inches and are known for their unique behavior and cute appearance.
Care Requirements:
- Water: Corydoras prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. They thrive in temperatures between 72°F and 78°F.
- Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank is ideal for a small group of Corydoras.
- Companions: Corydoras are peaceful and do well in community tanks with other small, peaceful species.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Corydoras Catfish are low-maintenance and easy to care for.
- Their playful behavior and ability to help clean the bottom of the tank make them a valuable addition.
7. Endler’s Livebearers (Poecilia wingei)
Endler’s Livebearers are closely related to Guppies, but they are even smaller, reaching only about 1 inch in length. These fish are vibrant and hardy, making them perfect for small aquariums. Endler’s Livebearers come in a range of colors and patterns, and their small size makes them ideal for a beginner tank.
Care Requirements:
- Water: They prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH between 7.0 and 8.0. The ideal water temperature for Endler’s Livebearers is between 70°F and 82°F.
- Tank Size: A 5-gallon tank is perfect for these small fish.
- Companions: These fish are peaceful and get along with most other small species.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Endler’s Livebearers are easy to care for and breed easily in the right conditions.
- Their vibrant colors and small size make them ideal for small aquariums.
Final Toughts
When choosing fish for a small aquarium, it’s important to keep in mind their size, temperament, and care requirements. All of the species listed above are excellent choices for beginners due to their hardiness, adaptability, and low-maintenance needs. With proper care, your small aquarium can become a thriving and vibrant aquatic ecosystem that will bring joy to your home.
