Popular Aquarium Fish for Beginners: Easy, Colorful, and Fun to Keep

Starting your first home aquarium is an exciting journey! Whether you’re looking to add a peaceful ambiance to your space or simply want to enjoy the beauty of aquatic life, choosing the right fish is the first and most important step. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of popular aquarium fish for beginners—all easy to care for, widely available, and perfect for your first tank.

1. Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)

Best for: Solo tanks
Betta fish are known for their vivid colors and elegant fins. They’re hardy, low-maintenance, and don’t require aeration or complex filtration systems. However, males should be housed alone as they can be aggressive toward other bettas and certain tank mates.

Care Tip: Keep the water temperature between 76–80°F (24–27°C) and perform regular partial water changes.

2. Guppies

Best for: Community tanks
Guppies are small, vibrant, and extremely beginner-friendly. They’re peaceful and adapt well to various tank conditions. Their playful nature and colorful patterns make them a favorite for new aquarium enthusiasts.

Care Tip: Guppies breed easily—consider an all-male tank if you don’t want baby fish!

3. Neon Tetras

Best for: Peaceful group tanks
Neon tetras are eye-catching with their shimmering blue and red stripes. They thrive in groups of six or more and prefer well-planted tanks. They’re peaceful and do well with other small, non-aggressive fish.

Care Tip: Keep the tank dimly lit and maintain stable water parameters.

4. Zebra Danios

Best for: Active community tanks
Zebra danios are small, hardy fish with distinctive black and white stripes. They are very active swimmers and do best in groups. These fish are tolerant of various water conditions, making them ideal for beginners.

Care Tip: Provide plenty of swimming space and keep at least 5 together.

5. Platies

Best for: Colorful, peaceful tanks
Platies are easy-going, colorful fish that mix well with other peaceful species. They come in a variety of colors and are very adaptable, making them great for first-time aquarists.

Care Tip: Platies are livebearers—keep an eye out for fry if you mix genders.

6. Corydoras Catfish

Best for: Bottom-cleaning tankmates
Cory catfish are friendly bottom dwellers that help clean up uneaten food. They are best kept in groups and are very social. Their peaceful nature makes them a great addition to any community tank.

Care Tip: Use smooth gravel or sand to protect their sensitive barbels.

7. Mollies

Best for: Versatile community tanks
Mollies are adaptable to both freshwater and brackish water. They are social, active, and come in many color varieties. Like guppies and platies, they can breed easily in home aquariums.

Care Tip: They prefer slightly alkaline water and plenty of swimming room.

Final Thoughts

These beginner-friendly fish offer a combination of beauty, low maintenance, and peaceful temperament. When choosing fish for your aquarium, always consider compatibility, tank size, and water requirements. Start with a few species, learn their behaviors, and enjoy the rewarding experience of watching your underwater community thrive.

Ready to set up your first tank? Browse our selection of beginner-friendly aquarium kits and fish care essentials in our shop.