Inspiration

Getting started with a freshwater aquarium is an exciting experience, but choosing the first fish can quickly become complicated. Aquarium size, water parameters, the behaviour of different species and their specific requirements all need to be considered, as not every fish is suitable for a beginner aquarium.

For the best possible start, it is preferable to choose relatively hardy species with requirements that are manageable for beginner aquarists. However, this does not mean that they can live in just any conditions: even fish considered easy to care for need a properly cycled aquarium, suitable water conditions and regular maintenance.

Guppies, Platies, Zebra Danios, Corydoras aeneus and Bettas: here are 5 freshwater fish suitable for beginners and the key information to consider before adding them to an aquarium.