Hardy Fish for the First Time Aquarium

There’s nothing more soothing or beautiful than a glowing blue fish aquarium. There are such a huge variety of aquariums, decorations and fish out there that having your own customized aquarium can be extraordinarily easy. Of course though, as with any pet comes responsibility, and different species of fish require different care than others. Any new fishkeeper needs to make sure that they choose their aquarium carefully. Different fish have different cleaning requirements, require different foods, different temperatures, and even different aquarium sizes! – And when choosing fish for the first-timer, it’s a good idea to look for species that are healthy and hardy, clean and easy to keep, and don’t require a massive tank. Here we’ll talk about some great fish species that are ideal for the beginning aquarium keeper!

There’s no easier to keep fish than the White Cloud Mountain Minnow. These energetic little fish are not only fun to watch while zipping around the tank, they’re extremely hardy, and great for the cool-water aquarium, preferring temperatures between 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are schooling fish, meaning you should have at least three or more, and a small school can be kept in an aquarium as small as four gallons. They are not picky at all about what they eat, so flake food is a good choice, but they do love the occasional bloodworm for a treat. Fortunately these are also clean fish, which means that they don’t need as much cleaning of the tank as other species to ensure a healthy aquarium and clean water.

Siamese Fighting Fish, or bettas as they’re most commonly known, are also a perfect fish for any beginner. Not only are these fish hardy, they’re one of the most beautiful fish you can buy, with brilliant colors and long, flowing fins. Bettas are probably best known for the fact that they can be kept in rather small aquariums, making them perfect for a child’s room or an office desk. Though the aquarium size a betta can be humanely kept in is fiercely debated, a single betta can be safely kept in a tank from 3-5 gallons. One important thing to note though is that bettas are aggressive fish, and that when keeping a male betta, you should never, EVER keep them with another male betta, as they will fight to the death. They also do require warmer water temperatures to make sure their immune system stays in peak condition.

The Corydoras Catfish happens to be a popular favorite among aquarium enthusiasts. Also known as Cory cats or simply Corys, these small catfish are active, playful, friendly, and are loaded with personality. They love to explore and play, and best of all, are a great fish for beginners. They’re simple to take care of, and can be added to any existing aquarium because they get along with most all other fish. Getting a school of three or more is recommended due to their social nature, and as such, you’ll want at least a ten gallon aquarium to fit them all comfortably. You’ll also need to invest in a heater – these fish like tropical temperatures, above 72 degrees and below 82. You won’t have to worry about food very often – as bottom feeders, Corys are content to stick to the bottom of the tank munching on the leftovers from other fish. It is a good idea to get them a tropical treat every now and then, and watch them as they all dig in. Normal cleaning routines work fine for Corys.

Any of these fish are perfect for someone who has just gotten their first aquarium. The choice between them depends on personal taste and aquarium specifications, but each of them has their own unique charm and personality. They are strong fish that are forgiving, and finding information about them is very easy. Remember when choosing an aquarium to find what’s right for you, and select fish that will work well in that sort of environment.