15 Low-Maintenance Freshwater Fish for Beginners With Pictures

Freshwater Aquarium Fish for Beginners Easy Fish to Keep Alive

The females are a light tan color with a dark stripe running down their sides. It is the unique coloring of the male species that gives this fish its name. These have a red color that becomes deep cherry red when they are spawning. These cheap fish pets grow to around 1.3” (3.5 cm) from head to tail. This bottom-dwelling fish likes to spend time by its burrow, and feeds on food that sinks to the bottom of the tank.

Beginner-Friendly Freshwater Fish (And 4 That Need Expert Attention)

Sand gives a more natural look and is best for species that like to dig. If you plan to grow plants, consider a nutrient-rich substrate that supports plant roots. You should change about 15 to 25% of your aquarium’s water every one to two weeks. When you change your aquarium’s water, you should clean the rest of the tank as well. The percentage of water and frequency of water changes depend on the volume of fish and plant life in your tank. A heavily stocked tank will need a larger volume of water changed more frequently, and a lightly stocked tank can be changed slightly less.

The 11 Easiest Fish to Take Care Of For New Fish Parents

• "Low Tech" tanks are almost maintenance free if you FILTER FILTER FILTER!.
• If you notice the water level dropping rapidly, it may indicate a leak or a need to adjust your water usage.
• The nitrite stage will follow the same pattern as the ammonia stage – levels will climb, then as nitrite-neutralizing bacteria develop, levels will plummet.
• When designing the Loggerhead Musk Turtle habitat, ensure enough hiding spaces and adequate substrates.
• Neon Tetras are quite timid when there are bigger fish in the aquarium, so keeping them in a low-lit environment helps boost their confidence.

While they prefer to be kept with six to eight of their own kind, they don't need to be housed in a species-specific tank thanks to their gentle nature. A hardy species of fish native to China, the white cloud mountain minnow is a graceful and peaceful community fish that likes to be paired with at least five others of its species. Measuring 1.5 inches in length and living for around three to five years, they're a good fish for beginners and are easy to breed. White cloud mountain minnows do not like heat and need to be kept in water with a temperature below 72°F.

With their vibrant colors and flowing tails, Guppies bring a dynamic and cheerful atmosphere to any aquarium. Beginner fishkeepers will enjoy watching these charming fish scuttle along the tank bottom, their playful antics adding life and movement to the aquarium. Cory Catfish not only enhance the aesthetic of the tank but also contribute to its ecological balance.

They all have long, flowing fins and bodies that are taller than they are wide. These fish are peaceful and require shoals but have been known to shoal with other varieties of Tetras. I hope this has helped you figure out the characteristics of the fish that require low maintenance. To check some more fish that remain small in size even in their adult stage of life you can click here. Keeping a fish in a bowl is the only viable option at times, but not every fish is suited to live in such a confined space.

These are the least expensive option and work very well for smaller tanks. There are several pieces that all come together when you are trying to select your first aquarium setup. You should also consider how much time you have to devote to the upkeep and cleaning of your tank.