Best Beginner Fish for a First Aquarium

Our top picks for the most forgiving, hardy fish for a new fishkeeper.

Looking for the most forgiving, hardy fish for a new fishkeeper? Here are the top picks from our species database, with adult size, minimum tank, and temperament. Tap any fish for its full care guide, then plan your tank with the stocking calculator.

• Amano Shrimp (2.0", 10g min, Peaceful)
• Black Neon Tetra (1.5", 15g min, Peaceful)
• Black Skirt Tetra (2.5", 20g min, Peaceful)
• Bristlenose Pleco (5.0", 25g min, Peaceful)
• Bristlenose Pleco (Albino) (5.0", 25g min, Peaceful)
• Bronze Cory (2.8", 20g min, Peaceful)
• Cherry Barb (2.0", 20g min, Peaceful)
• Cherry Shrimp (1.5", 5g min, Peaceful)
• Clown Pleco (3.5", 20g min, Peaceful)
• Corydoras Catfish (2.5", 20g min, Peaceful)
• Ember Tetra (0.8", 10g min, Peaceful)
• Endler's Livebearer (1.0", 10g min, Peaceful)
• Ghost Shrimp (1.5", 5g min, Peaceful)
• Glowlight Tetra (1.5", 10g min, Peaceful)
• Gold Barb (2.8", 20g min, Peaceful)
• Guppy (2.0", 10g min, Peaceful)
• Harlequin Rasbora (2.0", 10g min, Peaceful)
• Honey Gourami (2.0", 10g min, Peaceful)
• Kuhli Loach (4.0", 20g min, Peaceful)
• Kuhli Loach (4.0", 20g min, Peaceful)

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