Aquarium fish for beginners: species and tips for keeping them
Aquarium keeping offers an enormous variety of colorful ornamental fish and other aquarium inhabitants. However, not all aquarium fish are suitable for beginners.
This is partly because some fish species have very high demands for their care conditions. If these conditions are not met, diseases or even the loss of fish stock can occur quickly.
If you have decided to set up an aquarium and are wondering which fish are a good choice for beginners, you've come to the right place. This article provides a selection of easy-to-care-for fish that are ideal for beginners in aquarium keeping.
Guppies
Guppies are undoubtedly classic aquarium fish. These small, colorful ornamental fish from the livebearer family are considered particularly easy to care for.
They are now available in many different varieties. Breeding guppies in the aquarium is usually straightforward, making them a successful choice for beginners.
Guppies reach a size of approximately three to six centimeters (1.2 to 2.4 inches). However, male specimens are significantly smaller than their female counterparts. They are known for their vibrant colors.
Corydoras Catfish
In addition to guppies, Corydoras catfish, also known as cory catfish, are suitable for beginners in aquarium keeping. Corydoras catfish belong to the family of armored catfish. The Blue Corydoras, in particular, is highly popular in the aquarium hobby.
They grow to about 9 to 15 centimeters (3.5 to 5.9 inches) in length, with females being smaller than males. Keeping Blue Corydoras is uncomplicated. However, male fish display a territorial behavior, making it usually impossible to keep two adult males in the same tank.
Nevertheless, the Blue Corydoras is a good aquarium fish for beginners that also helps keep the aquarium clean.
Siamese Fighting Fish
For those who prefer something more exotic, the Siamese fighting fish is a great choice. Bred specimens of these five to seven centimeter (2 to 2.8 inches) fish are available in numerous colors.
Siamese fighting fish are extremely undemanding in terms of care conditions, making them an excellent choice for beginners.
However, there are several considerations when it comes to tankmates for these attractive aquarium fish. Male Siamese fighting fish often fight fiercely, so, similar to the Corydoras catfish, only one male can be kept in the same tank.
Platies
Platies, or moonfish, typically reach a size of up to five centimeters (2 inches). Selectively bred forms can occasionally grow larger and are available in many splendid colors, making them undoubtedly unique aquarium inhabitants.
Platies are quite robust and undemanding, forgiving beginners for the occasional mistakes in care. Moreover, they are highly prolific, but sometimes they may also consider their fry as a welcome addition to their diet.
Optimal Living Conditions for Aquarium Fish
Different fish species have various requirements that must be met for their care. These include the appropriate tank size and correct water temperature.
To ensure optimal living conditions and maximize the lifespan of your aquarium inhabitants, it is essential to research the specific needs of each fish species and consider them when purchasing and setting up the aquarium.
Furthermore, it is crucial to maintain the necessary conditions consistently, including keeping the aquarium clean and monitoring water parameters. Neglecting these aspects will likely result in illness and potential loss of your aquarium fish.
Mixing Multiple Fish Species in the Aquarium
Most aquariums are inhabited by multiple fish species, which adds visual appeal and is a goal for many aquarium enthusiasts.
However, as a beginner, it is important to understand that not all fish can coexist in the same aquarium without issues. Firstly, it is necessary to ensure that the aquarium inhabitants have similar care requirements, including water temperature.
Furthermore, it is essential to consider compatibility between different fish species. This means avoiding housing predators together with potential prey species. Additionally, some fish species naturally defend their territory, which can lead to problems when cohabitating.
Active fish should not be housed with particularly calm species. Before choosing specific aquarium fish as a beginner, it is crucial to research whether they can be successfully mixed with other species.
High-Quality Fish Food for Your Aquarium Inhabitants
Providing a balanced diet is crucial, even for the mentioned fish species, despite their relatively easy care. With Aquaris fish food, achieving this is hassle-free.
Aquaris fish food is characterized by high-quality ingredients and excellent digestibility. This ensures that the food provides your aquarium inhabitants with the necessary nutrients while minimizing the impact on water quality.
Our Conclusion on Aquarium Fish for Beginners
As you can see, there are several factors to consider when choosing fish for your aquarium as a beginner. The species presented in this article generally make excellent choices for gaining initial experience in aquarium keeping.
Of course, there are many other fish species suitable for beginners. However, it is advisable to avoid species that have high demands on care conditions or are highly sensitive to changes, at least initially.
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