Best Beginner Freshwater Fish (That Aren’t Goldfish!)

Getting started with a freshwater aquarium is exciting, but choosing the right fish can make or break your experience. While goldfish are often the go-to suggestion, they are — let’s face it — a bit boring. So, what are the best beginner freshwater fish that are low-maintenance, hardy, and fun to watch? Let’s dive in! (No, not literally — your fish won’t appreciate that.)

1. Betta Fish

These vibrant, long-finned beauties are perfect for beginners. Bettas are low-maintenance and can thrive in smaller tanks with a heater and filter. Plus, they come in a kaleidoscope of colors and fin styles, so your tank will never be dull.

• Temperature: 78-80°F
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Tank Size: 5+ gallons with a lid (they are jumpers)
• Substrate and decor: Soft substrate, live or silk plants, and gentle filtration

2. Neon Tetras

These tiny, glowing fish are peaceful and easy to care for. Their shimmering blue and red bodies add a dynamic element to any tank. They’re your tank’s very own neon light show! Neon tetras do best in groups of six or more, displaying their natural schooling behavior.

• Temperature: 72-78°F
• pH: 6.0-7.0
• Tank Size: 10+ gallons
• Substrate and decor: Dark substrate, live plants, and low lighting for comfort

3. Guppies

These colorful cuties come in every shade of the rainbow and thrive on beginner mistakes (so no pressure!). They’re hardy, adaptable, and yes — livebearers — meaning you might get an unexpected little guppy family. Surprise!

• Temperature: 74-82°F
• pH: 7.0-7.8
• Tank Size: 10+ gallons
• Substrate and decor: Sand or fine gravel, floating plants, and moderate filtration

4. Platies

Why they’re great: Hardy, peaceful, and available in many colors, platies are excellent for beginners. They are social, active fish that thrive in community tanks. Like guppies, they’re livebearers, so if you mix males and females, don’t be surprised when a few baby platies show up to the party!

• Temperature: 72-78°F
• pH: 7.0-8.0
• Tank Size: 10+ gallons
• Substrate and decor: Smooth gravel or sand, plenty of hiding spots, and a gentle current

5. Corydoras Catfish

If you’re looking for a tank cleaner that’s as cute as it is efficient, Corydoras Catfish are your go-to. These social bottom-dwellers scavenge for uneaten food, helping keep things tidy. They’re peaceful, easy to care for, and love a good group vibe, making them great for beginner-friendly community tanks.

• Temperature: 72-78°F
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Tank Size: 20+ gallons
• Substrate and decor: Sand substrate (to protect their barbels), driftwood, and hiding places

6. Zebra Danios

Zebra Danios are like the workout buddies of your tank — always active and full of energy! With their eye-catching stripes and hardy nature, they thrive in various conditions and do well in community tanks. They’re low-maintenance and super fun to watch, especially when they school together.

• Temperature: 64-78°F
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Tank Size: 10+ gallons
• Substrate and decor: Gravel or sand, open swimming space, and moderate current

7. Swordtails

Why they’re great: Swordtails are active, easygoing fish with a distinctive, elongated tail that gives them their name. They come in many bright colors and are livebearers. Hardy and adaptable, they do well in community tanks and are a great choice for beginners looking for colorful, low-maintenance fish.

• Temperature: 72-82°F
• pH: 7.0-8.0
• Tank Size: 20+ gallons
• Substrate and decor: Smooth gravel, moderate plants, and ample swimming space

8. Cherry Barbs

Cherry Barbs are small but mighty, especially when the males flash their stunning red color. Unlike other barbs, they’re not aggressive, making them perfect for community tanks. They’re hardy, peaceful, and thrive in planted aquariums where they can show off their best side.

• Temperature: 72-78°F
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Tank Size: 15+ gallons
• Substrate and decor: Dark substrate, live plants, and moderate flow

9. Mollies

Mollies are the “jack-of-all-trades” of the fish world — hardy, colorful, and adaptable. Whether freshwater or slightly brackish, these active livebearers come in an array of colors and can thrive in almost any tank. If you’re looking for a lively, low-maintenance fish, Mollies are your go-to.

• Temperature: 72-82°F
• pH: 7.0-8.5
• Tank Size: 20+ gallons
• Substrate and decor: Sand or fine gravel, live plants, and moderate flow

10. Harlequin Rasboras

Harlequin Rasboras are the definition of peaceful and pretty. They’re known for their beautiful orange bodies and distinct black triangular markings. Hardy and easy to care for, these active little swimmers are perfect for beginner aquarists seeking vibrant, community-friendly fish.

• Temperature: 72-80°F
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Tank Size: 10+ gallons
• Substrate and decor: Dark substrate, live plants, and open swimming space

11. Kuhli Loaches

Kuhli Loaches are the quirky, eel-like fish that bring personality to your tank. They are peaceful, nocturnal bottom dwellers that help keep the tank clean by scavenging for leftover food. Their quirky burrowing behavior and social nature make them a fascinating addition to community tanks.

• Temperature: 75-82°F
• pH: 6.0-7.0
• Tank Size: 20+ gallons
• Substrate and decor: Soft sand, caves, and plenty of hiding spots

12. Bristlenose Plecos

Bristlenose Plecos are the clean-up crew every tank needs. These algae-eating experts keep things tidy without growing as large as their common pleco relatives. Their distinctive bristles and armored bodies give them a unique look, and they are peaceful, hardy fish that can thrive in a variety of tank conditions.

• Temperature: 74-80°F
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Tank Size: 20+ gallons
• Substrate and decor: Driftwood, caves, and a smooth substrate

13. White Cloud Mountain Minnows

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are sometimes called the “poor man’s neon tetra” because they’re just as colorful but much hardier. They tolerate a wide range of temperatures and are peaceful, making them great for small community tanks. They also don’t require a heater in cooler room temperatures.

• Temperature: 60-72°F (16-22°C)
• pH: 6.0-8.0
• Tank Size: 10+ gallons (best in schools of 6 or more)
• Substrate and decor: Fine gravel or sand; enjoy plants, rocks, and driftwood for hiding places.

14. Black Skirt Tetras

Black Skirt Tetras are striking and easygoing fish with long, flowing fins that make them stand out in any aquarium. They’re active, peaceful, and do well in schools, making them a fun addition to community tanks. Their hardiness and adaptability to a range of water conditions make them great for beginners.

• Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Tank Size: 20+ gallons (best in schools of 6 or more)
• Substrate and decor: Darker substrate enhances their colors; add plants and driftwood for cover.

15. Endler’s Livebearers

Endler’s Livebearers are vibrant and small, with colorful patterns similar to guppies. They’re peaceful, easy to care for, and perfect for nano tanks. They breed readily, but they typically don’t overpopulate, which is ideal for beginners looking for a low-maintenance fish with vibrant colors.

• Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• pH: 7.0-8.5
• Tank Size: 10+ gallons (best in groups)
• Substrate and decor: Enjoys fine gravel or sand with plants, rocks, and hiding spots.

16. Celestial Pearl Danios

Also known as “Galaxy Rasboras,” Celestial Pearl Danios are tiny fish with striking blue and gold coloration, resembling a starry sky. They’re peaceful, beautiful, and ideal for small, planted tanks. Their small size and peaceful nature make them perfect for beginners looking for a visually captivating fish.

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Tank Size: 10+ gallons (best in groups of 6 or more)
• Substrate and decor: Prefers fine gravel or sand with plenty of plants, driftwood, and hiding spots.

17. Otocinclus Catfish

Otocinclus Catfish, or “Otos,” are one of the best algae-eating fish for aquariums. They’re peaceful, small, and incredibly efficient at keeping algae growth in check without harming plants. Their calm nature and ability to thrive in groups make them a great addition to planted tanks, helping maintain water quality.

• Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Tank Size: 10+ gallons (best in groups of 3 or more)
• Substrate and decor: Loves soft, fine sand or smooth gravel with plenty of live plants and hiding spaces.

18. Honey Gourami

Honey Gouramis are peaceful, colorful fish with a golden hue that adds warmth to any tank. These peaceful, small fish are easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginners. Their calm temperament and vibrant golden hue add a serene touch to community tanks.

• Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Tank Size: 10+ gallons (best in pairs or a small group)
• Substrate and decor: Prefers fine sand or soft gravel, with floating plants and dense vegetation.

19. Pearl Gourami

Pearl Gouramis are stunning, with their shimmering, pearl-like scales and peaceful nature. They thrive in calm, planted tanks and are adaptable to a variety of water conditions. Their peaceful behavior and beauty make them a standout choice for beginner aquarists seeking a tranquil, colorful addition to their community tank.

• Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Tank Size: 30+ gallons (best with peaceful tank mates)
• Substrate and decor: Enjoys sand or fine gravel, floating plants, and a well-planted environment.

20. Rosy Barbs

Rosy Barbs are energetic, colorful fish with vibrant pink hues that brighten up any tank. They are hardy and peaceful compared to other barbs, making them perfect for beginners. Their active nature and striking coloration make them a fun and easy addition to a community tank.

• Temperature: 64-74°F (18-24°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Tank Size: 20+ gallons (best in groups of 6 or more)
• Substrate and decor: Prefers gravel or sand, with plants and open swimming space.

21. Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish

Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish are small, colorful fish that shimmer with vibrant blue and red hues. They are peaceful, hardy, and easy to care for, making them a great option for beginner aquarists looking to add color and movement to a community tank. Their active nature and dazzling appearance make them a standout choice.

• Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Tank Size: 20+ gallons (best in groups of 6 or more)
• Substrate and decor: Prefers gravel or sand, with plants and open swimming areas

Build Your Perfect Tank with Aquabuildr

Choosing the best beginner freshwater fish is just the first step toward creating your dream aquarium. Aquabuildr can help make your life easier!

Its smart algorithm helps you easily build and maintain your tank. Just plug in your tank size, pH, and temperature, and Aquabuildr will suggest fish that are perfect for your setup. Plus, it’ll help you stay on top of water quality, tank maintenance, and even update its fish compatibility lists as new species are added.

Want to create the perfect aquarium without the stress? Download Aquabuildr today on the App Store or Google Play store, and let us help you build a thriving tank for your new fish friends!