Part 8 of 11- Top 10 Freshwater and Saltwater Fish for Beginners
Now is the most exciting time for any fish keeper new or seasoned aquarist, adding fish! Starting an aquarium can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant colors of saltwater fish or the diverse species of freshwater fish, choosing the right fish is crucial for beginners. Here are the top 10 freshwater and saltwater fish that are perfect for novice aquarists.
Freshwater Fish
1. Betta Fish (Betta splendens):
Why They're Great: Bettas are hardy and come in stunning colors. They thrive in smaller tanks and are relatively easy to care for. They like low flow aquariums and males must be the only betta kept or they will fight to the death.
Care Tips: Keep them in a minimum of 5-gallon tank with a filter and heater. Avoid housing them with other male bettas to prevent aggression.
2. Zebra (or Giant) Danio (Danio rerio):
Why They're Great: Very hardy and forgiving fish to start with. They are incredibly energetic and zip around your aquarium.
Care Tips: Keep them in groups. These fish are very forgiving
3. Guppy (Poecilia reticulata):
Why They're Great: Guppies are easy to care for and come in a variety of colors. They're also prolific breeders. You will be rehoming babies in a matter of months!
Care Tips: Provide a tank with a minimum of 10 gallons. Maintain good water quality and feed them a varied diet. They are livebearers so they don’t lay eggs which is kind of fascinating.
4. Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras spp.):
Why They're Great: Corydoras are peaceful bottom dwellers that help keep the tank clean by scavenging for food.
Care Tips: Keep them in groups of at least five. Provide a soft substrate to protect their sensitive barbels.
5. Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus):
Why They're Great: Platies are hardy, colorful, and easy to breed. They are excellent for beginners. Just like Guppies you will be giving away babies to friends and they too are livebearers.
Care Tips: Keep them in a tank with at least 10 gallons of water. They thrive in well-planted tanks with stable water parameters.
Saltwater Fish
1. Clownfish (Amphiprioninae):
Why They're Great: Clownfish are hardy, colorful, and have a fascinating symbiotic relationship with anemones. Everyone needs a nemo!
Care Tips: Provide a tank with at least 20 gallons. They can be kept alone or in pairs, but 3+ is not recommended. They are easier to breed.
2. Damselfish (Pomacentridae):
Why They're Great: Damselfish are hardy and come in vibrant colors. They are great for cycling new saltwater tanks. They are incredibly hardy and can live through the wors of conditions.
Care Tips: Provide plenty of hiding spots. Be cautious, as they can be territorial. This territoriality can be a problem with your future inhabitants. While they are great for cycling an aquarium they can kill other docile fish you put in later so be sure to have a compatible livestock plan to insure these little punks get along in the future.
3. Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica):
Why They're Great: Firefish are peaceful and have a striking appearance with their elongated bodies and vivid colors.
Care Tips: Keep them in a tank with at least 20 gallons. Provide ample hiding spots and a secure lid to prevent jumping.
4. Cardinalfish (Apogonidae):
Why They're Great: Cardinalfish are peaceful, easy to care for, and have a unique appearance.
Care Tips: Keep them in a tank with at least 30 gallons. They do well in groups.
5. Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto):
Why They're Great: Royal Grammas are hardy, colorful, and have a shy temperament. Their purple and yellow color is second to none and look great in your tank.
Care Tips: Provide a tank with at least 30 gallons. Ensure plenty of hiding spots and stable water conditions.
Selecting healthy livestock
Selecting healthy fish at the pet store is crucial to ensure a thriving and disease-free aquarium. Nothing kills your joy faster than putting fish in and them all slowly die off because they are diseased. Here are a few tips to help you make informed choices and identify signs of sick fish:
Tips for Selecting Healthy Fish
1. Observe the Tank:
Look for clean, well-maintained tanks with clear water.
Check for proper filtration and aeration systems with visible signs of water moving. Stagnant water is never a good sign unless its for species that prefers still water like a beta fish.
Avoid tanks with dead fish, as it may indicate poor conditions. It’s the best sigh to RUN and RUN fast. If the store has floaters its likely something can spread to the others.
2. Behavior:
Healthy fish are active and swim effortlessly.
They should respond to external stimuli, such as your presence near the tank.
Avoid fish that are lethargic, hiding excessively, or have erratic swimming patterns.
3. Appearance:
Look for vibrant colors and a smooth, even body.
Healthy fish have clear eyes without cloudiness.
Fins should be intact and not frayed or clamped.
4. Feeding:
Observe the fish during feeding time. Healthy fish have a good appetite. Some shops may feed if you ask but if they don’t its ok, they cant feed the fish for every customer that asks!
Avoid fish that refuse to eat or show disinterest in food.
Signs of Sick Fish
1. Physical Abnormalities:
White spots, lesions, or growths on the body.
Swollen or bloated abdomen.
Discolored patches or faded colors.
2. Respiratory Issues:
Rapid gill movement or gasping at the water surface.
Fish struggling to breathe may indicate poor water quality or infection.
3. Behavioral Changes:
Lethargy or inactivity.
Excessive hiding or isolation from other fish.
Flashing or rubbing against objects in the tank.
4. Fin and Scale Problems:
Clamped fins (fins held close to the body).
Frayed or torn fins.
Missing scales or sores.
Tiny worm like attachments indicate parasitic infestation. This is common in goldfish
Additional Tips
Quarantine:
Consider quarantining new fish for a few weeks before introducing them to your main tank. This helps prevent the spread of potential diseases.
Ask Questions:
Don’t hesitate to ask the store staff about the fish’s origin, diet, and any known health issues.
Research:
Before purchasing, research the specific needs and compatibility of the fish species you're interested in.
Find out if the store has a guarantee. This is common in freshwater and an indication of a quality vendor. Note, it is not common for saltwater to be guaranteed. They are much more delicate. If they do all the better!
Research the store you go to. If they have bad reviews don’t bother. There are certain “Big Box” stores that have a reputation for poor livestock, this is for a reason. Small local fish shops (LFS) are typically a better way to go. Not only are they a fantastic source of information, their livestock is typically healthier.
By following these tips and being vigilant, you can select healthy fish and maintain a thriving aquarium. If you are not sure, don’t try to nurse a sick fish back to health.
Conclusion
Starting an aquarium is an exciting journey, and selecting the right fish can make a significant difference in your experience. These freshwater and saltwater fish are ideal for beginners due to their hardiness, ease of care, and captivating appearances. Remember to research each species' specific needs and provide a well-maintained environment to ensure their health and happiness.
If you have any questions or need further advice, I'm here to help!