Best Fish for Pets
Fishkeeping is not simply throwing a group of fish in an aquarium; it is more than that. There are other things to consider, like a tank and whatever it must contain.
If this is your first time exploring the best fish for pets, then a list of freshwater fish is an excellent way to start. They are discussed more in-depth along with the article, so keep reading.
A Must-Read: Fish Tank Accessories
General Tips Every Beginner Fishkeeper Should Know
As to other pet owners, fishkeepers do have a few orders to follow for their pets’ good. Having these tips beforehand may lessen the burden of entering the world of fishkeeping. Please read carefully and apply it later.
Do Your Research
Most local fish store staff do have no idea about the topic. To avoid confusion, the internet provides useful information at the tip of your fingers. It discusses the other basic needs of fish that the local fish store might not introduce.
Check The Water Ph Level
Use a pH kit to make sure the water is free of chlorine and fluoride, harming fish. Clean the tank first before placing the kit and then put back the fish afterward.
Undergo Nitrogen Cycle
The nitrogen cycle applies to a new aquarium. It breaks down ammonia and nitrates, which are dangerous substances for fish. Make it a hobby to do the cycle before adding any fish to the tank.
Go For Bigger Tanks
It is a misconception among beginners to choose smaller tanks because it is easier to maintain. The truth is it will result in frequent water changes that could affect your pet. Bigger tanks are the best option, even for future uses.
Fish Are Sensitive To Sounds
Noise can stress out fish, so place them in a place away from devices that is too loud. Remember, your interest in sounds may not be your pet’s concern.
Fish Hate Temperature Changes
Avoid exposing the tank to direct sunlight. Heat may also come from a nearby heater, radiator, or fireplace, so put your pet away from such.
Be Aware Of The Fish Species
Some fish are territorial and aggressive, which is dangerous to put together in a tank. Select species that can live together by asking the experts or checking the internet. Fishes of the same family are best to live together. However, some are still territorial, even with their type.
Top Trending Fish Species To Care For
If you go through the ocean, you will find several fishes, but not all are suitable for a pet. Here is a list of beginner-friendly fish to choose for:
1. Danios
Danios, a so-called zebrafish, can live in different water conditions. Fishkeepers who have no idea in setting up a tank are to whom this species is made. They are active and fun to watch.
Having at least five of them in a 5-gallon aquarium is tolerable. They live in a temperature between 65 and 77-degrees F, with a filter. Their main diet is fish flakes.
2. Betta Fish
Betta loves to be alone. Do not put male bettas together, as it will cause trouble until someone dies. Petting a Betta fish requires extra attention towards them. They jump out of the water sometimes, so put on a cover over your tank.
They also have the habit of eating the young species. It sounds creepy, but it is great for serious fishkeepers.
3. Tiger Pleco
Unlike Betta fish, this one is more peaceful but somewhat territorial. Though they are territorial, you can keep more than one tiger pleco in a tank. If so, fill the tank base with rocks or other beddings to still have their place.
They love staying at the bottom of the tank on which sinking foods are best for them.
4. Goldfish
Goldfish never goes out of the scene of fishkeeping. Among the fish species, goldfish are the friendliest as they can get along with other fish. Kids can take the responsibility to care for them in a freshwater tank.
They look so attractive but poop a lot. This species grows quickly, so invest in bigger tanks. Hiding on plants and other items in the tank is their hobby. 63-degrees F is the perfect temperature for goldfish.
5. Molly Fish
Molly fish demands a bit of salt in their habitat. Add a salt mix in the tank to satisfy its request. It has similarities to goldfish as they do well with other fish too. They are colorful and cool to watch.
They prefer a slightly warmer temperature. Plants could be a great addition in their tank as they love to hide. It is perfect for kids.
6. Neon Tetra
As of this moment, neon tetra is the smallest species listed. They are the easiest to care for because of their small size and their simple diet. Fish flakes are their basic diet, but they also enjoy brine shrimp.
It is neon-colored and seems beautiful in the water. Keeping a group of neon tetras will make them happier. They can explore every part of the tank with ease.
7. Guppies
Guppies are the hardiest species that can go over a week without eating. It is easy to breed guppies as they reproduce a lot. If you are not planning to have more guppies, avoid putting together the male and female ones.
A wide range of colors is available, so pick which you think is stunning. Their color appears visibly in the water. They eat fish flakes for their diet.
8. Kuhli Loach
It is an eel-like fish that can live with non-aggressive fish. It can adapt to water changes. Kuhli Loach eats spare food dropped at the bottom of the tank. It could be live foods or fish pellets.
Since they are peaceful pet fish, you can keep at least three of them at once. Their presence helps to maintain the cleanliness of the tank.
9. Pearl Gourami
Homes with an aquarium mostly have pearl gourami, which is easy to care for. They require a bit of space at the top of the tank to breathe air. Living with aggressive species is not a good idea with pearl gourami.
There must be a place to hide like floating ferns in the aquarium. At least a 30-gallon tank is sufficient for this species. Their diet is both plant-based and meat-based. A portion of algae-based flake food is highly recommended as their best overall food diet.
10. Cory Catfish
A total of 140 species of Cory catfish are to choose from. They can live for 20-years in a group of three. Cory catfish are also peaceful to live with most other fish. They are known to be aggressive eaters, on which they can even clean a tank.
The shallow part of the tank may bear vegetative matter and algae, which are a good source of their diet. You can also offer them replicate diets like blood-worms and vegetable flakes.
11. Swordtails Fish
Swordtails are more comfortable living with a community of their own. About five or more is advisable. Its name comes from its sword-like shaped tail. It could be the best species for new fishkeepers with low demands of water conditions.
They can do well in either cool or warm tanks, between 25 and 28-degrees C. Fast-flowing water is what they are looking for in a tank, so consider it. Naturally occurring algae could be their source of food, but a vegetable-based flake is another option.
12. FireMouth Cichlid
It has red-colored scales. That is why it is called Fire Mouth Cichlid. During their breeding season, they become territorial, but they are friendly out of breeding season. Mixing them with other species requires making of hideaway for them to lay their eggs.
It could be rocks or upturned plant pot, as long as they can hide in peace. They can grow up to 6-inches long with a regular flake food diet. FireMouth Cichlid is cheap in most pet stores.
13. Blue-Green Chromis
If you already have a saltwater aquarium at home, Blue-Green Chromis is perfect to buy. They came from the Indian Ocean, which demands a saltwater tank. When it comes to friendliness, they can be a candidate.
They do not have a hard time getting along with most types of fish. Their green and blue color are so eye-pleasing when placed in the water. Get a group of Chromis in local pet shops as they prefer to live in groups.
14. Cherry Barb
Cherry Barb is the most endangered species on the list but still gaining popularity in the fishkeeping community. It has eye-catching colors and so friendly with other species.
It might take time for them to settle in their new environment, but once they become accustomed, they turn to be active and fun. Put some live plants in the tank to help them come out of their shells.
Six cherry barbs in a tank are recommended; provide their dietary needs responsibly. They consume any fish food, not picky eaters, though.
15. Rosy Red Minnows
It has to be the most underrated fish on the list but perfect for beginners. They are feeder fish wherein tons of it is sold for a low price. They reproduce quickly, and they take care of their fry rather than eating it.
Rosy red minnows are kid-friendly fish because of their nice coloration. Some breeds sold in the pet store are colorless. They are low maintenance as they eat common fish foods. It does not demand fancy housing, as long as they are saved from getting eaten.
16. Platies
Platies are the most simple to care for in an aquarium. They prefer to live in a community tank with other non-aggressive types of fish. They come in various colors, including red, blue, and black. Some aquarists called it ‘moonfish’ because of its luminous look.
If you a passion for breeding fish, platyfish mates easily and can produce hundreds of babies at a time. They are not picky eaters as they consume flake foods and even live foods.
17. Angel Fish
Angelfish is the most loyal to their partner when it comes to breeding. Some male species are aggressive in mating with the female, but they are peaceful out of breeding. The bigger and deeper tank is suitable for their scheme.
They are enjoyable to watch as they swim around in warmer water. Their food diets are simple, such as fish flakes and live fish food.
What To Do Next When The Fish Dies?
It is a sad question, but it does happen. Every fishkeeper’s goal is to be responsible enough in caring for these fish to avoid this happening. When the fish dies, here are things you should do:
Remove the lifeless fish from the tank immediately to avoid making the other fish sick as well. Make sure the pH level of the water is regularly checked not to repeat the death incident.
Sometimes the only remedy could be flushing the dead fish into the toilet, which is not advisable by the experts. Choose to bury your pet or put it in the trash can. Doing the prior may cause illnesses that might spread throughout the household.
As long as possible, do not let your fish die because of neglected responsibilities. You chose to bring home that creature, so take care of it. The responsibility falls on you and not on anyone else.
Final Words
To summarize, the 15 freshwater fishes above are only a few of the countless fish in the ocean. You can ask for an aquarist to ensure you get the best fish to care for in the market. Consider the species of fish before buying one.
It may affect their well-being. Read again the general tips for a better purchasing decision ahead. If you know any other fish species to care for, post a comment below for others to see. Have an incredible fishkeeping journey!
