10 Best fish for beginners: easy and beautiful species for your home aquarium

Setting up an aquarium is more than decorating your home — it’s about creating a peaceful piece of nature indoors. But for beginners, one of the biggest challenges is knowing which fish are ideal for a home aquarium.

To help you get started, here’s a complete guide to 10 beginner-friendly fish species that are perfect for home aquariums — beautiful, peaceful, and easy to maintain.

Let’s dive in!

1. Betta (Betta splendens)

Perfect for beginners | Small tanks | Solitary fish

The Betta is one of the most iconic species among aquarium enthusiasts. With its flowing fins and vibrant colors, it’s hardy and easy to care for. Bettas can live in small tanks (at least 5 liters or 1.3 gallons) with proper heating and filtration.

Important tip: Bettas are territorial and should not be kept with other male Bettas or long-finned species that may trigger aggression.

2. Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Colorful | Social | Easy to breed

Guppies are small, cheerful, and peaceful fish — ideal for community aquariums. They reproduce easily, so it’s common to see baby guppies appearing after a while.

Fun fact: Males have larger and more colorful tails than females.

3. Molly (Poecilia sphenops)

Hardy | Group-living | Many color variations

Mollies are great for community tanks and can adapt to different water conditions. They live well with guppies, platies, and swordtails, as long as the environment is clean and warm.

Tip: Mollies love planted aquariums with open spaces to swim.

4. Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

Peaceful | Active | Easy to care for

Platies are an excellent choice for beginners. They’re calm, colorful, and thrive in groups. Their lively behavior brings movement and life to any aquarium.

5. Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)

Friendly | Adaptable | Group-loving

Named for the males’ sword-like tail, Swordtails are resilient and get along well in community tanks.

Note: Avoid keeping multiple males together, as they might compete for territory.

6. Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

Small | Bright | Peaceful

With its glowing blue and red stripes, the Neon Tetra is a classic favorite. They are schooling fish and do best in groups of six or more.

Important: Keep them in slightly acidic water with stable temperatures (72°F–79°F / 22°C–26°C).

7. Corydoras (Corydoras spp.)

Bottom dwellers | Peaceful | Natural cleaners

Corydoras help keep your tank clean by eating leftover food. They’re social, gentle, and happiest in small groups of three or more.

Tip: Even though they’re “cleaners,” they still need proper bottom-feeder food.

8. Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)

For saltwater aquariums | Colorful | “Nemo” fame

If you’re ready to try a saltwater setup, the Clownfish is a top choice. Hardy and full of personality, it’s known for its symbiotic relationship with sea anemones.

Caution: Marine tanks require precise control of salinity, pH, and temperature — and regular maintenance.

9. Zebra Danio (Danio rerio)

Very hardy | Ideal for beginners | Fast swimmers

Zebra Danios are small, striped, and energetic fish that adapt to a wide range of water conditions. They love swimming in groups and are almost indestructible — perfect for first-time aquarists.

Tip: Provide plenty of swimming space and a secure lid, as they may jump.

10. African butterfly fish (Pantodon buchholzi)

Exotic | Surface dweller | Calm companions only

If you’re looking for something unique, the African Butterfly Fish stands out. It glides gracefully near the surface and has a fascinating prehistoric appearance.

Caution: Avoid mixing with very small or aggressive fish — they may be seen as prey.

How to choose the right fish for your aquarium

Before setting up your tank, consider:

• Species compatibility: Research which fish can live peacefully together.

• Tank size: Active species need room to swim freely.

• Water parameters: Keep temperature, pH, and filtration stable.

• Your time and experience: Some fish need more maintenance than others.

Bonus tip: build a balanced ecosystem

A thriving aquarium is more than just fish. Include:

• Aquatic plants (natural or artificial)

• Safe decorations (no sharp edges)

• Appropriate substrate (sand or gravel)

• Reliable filtration and aeration systems

A healthy aquarium starts with smart choices

Choosing the right fish is the foundation for a beautiful and balanced aquarium. Species like Bettas, Guppies, Neon Tetras, and Mollies are perfect for beginners, while advanced hobbyists can explore species like Clownfish or African Butterfly Fish.

With a little care and knowledge, your aquarium can become a living work of art — full of color, movement, and tranquility.