Although keeping a home aquarium can be a fulfilling hobby, not everyone has the time or knowledge to take good care of small fish. Here’s where modest aquarium fish come into play. These resilient species are ideal for novices or people with hectic schedules because they can flourish in a range of environments.
Since unassuming fish are hardy and low maintenance, you can appreciate the aesthetics of your aquarium without worrying too much about the water’s parameters or the diets of the fish. Even if you’re just getting started, you can easily create a vibrant underwater world because they adapt well to various environments.
This post will discuss some of the most charming but understated aquarium fish, emphasizing their qualities and what makes taking care of them so simple. These fish will easily add life and color to your tank, regardless of your level of experience with aquaristing or your preference for low-maintenance choices.
Simple aquarium fish are the best option for both novices and active keepers. These hardy species are low maintenance and add vibrant life and color to your tank while requiring little attention. You can appreciate the beauty of an aquarium without the hassle of constant upkeep because they can flourish in a range of environments, tolerate common mistakes, and don’t require special diets or care.
- Why is it better to start with unpretentious?
- Which fish should not be started with?
- Top of the most unpretentious aquarium fish
- Video on the topic
- The best-selling, popular and unpretentious aquarium fish for beginner aquarists!
- TOP 5 MOST UNPRETENTIOUS AQUARIUM FISH FOR BEGINNERS AQUARIUM HUNTERS!
- 5 unpretentious aquarium fish for beginners
- Invariably Aquabalance!
Why is it better to start with unpretentious?
Of course, anyone can purchase any aquarium occupants they desire. However, experience indicates that it is preferable for novice aquarium keepers to begin with species that are especially low maintenance.
This is clarified by the subsequent:
- Water parameters. All underwater pets that can be classified as "unpretentious" feel quite good with any water characteristics. That is, they do not particularly care about hardness, acidity, or even temperature. They do not need strong and thorough filtration. As a rule, a regular internal filter with a sponge that provides mechanical cleaning is enough. As for aeration, everything depends on the aquarium itself. If there are enough live plants, then a compressor will most likely not be needed. Moreover, representatives of the suborder of crawlers (gouramis, macropods, laliuses, cockerels) even have an organ thanks to which they breathe ordinary atmospheric oxygen;
- Compatibility. All unpretentious fish are peaceful, and therefore they can be considered universal. That is, they are compatible with many other species. Therefore, an aquarist can take several different schools (for example, neons, danios, minor, rasbora, etc.d.). They will definitely get along with each other and will please the owner with a variety of colors and habits;
- Aquarium volume. One of the main advantages of such pets is that you do not need to buy spacious "houses" for them. Often a small aquarium of 10-50 liters is enough. As for calculating the number of individuals, everything depends on their size. For example, guppies are quite small, and 2 liters are enough for them. for one representative. Swordtails reach 8-12 cm, and they already need 5 liters., Sumatran barbs – 10 liters.
Naturally, none of these fish react erratically to food, lighting, or frequent water changes. They can sustain large loads and are resilient. Though this can shorten their lifespan, it is preferable to avoid forcing them to live in a stressful environment.
Which fish should not be started with?
When they visit pet stores, some customers frequently don’t know what kind of fish they want in their aquarium. They don’t have a lot of expertise about particular families. Workers won’t care about the living circumstances of the animal and will be glad to sell someone at a higher price.
It is challenging to enumerate everyone clearly, but you can mention the following that are typical:
Dark-colored pacu. Given that he is a "relative" of a well-known predator, it is not surprising that it shares visual similarities with piranha. One specimen in a store will typically measure between five and seven centimeters in length, but this is not guaranteed to stay that way. It can grow larger than even a 200-liter aquarium in a matter of months, reaching 40 cm in height and 4 kg in weight. For people who can give them literally a ton of space, black pacu is appropriate;
Labeo in two colors. It may have some shark-like features, but beginners are drawn to it because of its intriguing color. Its aggressive behavior combined with its size makes it difficult to keep. Persecutors and ongoing conflicts are unavoidable if there are neighbors who share the same color or family;
Pterygoplichthys brocade. Analogously, a perfectly benign scam, akin to ancistrus in many aspects. But the buyer will quickly realize that his decision was incorrect. The problem is that pterygoplichthys grow incredibly quickly—up to 50 cm—so it makes no sense to keep them in aquariums that are smaller than half a ton;
Astronotus. frequently seen for sale as well. It has a unique and lovely appearance, but there is a challenging personality underneath. Because of their extreme aggression, astrontuses will consume anyone who fits inside their mouth. Furthermore, they require a 200-liter house, but you will need to move them into a half-ton after that;
Fish from Africa. incredibly lovely and reminiscent of their marine cousins. They will, however, murder any rivals who attempt to claim their territory because they are also extremely aggressive. In addition, they require regular water changes and effective filtration.
The above list includes the most common fish varieties found in stores. Apart from that, you can also draw attention to discus, arowana, glass catfish, koi carp, shark bala, and axolotl—though the latter is actually a salamander larva.
Top of the most unpretentious aquarium fish
You can now draw attention to underwater pets that won’t cause issues if they are kept. Additionally, there are a staggering quantity of them, and the majority of them work well together.
Guppies
It might be challenging to describe them as more well-liked. Everyone in aquaristics agrees that they are incredibly persistent. They are members of the pecilia family. The primary characteristic that sets them apart from males is their size difference. Not only are they smaller, but their color is also more vibrant. Beginners notice them because of their long veil fins.
Guppies are typically models of unpretentiousness and feel most at ease in temperatures between 18 and 28 degrees. However, it is important to remember that they are viviparous, which means that if their population is not controlled, it may increase quickly.
Sword-like appendages
Their comparatively serene and tranquil demeanor sets them apart. The name "sword" refers to the sword-shaped appendage on the tail of males, which are smaller and slimmer than females. They can reside in tiny aquariums with ease. Although 22 to 26 °C is ideal, they can survive as low as 15 °C. They are members of the guppie family. Females produce fry that are ready for life during spawning. Both a common aquarium and a breeding tank can support reproduction.
They consume food made from plants and animals. The more flora and shelter there is, the more at ease they will feel. They are pretty fascinating and lively, but to prevent people from unintentionally jumping out of the water, it is preferable to cover it with a lid or glass.
Catfishing
This entire genus of ray-finned fish is a member of the family catfish. As a result, it is hard to identify the terms of their upkeep precisely. While some representatives only reach a maximum length of 10 cm, others can grow up to 5 m in length.
Fish in the humble genus Corydoras (armored) are the source of this name. They are fascinating and incredibly tranquil. They set up actual games of hide-and-seek among themselves and go swimming in schools. 20 to 26 degrees, soft water, and low acidity are ideal.
Tarakatums can also be highlighted. They get along with almost everyone, but they do require a larger aquarium. Even predators are not afraid of them because of their shell. They have a ten-year lifespan. They like having shelters made of plants, stones, and driftwood, just like any other kind of catfish.
Of course, you shouldn’t overlook ancistrus as well. They don’t care about the circumstances at all. Their ideal water temperature range is 20–28 °. They grow up to 10 cm and have a lifespan of roughly 7 years. Since they enjoy eating plants, you can feed them any kind of vegetable, including cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, and dandelion leaves. It is noteworthy that if there are food leftovers from neighbors, this is a very helpful resident that thoroughly cleans the bottom and glass.
Daniele
Be a part of carp. enjoy enormous popularity as a result of the range of hues. They are extremely serene and reside in schools, which enhances their allure. Grow to a size of 2-4 cm. able to be fed both frozen and dry food. 20–25 °C is the temperature.
Barbs
Astounding in terms of variety. belong to the Danio-Rerio family as relatives. extremely varied and active. When they have enough room to swim, they are happy. Generally calm, but they can’t get along with their neighbors who have long veil fins.
Luminous
Renowned representatives of the underwater realm as well. Be a member of the family Characion. Set apart by vivid hues. possess a neon stripe, varying in color depending on the species, running the length of their body. adore chilly water, between 18 and 22 °. They require an abundance of plants in order to conceal themselves. It is ideal for the aquarium to have areas free of currents where people can feel at ease. Look fantastic in groups of five or more people.
Cardinals
Beautiful animals belonging to the Cypriniformes order. Despite being unrelated, they are comparable to neons in many aspects, particularly with regard to temperature. They swim in schools of six to eight pieces and adore the current. They don’t have a particular taste in food or water quality.
Tetras
The characion fish’s common name. They are all small and dislike being alone, which is something they all have in common. Although they get along well, it’s best to avoid pairing them with barbs and similar objects because they may steal food. Conditions for the temperature: 22–25 °C.
Molly
Relatives by blood of swordtails. In terms of water parameters, it is also universal. Their peaceful, nimble, and viviparous nature makes them interesting. Since they are easy to duplicate, novices frequently take them.
Betta
Among the most exquisite specimens of the marine life beneath the surface of the ocean. Their fins are wide and gorgeous, and they are colorful. Three liters must be allotted to one person. They favor 25 to 28 °C warm water. They breathe regular oxygen, so they don’t need aeration. If you place two males in the same container, they will fight until the death. Additionally, they dislike slow-moving, little neighbors.
Angelfish
A family of cichlids, but they stand out from the rest of the group. They are shaped like an odd triangle and are flat. Conditions for temperature: 24-28 °C. They consume live food for nourishment. Angelfish are generally peaceful creatures, but they always manage to claim a special spot where they can evict their neighbors. The primary detail is that, because they grow fairly large, you should set aside at least 50 liters for one person.
Fish Name | Description |
Guppy | Colorful and easy to care for, perfect for beginners. |
Betta | Low maintenance with vibrant colors and unique fins. |
Platy | Hardy and adaptable, great for community tanks. |
Zebra Danio | Active and resilient, thrives in various conditions. |
Molly | Peaceful and versatile, can live in fresh or brackish water. |
As requested, the following succinct, understandable conclusion has been written:
Selecting modest fish for your aquarium is a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty of the water without having to worry about ongoing upkeep. These fish are ideal for novices or anyone looking for a low-maintenance setup because they are resilient, flexible, and generally easy to care for.
You can find the ideal fish for your aquarium among the plethora of options available, ranging from serene bettas to vibrant guppies. Because these species are adaptable to a variety of environments, you can spend more time enjoying your aquarium and less time worrying about its maintenance.
You’re making a wise decision that will provide you with a vibrant underwater world and long-lasting enjoyment by choosing unpretentious fish. These fish will reward you with their resilience and beauty if you give them a little care and set them up properly.