9 best freshwater beginner fish

Freshwater aquariums are a popular choice for beginner fish enthusiasts due to the wide variety of colorful and easy-to-care-for fish species available. When setting up a freshwater aquarium, it's important to consider the compatibility of fish species, their care requirements, and the overall aesthetics of the tank. Here are some popular freshwater fish that are suitable for beginners:

  1. Betta Fish (Betta splendens):

    • Betta fish are known for their vibrant colors and long, flowing fins.
    • They are relatively hardy and can tolerate a range of water conditions.
    • Bettas are best kept alone or with peaceful tank mates, as they can be territorial.
  2. Guppy (Poecilia reticulata):

    • Guppies are small, colorful fish that come in a variety of patterns.
    • They are easy to care for and can thrive in a community tank.
    • Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live fry rather than laying eggs.
  3. Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus):

    • Platies are another livebearing fish species with a peaceful temperament.
    • They are available in a range of colors and are well-suited for community tanks.
    • Platies are relatively hardy and can adapt to different water conditions.
  4. Molly (Poecilia sphenops):

    • Mollies are peaceful fish that come in various colors and patterns.
    • They are adaptable to different water conditions and are good community tank inhabitants.
    • Mollies, like platies and guppies, are livebearers.
  5. Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi):

    • Neon tetras are small, schooling fish known for their striking blue and red colors.
    • They do best in groups of six or more and are suitable for community tanks.
    • Neon tetras prefer slightly acidic water conditions.
  6. Corydoras Catfish:

    • Corydoras catfish are bottom-dwelling fish that help keep the tank clean.
    • They come in various species, and many are suitable for beginners.
    • Corydoras do well in groups and appreciate a soft substrate.
  7. Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii):

    • Swordtails are colorful fish with a distinctive sword-like extension on their tails.
    • They are peaceful and can coexist with other community fish.
    • Swordtails prefer slightly alkaline water conditions.

When setting up an aquarium for these fish, it's essential to provide appropriate filtration, maintain water quality, and create a suitable environment with decorations and hiding places. Additionally, be mindful of the compatibility of different fish species to ensure a harmonious community in your aquarium. Regular water testing and proper feeding are crucial aspects of freshwater aquarium care for beginners.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best freshwater beginner fish on the market
  

Freshwater Aquariums for Beginners: The Simple Little Guide to Setting up & Caring for Your Freshwater Aquarium

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Guppy Grass - Najas Grass - 1 Handful - Live Aquarium Freshwater Plant - Beginner Plant - Very Popular

  • DISCLAIMER: Guppy Grass is EXTREMELY sensitive in shipping. It is possible that the plant will turn brown by arrival. Upon arrival, please put in water and give adequate light as soon as possible. Liquid fertilizer is also advised to help jump start it back to life, but not required. Please give the plant a few weeks to a month so it has time to recover and come back to life. If you have any issues, we kindly ask you contact us directly before giving feedback.
  • SNAILS: We do grow this plant in community tanks. It is likely your plants will arrive with some free hitchhikers (ramshorn or mystery snails ;).
  • INCLUDED: You will receive 1 handful of guppy grass that will easily start one tank and be able to supply other tanks once it is thriving. Grown with Co2 injection for optimal health.
  • SHIPPING: Ships Monday - Wednesday to avoid Sunday holdover. Items will be shipped in an insulated bubble mailer with loose recycled blown in insulation packed into it. Will also have "perishable keep warm/fragile" stickers on the outside of the package.
  • VETERAN owned and operated company. Feel free to email us directly with any questions or concerns. Thank you for supporting our small business :).
  • One of the highest recommended plants by professionals and YouTubers.
  • Guppy grass, najas grass, or – scientifically – Najas guadalupensis, is a fast-growing plant that removes heavy metals, toxins, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates from the water while producing oxygen. It consumes almost every free nutrient in the tank – giving little opportunity for algae growth.
  • Although the name implies that it’s best for guppies, shrimp also love clinging to it as it has tons of nooks and crannies to pick food off of and hide within. Most small fish will also use it as a spawning mop, such as ember tetras, neon tetras, celestial pearl danios, and rainbowfish. It provides cover for the newly hatched fry and gives them a continuous source of microscopic food, such as infusoria.

Mainam Cryptocoryne Lucens Potted Tropical Beginner Freshwater Live Aquarium Decorations Easy Aquatic Plants

Mainam

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

WELCOME TO MAINAM AQUATIC PLANT

We are specialize in aquatic plants. With our experience, We have a plenty selection of live aquarium plants, premium quality, reasonable price and fantastic service. We use high technology, facility and equipment to maintain the water conditions to ensure that our live plants will be in optimum health.

Cryptocoryne Lucens is a less common type of crypt that can serve as an ideal foreground or midground plant. The slender leaves are bright green with brown stems and when grown in large groups can resemble tall reeds of thick grass. Like other crypts, this plant is recommended for beginners due to its ease in keeping and low care requirements. If grown in good aquarium substrate such as Controsoil, the plant can feed through the roots and grow quickly without the need for high light, CO2 or fertilizer dosing.

  • LIVE AQUARIUM PLANTS: Cryptocoryne Lucens 1 Potted, Perfect for any aquarium tank.
  • Difficulty - Easy | Light - Medium | Usage l Midground, Background
  • 3 DAYS LIVE GUARANTEED : In a very rare case our live plant dead on arrive or within 3 days. Please send us the photo within 3 days. Live Guaranteed will be voided after 3 days of delivery. We honor our guaranteed.
  • Photo is not actual plant but is a sample of our stock.
  • Safe for your aquarium pets. Creating natural perspective.

500 PCS Fishing Hooks Set High Carbon Steel Jig Bait Sharp Fish Hook for Saltwater Freshwater for Veteran Beginner Children Fisherman Fishing Enthusiast

U/D

Product description

1. MULTIPLE SIZES: 10 different sizes (#3 to #12) to suit your multiple fishing applications that ensure the pleasure of fishing continue! 2. HIGH QUALITY: Fishing Hooks are made of strong carbon steel,, with High strength and corrosion resistance. Whether fishing in freshwater or saltwater. 3. NO ESCAPE: The fishing hooks is made of stainless steel with special sharp barb hooks for fish catching. We Provide highest quality angler gear for all types of fisher 4. They are packaged in a Portable plastic box for keeping the different sizes separated and easy to access. Easy to stow and transport

  • 1. MULTIPLE SIZES: 10 different sizes (#3 to #12) to suit your multiple fishing applications that ensure the pleasure of fishing continue!
  • 2. HIGH QUALITY: Fishing Hooks are made of strong carbon steel,, with High strength and corrosion resistance. Whether fishing in freshwater or saltwater.
  • 3. NO ESCAPE: The fishing hooks is made of stainless steel with special sharp barb hooks for fish catching. We Provide highest quality angler gear for all types of fishing.
  • 4. They are packaged in a Portable plastic box for keeping the different sizes separated and easy to access. Easy to store and transport

Freshwater Aquariums: Basic Aquarium Setup and Maintenance (CompanionHouse Books) Beginner-Friendly Guide to Keeping Fish, Choosing Varieties, Setting the Tank, Achieving Optimum Water Quality, & More

CompanionHouse Books

Based on 32 reviews Check latest price

KCHEX Anubia Nana Anubias barteri Buy 2 Get 1 Free | Beginner Live Aquarium Aquatic Plants Freshwater Plant for Planted Tank , Best Tropical Plants for Fish Tanks for Sale Online

KCHEX

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Anubias berteri is one of the smallest Anubia species. It makes a wonderful foreground plant and it is often showcased tied to a piece of driftwood or manzanita branch. Anubias var. nana has dark, robust green leaves about 3 - 3 1/2 inches in length attached to main rhizome by short stems. The plant will send out shoots that grow horizontally that produce leaves and stems. This plant very sturdy and well suited for most aquariums. Great for low tech aquariums since additional CO2 is not required.

  • 1 (one) Anubias barteri var. nana with approximately 6 plus leaves.
  • Prompted Shipping and Expert Packing
  • 100% guarantee all plants to be fresh, healthy and robust based on to their botanical name and variety.
  • We ship plants on Monday and Tuesday.

AUBNICO GOODGROWLIES Mainam Microsorum Pteropus Java Fern Trident Thin Leaf Potted Tropical Beginner Freshwater Live Aquarium Decorations Aquatic Plants

GOODGROWLIES

Based on 43 reviews Check latest price

Product description

WELCOME TO MAINAM AQUATIC PLANT

We are specialize in aquatic plants. With our experience, We have a plenty selection of live aquarium plants, premium quality, reasonable price and fantastic service. We use high technology, facility and equipment to maintain the water conditions to ensure that our live plants will be in optimum health.

Microsorum Pteropus Trident is an attractive plant with thin, fork like leaves. When grown in thick bushes, it creates a mesmerizing effect in any aquascape. The characteristics of the leaves resemble a cross between the Needle Leaf Java Fern with Java Fern Thor. They can grow in low light conditions and a wide range of water parameter.

  • LIVE AQUARIUM PLANT: Microsorum Pteropus Trident 1 Potted (Thin leaf), Perfect for any aquarium tank.
  • Difficulty - Easy | Light - Low | Usage l Midground, Background.
  • 3 DAYS LIVE GUARANTEED : In a very rare case our live plant dead on arrive or within 3 days. Please send us the photo within 3 days. Live Guaranteed will be voided after 3 days of delivery. We honor our guaranteed.
  • Photo is not actual plant but is a sample of our stocks.
  • Safe for your aquarium pets. Creating natural perspective. 100% pest snail and disease free.

User questions & answers

Question: How tall do these get
Answer: Dear Katie Thank you for asking. In the process of life, aquarium inhabitants, like any other living beings, allocate the products of vital activity. It is these products of vital activity that cause many problems in the aquarium. And if the aquarium is small, but there are a lot of fish, then the concentration of products of vital activity in water is even greater. Our Fish Tank Cleaner consists of microorganisms selected to restore the biological balance of large and small water bodies and aquariums. These are microorganisms taken from natural healthy ponds. But brought to a high concentration. It is this high concentration of effective and safe microorganisms that makes it possible to obtain a high result. Of course, in your case, you will get the result. Only I beg you not to wait for the result the next day. I ask a little patience. This is not chemistry. You will see the changes for about 7-10 days. And in the future it will only be necessary to periodically enter biologics in aquarium to support the biological balance. But it is very important - I ask you not to use an ultraviolet lamp in time of biological treatment. I will be very happy if you and your fish will be satisfied. Consultant TM Beseder
Question: Is this the mini trident
Answer: About a week.
Question: Can these stay in the pot and buried under the gravel
Answer: Thank you for asking. It does not matter from what material the aquarium is made. Also I ask you to pay attention: 1. Biopreparation works on the basis of microorganisms of a healthy reservoir, selected for water purification from organic contaminants arising in the process of vital activity of various aquacultures living in an aquarium. 2. The main advantage of the biopreparation is the absence of substances dangerous to humans, fish, animals and plants. 3. Biopreparation acts gradually. You will see the result within 4-14 days, depending on the degree of water pollution.
Question: Can these be attached to driftwood or other wood ornaments
Answer: Thank you for asking. If a rain barrel has fish and you want to improve the fish habitat - surely the Fish Tank Cleaner bio-capsules will help the fish The rate of application is 1 capsule per 100 liters every 2 weeks or as needed. Biocapsules are created on the basis of microorganisms from healthy water bodies and are absolutely safe in application for fish.

Greenpro (Bucephalandra Green Wavy) Anubias, Java Fern, Moss and More! Freshwater Live Aquarium Plants on Driftwood for Aquatic Tropical Fish Tank Decorations - Easy for Beginner

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

SIZE 1-4" perfect for small to large tank.

Greenpro Driftwood Decor Plus Live Plants

This is collection of Live aquatic plants with driftwood suitable for most freshwater aquarium tank. Easiest way to create natural environment for your pet tanks



100% Satisfaction Guarantee

We commit that all plants will be fresh, healthy, disease and algae free. Pictures are sample of our stocks.

If you have any problem with when receiving the plants please don't hesitate to contact us right away.

  • LIVE AQUARIUM PLANTS : We sourced very exotic and rare specie (Java fern, java moss, anubias etc.) which already tied on driftwood. Easy to drop into your aquarium tank no hassle to tie up the plant.
  • SOURCE OF FOOD : Natural driftwood can provides nutrients like lignin, cellulose and tannins which improve disgestion for fish.
  • CREATE NATURAL LOOKING : Adding driftwood can enhance environment of your tank. Your aquarium pets need a hiding place and feel safe at home
  • BEST QUALITY | With our experience, every plants from Greenpro will be professionally inspected, packed and organized with suitable boxes for all weather conditions to make sure that will retain the freshness and healthiness to our customer hands.
  • HIGH TECHNOLOGY : Our plants grown by using the latest technology and facility with digital controlled nursery to ensure that our plants are diseases pest snail and algae free.

User questions & answers

Question: how big is the pot
Answer: Yes. I removed it from it's tiny pot. Discarded the potting medium and attached it with thin craft wire to a piece of coconut shell. My plant it doing well.

Java Fern Microsorum pteropus Buy 2 Get 1 Free | Beginner Live Aquarium Aquatic Plants Freshwater Plant for Planted Tank , Best Tropical plants for Fish Tanks for Sale Online

Big Pete's Aquatics

Based on 288 reviews Check latest price

Product description

1 (one) Jave Fern, Microsorum pteropus with approximately 6 leaves. Prompted Shipping . Expert Packing. 100% guarantee all plants to be fresh, healthy and robust based on to their botanical name and variety. Pictures are representative the plants you will receive. Plant Information Origin: Southeast Asia Type: Broadleaf (Rhizomatous) Growth Rate: Slow Max Height: 9-11 inches Tank Placement: Background, Midground, or Specimen Plant Lighting Requirements: Should be sheltered from bright direct light Temperature range: 64-82°F CO2 Requirement: Low Difficulty Level: 1 (1 to 5 range)

  • 1 (one) Jave Fern, Microsorum pteropus with approximately 6 leaves.
  • Type: Broadleaf (Rhizomatous)
  • 100% guarantee all plants to be fresh, healthy and robust based on to their botanical name and variety.
  • High quality live tropical freshwater plants for your aquarium or planted tank
  • We ship plants on Monday and Tuesday

User questions & answers

Question: Will they grow in a tank with Tiny rocks as a base
Answer: The rhizome can’t be buried so don’t bury them. What I do is drop them into the tank... either you glue it to a pc of wood or rock and drop it on. It’ll sit ontop ok? Of your rocks or gravel..... then you add liquid fertilizer into the water to feed them .... 1x a week. And they need light also. And they’ll be ok. Mine got too much loght and turned brown tho. But they will be ok if you do it right.
Question: Will these plants survive shipping during winter temps
Answer: They can survive cold-water tanks, ( as low as 60s°F) and I would think they would be okay to be shipped with temps in the 40s° F. But I wouldn't count on them surviving being shipped in winter temperatures below freezing, unless the seller ships with insulation and heat packs.
Question: Does anyone know where the seller ships from
Answer: Mine shipped out of Monterey Park, CA
Question: Are these snail free
Answer: Yes. They arrived well packaged and in perfect condition. Beautiful plants

Latest Reviews

View all