If you are new to fishkeeping and want to start with a small tank, you might be wondering what is the best fish for a beginner small tank. The answer depends on several factors, such as the size of your tank, the water parameters, the compatibility, and the care requirements of the fish. However, some general criteria that you should look for are:
The fish should be hardy and adaptable to different water conditions.
The fish should be peaceful and not aggressive towards other fish or plants.
The fish should be small and not grow too large for your tank.
The fish should be easy to feed and not require special diets or supplements.
Based on these criteria, here are some of the best fish for a beginner small tank that you can consider:
Betta fish are one of the most popular and colorful fish for small tanks. They are also known as Siamese fighting fish, because they are territorial and will fight with other male bettas. However, they can coexist peacefully with other peaceful fish, such as tetras, rasboras, or snails, as long as they have enough space and hiding places.
Betta fish are very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water temperatures and pH levels. They are also easy to feed, as they will accept most types of fish food, such as flakes, pellets, or frozen foods. However, they do need a varied diet to stay healthy and vibrant.
Betta fish can live in tanks as small as 2.5 gallons, but they prefer larger tanks with more room to swim and explore. They also need a filter, a heater, and a lid to keep the water clean, warm, and prevent them from jumping out. Betta fish are very interactive and will respond to your presence and even learn to recognize you.
Guppies
Guppies are another popular and colorful fish for small tanks. They are also known as millionfish, because they breed very quickly and easily. They come in a variety of colors, patterns, and tail shapes, and you can mix and match them to create a beautiful display.
Guppies are very hardy and can adapt to different water conditions. They are also very peaceful and can get along with other small and friendly fish, such as platies, mollies, or swordtails. However, they may be preyed upon by larger or more aggressive fish, such as cichlids, barbs, or angelfish.
Guppies are very easy to feed, as they will eat almost anything, such as flakes, pellets, live, or frozen foods. However, they do need a balanced diet to prevent diseases and deformities. Guppies can live in tanks as small as 5 gallons, but they prefer larger tanks with more space and plants. They also need a filter, a heater, and a lid to keep the water clean, warm, and prevent them from jumping out. Guppies are very active and social and will form schools and interact with each other.
Neon Tetras
Neon tetras are one of the most iconic and attractive fish for small tanks. They are also known as neon fish, because they have a bright blue and red stripe that runs along their body. They are very eye-catching and will add a splash of color to your tank.
Neon tetras are very hardy and can tolerate a range of water conditions. They are also very peaceful and can coexist with other small and peaceful fish, such as danios, gouramis, or corydoras. However, they may be nipped or eaten by larger or more aggressive fish, such as bettas, goldfish, or oscars.
Neon tetras are very easy to feed, as they will accept most types of fish food, such as flakes, pellets, or frozen foods. However, they do need a varied diet to maintain their color and health. Neon tetras can live in tanks as small as 10 gallons, but they prefer larger tanks with more plants and decorations. They also need a filter, a heater, and a lid to keep the water clean, warm, and prevent them from jumping out. Neon tetras are very active and social and will form schools and swim together.
Conclusion
These are some of the best fish for a beginner small tank that you can choose from. However, there are many other fish that can also suit your needs and preferences. The most important thing is to do your research and learn about the fish before you buy them. You should also make sure that your tank is cycled, filtered, heated, and decorated to provide a suitable environment for your fish. By doing so, you will be able to enjoy the beauty and benefits of fishkeeping for a long time.
