What is the best freshwater fish for a beginner ?

Answer 1

This is a link of a website that states..

The following is a list of fish, which, in our experience, have proven hardy enough to survive the initial "break in" period of a freshwater aquarium. The creation of this list was not based on any type of scientific method, but rather on our own experience with the many aquariums we've installed. Each species on this list has consistently proven able to tolerate high levels of ammonia and nitrite, for at least four weeks, in the many freshwater aquariums installed by The Aquarium Professionals Group.

http://www.aquariumpros.com/articles/fishcyclefw.shtml

Huge Selection even for a beginner :-)

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Wow, these answers never cease to amaze me. People always tend to jump and say goldfish, when in fact, goldfish are not even consdiered beginner fish. They are very messy fish and require a lot of care.
As far as "beginner fish", here are a few that would suit a beginner well: Platys, Mollies, Guppies, Danios (schooling fish, best kept in groups of 6 or more) and a corydoras catfish. These are just suggestions of good first fish. How many to get all depends on the size of the tank. Your local fish store should be able to help with this.
More importantly though, at this point, if your tank is not already established, you really want to read up on properly "cycling" your tank PRIOR TO ADDING FISH. Your tank needs to go through this process in order for your fish to survive and be healthy. There are many many websites that explain this. Here is one that explains cycling a tank with a couple of fish, which are also considered beginner fish: http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php
I would also do some research on your own, as the more knowledge you have about fish keeping, the happier you and your fish will be, and you will be properly prepared to care for your fish correctly.
I hope this helps. Good luck!!! ;o)

Answer 4

A male Betta is a hardy little guy and they a have a hell of a personality for a fish. Just please dont keep him in a little tiny bowl. You can try at least a 1 or 1-1/2 gal. But the easy thing is they need very little O2 in the water so if you forget to change out he will not die. It'll give you time get used to the routine. Betta's have primitive ling in there skull which allows them to breath from the surface. You will notice him gulping at the air. Of course he will love it you get a starter kit aquarium with all the bells and whistles. Either way just do your research and ask allot of questions at the LFS. Ask different people the same question. There seems to be allot of Opinion substituted for fact in this hobby so dont take the first answer as law even though it may be you have to qualify it! Have fun w/ ur fish there a great thing to have around!

Answer 5

First of all, it doesn't matter what fish you get, they all need a filter, even a betta

I would suggest you getting a betta, but with at least a 2.5 gallon tank with a filter and a heater

They thrive in warm water which is 76-82 degrees, and they do need oxygen as well

even if they don't like a strong current, you still need a filter for them

here is an article on how to take properly care of them
http://www.fishlesscycling.com/articles/caring_for_bettas.html


like some already said, a goldfish is not really a beginner fish, since it needs lots of maintanance, but even with the right starter kit, they don't need as much maintanance either

They definately need a 10 gallon tank by themselfs for starters, which they will outgrow as well, but what they don't need is a heater

here is a caresheet on them
http://www.fishlesscycling.com/articles/caring_for_your_goldfish.html


Personaly i would start out with a 10gallon kit, get your tank cycled properly and then buy the fish

here is a recommendation on a couple of setups:
1 male betta
6 cardinal tetras (they're schooling fish)
3 male platies (that way you don't have to worry about fry)
3 male balloon mollies
3 cory cats (bottom feeders)

3 guppy's
6 rasboras (also schooling fish)
3 platies
3 cory cats

and also lots of live plants for your tank



Hope that helps
good luck


EB

Answer 6

When I went to a fish store and asked that same question, the lady said a Beta fish, but they are so boring and you can't have them in the same tank if you want more than one fish. I got Comets instead. They are also used to feed bigger fish but they're cute. You could also get Neons, Goldfish, Albino Corey is good too. (they help clean the tank) Any fish is a good fish as long as they don't grow big, and aren't agressive. Ask the people at the pet store you go to, they'll know.

Answer 7

For an appropriate answer you should provide more details about the tank you want to set up. For anything less then 5 gallon a betta is really your only choice. For larger there are 100's of small and peaceful and suitable fish for beginners.

Answer 8

I agree with the above poster... goldfish aren't as easy as you'd think. I like guppies- they are colorful and fun to watch, and they breed easily so if you do lose some you don't usually have to pay to restock. They can be addictive though- there are so many different and beautiful fish it can be hard to resist getting another one every time you visit the pet store! Also, if you plan on letting them breed, make sure to have 2 females for a male. The males are very frisky and will chase a female around constantly. Having two females gives them a break! Good luck! =)

Answer 9

I agree with the other poster, try a betta. They don't need a large tank and they are very easy keepers. They come in so many colors and they are gorgeous ! The ones I have had over the years have been really friendly too, they'll eat out of your hand and they come to the glass and greet you when you come in the room. Betta's are very cool fish to start with ! Just be careful, fish tanks are addictive........

Answer 10

Every one would say Guppys but thats wrong they are the most hardy fish, mollys and or platties are the best.