5 Best Pet Fish For Your Aquarium, Ranked

Whether a fish can be considered a companion is subjective. For some, the quiet movement and vivid colors of the fish swimming in the aquarium offer a sense of calm and connection. On the other hand, the lack of tactile interaction and nature of fish means that they do not interact with their owners in the way that a dog or cat does. Regardless, the best pet fish make perfect first pets that don’t require any overly demanding, hands-on care and teach young children responsibility.

Swimming in a fish bowl isn’t quite like Nemo navigating the great barrier reef, but fish can provide a great sense of entertainment and relaxation. Which fish is the best pet? StudyFinds has done the research, and we’ve come up with a list of the top five best pet fish that will take your aquarium to the next level. There are some favorites on the list and some surprises as well, but it covers everyone from beginner-friendly swimmers to more avid types. Comment below if you have a fish you like that isn’t on the list.

The List: Best Pet Fish, According to the Experts

1. Mollies

Mollies are great starter fish, according to Pet Smart. Known for their vibrant colors and easy care, these swimmers are a popular choice for novice aquarists. Both WebMD and Aqueon feature theirs inherently low maintenance, making them perfect for beginners in the hobby. Additionally, Molly fish come in a variety of colors and types, adding an enticing splash of life to your aquarium.

However, before welcoming live fish into your aquatic world, it is important to know their breeding habits. WebMD emphasizes that Molly fish are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live fry. There is even a good chance that any woman you buy is already pregnant. Therefore, starting with a larger tank (around 10 gallons) is recommended to accommodate the potential population growth.

Aqueon further emphasized the active and social nature of Molly fish. They are known to interact with each other and even their owners, making them a delightful addition to your home. However, it is important to note that male Molly fish can sometimes show aggressive behavior towards females and other males. As a responsible aquarist, keeping your fish close and being prepared to remove any overly aggressive individuals is essential to maintaining a healthy and orderly environment in your tank.

2. Neon Tetra

If you love beautiful fish, this one is “stunning with its iridescent blue stripe,” boasts WAG! “Originates from South Americathis fish develops in a school, so start with at least 3 to 5 of them, though 10 or more is better. On an omnivorous diet, this peaceful species is one of the easiest fish to care for.”

If you want a calm and peaceful fish, Petlandtexas says this fish is for you. Neon tetras are a popular choice for freshwater aquariums, winning the hearts of hobbyists with their stunning looks and peaceful personalities. These tiny fish boast stunning neon blue and red stripes, adding a vibrant splash of color to your underwater world.

Although peaceful, neon tetras thrive in schools of at least six individuals. This learning behavior is natural and essential for their well-being, offering a fascinating display as they move together. By understanding their social needs and providing a suitable environment, you can create a thriving and attractive addition to your home aquarium (Pet Helpful).

3. Salaries

Platies are a popular and attractive addition to many aquariums, thanks to their vibrant colors, easy care required, and peaceful nature. Both Pet Helpful and Petsmart praise them for their hardiness and docile nature, making them ideal inhabitants of community tanks. This means they can coexist peacefully with other compatible fish, allowing you to create a diverse and thriving underwater ecosystem. Additionally, platys come in an impressive range of colors, from the classic reddish-orange to unique varieties like Mickey Mouse, sunburst, and blue. The Aquarium Co-op highlights the ever-evolving world of platy varieties, with new colors and patterns constantly emerging to capture the interest of aquarists.

While the wide range of colors and low maintenance needs are certainly attractive, it is important to remember that proper care is essential for the platy’s health and longevity. Aquarium Co-op features that platys can live up to three to four years with clean water, low stress levels, and a healthy diet. By ensuring these factors are met, you can provide your platy with a comfortable and enriching environment, allowing them to thrive and add a burst of color and life to your aquarium for years to come. .

4. Fancy Guppies

There’s nothing better than watching dozens of gorgeous guppies floating in the water. Guppies are widely popular freshwater fish, attracting hobbyists to their vibrant colors, active nature, and affordability. Aqueon points out that keeping only a few allows them to live according to them energetic and lively name Despite their active swimming and social behavior, their small size, ease of care, and relatively low cost make them a good choice for beginnersas VetHelpDirect points out.

The real showstopper of the guppy, however, is its undeniable looks. As Aquarium Source enthusiastically highlights, these fish boast stunning, colorful tailfins that steal the spotlight. While their bodies tend to be more docile, the combination of a sleek, minnow-like body with a pointed snout and upturned mouth adds to their overall beauty. Whether you choose to keep a small group or a slightly larger shoal, guppies are guaranteed to bring a burst of life and color to your freshwater aquarium.

5. Bettas

Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a popular and stunning-looking addition to aquariums, but they have specific requirements that potential owners should be aware of. Although Betta fish are very popular, PetSmart emphasizes that they still require proper care. Unlike the misconception of them thriving in bowls, Bettas a tank equipped with a filter and heater is required to maintain a healthy environment. Aside from this, they should be kept individually.

These fishies are elegant but also tend to be territorial. VetHelpDirect highlights their beauty and ease of care, but also their territorial nature. True to their name “fighting fish”, Bettas can’t get along with other Bettasalthough peaceful community fish such as Neon Tetras can make suitable tank companions.

Aqueon further emphasizes the solitary nature of Bettas, attributing this mainly to the strong territorial instincts of male Bettas. It is not recommended to keep multiple Bettas together, even males and females, due to their aggressive nature.

Sources:

Note: This article is not paid for or sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected or partnered with any of the brands mentioned and does not receive compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links where we receive a commission if you make a purchase.