Starting an aquarium is exciting, but for many beginners, the first experience can be disappointing when fish die quickly. This usually makes people think fish keeping is hard, but the truth is different. Most beginner losses happen because people choose the wrong fish at the start.
Some fish are delicate and need perfect water conditions. Others are hardy, meaning they can handle small mistakes, changes in water, and beginner learning phases. Choosing hardy fish gives beginners time to learn and gain confidence.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the best beginner fish that are strong, easy to care for, and less likely to die when basic care is provided.
Why a Beginner Should Select Hardy Fish
Despite being considered a
Hardy fish:
Can adjust easily to new tanks
Handle small water changes better
Less affected by small errors
Eat most common fish foods
These are ideal for people establishing their first aquarium.
Get sick less often
1. Guppies
Guppies are considered some of the easiest fish to keep.
Why they are great:
Highly adaptable
Amnesty/Free Exports &
Colorful and entertaining to watch
Can be easily fed
Tips:
Keep males alone to prevent overpopulation
Ensure access to clean water and basic filtration
Guppies are suitable for small and medium aquariums.
2. Mollies
Mollies are strong fish and easy to manage.
Why they are hardy:
Can handle different water conditions
Active and social
Available in many colors
Tips:
Need a little more space than guppies
Prefer slightly warm water
They are perfect for beginner community tanks.
3. Platies
Platies are calm, gentle, and very forgiving.
Why beginners love them:
Nature and peacefulness
Simple to feed
Low maintenance requirements
Tips:
Keep in small groups
To avoid destroying other bacteria due to ‘
Platies are not usually a problem and adjust easily.
4. Zebra Dan
Zebra danios are very hardy fish.
Why they don’t die easily:
Can withstand temperature variations
Highly active swimmers
Strong immune system
Tips:
Keep at least 6 together
Need space to swim
They are excellent for begginers, which require active fish.
5. Corydoras
Corydoras are bottom dwellers and serve as cleaners of leftover food.
Why they are beginner-friendly:
Passive and social
Strong and adaptable
Help keep the tank clean
Tips:
Keep in groups of 4-6
Soft gravel or sand is preferable
They bring life to the bottom part of the tank.
6. Betta Fish (Single Fish Environment)
Even betta fish can be hardy if they are provided with proper
Advantages of using bettas for beginners:
Can live alone
Do not require large tanks
Strong if water is clean
Important Note:
Leave a lone male betta in each aquarium
Fin nippers as tankmates
A planted aquarium eliminates stress in bettas.
7. Tetras
Some tetras are very beginner-friendly.
Best hardy tetras:
Black skirt tetra
Glowlight tetra
Ember tetra
Why they are good:
Peaceful
Easy to feed
Look great in groups
Always keep tetras in schools.
Fish Beginners Should Avoid
Some fish die easily in beginner tanks:
❌ Goldfish (need large tanks and strong filtration)
❌ Oscars (grow very large)
❌ Discus (very sensitive)
❌ Arowana
❌ Aggressive or territorial fish
Avoiding these saves beginners from frustration.
Final Thoughts
Fish don’t die easily when the right species are chosen. Most beginner problems happen due to wrong fish selection, not bad care. Starting with hardy fish allows beginners to learn slowly and enjoy the hobby without stress.
Once you gain experience, you can move on to more sensitive species. But in the beginning, strong and forgiving fish are the best teachers.
A healthy start builds confidence — and a beautiful aquarium.