Bring a Little Color to Your Tank
New fish parents don’t always know which species make the best companions. With literally hundreds of available options, which fish friends work best for small tanks? What about freshwater tanks? Which ones need the least maintenance? Don’t worry! We’re here to break down a few common species that work well in any tank.
1. Betta Fish
Sure, they’re a bit aggressive, but that doesn’t negate their aesthetic appeal. So long as you don’t stick ‘em in with the wrong crowd, betta fish don’t need a lot of maintenance. They also tend to bond with their owners, and their interactive personalities make them great companions!
2. Guppy
They’re bright, they’re friendly, and they’re beginner-friendly—they’re guppies, one of the easiest fish to care for! They aren’t prone to scrapping with other fish either, so you don’t need to worry as much about species colliding. Best of all, they’re affordable.
3. Angelfish
You’ll want to pay attention to which angelfish you buy; some are more territorial than others, which could leave you in a bind. However, some species are perfectly happy to interact with their environment alongside their brothers and sisters, especially if they were raised together. Just make sure you get a big enough tank for these guys!
4. Zebrafish
You’ll score at least five happy years with these colorful fish! They’re available just about anywhere, often in a variety of colors and markings. Their beauty is only outdone by their peaceful demeanour; you can stick them with other species and not fret about fighting.
5. Neon Tetra
Peaceful with a modest size, these brightly colored fish are perfect for beginners. They don’t need much attention and can get along with their tank mates. They’re also easy to feed, a hardy species, and won’t need much space either.