🐣 Beginner Fish That Won’t Die on You

Your Friendly Guide to Fish You (Probably) Won’t Kill

Author

William Shannon
May 14, 2025

In partnership with

Daily Superfood Support for Aging, Medium-to-Large Dogs

You invest in your own wellness—why not your dog’s?

Designed for medium-to-large dogs, POP-Topper is a science-backed, premium daily supplement developed by animal health researchers in New Zealand.

Each single-serve sachet delivers clean, targeted support with human-grade superfoods like green-lipped mussels (for omega-3s), bilberry (for antioxidants), beef bone broth (for collagen), and kiwi (for vitamin C). No fillers. No additives. Just results.

Especially if your dog’s on kibble and curious about fresh food, POP-Topper fits seamlessly into your routine—and helps support long-term joint, immune, and brain health.

Hey ,

Ever excitedly bring home a cute little fish… only to watch it float belly-up a week later?

You’re not alone.

Starting an aquarium sounds peaceful and low-maintenance — until reality hits.

  • Water testing?

  • Tank cycling?

  • pH levels?

Suddenly, you’re Googling “why do all my fish keep dying” at 2AM.

Today, we’re diving into fish that won’t die on you — unless you really try hard to mess it up.

🐡 7 Beginner Fish That Are Practically Indestructible

1. Betta Fish (Betta splendens)

Nicknamed “Siamese Fighting Fish,” these beauties are hardy solo artists.

  • Size: ~2.5 inches

  • Tank: 5 gallons minimum

  • Care Level: Easy

  • Bonus: They can breathe air from the surface, so poor oxygenation won’t kill them instantly.

Tip: Keep them alone — male bettas don’t play nice with others.

2. Guppies

The gold standard for beginner fish. Guppies are bright, cheerful, and very forgiving of mistakes.

  • Size: ~1-2 inches

  • Tank: 10 gallons+

  • Care Level: Very Easy

  • Bonus: They breed like crazy — you’ll have free fish babies before you know it.

Tip: Mix males and females carefully unless you want a guppy explosion.

3. Zebra Danios

Tiny speedsters with a reputation for being nearly indestructible. They’re active and entertaining to watch.

  • Size: ~2 inches

  • Tank: 10 gallons+

  • Care Level: Bulletproof

  • Bonus: Tolerate wide water conditions and temperature swings.

Tip: They’re happiest in schools of 6 or more.

4. Corydoras Catfish

Bottom-dwelling cuties that clean up leftover food. Peaceful and easy-going.

  • Size: ~2-3 inches

  • Tank: 10 gallons+

  • Care Level: Easy

  • Bonus: They help keep the substrate tidy.

Tip: Keep them in groups — they’re social fish.

5. Platies

Colorful, friendly, and super chill — platies are great for first-time fish keepers.

  • Size: ~2-3 inches

  • Tank: 10 gallons+

  • Care Level: Very Easy

  • Bonus: They come in a rainbow of colors.

6. White Cloud Mountain Minnows

If you’re looking for cold-water fish, these guys thrive without heaters.

  • Size: ~1.5 inches

  • Tank: 10 gallons+

  • Care Level: Easy

  • Bonus: Perfect for unheated tanks.

🐡 7. Bristlenose Pleco

A small algae-eating catfish that helps keep your tank clean.

  • Size: ~4-5 inches

  • Tank: 20 gallons+

  • Care Level: Easy

  • Bonus: They have cute little bristles on their face.

TL;DR: Fish That Won't Die (Easily)

Fish

Tank Size

Difficulty

Notes

Betta

5 gal

Easy

Keep solo

Guppies

10 gal+

Very Easy

Breed easily

Zebra Danios

10 gal+

Easy

Very hardy

Corydoras

10 gal+

Easy

Bottom feeders

Platies

10 gal+

Very Easy

Colorful & friendly

White Cloud Minnows

10 gal+

Easy

No heater needed

Bristlenose Pleco

20 gal+

Easy

Algae eater

Beginner Tips 📝

Want to keep your fish alive and thriving?
Stick to these basics:

Remember 📌

Starting a fish tank doesn’t have to be tragic.
→ Pick resilient fish.
→ Learn the basics.
→ Let nature do its thing.

And next time you walk past the fish section, you’ll smile — not shudder in guilt.

📘 Want More Help Getting Started?

You're already off to a great start by choosing hardy fish — now take it one step further.

Unlock our full beginner’s guide series with Aquarium Pro.
You’ll get premium care sheets for every fish on this list, plus:

  • Tank setup checklists

  • Feeding & compatibility charts

  • Troubleshooting tips for common mistakes

  • Exclusive step-by-step beginner videos

💡 Whether you're setting up your first tank or recovering from fish loss trauma (we’ve all been there)...

AFB Divider

🌿 Community Spotlight

"Put a tulip in the tank to help with nitrates..."
– Anthony Wiggins, April 18

This post made a splash in the community — and not just because it’s beautiful.

Anthony added a live tulip to his aquarium setup, not only for aesthetics but to naturally absorb excess nitrates. The result? A blooming flower and a healthier tank. 🌷✨

Bonus: Fellow commenter Julie chimed in with her own setup using turnips!

Why This Matters for Beginners:

Plants (even unusual ones!) can act as natural filters — soaking up nitrates that would otherwise stress or harm your fish.

✅ Less algae
✅ Happier fish
✅ Prettier tanks

🌱 Tip for First-Timers:
Stick with hardy, water-safe plants like pothos, peace lilies, or even floating plants like duckweed. Root veggies and flowers? Test slowly — and always monitor water parameters.

AFB Divider

🐟 Happy Fishkeeping!

Got more questions?
Reply to this email

-AquariumsForBeginners