Beginner Fish
Hardy, forgiving freshwater species that tolerate the small mistakes of a first tank — good starting points once a tank is cycled.
Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish)
A hardy, long-finned labyrinth fish that breathes air — best kept alone in a heated, filtered tank of at least 19 litres (5 US gallons).
Species profileCorydoras Catfish
Peaceful, armoured bottom-dwelling catfish that forage the substrate — social, hardy and best kept in groups of six or more.
Species profileGuppy
A hardy, colourful livebearer that breeds readily — beginner-friendly, but males and females together will multiply fast.
Species profileNeon Tetra
A tiny, iconic schooling fish with an electric blue-and-red stripe — peaceful, soft-water and best kept in groups of six or more.
Care guideYour First Aquarium: A Beginner Setup
A start-to-finish plan for a first freshwater tank — why bigger is easier, what equipment you actually need, and the order to do things in.
Species profileZebra Danio
An extremely hardy, fast-swimming striped schooling fish — tolerant of cooler water and ideal for a first cycled community tank.