The best fish for beginners, small tanks and community setups.
8 guides
The best schooling fish for aquarium tanks are small, peaceful shoaling species such as harlequin rasboras, ember tetras and cardinal tetras, which feel safe and show their colour only in … Read more
The best bottom feeder fish for small tank setups are the dwarf corydoras catfish and the kuhli loach: peaceful, substrate-hugging fish that stay under about 10 cm. They come in … Read more
At a Glance For a genuine 20-litre tank, a single betta or a school of chili rasboras are the two realistic picks. Step up to 40 or 60 litres and … Read more
At a Glance The best freshwater aquarium fish for a standard tropical community tank span a wide range of care levels, from forgiving schoolers like neon tetras through to a … Read more
At a Glance White Cloud Mountain minnows are the most reliable genuinely coldwater community fish for an Australian home, no heater required in most rooms. Goldfish also skip the heater … Read more
At a Glance For a first tank, guppies, platies and white cloud mountain minnows are the most forgiving choices. All three tolerate the inevitable water quality wobbles of a new … Read more
At a Glance No. Fish don’t grow to fit their tank. A cramped tank stunts them through stress, crowding and poor water, which is a welfare problem, not a size … Read more
At a Glance Cardinal tetras and harlequin rasboras are the safest starting shoals for a planted aquarium: small, plant-safe and backed by consistent guides, though cardinals prefer soft water. Add … Read more
