5 Aquarium Fish That Don’t Die Easily (Perfect for Beginners)!
Ankita Rai | May 23, 2025, 22:40 IST
Setting up your first aquarium can be intimidating, especially when you worry about keeping your fish healthy. Fortunately, certain fish species are tough and more forgiving, making them perfect for beginners who are still figuring out water maintenance and feeding routines. This article introduces five durable fish Betta, Zebra Danios, Guppies, Corydoras Catfish, and Mollies—that thrive in various conditions and are less prone to common beginner errors. Whether you’re after bright colors, active swimming, or peaceful companions, these hardy fish are a great choice to start your aquarium journey with confidence and ease.
It is exciting to begin your first aquarium, yet it usually comes with one major concern—what if your fish do not survive? Most new hobbyists worry they'll inadvertently injure their aquatic pets from making mistakes like overfeeding, poor water quality, or improper tank establishment. Well, the good news is that there are species of fish that are more tolerant and forgiving to beginners. These species are not only gorgeous to watch but also robust enough to withstand frequent mistakes. Here are five robust fish that won't die on you quickly and will serve to build your confidence as a new fishkeeper.
Betta fish are a popular choice for new fish owners, and it's not only because of their bright colors and finny elegance. These fish are surprisingly easy to care for. Bettas can breathe air from the atmosphere because of a special organ known as the labyrinth, which enables them to thrive in low-oxygen conditions. So, no fancy air pump or filter required—just a spotless tank and stable temperature (76–82°F). They also don't mind being alone, particularly the males, who can get territorial. Bettas are resilient, easy to care for, and well-suited to small living areas, so they're perfect for beginners.
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If you’re looking for an energetic and social fish, Zebra Danios are a fantastic option. Their bold black-and-white stripes make them stand out, and they’re constantly darting around the tank, keeping things lively. What makes them beginner-proof is their tolerance for a wide range of temperatures and water conditions. These are robust fish and do not complain about minor changes in their environment—great for one who is still learning the way of things. Zebra Danios are also friendly and do well in schools, so be sure to keep at least five in a group for their social health.
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Guppies are one of the most widely kept aquarium fish for a good reason: they're colorful, upbeat, and incredibly low-maintenance. These are easy to care for in any condition of water and are not fussy eaters. Just give them balanced food and good water, and they will thrive. Guppies are livebearers, so watch out if you don't want your tank to become overcrowded. Nevertheless, their tolerance for subpar conditions puts them in the book favorite of beginning aquarists.
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Corydoras, or "Cory cats," are peaceful bottom-dwellers that clean up by devouring leftover food on the substrate. These are social fish and must be maintained in minimum groups of three, and they like to have tanks with soft sand or smooth gravel to defend their sensitive barbels. They're extremely tolerant of varying water conditions and get along perfectly with most tank mates. Cory cats are low-maintenance, calm and a pleasure to observe as they clean the tank bottom.
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Mollies are another excellent beginner fish due to their ability to adapt. They are available in a wide color palette and form, ranging from the streamlined black mollies to balloon and sailfin mollies. Mollies can thrive in freshwater and marginally brackish water and are well adjusted in community tanks. Mollies are active, interactive, and tolerant of changing water parameters, and thus are a perfect choice for new aquarists still learning the ropes.
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1. Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)
Picture credit : Instagram
Betta fish are a popular choice for new fish owners, and it's not only because of their bright colors and finny elegance. These fish are surprisingly easy to care for. Bettas can breathe air from the atmosphere because of a special organ known as the labyrinth, which enables them to thrive in low-oxygen conditions. So, no fancy air pump or filter required—just a spotless tank and stable temperature (76–82°F). They also don't mind being alone, particularly the males, who can get territorial. Bettas are resilient, easy to care for, and well-suited to small living areas, so they're perfect for beginners.
2. Zebra Danios
Picture credit : Instagram
If you’re looking for an energetic and social fish, Zebra Danios are a fantastic option. Their bold black-and-white stripes make them stand out, and they’re constantly darting around the tank, keeping things lively. What makes them beginner-proof is their tolerance for a wide range of temperatures and water conditions. These are robust fish and do not complain about minor changes in their environment—great for one who is still learning the way of things. Zebra Danios are also friendly and do well in schools, so be sure to keep at least five in a group for their social health.
3. Guppies
Picture credit : Instagram
Guppies are one of the most widely kept aquarium fish for a good reason: they're colorful, upbeat, and incredibly low-maintenance. These are easy to care for in any condition of water and are not fussy eaters. Just give them balanced food and good water, and they will thrive. Guppies are livebearers, so watch out if you don't want your tank to become overcrowded. Nevertheless, their tolerance for subpar conditions puts them in the book favorite of beginning aquarists.
4. Corydoras Catfish
Picture credit : Instagram
Corydoras, or "Cory cats," are peaceful bottom-dwellers that clean up by devouring leftover food on the substrate. These are social fish and must be maintained in minimum groups of three, and they like to have tanks with soft sand or smooth gravel to defend their sensitive barbels. They're extremely tolerant of varying water conditions and get along perfectly with most tank mates. Cory cats are low-maintenance, calm and a pleasure to observe as they clean the tank bottom.
5. Mollies
Picture credit : Instagram
Mollies are another excellent beginner fish due to their ability to adapt. They are available in a wide color palette and form, ranging from the streamlined black mollies to balloon and sailfin mollies. Mollies can thrive in freshwater and marginally brackish water and are well adjusted in community tanks. Mollies are active, interactive, and tolerant of changing water parameters, and thus are a perfect choice for new aquarists still learning the ropes.
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How often should I clean the aquarium for beginner fish?Perform a partial water change of about 20-30% weekly to keep the tank healthy.
- Can beginner fish survive without an air pump?Yes, species like Betta fish can breathe surface air and don’t always need an air pump.
- How many fish should I keep in a 10-gallon tank?Generally, keep about 5 small fish to avoid overcrowding and maintain water quality.