Pet Supplies Plus Shares Top 5 Easiest Fish to Have as a Pet

Easiest Freshwater Fish to Take Care Of

Fish are one of the best pets for people who want to explore pet ownership but aren’t ready (or interested) in taking the plunge of getting a cat or dog that requires a lot of care and attention. However, what many people may not realize, is that fish can be high maintenance too.

“The good news is, there are plenty of fish in the sea (or, in this case, lakes, rivers and streams) that are easy to care for,” said Kim Crawford, Store Team Lead at Marshfield’s Pet Supplies Plus. “As always, we’re here to help you when you’re ready to add a fish to your family!”

To help you find the perfect fish to begin your pet parenting journey, we’ve put together this list of the five easiest freshwater fish to take care of:

Betta Fish

One of the most common fish for new pet owners is also one of the easiest to care for. Betta fish come in a wide variety of vibrant colors and are often recognized for their long flowing fins. A minimum 2.5-gallon tank with temperatures between 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for bettas to live their best lives.

Tip: Male and some Female bettas can be aggressive and should not be kept in the same tank. Females can sometimes be housed together in heavily planted tanks.

Goldfish

A goldfish is a goldfish, right? Technically yes, but goldfish come in many different sizes, colors, and types. If this is your first goldfish rodeo, stick with the Comet, Sarasa or Shubunkin varieties which are the easiest to maintain. One of the biggest mistakes new goldfish owners make is putting them in a small fishbowl or tank. A goldfish (regardless of the variety) needs at least 20 gallons of water and may need even more as they grow into (or out of) their tank reaching sizes of 8 inches or more.

Zebra Danios (Zebra Fish)

As their names suggest, Zebra Danios (or Zebra Fish) are known for their zebra-like stripes that extend from their heads to their tails. They are relatively easy, as they don’t require much maintenance and can survive in colder temperatures than most tropical fish (around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, to be exact.) Zebra Danios are used to living in schools of 6 or more, so adding some friends to the mix will help them feel right at home!

Glofish Tetras or Skirt Tetras

One of the most popular freshwater fish for beginners are Glo or Skirt Tetras. These brightly colored fish are not only easy pets to have around, but they’re also pretty cute! These are some of the hardiest tetras that grow to be roughly 3 and a half inches long. Like Zebra Danios, Glo or Skirt Tetras prefer to stick together, so it’s best to start with at least 3-5. Their tropical roots make them accustomed to warmer waters, so plan on keeping your tank between 74-78 degrees Fahrenheit.