Getting Started: Which Fish Should You Get?

A full discussion of the pros and cons of all the types of freshwater fish commonly available for sale is beyond the scope of this blog, so you need to do research on your own to make a truly educated decision about what fish species is best for your aquarium. The Krib is a good starting point with a list of good and bad first fish for the beginning aquarist. In general, you simply have to research what fish thrive in your water quality, in the size tank that you have, and that you can do the necessary work to take care of them. Later sections will deal with the care of particular species of fish, but for now I will simply list some fish to stay away from.

Goldfish: Goldfish are in general a bad first fish, as they require a great deal of room and are quite messy fish. They are also one of the most commonly abused fish in the hobby, often stuffed into tiny tanks with only a couple of gallons of water, no filter and no decorations. You will need a large tank if you choose to keep goldfish, especially since they do not thrive if kept alone. In addition, beginners are often sold cheap “feeder” goldfish, which are notorious for carrying diseases.

Dyed fish, especially Painted Glassfish: These are fish which have been chemically dyed to be made more colorful. This process is harmful to the fish, is temporary, and often stresses the fish to the point where they quickly die of disease.

Piranhas: These fish require a great deal of space, as they not only grow big, but also require schools to remain healthy. Feeding them is another concern, as if you feed them too much, it will foul the water, but if you feed them too little, they will turn on one another and your population will quickly decline.

There are many, many more fish to avoid as a beginner, but these are some of the most abused in the hobby, both by aquarists and by fish dealers. The time waiting for your tank to cycle is the perfect time for you to research what type of fish you are interested in!