Which Aquarium Fish are Ideal for Beginners?

Before deciding to buy fish for your aquarium, you should make sure that the species is not listed under the protection of CITES, in which Singapore became a member in 1986. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora protects endangered plants and animals from illegal trading.

With that in mind, you should also make a list of the equipment you will need for the tank, but these will depend on the type of fish you want to keep as pets. You should also know which species should not be placed in the same tank with other fish to avoid fighting and overcrowding.

Freshwater Fish for Beginners

If you have no experience with keeping fish as pets, most experts recommend that you start with freshwater fish that do not easily get sick or die because of changing water conditions. However, that doesn’t mean you should neglect your responsibilities in keeping an ideal tank. Here are some of the freshwater fish recommended for beginners.

  1. Gold Fish can survive in water temperatures between 62° to 74° F, but they are messy eaters, that is why changing the water every week is recommended.
  2. White Cloud can survive in water with 60° F temperature, but they like living as a group with other white clouds.
  3. Bloodfin Tetra can live up to 10 years with proper care and are very peaceful. They can survive in temperatures between 64° to 82° F.
  4. Black Molly can live not just in freshwater, but also in saltwater and brackish water.
  5. Danios are a hardy fish and are not picky with their food.
  6. Platies will consume algae, freeze-dried food, and flake food. They are also peaceful and can live in groups.

Saltwater Fish

Keeping saltwater fish is not that difficult once you have learned enough about the species that you want to keep as pets. However, saltwater fish are more sensitive to fluctuations in water chemistry and temperature, that is why you need to be experienced when it comes to handling fish and monitoring water conditions.

  1. Clownfish are not picky with food, but they are usually territorial although not aggressive.
  2. Damselfish are not picky eaters, but you should not keep more than a pair of them in the tank. There are varieties that are aggressive, so be sure to check with the pet shop about the type of damselfish you’re getting.
  3. Firefish are peaceful fish, but they are also known for their ability to tell you that your tank’s quality is diminishing through their dorsal fin.
  4. Wrasse are very large fish and often prefer live food. When purchasing one, ask about the classification and aggressiveness of the fish.
  5. Shrimp are fairly hardy creatures, but they are sensitive to changing nitrate levels, so be careful when using copper to treat your aquarium.
  6. Crabs are also sensitive to changing nitrate levels and copper, but they create variety in your tank.

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