Gorgeous,vivid,and totally captivating—fish make amazing pets.But if you’re new to fishkeeping,which breeds work best for beginners?Below are six top picks loved by first-time fish owners.

Betta Fish

Male bettas are highly territorial toward other males of the same kind—they’ll fight if kept together.If you’re mixing them with other fish,ask your nearest Petbarn staff about safe tank mates for bettas.

Tetras

Tetras are firm favorites for new hobbyists.They’re tough,calm,and tiny.These are schooling fish,so they can’t live alone.A small tank works fine for a group,and most tetra varieties get along peacefully.

Guppies

Small,bright,with flowing colorful tails—guppies are super popular.They’re hardy livebearers,meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry,which is fun to watch.Just keep the tank size in check to avoid overcrowding.To prevent unexpected baby fish,stick to just males or just females.

Platies

Platies adapt easily to different water setups.They’re livebearers too,so you might end up with extra fish!Brightly colored and friendly,they’re great starter pets.

Swordtails

Tough and easy to care for,swordtails also breed readily.They’re peaceful and fit well in community tanks.Just note:male swordtails can clash with other males,so avoid keeping too many together.

Molly Fish

Hardy,playful livebearers with a gentle nature.They’re low-maintenance,but watch them closely in community tanks—they can get picked on by more aggressive fish.

Thinking about getting a pet fish?

Before diving in,learn the basics of fish care.While fish are great for homes unsuitable for other pets,they still need proper setup and regular care.

Decide which type you want,then look up their specific needs—especially tank size requirements.Check what gear and supplies you’ll need,and learn how to set up an aquarium correctly before bringing a fish home.

When you’re ready,Petbarn has everything you need to build a stunning tank,plus live fish available in-store.