Choice paralysis is a real issue when you’re trying to pick a good fish to introduce to your aquariums; doubly so if you’re a beginner! There are so many factors to consider, and size and weight are near the top of that list (especially when working with limited tank space.)
Are small fish species easier for a beginner to take care of than some of the bigger choices? Let’s go over the key facts and find out!
What Do Beginner Fish Owners Need?
The most intuitive step is to start by reviewing what resources your typical, average new fish owner has to start with. Beginners probably don’t have a ton of extra tank space, so economical aquarium use will be irreplaceable. If this is your first time owning pet fish, it’s a good bet that you’re probably looking for relatively low-maintenance options, along with ones that can get along fine with their tankmates.
I’d argue that this narrow set of requirements already makes small fish species a better choice for beginners. Their limited size means they can exist more comfortably in a smaller fish tank. This still applies when you factor in that you will probably have to add several buddies (small fish typically need friends!)
Another pro I’d point out is sociability. Owing mostly to their preference for schooling, most small fish aren’t aggressive and, in my experience, can coexist effectively with other species. And, on account of their compactness, they produce less waste and don’t need to eat as much as the bigger species, making them low-maintenance fish on average.
Best Fish for Smaller Tanks
We know most beginners have less aquarium space to work with. So, which fish can actually thrive in these small tanks? Perhaps unsurprisingly, more compact species usually live better in those types of tanks. Large fish, after all, have a tendency to outgrow a fish tank over time, whereas that’s not often an issue with little fish.
For tanks less than 10 gallons, you can’t go wrong with common small species. I’d particularly recommend tetras, zebrafish, guppies, and bettas for these miniature tanks. None of these species tend to grow much larger than 3 inches long, which makes them perfect for a less sizable aquarium.
And, with the exception of bettas, these species typically get along with other fish. Guppies probably take the prize here; they are a remarkably peaceful and social fish species that adapt well to all types of tankmates.
Beginner-Friendly Pet Fish Species
Putting aside the question of aquarium space, what species tend to be a good fit for beginners? Are most of the newbie-friendly fish species out there on the smaller side? For the most part, yes (though there are some exceptions, which I’ll cover a little later.)
When people think of good fish for beginners, some common choices generally crop up. Species that typically get a spot near the top of the list include the various types of tetras, guppies, bettas, angelfish, and goldfish. The latter two can grow quite large, but the first three are very small species, and they could be considered the “gold standard” for first-time owners.
So, what characteristics bring together most of these species, besides taking up less tank space? Well, like the neon tetra, most of these little guys can adapt easily to a whole lot of aquarium water conditions and are pretty low-maintenance. Additionally, most find that they are basically peaceful with other species and almost never cause many fights or territorial issues. For a typical beginner, this factor on its own can make or break a successful aquarium!
Sociability in Small Fish Species
Fights breaking out in the tank, fish preying on their smaller tankmates, and territorial behavior are all nightmares for beginner owners. And unfortunately, they are all too common! Why do smaller species pose less of a risk here?
It’s not just one reason, but rather a huge host of contributing factors. One big element I’d emphasize is the fact that small fish usually swim in schools. So, even in their natural habitat, well out of captivity, they have an incentive to develop socialization and nonaggressive behavior patterns.
In a similar vein, small species can’t realistically prey on many other fish. They’ve got a relatively low position on the food chain, which curbs predatory instincts. At least compared to some of the bigger fish species out there, who have a lot more options for fighting and eating.
Does this tentative rule hold true for every small type of fish? Definitely not! Male betta fish, for example, are very famous (or rather, infamous) for fighting any tankmates that they view as possible competitors.
Are Large Fish Always Bad for Beginners?
Just as not all small fish are good for beginners, it’s important to note that not all large fish are bad for beginners either! One clear example is goldfish. Though they can grow up to 6 inches in captivity (and over 10 inches in ponds), they are a classic and excellent choice for beginners. But, you’ll absolutely need to provide a good, generous amount of tank space; I’d recommend at least a 35-gallon fish tank for medium-sized goldfish.
Likewise, angelfish can sometimes reach up to 6 inches in length, and that will end up being a problem for smaller aquariums. And yet, I’d wager most experienced hobbyists would agree colorful angelfish are among the best choices for a beginner fish owner.
