Thinking of building an aquarium at home? Perhaps your youngster is pleading with you to get a goldfish? While there’s nothing wrong with these classic orange tank dwellers, there are so many other amazing species out there you can safely and responsibly keep as pets.
Building an aquarium at home is exciting, with a whole host of colourful animals to choose for your tank. But with that being said, it’s important to do lots of research before you commit to keeping fish, so you understand the work involved.
If you’re ready to start an aquarium and appreciate what you’re taking on, we’ve put together a guide on 10 amazing fish that make excellent aquarium stock for beginner keepers*.
1. Angelfish
Let’s start with angelfish, one of the most recognisable species on our shortlist. These attractive fish are members of the cichlid family, and are ideal for tanks above 90 litres in volume.
Angelfish can grow to around 15cm in length and 20cm in height, making them a fairly substantial addition to your aquarium. And, because they come in a variety of colours and patterns, they’re sure to put on a vibrant display.
2. Corydoras Catfish
No aquarium is complete without a sociable bottom-dweller, and we think the corydoras catfish is just about the perfect example of this. Calm and peaceful in nature, these small catfish are famously friendly, and will get on with just about any other species in your tank.
Many amateur aquarists see having a bottom-dweller like the corydoras as essential – and for good reason. These little critters are excellent tank cleaners, hoovering up any dirt and leftovers from the floor of your aquarium.
3. Bettas
Take one look at the betta and you’ll understand why it needs a place in your aquarium. Growing up to about 8cm, these vibrantly-coloured freshwater fish are beloved for their feathery fins, whose surface will shimmer spectacularly in your tank.
One thing to know about betta, however, is that males can be aggressive with other males, so it’s best to stick to females where possible. Another interesting fact about the species is that they’re able to breathe outside water for limited periods, thanks to a ‘labyrinth’ lung organ that lets them breathe air. Cool, right?
4. Plecostomus
If you’re looking for a head-turning fish that always puts on a show, consider the plecostomus. Part of the armoured catfish family, plecos, or suckermouth catfish, are covered in armoured scales that cover the upper parts of the head and body – making it a seriously eye-catching addition to your tank.
Plecos are a wonderful home aquarium fish for lots of reasons, mainly because they can live up to 20 years! Despite their size and tough, armoured exterior, they’re generally very placid, and can often be found suctioned on to the side of your tank with their unique mouths.
5. Discus
Another cichlid species, discus are named for their circular body shape, which can grow to an impressive size. This means discus are better suited to larger aquariums, with a minimum volume of around 115 litres.
Discus are carnivores, so it’s recommended you feed them with a mix of both standard fish flakes (for vitamins and minerals) and blood worms or beef heart, to ensure they get all the sustenance they need.
