Have you ever watched a brightly colored fish glide effortlessly through clear water and felt a sense of calm wash over you? That peaceful feeling is just one reason why millions of people welcome fish into their homes as pets. But turning that dream into a reality can sometimes feel overwhelming. You might stand in front of a tank full of shimmering, darting creatures, wondering: Which one is right for me?
Choosing the perfect aquatic companion involves more than just picking the prettiest face. Many new fish owners face frustrating challenges, like picking a fish that grows too big for their tank, needs complicated water chemistry, or simply doesn’t get along with other planned inhabitants. Getting it wrong means stress for you and an unhappy life for your pet.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down the most popular, manageable, and rewarding fish species for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which fish fit your lifestyle, space, and experience level. Ready to dive in and discover your ideal underwater roommate?
Top Fish To Have As Pets Recommendations
- Jennings, Greg (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 528 Pages - 06/01/2018 (Publication Date) - Firefly Books (Publisher)
- Aquatic
- Books
- Nick Fletcher (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 208 Pages - 01/12/2026 (Publication Date) - B E S Pub Co (Publisher)
- HEALTHY SKIN, COAT AND JOINTS, ALL IN ONE DELICIOUS PUMP: Our Omega 3 for dogs is made from wild Alaskan fish oil, a high-quality dog fish oil supplements that promotes shiny coat, healthy skin, and strong joints.
- ALL-NATURAL, WILD-CAUGHT FISH OIL: Made with wild-caught pollock oil and wild-caught Alaskan salmon oil, this omega oil for dogs ensures the highest quality and sustainability. We use no added fillers, just pure, premium ingredients to support your pet’s health.
- COMPLETE OMEGA 3, 6, & 9 PROFILE : This dog omega 3 supplement is a blend of wheat germ oil and Omega 3 liquid fish oil, packed with essential EPA, DHA, and Vitamin E to support your dog’s immune health, joint mobility, and overall vitality.
- VET APPROVED WITH HIGH QUALITY INGREDIENTS: This fish oil for cats and dogs is packed with omega-rich nutrients to support skin, coat, joint, and heart health. A Liquid fish oil for dogs made with clean, effective ingredients and no added fillers
- REDUCE EXCESSIVE SHEDDING: Our dog shedding supplement is a real champ, fighting off skin troubles with omega 3, 6, and 9. An ideal dog supplements for itchy skin, this coat defense for dogs supports a shiny coat, reduces shedding, and promotes healthy skin.
- The Purrfect Cat Toy: Flippity Fish is the amazingly realistic catnip cat toy that flips, flops and wiggles just like a real fish! The built-in motion sensor activates when your curious pet is nearby or touches the fish toy
- Promote Fun Exercise: Keep your cat entertained for hours with this durable and non-toxic flippity floppy fish cat toy. The toy fish flaps to life once playtime begins. Fun, interactive play with your cat will help reduce stress and bad behavior
- Hours of Indoor Fun: Keep your kitty entertained for hours with this interactive cat toy that resembles a real fish. Enjoy every pat, pounce and chase! This automatic cat toy features a machine washable cover . USB rechargeable
- Cat Enrichment Toy: This fin-tastic moving cat toy will be your kitty's best friend and will keep your pet busy, even while you’re away. A fishing pole and refillable catnip pouch are included for the ultimate playtime experience
- Hours of Pawsome Fun: Barely lift a paw to get the flippity flapping fun started with your fish toy for cats. This flopping fish cat toy will help keep your kitten occupied when their favorite human is too busy to play!
- For Overall Development --- Are your shrimps losing color? Do they not look as vibrant as before? Here is your solution - SunGrow Rocks. Our rocks provide the perfect balance for vitality, color and growth, especially for baby shrimps in growing age. They are rich in Calcium that helps shrimp with building stronger shells, and full of Magnesium that is essential for all crustaceans to maintain vibrancy. This product can only be harvested and not made.
- Calcium Helps Shedding --- Shrimps add vibrancy to your aquatic life and make great pets for both adults and kids alike. And these white rocks that facilitate shrimp’s longevity. Japanese shrimp breeders have a firm belief in stones and they use them in their breeding facilities. You too can beautify your aquarium with these color and age enhancing rocks by SunGrow. A must-have for shrimps, especially Crystal red shrimps, Amano shrimps and Ghost shrimps.
- Clearer Water --- The stones from SunGrow act as an ion exchanger that clears water in the Aquarium. They enrich water with necessary minerals that enable shrimps to live longer. It even stores substances like heavy metals and ammonium for a longer duration.
- Aquarium Decor --- The applications of these Rocks don’t just stop here! You can even make use of them in home furnishing by placing them in all the corners of a square or rectangular mirror. Else, place these on the center table of your living room in a bowl filled with water along with a few coloured pebbles, marimos and other plants.
- Value Pack --- Every pack contains a few pieces of rocks (0.5 inch on an average) surrounded by the rock powder. One pack is enough for a 14 gallon tank and lasts 3 months. So it's not at all heavy on your pocket. They are small and take very little space. So they are great for your nano tanks too!
- Lifelike Swimming Action: These robot fish mimic real fish movements with twisting tails and realistic swaying; The robotic fish glide smoothly in water, providing hours of engaging play for cats and dogs
- Interactive Luminous Function: Each robot alive fish features bright accessories that glow underwater; The illuminated swimming fish attract pets' attention for exciting play, especially in pitch-dark conditions
- Water-proof & Durable Design: Made for aquarium, bathtub, and pool use, these robot fish are fully water-proof; The sturdy construction ensures long-lasting playtime fun for multiple pets
- Automatic Movement Technology: The robotic swimming fish automatically adjust speed and direction in water; This unpredictable motion stimulates pets' natural hunting instincts for mental exercise
- Multi-Pack Value: Includes four different colored robot fish; Perfect for households with multiple pets to maintain interest in interactive play
- The Purrfect Cat Toy: Flippity Fish is the amazingly realistic catnip cat toy that flips, flops and wiggles just like a real fish! The built-in motion sensor activates when your curious pet is nearby or touches the fish toy
- Promote Fun Exercise: Keep your cat entertained for hours with this durable and non-toxic flippity floppy fish cat toy. The toy fish flaps to life once playtime begins. Fun, interactive play with your cat will help reduce stress and bad behavior
- Hours of Indoor Fun: Keep your kitty entertained for hours with this interactive cat toy that resembles a real fish. Enjoy every pat, pounce and chase! This automatic cat toy features a machine washable cover . USB rechargeable
- Cat Enrichment Toy: This fin-tastic moving cat toy will be your kitty's best friend and will keep your pet busy, even while you’re away. A fishing pole and refillable catnip pouch are included for the ultimate playtime experience
- Hours of Pawsome Fun: Barely lift a paw to get the flippity flapping fun started with your fish toy for cats. This flopping fish cat toy will help keep your kitten occupied when their favorite human is too busy to play!
- Stop itchy skin: with Salmon Oil, Vitamin E and flax oil Right in the chew, skin plus coat helps calm irritated itchy skin that can lead to excessive scratching and discomfort.
- The key to a healthy coat: healthy, skin with the right amount of moisture helps to manage excessive shedding while supporting the natural glow of a healthy coat.
- No mess formula: Our chews include salmon Oil and flax oil. Your pet gets the benefits in a tasty treat like form that allows you to avoid the sticky mess of liquid supplements.
- Just the good stuff: skin plus coat soft chews are delicious vegetable flavored chews that do not include wheat, corn or artificial ingredients.
- Quality confirmed: Pet Naturals of Vermont products are formulated with veterinarians, approved by the National Animal Supplement Council and Manufactured in the USA in an FDA registered facility.
The Essential Buying Guide for Your First Pet Fish
Bringing a fish into your home is exciting! Fish make wonderful, calm pets. This guide helps you choose the right one for you. We look at what makes a good pet fish and what you need to succeed.
1. Key Features to Look For in a Pet Fish
When you pick a fish, look closely at a few things. These features tell you if the fish is healthy and a good fit for your tank.
- Vibrant Coloration: Healthy fish have bright, strong colors. Dull or pale colors often mean the fish is sick or stressed.
- Active Movement: Watch how the fish swims. It should move smoothly. Avoid fish that float near the top or bottom all the time, or fish that struggle to swim straight.
- Clear Eyes and Gills: The eyes must be clear, not cloudy. The gills (the flaps on the side of the head) should open and close evenly and quickly.
- Good Appetite (If Possible): If the store allows, watch the fish eat. A good eater is usually a strong fish.
2. Important Materials and Environment
The “materials” you need are not part of the fish itself, but the environment it lives in. A good setup is crucial for a happy fish life.
Tank Size and Shape
Bigger is almost always better. Small bowls stress fish out. Research the adult size of your chosen fish. For example, a single Betta needs at least five gallons. Community tanks need much more space.
Filtration System
You must have a filter. Filters clean the water and keep oxygen levels high. Look for a filter rated for slightly larger than your tank size. This gives you a safety buffer.
Substrate and Decor
Use smooth gravel or sand for the bottom. Rough materials can scratch delicate fins. Include safe decorations like smooth rocks or live/silk plants. Plastic plants with sharp edges should be avoided.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality of Life
The quality of your fish’s life depends on your care choices.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Stable Water Temperature: Use a reliable heater and thermometer. Sudden temperature changes stress fish greatly.
- Appropriate Diet: Feed high-quality flakes, pellets, or frozen food meant specifically for your fish type. Overfeeding is a major problem.
- Compatibility: Research if your fish gets along with others. Aggressive fish placed with timid fish will have a reduced quality of life.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Ammonia Spikes: Dirty water releases toxic ammonia from fish waste. This quickly reduces quality and causes illness. Regular water changes fix this.
- Lack of Hiding Spots: Fish need places to retreat when they feel scared or need rest. A barren tank increases stress.
- Inconsistent Lighting: While fish need light, constant, unpredictable light cycles confuse them.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about why you want a fish. Your experience changes based on the species you choose.
Beginner Use Case (Low Maintenance):
If this is your first time, choose hardy fish like Guppies, Platies, or a single Betta (in a proper setup). These fish tolerate small beginner mistakes better. Your experience will be easy and rewarding.
Advanced Use Case (Show/Community):
If you want a bustling tank, you need more experience managing water chemistry. Choosing schooling fish like Neon Tetras means you must buy six or more of them. Your experience involves more detailed monitoring but results in a beautiful underwater scene.
Remember, research the specific fish before you buy it. A happy fish makes a happy owner!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pet Fish
Q: How often do I need to feed my fish?
A: Most tropical fish need to be fed once or twice a day. Only give them what they can eat in about two minutes. Too much food pollutes the water.
Q: How big of a tank does one goldfish need?
A: Goldfish grow very large and produce a lot of waste. A single fancy goldfish needs at least 20 gallons to start. They are not good pets for small bowls.
Q: What is the most important thing for new fish owners to buy?
A: A reliable water testing kit is the most important purchase. You must test for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate regularly to keep your fish safe.
Q: Can I use tap water directly in my fish tank?
A: No, you cannot. Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine, which kills fish. You must use a water conditioner product to remove these chemicals before adding water to the tank.
Q: How do I know if my fish is sick?
A: Look for physical signs like white spots (Ich), clamped fins, fuzzy patches, or rapid breathing. Also, watch for changes in behavior, such as lethargy or hiding constantly.
Q: Do fish need light?
A: Yes, fish need a regular light cycle, just like us. About 8 to 10 hours of light per day is usually enough. Too much light causes algae problems.
Q: What is “cycling the tank”?
A: Cycling is the process of building up beneficial bacteria in your filter and substrate before you add fish. These bacteria break down toxic fish waste. This step is necessary for a healthy tank.
Q: Are all small fish peaceful?
A: No. Some small fish, like certain types of barbs, can be fin-nippers. Always check compatibility charts to avoid aggression between tank mates.
Q: How often should I clean the tank?
A: You should perform a partial water change (about 25% of the water) every week. You only need to thoroughly clean the gravel and decorations every few weeks.
Q: Can I keep a Betta fish in a small vase without a filter?
A: No. Betta fish require a filter and a heater, even though they are hardy. Keeping them in a tiny, unfiltered container causes severe stress and shortens their life span significantly.