Ever look into a sparkling aquarium and wish you could bring that peaceful, watery world home? Fish make fantastic pets! They don’t need walks, and they add beautiful color to any room. However, picking the perfect fish can feel overwhelming. Should you get a speedy Betta, a schooling Neon Tetra, or something bigger?
Many first-time owners struggle with choosing the right species. Picking a fish that doesn’t match your tank size or experience level often leads to stress for both you and the animal. You want a pet that thrives, not just survives. This is where knowing your options becomes crucial!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore some of the best, easiest, and most rewarding fish to keep as pets. You will learn about fish that fit small tanks and those perfect for beginners. Get ready to discover your ideal aquatic companion!
Top Fish To Get As Pets Recommendations
- Jennings, Greg (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 528 Pages - 06/01/2018 (Publication Date) - Firefly Books (Publisher)
- 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!
- 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!
- Freedom for Your Cat: TGIOW cat door latch is designed for families with pets, allowing your cats to enter and exit the room freely, keeping dogs away from litter box or cat feeder, and providing cat with a private space to move around
- Adjustable Cat Door Latch: The pet door latch has 5 adjustable holes, you can adjust the width according to the size of cat. The adjustable width is 2.5-6 inches, making it suitable for cats of all sizes to enter the room while keeping larger dogs out
- Robust and Convenient: TGIOW cat door strap is made of PE and stainless steel, which can withstand the impact of large dogs. Our cat door holder latch allows for one-handed opening, making it easy to open the door from both inside and outside the room
- Easy to Install: Simply tighten the tail screw and insert it into the door frame striker plate and the cat door latch will work. So there is no need to replace the door frame striker plate or cut the door panel without any damage to your door
- Safety First: When not in use, the flex latch cat door holder latch hangs on the door handle to avoid bumping into the body. Active children like to run around the room and protruding foreign objects are a potential hazard
- Superior Durability: Made with tough fabric materials and double stitched that can handle rigorous chewing sessions, ensuring long-lasting playtime fun.
- Interactive Play: The Rugged Dog Toy is designed for interactive play, promoting physical activity and mental stimulation for your dog.
- Safe and Non-Toxic: We prioritize your pet's safety. The materials used are non-toxic and safe for your dog to chew on.
- Versatile Design: Whether for fetch, tug-of-war, or solo chewing, this toy is versatile and suitable for various play styles.
- Irresistible Squeak: Equipped with a loud and enticing squeaker that will capture your dog's attention, providing hours of entertainment.
- Calm & Soothing Ocean Vibes: Transform any space into a tranquil oasis with the cute mini fish tank, featuring moving artificial fish and LED lighting that mimics the serene beauty of an underwater world.
- Versatile Night Light & Desk Décor: Perfect as a calming night light for bedrooms, a stylish light for office desks, or a playful cat light to entertain your pets while illuminating your space.
- Premium Quality & No Maintenance: Made with durable, premium materials and a high-definition screen for a clear, realistic underwater view. Easy to install and completely maintenance-free, measuring a compact 7.25"L x 2.5"W x 4.5"H, perfect for any space.
- Vibrant Aquatic Display: Features 3 swimming artificial fish, 1 ocean background image, and 3 colorful LED lights, creating a captivating and dynamic underwater scene that brightens any space.
- Perfect Gift Idea: A charming and unique gift for kids, animal lovers, or anyone who enjoys peaceful décor. This cute mini fish tank makes a thoughtful present for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
- 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
- Lifelike Flopping Action: Built-in motion sensor makes the fish flop, wiggle, and kick just like a real catch whenever your cat touches it—keeping your kitty entertained and active for hours.
- Catnip & Silvervine Included：Comes with both catnip and silvervine to appeal to different cats’ preferences. Great for relieving boredom, reducing anxiety, and encouraging healthy play.
- USB Rechargeable & Removable Motor：No more batteries needed! The built-in rechargeable battery comes with a USB cable, and the motor is removable so you can easily wash the plush cover.
- Soft, Durable & Safe Materials: Made with bite-resistant plush fabric and reinforced stitching, safe for cats to kick, chew, and claw without harming their paws. Non-toxic filling for peace of mind.
- Perfect Size for Cats & Small Pets: At 10.5 inches long, this kicker toy is ideal for indoor cats of all ages and even small dogs. A realistic design that blends seamlessly into your home.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your First Fin-tastic Friend
Bringing a fish home is an exciting adventure! These quiet pets can bring a lot of beauty and calm to any room. But before you rush to the pet store, you need to know what makes a healthy, happy fish and what supplies you need. This guide will help you make the best choice for your new aquatic companion.
Key Features to Look For in a Healthy Fish
When you look at the fish in the tank, you need to check a few important things. A good fish shows clear signs of health.
1. Appearance and Movement
- Bright Colors: Healthy fish have vibrant, strong colors. Dull or faded colors often mean the fish is sick or stressed.
- Clear Eyes: The eyes should be bright and clear, not cloudy or sunken.
- Smooth Fins: Fins should be held open and look whole. Look out for clamped fins (held tight against the body) or ragged edges, which show disease.
- Active Swimming: The fish should swim smoothly and naturally. Avoid fish that are constantly gasping at the surface or lying on the bottom.
2. Behavior
- Eats Well: Watch if the fish eagerly eats the food offered.
- No Flashing: “Flashing” is when a fish rubs its body against rocks or gravel. This is a major sign of irritation or parasites.
Important Materials: Setting Up the Perfect Home
The fish is only one part of the equation. You need the right environment for it to thrive. These materials are essential.
The Aquarium (Tank)
The size of the tank is crucial. Small tanks often mean poor water quality, which stresses the fish. Bigger tanks are easier to keep stable. For beginners, a 10-gallon tank is a good starting point for small fish like Bettas or Guppies.
Filtration System
A filter cleans the water. It removes waste and keeps the water clear. Look for filters rated for a slightly larger tank size than you own. This adds an extra layer of safety.
Heater and Thermometer
Most tropical fish need warm water, usually between 74°F and 80°F. You must buy an adjustable heater and a reliable thermometer. Temperature swings stress fish greatly.
Substrate and Decor
Gravel or sand forms the bottom layer. Make sure any rocks or decorations you add are specifically made for aquariums. Rough or sharp objects can tear delicate fins.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Fish Quality
The quality of your purchase depends on how well you care for the fish *before* and *after* you bring it home.
Improving Factors:
- Quarantine Period: Reputable shops often keep new fish separate for a few weeks. This ensures they are healthy before selling.
- Water Testing Kits: High-quality water testing kits (checking for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate) help you maintain perfect water chemistry.
Reducing Factors:
- Overcrowding: Putting too many fish in a small tank drastically reduces their lifespan and health.
- Poor Transportation: If the fish is bagged loosely or kept in a dirty bag during transport, it starts its new life stressed.
User Experience and Use Cases
Different fish suit different lifestyles. Think about how much time you want to spend caring for your pet.
Low Maintenance:
If you are new or travel often, consider hardy fish like the hardy Goldfish (in a large tank) or the peaceful Betta fish (in a heated, filtered 5-gallon tank). These fish forgive small mistakes.
High Engagement:
If you enjoy watching complex interactions, look at schooling fish like Neon Tetras or Zebra Danios. These fish look best when kept in groups of six or more, which requires a larger tank and more consistent maintenance.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Getting Fish Pets
Q: What is the easiest fish for a beginner to keep?
A: The Betta fish (Siamese Fighting Fish) is often recommended. They are hardy, beautiful, and do not require a large group, but they still need a heated and filtered tank.
Q: Do fish tanks need to run all the time?
A: Yes. The filter pump must run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The filter cleans the water, and if it stops, harmful chemicals build up quickly.
Q: How often should I feed my new fish?
A: Feed your fish once or twice a day, only giving them what they can eat in about two minutes. Overfeeding is a major cause of dirty water.
Q: Can I keep two Betta fish together?
A: No. Male Betta fish will fight fiercely, often to the death. They must be kept in separate tanks.
Q: How often do I change the water?
A: You should perform a partial water change (about 25% of the tank volume) every week. Never change all the water at once; this shocks the fish.
Q: Do fish need light?
A: Yes, fish need a light cycle, just like humans. Keep the light on for about 8 to 10 hours a day to mimic daytime.
Q: What does “cycling a tank” mean?
A: Cycling is the process of building up helpful bacteria in the filter media before you add fish. These bacteria break down toxic fish waste. This step is critical for fish survival.
Q: Can I use tap water directly in the aquarium?
A: No. Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine, which kills fish. You must use a water conditioner (dechlorinator) to make the tap water safe.
Q: What is the difference between freshwater and saltwater fish?
A: Freshwater fish live in water with low salt content (like rivers). Saltwater fish live in water with high salt content (like the ocean). Saltwater setups are much more complicated and expensive for beginners.
Q: How long do pet fish usually live?
A: Lifespan varies greatly. Small tropical fish like Tetras might live 2 to 5 years. Goldfish, when kept in proper, large tanks, can sometimes live over 10 years.