by N. Rodriguez

Created on: August 09, 2009   Last Updated: August 10, 2009

As an avid aquarist, I have spent many of my free hours browsing the Internet researching many different types of fish that may make good editions to my own tank. During my research, I have spent many hours on many different forums, and the question I saw the most during this time is one of the most debated topics in fish keeping. I'm new to aquariums, what type of fish should I start off with?

Now, just because this subject is highly debated, that does not mean that there is no good answer. The subject is often debated because of the simple fact that everyone has their own taste, and their own experience. For example, the Cory cat is a freshwater fish that feeds off the bottom of the tank, and helps to keep waste under control. Having heard good things about this fish from many different people, especially about them being extremely hardy, I decided to purchase a small school to add to my tank. After buying six fish and acclimating them, i released them into the tank, and all was well. However, the next morning I awoke to 4 dead cories, and the remaining 2 died in the days shortly after.

So, what does that story have to do with you? Well, it shows you that sometimes, you just don't get good fish, most people don't understand that these are living creatures, each their own person, and no two the same. It's the same as with dogs, some dogs are great and lovable, some are vicious, and you cannot control which one you get.

But more on subject, when choosing a first fish you must consider what you tank to eventually become. When you know what you want your end result to be, it is much easier to decide where to start from. So keeping that in mind here is a list of hardy, generally easy to care for, freshwater fish for the home aquarium. Please keep in mind though, that fish are living creatures, you wouldn't have a baby without knowing how to take care of it, so why would you a buy a fish? Do your research, and make sure that you will be able to take care of the fish that you choose to buy, don't be afraid to Google it!

Some easy to care for, first time fish include-

*Bloodfin Tetra

*Cherry Barb

*Dwarf Gourami

*Gold Barb

*Platy

*Serpae Tetra

*White Cloud Mountain Minnow

*Zebra Danio

Please, do not forget to do your research, make sure that you have a big enough tank to accommodate the fish that you choose, and also make sure you know the proper diet, as well as water temperature. A good website to gather information is Fishlore.

Sources-

Fishlore.com

Learn more about this author, N. Rodriguez.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.