by Mr. Aquarist

Created on: February 21, 2007   Last Updated: February 09, 2009

The term "low maintenance fish" is somewhat misleading because fish rarely are low maintenance. The lowest maintenance fish can sometimes be some of the highest maintenance. It will ultimately depend on the specifications of the equipment that the aquarist has set up. The larger the aquarium, the easier it will be to manage. Smaller volumes of water are more susceptible to fast temperature and chemistry fluctuations. Therefore, it is best, even for community fish, to have a large aquarium.

The lowest maintenance fish that are avilable on the market include neon tetras, gold fish (if they are kept properly in a large aquarium and not a fish bowl), and bettas. Neon tetras are colorful and fun to watch. They are also schooling fish, so keeping them in groups of six or more in a 20 gallon aquarium or larger is optimal. If the aquarist is setting up a community display then bala sharks and plants can be a nice low maintenance compliment to neon tetras.

Gold fish should never be kept in a "bowl." The volume of water is so small that changing the water out almost daily is a neccessity. Generally the rule of thumb is to have one inch of fish per ten gallons. For goldfish, the ratio is more like one fish per ten gallons. Gold fish require more space and cooler temperatures. They are often very dirty if overfeeding is not properly controlled. They require high concerntrations of oxygen which is why they are well-adapted to colder waters that hold more oxygen. Most gold fish sold comercially are species that, by maturity, become large organisms. Even the common feeder gold fish are actually just juvenile comet gold fish that may attain lengths greater than 6" by adulthood.

Betta, or sometimes called chinese fighting fish, are docile and elegant creatures that may be kept in 3-5 gallon aquariums by themselves. Two male bettas may not be kept together otherwise they will kill the other. Males and females may also be kept together, but it not recommended. They do not always do great in larger community settings, but they can be kept by themsleves and are relatively simple to maintain.

It is best not to buy fish from larger corporate conglomerates like Wal-Mart or even PetSmart and PetCo. These department stores are just in the business to be in the market, not to be in the business. Purchase fish from independent pet and fish stores. A simple search online will turn up a dozen or so in the local area. These smaller independent pet and fish stores are often family-run, the staff very knowledgable, and have a great selection of both fish and products. Ultimately, however, there are no low maintenance fish. Keeping larger aquariums and educating oneself on general fish care are the keys to success. Low maintenance comes in the art of managing the aquarium, not the fish themselves.

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