Not all fish make good first pets—some are divas, some are delicate, and some are downright impossible to keep alive. But the right fish? It can spark a child’s love for animals and teach responsibility in the best way possible.
Forget the myth that fish are “easy” pets. Some require more care than a puppy! The trick is choosing the right species—fish that are hardy, fun to watch, and won’t demand a chemistry degree to keep their water just right.
Whether your kid wants a bright, bubbly tank full of color or a single finned friend to call their own, there’s a perfect fish out there for them.
So, before you let them pick the first fish they see at the pet store, check out this list of the best options for young fish keepers—because a little research now can mean years of happy, healthy aquatic fun!
Betta Fish
Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are renowned for their vivid colors and flowing fins. They thrive in small tanks, making them perfect for kids. Bettas have a labyrinth organ, allowing them to breathe air, which means they don’t need complex filtration systems. While they are territorial, they can peacefully reside solo in a well-decorated tank. Encourage kids to watch their Betta’s quirky behaviors like bubble nesting. It’s essential to teach them about regular water changes and feeding routines. This experience can instill a sense of responsibility and fascination in young minds.
Goldfish
Goldfish are classic pets that many children adore. Known for their vibrant orange scales and friendly nature, they are quite resilient and easy to care for. Goldfish can grow quite large, so a spacious tank is ideal. They enjoy exploring their environment and can often be seen sifting through gravel. Feeding them a balanced diet is important to keep them healthy. Children can learn about water quality and tank maintenance, providing a sense of accomplishment as they watch their goldfish thrive. This makes them a rewarding choice for young aquarists.
Neon Tetra
Neon Tetras are small, lively fish known for their striking blue and red stripes. Their peaceful nature makes them great community fish, thriving in groups of six or more. Kids will be captivated by their synchronized swimming and vibrant colors. These fish require a well-maintained aquarium with stable water conditions. Teaching children about the importance of water quality and regular monitoring can enhance their understanding of aquatic life. Neon Tetras’ playful demeanor and easy care requirements make them an excellent choice for beginner aquarists.
Guppy
Guppies are small, colorful fish that bring lots of life to a tank. They are hardy and adapt well to different water conditions, making them perfect for beginners. Guppies come in a plethora of colors and patterns, sparking curiosity in young minds. Watching them explore and interact can be a captivating experience for kids. They are prolific breeders, so it’s essential to manage their population in the tank. Kids can learn about breeding and population control, adding an educational aspect to their fish-keeping journey.
Zebra Danio
Zebra Danios are known for their striking black and white stripes and lively behavior. They are active swimmers, often seen darting around the tank, making them entertaining to watch. Danios are hardy fish, tolerating a wide range of water conditions, which eases maintenance. They thrive in groups, encouraging social interaction among them. Kids can learn about social structures and the importance of companionship in the animal kingdom. Providing them with a stimulating environment can help enhance their playful nature, making them a delightful addition to any aquarium.
Angelfish
Angelfish are admired for their graceful fins and unique triangular shape. They are a captivating addition to any aquarium, with their elegant movements and striking appearance. Angelfish prefer taller tanks where they can swim freely. Teaching kids about the importance of tank size and water quality can foster a sense of responsibility. Although peaceful, they may show territorial behavior, so careful tank mates selection is necessary. Observing their interactions with other fish can be a fascinating lesson about the dynamics within an aquatic ecosystem.
Platy
Platies are small, colorful fish that are easy to care for and perfect for kids. They come in various colors and are known for their peaceful nature. Platies thrive in a community tank, cohabiting well with other non-aggressive fish. They are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young, which can be an exciting event for kids to witness. Teaching them about the breeding process and care for fry can provide educational value. Platies’ vibrant colors and friendly demeanor make them a joy to have in any home aquarium.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras Catfish, often called Cory Cats, are small, bottom-dwelling fish known for their playful antics. With their whisker-like barbels, they scavenge the tank floor in search of food, helping keep the substrate clean. Cory Cats are peaceful and thrive in groups, adding a lively dynamic to the tank. They prefer a soft substrate to protect their delicate barbels. Children will enjoy watching their social behaviors and learning about bottom-dwelling species. Introducing Cory Cats can teach kids about different fish roles in an ecosystem, enhancing their understanding of aquatic life.
Molly Fish
Molly Fish are versatile and adaptable, making them ideal for beginners. They come in various colors and sizes, adding diversity to any tank. Mollies prefer slightly brackish water, which can be an exciting challenge for kids to learn about water parameters. They’re livebearers, and their frequent breeding can teach children about life cycles and population management. Mollies are active swimmers, often seen darting around the tank, providing endless entertainment. Their ease of care and lively nature make them a fantastic choice for young aquarists.
Swordtail Fish
Swordtail Fish are known for their distinct sword-like extension on their tails. They are lively and hardy, thriving in a community tank. Swordtails are peaceful and get along well with other fish, making them a great addition for kids learning about community tanks. They come in various colors, adding visual interest to the aquarium. Swordtails are also livebearers, providing a chance to observe breeding behavior. Kids can learn about the importance of maintaining water quality and observing fish interactions. Their unique appearance and compatibility make them an exciting pet choice.
Paradise Fish
Paradise Fish are admired for their stunning colors and flowing fins. They are labyrinth fish, similar to Betta fish, and can survive in low-oxygen environments. Paradise Fish are relatively hardy, making them suitable for kids who are starting out with fishkeeping. They may show territorial behavior, so a well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding spots is ideal. Kids can learn about creating habitats and understanding fish behavior. Observing Paradise Fish can provide insights into the fascinating world of labyrinth fish, enhancing a child’s interest in aquatic life.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
White Cloud Mountain Minnows are small, peaceful fish perfect for cooler water setups. They have a subtle beauty with their silver bodies and red-tipped fins. Minnows are active swimmers and do well in groups, providing endless entertainment. They are hardy, adapting to a range of water conditions, which is great for beginners. Kids can learn about the importance of group dynamics and social interaction in fish. Providing a stimulating environment with plants and decorations can enhance their natural behaviors. These minnows are a charming addition to any home aquarium.
Cherry Barb
Cherry Barbs are small, vibrant fish known for their striking red color. They are peaceful and thrive in community tanks with similar-sized fish. Cherry Barbs are active and enjoy swimming in schools, providing a dynamic display. Kids will be fascinated by their synchronized movements and social behaviors. They are easy to care for, requiring basic tank maintenance and feeding. Teaching children about the importance of school dynamics and providing appropriate tank mates can enhance their understanding of fish behavior. Cherry Barbs are a delightful choice for young fish enthusiasts.
Black Skirt Tetra
Black Skirt Tetras are known for their distinctive black fins and playful nature. They thrive in schools and are relatively easy to care for, making them perfect for kids. Their darting movements and interactions are captivating to watch. These tetras prefer a tank with plenty of plants and open swimming space. Kids can learn about creating a balanced environment and maintaining water quality. Observing their social interactions can teach about group dynamics and cooperation. Black Skirt Tetras’ striking appearance and lively behavior make them a fun addition to any aquarium.
Harlequin Rasbora
Harlequin Rasboras are small, peaceful fish known for their striking orange bodies and distinctive black patch. They thrive in schools and are perfect for community tanks. Their synchronized swimming and vibrant colors are a visual delight. Kids can learn about the importance of group dynamics and creating harmonious environments. These fish are easy to care for, requiring basic tank maintenance. Teaching children about water quality and feeding routines can enhance their fishkeeping skills. Harlequin Rasboras’ playful nature and unique appearance make them a charming addition to any aquarium.
Kuhli Loach
Kuhli Loaches are fascinating bottom-dwellers with eel-like bodies. They are shy but intriguing, often seen burrowing in the substrate. Kuhlis are peaceful and thrive in groups, which encourages natural behavior. Kids will enjoy observing their nocturnal antics and learning about different fish habitats. Providing a soft substrate and hiding spots is crucial for their wellbeing. Introducing Kuhli Loaches can teach children about the diversity of aquatic life and the importance of habitat creation. Their unique appearance and behavior make them a captivating choice for young fish enthusiasts.
Celestial Pearl Danio
Celestial Pearl Danios, also known as Galaxy Rasboras, are small, beautiful fish with iridescent blue bodies and orange fins. They are peaceful and thrive in planted tanks with similar-sized fish. Their vibrant colors and playful nature make them a joy to watch. Kids can learn about maintaining water quality and creating optimal conditions for these delicate fish. Providing a diverse environment with plenty of plants can enhance their natural behaviors. Celestial Pearl Danios are a stunning addition to any aquarium, offering a visual feast and educational experience for young aquarists.
Dwarf Gourami
Dwarf Gouramis are small, colorful fish known for their vibrant patterns and gentle nature. They are labyrinth fish, similar to Bettas, allowing them to breathe air. Gouramis thrive in community tanks with peaceful fish, making them ideal for kids. Teaching children about the importance of tank mates and maintaining water quality can enhance their understanding of aquatic ecosystems. These fish are relatively easy to care for, requiring basic maintenance and feeding routines. Dwarf Gouramis’ unique appearance and friendly demeanor make them a delightful addition to any home aquarium.
Panda Corydoras
Panda Corydoras are small, bottom-dwelling fish known for their distinctive black and white markings. They are peaceful and thrive in groups, adding a lively element to the tank. Kids will enjoy watching their social behaviors and playful antics as they scavenge the substrate. Providing a soft substrate and plenty of hiding spots is essential for their wellbeing. Introducing Panda Corydoras can teach children about different fish roles in an ecosystem and the importance of habitat creation. Their unique appearance and engaging behavior make them a charming choice.
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish, often called Oto Cats, are small, algae-eating fish perfect for keeping tanks clean. They have a slender body and a sucker mouth, allowing them to cling to surfaces. Oto Cats are peaceful and thrive in groups, making them ideal companions for community tanks. Kids can learn about the role of algae in an ecosystem and the importance of maintaining water quality. Providing a steady source of algae and a well-oxygenated tank can enhance their health. Otocinclus Catfish are a practical and educational addition to any aquarium.
Bristlenose Pleco
Bristlenose Plecos are small, algae-eating fish known for their bushy bristles on their faces. They are peaceful and thrive in community tanks, helping to keep algae under control. These Plecos prefer a tank with plenty of hiding spots and driftwood. Kids can learn about the importance of algae management and the role of bottom-dwellers in an ecosystem. Providing them with a varied diet and a well-oxygenated environment is crucial for their health. Bristlenose Plecos’ unique appearance and beneficial nature make them an interesting addition to any home aquarium.