
Choosing a pet fish often comes down to aesthetics and personal preferences, but the care they require can vary drastically. Some fish demand meticulous maintenance routines, while others thrive with minimal effort. Let’s explore the high-maintenance beauties and their low-maintenance counterparts to help you make an informed choice for your aquarium.
1. Discus

Often referred to as the “kings of the aquarium,” discus fish are beautiful yet require careful attention. They require pristine water conditions, with temperature and pH levels kept within tight parameters. These fish are also picky eaters and prefer a varied diet of frozen or live food. Discus are social creatures, so they thrive in groups, which means a larger tank is necessary. Regular water changes, consistent monitoring, and careful tank-mate selection make these fish ideal for advanced aquarists. Their captivating colors and graceful movements make the effort worthwhile, but beginners might struggle to meet their needs.
2. Goldfish

Despite their reputation as starter pets, goldfish are surprisingly high-maintenance. They produce a significant amount of waste, requiring frequent tank cleaning and filtration upgrades. These fish can live for over a decade, demanding long-term commitment. They also need a spacious tank, as they can grow quite large and are prone to diseases in cramped conditions. Overfeeding is a common problem, leading to health issues like swim bladder disorder. While they are charming and interactive pets, their upkeep often catches new owners off guard.
3. Clownfish

Famous for their appearance in Finding Nemo, clownfish require more care than most saltwater fish. Maintaining a marine tank involves monitoring salinity, temperature, and pH levels closely. Clownfish are territorial and require anemones for shelter, which come with their own set of needs. Adding to the challenge, these fish need a protein-rich diet and a carefully balanced tank community. Despite their bold colors and charismatic behavior, clownfish are best suited for aquarists prepared to manage the complexities of a saltwater environment.
4. Mandarinfish

Mandarinfish are breathtakingly colorful but notoriously difficult to care for. They thrive on live copepods, which must be cultivated in a separate tank or purchased regularly. These fish are highly sensitive to water quality, and even slight fluctuations can lead to health issues. Mandarinfish are shy and easily stressed, requiring plenty of hiding spots and a peaceful tank environment. While they are a dream fish for experienced hobbyists, their dietary and habitat demands can overwhelm beginners looking for a simple pet.
5. Betta Fish (Inappropriately Housed)

While bettas can be low-maintenance in the right setup, they often become high-maintenance due to improper care. Housing them in bowls or small tanks leads to poor water quality, requiring constant cleaning. Bettas need a heated, filtered environment with plenty of space to swim. They are also solitary fish, so keeping them with unsuitable tank mates can cause stress or aggression. A properly maintained tank simplifies their care, but the effort to correct common misconceptions makes them challenging for many first-time owners.
6. Angelfish

Angelfish are graceful but pose certain challenges. They need a tall tank to suit their size and long fins. These fish can be territorial and may exhibit aggression, particularly during breeding, so it’s important to select compatible tank mates. Angelfish require a varied diet that includes live and frozen foods, along with excellent water quality to avoid illnesses. Regular monitoring and maintenance are vital for their health. While their beauty makes them a popular choice, they do require consistent care from their owners.
7. Flowerhorn Cichlid

With their unique “nuchal hump” and bold personalities, flowerhorn cichlids are a favorite among enthusiasts, but they are not for the faint of heart. These fish are highly aggressive and need spacious tanks with durable décor to prevent damage. They produce a lot of waste, requiring robust filtration systems and frequent water changes. Flowerhorns also need a protein-rich diet and constant interaction to thrive. While their quirky behavior makes them entertaining pets, their care requirements can be overwhelming for casual hobbyists.
8. Oscar Fish

Oscars are intelligent and interactive but come with heavy maintenance needs. They grow large, requiring tanks of at least 75 gallons for a single fish. These fish are messy eaters, leading to rapid water contamination, and they need a high-quality filtration system. Oscars are also prone to health issues like a hole-in-the-head disease if water quality isn’t perfect. They have strong personalities and often rearrange tank decorations, adding to the challenge. For dedicated owners, their engaging nature is rewarding, but their upkeep is not to be underestimated.
9. Arowana

Arowanas are among the most majestic freshwater fish, but their care is far from simple. These fish grow very large, often exceeding three feet, and need enormous tanks or ponds to accommodate their size. Arowanas are powerful jumpers, so their tanks require secure lids. They are carnivorous and need a varied diet, including live prey, which can be expensive and challenging to source. Their water conditions must be carefully managed to prevent diseases. Arowanas are a symbol of wealth in some cultures, but their upkeep demands a substantial investment of time and resources.
10. Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish are marine beauties that demand expert care. They require a stable saltwater environment with perfect water parameters. These fish are finicky eaters, often refusing anything but live food, which can be costly and labor-intensive. Butterflyfish are also prone to stress in captivity and need plenty of space to swim and hide. Their delicate nature and specific dietary needs make them one of the more challenging marine species to keep, suitable only for aquarists with experience in maintaining complex ecosystems.
11. Guppies

Guppies are the poster children of low-maintenance fish. These colorful little swimmers adapt well to a variety of water conditions and don’t demand a large tank. A basic setup with a filter and heater is enough to keep them happy. They’re not picky eaters, thriving on flakes, pellets, or live food. Guppies are also prolific breeders, which can be a bonus or a challenge depending on your preference. Their playful nature and vibrant patterns make them a delightful choice for anyone new to fishkeeping or looking for an easy-care pet.
12. Betta Fish (Properly Housed)

When kept in the right environment, bettas are surprisingly low-maintenance. A small tank with a heater, filter, and a few hiding spots keeps them content. Bettas don’t require tank mates, so you won’t need to worry about compatibility issues. They are surface breathers, which makes them more forgiving if water quality isn’t perfect, though regular maintenance is still essential. With their striking colors and flowing fins, bettas are a fantastic choice for those seeking a stunning yet simple pet to care for.
13. Platies

Platies are hardy, adaptable fish that thrive in a variety of conditions. They’re peaceful and easy to care for, making them ideal for community tanks. Platies come in a rainbow of colors, adding visual appeal to your aquarium. These fish are undemanding eaters, happily consuming flakes, pellets, or occasional treats like brine shrimp. A 10-gallon tank with a basic filter and heater is sufficient for a small group. Their friendly nature and resilience make them a top pick for beginners and busy owners alike.
14. Zebra Danios

Zebra danios are small, striped fish celebrated for their resilience and active behavior. They can thrive in a variety of water conditions, making them an ideal option for novice aquarists. As schooling fish, keeping a group of five or more in a small tank creates a lively scene. They have a diverse diet, consuming everything from flakes to frozen food, and don’t need any special care. With their energetic swimming and minimal maintenance requirements, zebra danios are a delight to observe and care for.
15. Neon Tetras

Neon tetras are a popular choice for their striking iridescent colors and easy care. They thrive in small schools, requiring just a modestly sized, well-filtered tank. These fish are peaceful and mix well with other non-aggressive species. Neon tetras prefer slightly soft, acidic water, but they’re generally adaptable if changes are gradual. A diet of flakes or micro pellets keeps them happy and healthy. Their low-maintenance needs and shimmering beauty make them a fantastic addition to any beginner’s aquarium.
16. Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras, or “cories,” are bottom-dwelling fish that help keep tanks clean by scavenging leftover food. These peaceful fish thrive in groups of three or more and don’t require much beyond a soft substrate and a few hiding spots. They adapt well to a range of water conditions and are undemanding eaters, enjoying sinking pellets, wafers, or frozen food. Their gentle nature and active foraging make them a favorite for low-maintenance community tanks, adding both utility and charm.
17. Cherry Barbs

Cherry barbs are small, vibrant fish recognized for their peaceful nature and adaptability. They can thrive in tanks as small as 10 gallons and tolerate a range of water conditions. A balanced diet of flake food, along with occasional live or frozen treats, helps keep them healthy. These fish prefer to be in small groups, where their bright red color enhances the beauty of the aquarium. Easy to care for and compatible with various species, cherry barbs are an excellent choice for beginners or low-maintenance setups.
18. Mollies

Mollies are versatile, hardy fish that can live in both freshwater and brackish tanks. They come in a range of colors and patterns, from black to Dalmatian, adding visual variety. Mollies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young, which can be an interesting experience for hobbyists. These fish are undemanding in their dietary needs and enjoy flakes, pellets, or vegetable-based foods. With their adaptability and low-maintenance care, mollies are a reliable choice for fishkeepers of all skill levels.
19. White Cloud Mountain Minnows

White cloud mountain minnows are often called “the poor man’s neon tetra” due to their similar appearance but lower care requirements. These fish are extremely hardy and don’t require a heater, as they can thrive in cooler water. They are peaceful and active, and look stunning in schools of five or more. A simple tank setup with a filter and regular feeding of flakes or micro pellets keeps them healthy. Their resilience and beauty make them perfect for anyone seeking a low-maintenance yet visually appealing fish.
20. Endler’s Livebearers

Endler’s livebearers are close relatives of guppies and share their easy-care nature. These small, vibrant fish are incredibly hardy and thrive in a variety of conditions. They require minimal equipment—a small, filtered tank with some plants for hiding is sufficient. Endlers are prolific breeders, so unless you want a tank full of fry, consider keeping only males. Their dazzling colors and minimal upkeep make them a fantastic option for beginners or anyone seeking a stress-free aquarium experience.