Large unpretentious aquarium fish. The most tenacious fish: who to put into your first aquarium. Types of unpretentious fish

Dear readers, I welcome you to the pages of the site site. In the articles of the cycle dedicated to a small aquarium, we have considered issues related to the care of the aquarium and additional tools that will be needed to maintain its normal functioning (,). They also gave a list of plants that are recommended for growing in a small container (). Today we will talk with you about the choice of inhabitants for your underwater world.

The inhabitants of the aquarium, which can be kept in containers of small volume, should be small in size. In addition, given that small aquariums are most often started by novice aquarists, and also due to the low stability of the environment, the fish should be unpretentious to the conditions of detention, or at least not very capricious.

Apistogramma ramirezi (Apistogramma ramirezi)- The most unpretentious variety of cichlids. Has a small size. The body size in length does not exceed 5 - 6 cm. Very beautiful fish with bright colors. Unlike other representatives of the Tsikhlov family, they have a accommodating character. Do not damage plants. A couple of these fish will get along well in a 15-20 liter aquarium. Prefers the middle and near-bottom layer of water.

Aplocheilus Deya (Aplocheilus dayi)- A fish that is rather difficult to keep and aggressive towards its neighbors, which is called “Asian pike” for its characteristic elongated shape and character. They grow up to 5 cm long. It is better to keep in a separate species aquarium with a volume of 30 liters or more per individual. They swim all over the aquarium.

Erythrosonus hemigrammus (Hemigrammus erythrozonus)- a schooling fish that gets along well with other species. It can be kept in an aquarium from 30 liters per flock of 3-4 individuals. Along the entire body of this fish there is a beautiful luminous stripe.Prefers to swim in the middle layer of water and on the surface.

Badis-chameleon (badis)- interesting for its ability to change color. For a pair of these fish, 20 liters is enough.

Guppies (Poecilia reticulata)- probably the most famous fish in the world of the Peciliev family. This viviparous fish has been bred in various breeding forms. The variety of shapes and colors is very large. Wild forms are very unpretentious, they can live in extreme conditions. A 3 liter jar is enough for a couple of fish. Peaceful pack creatures.

Dwarf gourami (Trichopsis pumilus)- a very beautiful representative of the Macropod family. The smallest of all gourami, it grows no more than 5 cm. An aquarium with a volume of 20 liters or more is suitable for its maintenance. Also, besides this species, they can be suitable for a small aquarium. Grouchy Gourami (Trichopsis vittatus) which is very different interesting behavior and is known for its ability to make sounds that are somewhat similar to grunts. This fish is somewhat larger and reaches a length of 6.5 cm.

Danio rerio (Danio rerio)- unpretentious fish up to 4.5 cm long. Very mobile and non-aggressive. Prefer to stay in upper layers water. In a volume of 40 liters, you can keep a flock of 4-5 individuals.

Danio leopard (Danio "franke")- a little bit more large view reaches 5 cm in length. It has a more interesting spotted color.

Iratera Werner (Iriatherina werneri)- a small schooling fish of the Melanotheniaceae family. Keeps in the upper and middle part of the aquarium. It can grow up to 7 cm in size. It has very beautiful fins. Requires pure water and frequent changes. A flock of 3-4 fish can be grown in an aquarium with a volume of 30 liters or more.

Cardinal (Tanichtbys albonubes)- a small fish (up to 4 cm in length), which has a beautiful color. Very easy to maintain. Withstands large fluctuations in water temperature and composition. They prefer to swim in the middle part of the aquarium. To keep a small flock, a container with a volume of 10 liters or more is required.

Kerry (Inpaichthys kerri)- funny small schooling fish with a very interesting color. Extremely mobile and can jump out of the aquarium. Hardy. Suitable for beginners. To keep them, you need an aquarium with a volume of 30 liters or more.

Colisa striped (Colisa fasciata)- a fish belonging to the Macropod family. It grows up to 7 cm in size, but can be kept in an aquarium from 10 liters. Shy peaceful fish that are best kept in pairs.

Lyalius (Colisa lalia)- Another representative of the Macropod family. It has a beautiful coloration and long antennae instead of ventral fins. It reaches a length of 6 cm. Unpretentious shy fish, able to live in an aquarium with a volume of 10 liters or more.

Common Macropod (Macropodus opercularis)- very unpretentious hardy fish. For a beautiful color it is also called "paradise fish". There are various color forms as well as albinos. They reach a length of 11 cm. Territorial fish, does not get along well with others. It is better to keep in pairs in aquariums with a volume of 10 liters or more.

Melanothenia neon ( Melanotaenia praecox) - has a very beautiful blue color. It grows up to 6 cm long. Peaceful fish that feel better in a flock of 5-10 fish and are recommended for keeping in an aquarium with a volume of 40 liters or more.

Nannakara anomaly ( Nannacara anomala) - a quarrelsome fish shows a territorial character. It reaches a size of 8 cm. It is recommended for keeping in a species aquarium with a volume of 30 liters or more. It is necessary to organize thickets of plants and shelters.

Nannostomus

Species suitable for a small aquarium Nannostomus dwarf (Nannostomus marginatum) and Nannostomus trifasciatus (Nannostomus trifasciatus)- Small nimble fish. The dwarf nannostomus grows up to 4 cm. The three-lane nannostomus is slightly larger. Three dark stripes run along the body, for which the fish got its name. Fish of this species love to swim in a flock and are known for their ability to change color from day to night. Unpretentious. A flock can be placed in a small aquarium with a volume of 15 liters or more.

Neon blue (paracheirodon innesi), neon red (paracheirodon axetrodi)- Fish are famous for their luminous stripe running along the body. Peaceful moving fish. They swim in a flock throughout the volume of the aquarium. Looks good against the background of green leaves of plants. A flock of 4-5 pieces can be kept in a container of 20 liters or more.

Notobranchus Rakhova (Notbobranchius rachovii)- a very beautiful, but difficult to keep fish. The length of her body reaches 5 cm. The coloring looks like a stunning red and blue mesh. These fish need to be kept in a flock. For one male and 2-3 females, an aquarium of 20 liters will be enough.

Cockerel (Betta splendens)- a fish known throughout the world for its fighting character, for which it got its name. The bred forms have a wide variety of colors and stunning veil fins. Absolutely unpretentious, can live in any conditions. Due to their nature, males should be kept separately from each other. To keep one fish, an aquarium of 3 liters is enough.

Speckled Corydoras (Corydoras paleatus)– Small catfish (up to 6 cm). Time is spent either resting at the bottom or digging in the ground. Very unpretentious, so they can be recommended for beginner aquarists. Keep a flock of 4-5 individuals in an aquarium with a volume of 20-30 liters. Many types of Corydoras have been bred, among which there are also colored forms. Albinos have also been bred.

Common Pecilia (Xiphophorus maculatus)- unpretentious colorful fish. Has various color variations. It grows in length up to 6 cm. It is unpretentious in content. Gets along well with other livebearers. It is better to keep in an aquarium from 30 liters per couple.

Copper tetra (Hasemania nana)- Peaceful small fish. They reach 4-6 cm in length. They have a pleasant reddish tint, for which they received the name. They are kept in small flocks of 4-6 pieces in an aquarium with a volume of 30 liters or more.

Tetra-fon-rio or fire tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus)- a small fish (up to 4 cm), which, when kept in good conditions takes on a bright red color. Gets along well with other peaceful neighbors. For a flock of 4-5 pieces, an aquarium with a volume of 35 liters or more is required.

Speaking about the popularity of fish, it should be said that this concept makes sense: prevalence among aquarists, accessibility, ease of maintenance, unpretentiousness of fish, etc. That is, a popular fish is a fish that has earned credibility and demand in the aquarium market. Popularity does not depend on the size or type of fish. As a rule, this question is asked by novice aquarists who are going to buy or buy additional fish.

In this connection, it should be noted that when purchasing fish, first of all, their compatibility must be taken into account, and only then their popularity.

So, we present to your attention our selection of the most popular aquarium fish (in alphabetical order, with photos and descriptions).

The most popular sucker catfish. Ancistrus are unpretentious in content, they are orderlies of the aquarium world. They have a sharp character and can even drive small, neighboring fish.
Family: loricaria.
Comfortable water temperature: 22-24 °С.
Ph: 6,5-7,5.
Aggressiveness: non-aggressive 10%.
Ancistrus has a mouth with horn-shaped suckers, which actively scrapes algae in the aquarium, cleans the walls of the aquarium and eats dead organic matter. With pleasure eats any live and dry food. The diet should mainly include plant foods. The activity of these catfish manifests itself with the onset of twilight or during the day when the lighting of the aquarium is turned off.

These fish can hardly be called easy to keep, since they belong to the cichlid family, moreover, they are large, predatory fish. Nevertheless, thanks to their beauty, their qualities: demeanor, intelligence, astronotuses have won a leading position in popularity among cichlids.
Order, family: cichlids.
Comfortable water temperature: 22-28 C.
Ph: 6.0-7.5.
Aggressiveness: aggressive 99%.
The volume of the aquarium for astronotus should be from 300 to 500 liters.
Aeration, filtration, regular water changes (weekly 30%) are necessary. Special attention it is necessary to pay attention to filtration, it must be powerful (the second filter will not be superfluous). The aquarium can be decorated with large stones and snags, the decor should not be sharp. Provide hiding places for the fish.

An amazingly diverse family of fish. Nimble, schooling fish, which are interesting to watch. Barbs live relatively peacefully with similar medium-sized neighbors in an aquarium, but they can pinch smaller and weaker fish.
Detachment, family: carp.
Comfortable water temperature: 21-23°C.
Ph: 6.5-7.5.
Aggressiveness: rather aggressive 30%.
Sumatran Barb Compatibility: barbus, , , , , , .
Most species of these fish can be kept in aquariums from 50 liters. The life span in an aquarium for them is usually 3-4 years. When keeping barbs, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of a particular species, since diversity various options This fish is often confusing to beginner aquarists.

Everyone knows these fish, even those people who have never kept an aquarium. This is not surprising because they were the most popular inhabitants of all Soviet aquariums. Guppy fish have also earned their popularity: unpretentiousness in nutrition and maintenance, resistance to adverse conditions of detention and low price.
Poecilia reticulata
Detachment, family: Pecilia (Poeciliidae).
Comfortable water temperature: 2 0 - 26 °С.
Ph: 6,5 - 8,5.
Aggressiveness: non-aggressive 0%.

Guppy Compatibility: compatible with all non-predatory and small fish.
Over the years of keeping guppies in aquariums and careful selection, many types of guppies have been obtained, the care and maintenance of which is not at all so simple. At present, it is very difficult to classify guppies, since as a result of numerous crosses, more and more new breeds are bred every year.
Guppies can be kept in a general aquarium (but not with fast-swimming species that can cut off their fins) from 60 cm long, in places with dense thickets of plants, including small-leaved ones, reaching the surface of the water (among them, Indian limnophila and luster are desirable), floating plants with hanging down roots, as well as riccia, where the fry will find shelter. Guppies are undemanding to the volume of the aquarium.

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Another large family is labyrinth fish. The charm and popularity of these fish lies in their diversity and beauty. And also in the fact that they are not demanding on the aeration of the aquarium - the presence of oxygen in the water. This is due to the fact that the habitat of the gourami is the rice fields of Asia, where there is little oxygen in the water, and the water itself is stagnant. These fish, as a result of evolution, have learned to breathe atmospheric air, which they capture from the surface of the water with the help of a gill labyrinth.
Detachment, family: labyrinth.
Comfortable water temperature: 24 - 28°С.
Ph: 6,5-7,5.
Aggressiveness: non-aggressive 40%.
For maintenance, a lighted aquarium is required, with a volume of 100 liters or more with thickets of living plants and free space for swimming. It is desirable to have snags (fish constantly stay near them). Filtration, light aeration and weekly changes of up to 30% of the water volume are required.

These are small, nimble fish that mostly swim in a flock near the surface of the water. Pink zebrafish are especially popular. Unpretentious in content, inexpensive, can get along even with large, non-predatory neighbors. An interesting fact about zebrafish, it serves that these are the first fish that have undergone the current fashion trend GloFish- an artificially bred form of luminous fish.
Detachment, family: carp.
Comfortable water temperature: 21-25°C
Ph: 6.5-7.5, water hardness: 5-15°.
Aggressiveness: non-aggressive.

Discus are the kings of the aquarium. These fish cannot be called easy to keep, unpretentious. Moreover, their cost is very high, and their character is so capricious that sometimes even an experienced aquarist finds it difficult to cope with them. Nevertheless, the disc-shaped body of these South American cichlids, their coloring is simply mesmerizing. This fish is popular because everyone wants to have it in their aquarium, but not everyone can handle it.
Detachment, family: South American cichlid.
Comfortable water temperature: 25-30 C.
Ph: 5.8-7.5.
Discus is a large fish. In the natural environment, it reaches a length of 20 cm, in aquariums the size does not exceed 12 cm. The body shape is discoid. The dorsal and anal fins are very long, going around almost the entire body. The pelvic fins are narrow. The body is brown with vertical blue stripes. The whole body is decorated with numerous blue strokes. Males are larger and brighter than females, fins of males are more pointed.
Discus are demanding in care - they need a tall and spacious aquarium to keep them. The minimum size of an aquarium for a couple is 150 liters. However, the fish are schooling and for its maintenance (5-6 individuals) an aquarium of 300 to 500 liters is needed.

So we got to these chic representatives of the aquarium world. Perhaps, these fish are not only known, but also seen by everyone. After all, even with mother's milk, we all heard a fairy tale and saw a cartoon: “About a fisherman and a fish”, where this popular fish, or rather the veiltail, became the prototype of the mistress of the sea. In addition, since time immemorial, namely from the time Ancient China the monks were engaged in the selection of these fish, while obtaining amazing forms from the progenitor of all Goldfish - silver carp.
Detachment, family: carp.
Comfortable water temperature: 18-23°С.
Ph: 5-20.
Aggressiveness: non-aggressive 5%, but can bite each other.
Compatibility: with all peaceful and non-aggressive fish.
Many novice aquarists, trying to make friends with these fish, take a whole horde of young goldfish. However, you should always remember that this is a large species of fish and a couple of goldfish need an aquarium of 100 liters or more.

This is a family of chain catfish. Popular, easy to keep, unpretentious, peaceful catfish. They have intestinal respiration.
Corydoras
Order, family: armored catfish.
Comfortable water temperature: 24-25°C.
Ph: 6.0-7.0.
Aggressiveness: non-aggressive.
Compatibility: any fish. Only undesirable - labeo, modest botia, well, ancistrus, because. they chase them (although it's more like a game). Large cichlids are also not the best neighbors. The most famous catfish and excellent aquarium orderlies, keeping them with goldfish will ensure the cleanliness of the soil in the aquarium.

Another member of the labyrinth fish family. In this topic, it is singled out separately, since laliuses have a calm and peaceful disposition. Unlike gourami, they peacefully coexist with the most harmless fish.
Comfortable water temperature: 18-20 °С.
Ph: 6.5-7.0.
Aggressiveness: non-aggressive 10%.
Lyalius is one of the most beautiful, attractive fish of the labyrinth family. The fish is small, in the aquarium it can reach 5-6 cm. The body of the fish is flat. The color of the lalius is greenish-blue with transverse stripes of red and blue-blue, the abdomen near the gills is blue. The fins of the lalius are covered with red spots. The male lalius differs from the female in a brighter color. They are the same size. Lalius do not live long, only 2-3 years.
The fish has a shy nature. It is advisable to place lalius in an aquarium with calm, peaceful fish. It is recommended to keep the cabin in a flock of 3 pieces, so the fish feel more confident.

Bright, lively representatives of viviparous fish. Hardy, active, inexpensive. It is possible to keep with peaceful American cichlids, for example, with scalars.
Xiphophorus helleri
Detachment, family: pecilia.
Water temperature: 20 - 25 °C.
Ph: 7.0 - 7.5.
dH: 5-20°.
Aggressiveness: non-aggressive 10%.
These fish have a variety of shapes, species and colors. They have a specific caudal fin inherent only to them, for which they got their name among the people. In addition, swordtails belong to the species of viviparous fish and therefore their breeding is not difficult.
The combination of the above factors affected not only the popularity of these fish, but it can be said that they made them popular.

Neons are one of the smallest aquarium fish, they look beautiful in a flock. Absolutely peaceful, harmless fish that you can talk about for hours.
Paracheirodon
Detachment, family: cyprinids, characins
Comfortable water temperature: 18-24°С
"Acidity" Ph: 5.5 - 8 °.
Hardness dH: 5-20° .
Aggressiveness: non-aggressive 0%.
Content Difficulty: Easy.
Neon compatibility: non-aggressive, peaceful fish (tetras, swordtails, platies, ornatus, pulchers, lanterns).
Incompatible: neon can not be kept with large, aggressive fish: cichlids, barbs, large catfish, goldfish, labeos, gourami.

A very beautiful fish, its veiled tail and fins are simply mesmerizing. The color of the fish is different. The most common ink color with a reddish tint. Males are much more brightly colored, fins are longer than females. The size of the fish is up to 7 cm.
Order, family: labyrinths.
Comfortable water temperature: 22-24°C.
Ph: 6.0-7.5.
Aggressiveness: males are aggressive towards each other. During spawning, the male and female can kill each other.
Compatibility: with all peaceful fish. You should not plant with swordsmen, barbs, especially cichlids.

Angelfish are popular American cichlids. They favorably treat peaceful and not very large neighbors. Angelfish do not uproot aquarium plants as do many cichlids.
Latin name: Pterophyllum scalare.
Order, family: Perciformes (Perciformes), cichlids, cichlids (Cichlidae).
Comfortable water temperature: 22-27°C.
"Acidity" Ph: 6-7.5.
Hardness dH: up to 10°.
Aggressiveness: non-aggressive 30%.

Angelfish Compatibility: Although angelfish are cichlids, they are not aggressive. Favorably treat even small, peaceful fish and even livebearers. As neighbors, we can recommend: red swordtails (look great with black sklarii), thorns and other tetras, zebrafish, all catfish, gourami and lalius, non-aggressive cichlids.
These South American cichlids are simply mesmerizing with their elegance and beauty of the sail fins, which, like the wings of an angel, support her in measured weightlessness. Actually, it is not for nothing that these fish are called Angels in foreign countries.

Ternetia is a small, popular, dark silver fish. It can be found in any pet store and in many home aquariums. Its unpretentiousness in content, ease of breeding, peaceful nature - deserves the attention of beginners in the aquarium hobby.
Latin name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Synonyms: Ternetia black, mourning.
In English: Black tetra skirt, Black Widow tetra, Black tetra.
Order, family: Kharacinaceae.
Comfortable water temperature: 21 - 24 C.
"Acidity" Ph: 5.7 - 7.0.
Hardness: up to 6-16°.
Aggressiveness: non-aggressive 20%.
Content Difficulty: Easy.

Takarkatums are one of the most common catfish in our aquariums. Their popularity is due to the unpretentiousness of the content, endurance and peaceful disposition of these fish.
Latin name: Hoplosternum thoracatum
Correct name: Many people call this fish tarakatum, probably comparing it with a cockroach, but it is still correct to say thorakatum, from the Latin "thorax" - shell.
Synonyms: Thorakatum, hoplosternum, catfish thoractum, catfish tarakatum.
Order, family: Armored catfish.
Water temperature: 22-28°C.
Ph "acidity": 5.8-7.5.
DH: Up to 25°.
Aggressiveness: non-aggressive 0%.
Content Difficulty: Very Easy
Compatibility: in fact, any fish - these catfish, do not pose any threat to other inhabitants of the aquarium.

The black-striped cichlazoma is one of the most popular fish of the cichlazoma family. These are relatively small, unpretentious fish, with a beautiful, refined body color and, which is important, unlike many cichlids, they have a calmer character.
Latin name: Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum From the Latin words "nigro" - black and "fascia" - ribbon, belt, stripe.
Russian synonyms: Black-striped cichlazoma, black-striped cichlazoma, black-striped cichlamosis.
Foreign names: Zebra Cichlid, Zebra chanchito, Convict Cichlid, Zebrabuntbarsch Grunflossenbuntbarsch, Blaukehlchen.
Order, suborder, family: Perciformes (Perciformes), Perciformes, Cichlidae (Cichlidae).
Comfortable water temperature: 20-28°С.
"Acidity" Ph: 6.8-8.0.
Hardness dH: 8-30°.
Aggressiveness: 30% are relatively non-aggressive, they show aggression during spawning and caring for offspring.
Content Difficulty: Easy.
Some might say that the peak of their popularity has passed, that now there are many other more colorful forms of cichlids and cichlases in particular. However, the statistics don't lie! To date, the black-striped cichlazoma, the most popular of all cichlazoma in Yandex search. Monthly more than 2200 users of this search engine apply for this request.

So, the aquarium was bought, all the devices necessary for the life of the fish were installed, the soil was laid, the water was prepared, the plants were planted, - the last, but eagerly awaited step remained - settling the aquarium with fish.

In the pet store and in the market, the novice aquarist's eyes widen: I want to buy all the fish at once, well, at least one by one. But before you go for future pets, you need to determine which fish will take root in the aquarium of a given displacement, as well as how many of them should be. Of course, no one will forbid a beginner to buy a spectacular rare beauty that requires special care, but disappointment in this case cannot be avoided.

There are many beautiful and at the same time unpretentious fish suitable for a beginner aquarist - they will forgive involuntary mistakes in care caused by lack of experience. Usually these are small mobile schooling fish, up to 2 to 10 cm long. Their presence immediately turns any aquarium into a water world filled with life and movement. Here are ten fish that will guide beginners into the world of aquarism.

They are familiar even to people who are far from underwater affairs - this is a classic aquarium. Small, elegant fish with good character producing offspring without spawning. The fry, having been born, are active, have a healthy appetite and the only thing that threatens them is to be eaten by older comrades. Therefore, it is recommended to plant small fish in separate aquariums.

Video: Aquarium with viviparous fish

Danio rerio is a small (up to 6 cm) mobile hardy fish, a frequenter of many aquariums. Despite their small size, danios look very impressive thanks to the longitudinal blue stripes that also extend to the fins. Danio prefers to live in a flock, so you need to immediately buy 5-6 fish. It is desirable that the same small and peaceful neighbors be kept with them. Like swordtails, zebrafish can jump out of the aquarium, so it must be closed.

Cardinals

These miniature fish are peacefulness itself. Unlike many of their relatives, they do not even touch fry, which cannot be said about larger aquarium inhabitants who are not averse to having lunch with a cardinal. The best neighbors for them are the same calm viviparous fish.

Cardinals prefer a flock of life, and the flock must be large - otherwise the fish hide in plants, grottoes and lose their bright color.

They love cold water, up to +22°С, in more warm water cardinals can also exist, but their life expectancy is reduced.

In order to truly appreciate the magical glow of neons, you need to get a flock of these little fish - at least 6 individuals. Them distinguishing feature- a bright blue stripe running along the body, and parallel to it - a red stripe. Neons are unpretentious, omnivorous, accommodating with other inhabitants, love shaded corners, so aquariums with decor in the form of grottoes or snags are suitable for them.

Rasbory

Even among small livebearers and neons, rasboras seem to be babies: the length of an adult fish does not exceed 3.5-4 cm. Silvery fish with a dark spot and a forked tail fin are very playful, so they need a suitable company of the same active schooling inhabitants of the aquarium, for example, zebrafish or cardinals.

Unlike small schooling fish, gouramis are slow and calm. Their distinguishing feature is a thread-like ventral fin, with which the fish senses the world around them. Gourami grow up to 10 cm.

There are several types of gourami: marble, pearl, blue and others, just as original in appearance and undemanding in care. Gourami breathe atmospheric air, so the aquarium where they live is not closed. In this regard, it is necessary to carefully choose peaceful and non-jumping neighbors for them.

Cockerels look luxurious, despite their relatively modest 6-7 cm in length, and therefore it seems that such a beautiful fish must be capricious. In fact, the cockerel is hardy, omnivorous, but pugnacious - it’s not without reason that in Southeast Asia, fights with the participation of these fish have long been staged.

Cockerel can be placed in small aquarium- he breathes, like gourami, atmospheric air, and the neighborhood of his own kind, especially males, does not lead to anything good. A male cockerel can even chase a female, so for keeping fish in pairs, you need a spacious aquarium so that the lady can hide if necessary. In principle, the cockerel can be hooked up to other fish, but it is desirable that they are not veiled - the cockerel can mistake them for relatives and attack.

barbs

Barbs are diverse, but not all types of these fish are suitable for a beginner aquarist.

• Sumatran barbs unpretentious, elegant, but very mobile. When kept in schools, they need a large aquarium.
• clown barbs. They are also quite easy to care for, but they are even more demanding on space than the Sumatran ones.
• shark barbs require very large aquariums and are more whimsical in content.
• cherry barbs - the best choice for a beginner. Small, bright (especially males) perky fish will decorate any small aquarium.

Barbs - good neighbors for most small civilians of the aquarium, but it is better to keep veil fish away from them - they will bite their fins.

barb

Somiki

Catfish are excellent "cleaners" of the aquarium. Some species clean the bottom of unnecessary algae, others - the walls of their glass dwelling.

• ancistrus.

corridors They are called armored catfish because their body is covered with plates. They are small (from 3 to 12 mm long) and attractive in their own way, especially speckled and golden catfish. Their whiskers are directed downwards - with them the catfish probes the bottom in search of food. Corydoras "clean up" after other fish, eating food that has fallen to the bottom. Behind them there is one drawback - rummaging in the ground, they raise turbidity from the bottom.

Ancistrus, in comparison with corridors, are quite large - they grow up to 15 cm. With the help of a sucker mouth, they clean the vertical surfaces of the aquarium from algae. However, if there is not enough food, the catfish will switch to plants planted in the ground, so the ancistrus need special feed tablets, as well as plant foods. They are peaceful towards other fish, but males can sort things out among themselves.

The angelfish is one of the most common aquarium fish, it is addicted to both experienced and novice aquarists. Its size, original physique and striped coloring cannot go unnoticed.

The angelfish cannot be called a small fish - its height reaches 15 cm, so it needs space for swimming, which means a large aquarium. It can be settled in a common aquarium, but with caution - small fish do not need such a neighbor-hunter.

If you settle the angelfish with viviparous fish, there will be no fry, if with barbs, the angelfish may lose their fins.

Gourami can become good neighbors for these fish.

The choice of easy-to-keep fish is so great that any novice aquarist can create a real miracle of harmony and beauty in his underwater kingdom: iridescent flocks of neons, phlegmatic gourami, strict mollies will fill the aquarium with movement and a special, unlike anything life. It is only important to follow the simple rules for keeping these fish and not to settle neighbors who do not get along with each other in one house.

A win-win option for a beginner is to take one type of fish (live-bearer, barbs, gourami, etc.) and a couple of catfish. Then the likelihood of conflicts will be minimized, and the aquarium is clean. And it is also very important to observe a sense of proportion: no matter how much you want to populate an aquarium with more different fish, you must first of all think about the comfort of its inhabitants.

Content:

One of the most beloved and easy to care for beginner aquarists are unpretentious aquarium fish. Such aquarium inhabitants will not cause much trouble due to the endurance of their body and good adaptation even in a harsh aquatic environment. These fish will not be capricious about small changes in temperature or water hardness, and will be able to eat any food that is suitable in size.

Goldfish - veiltail

Description

Unpretentious fish can be so from birth due to their evolution, when they had to survive in difficult conditions and adapt to poor quality water. Some fish caught in the wild and living in comfort can survive in captivity even in an unsuitable environment. Such fish include catfish and tetras. And it is important to know that only natural individuals are unpretentious and hardy, while those bred by selection require more care and are not particularly survivable.

Characin fish minors

For beginner aquarists, it is recommended to purchase fish of 5-9 cm in size for a starter aquarium of 40-60 liters. It is necessary to carefully study the characteristics of the acquired fish, the optimal water parameters and the rules for their nutrition. Depending on the size, number of fish and their characteristic behavior, a suitable aquarium with decor is selected.

For fish that love to dig the ground, it is not recommended to lay sand as a substrate, as they will burrow and dig it in, while muddying the water. For those who like to gnaw plants, it is best to install artificial branches or plant live plants in a pot. Many small individuals like to hide in various shelters or thickets of dense plants.

Consideration should be given to the characteristics of labyrinths and some other fish that need atmospheric air. It is necessary to leave a few centimeters between the surface of the water and the lid of the aquarium so that the fish can swim freely and inhale the air.

Varieties

viviparous

viviparous guppy fish

The most unpretentious fish in the aquarium are viviparous, which come mainly from the family of poecilians of the carp-tooth order. These fish breed independently in a common aquarium, and their fry are able to get their own food. The most popular are such viviparous unpretentious fish as guppies, platies, mollies, and swordtails.

Almost all pecilia have a mild disposition and get along with many types of small fish. For these representatives of viviparous, it is important to have a large number shelters and thickets of plants in the aquarium, and they are not particularly sensitive to water parameters. It is only necessary to add 5 parts of water once a week instead of the evaporated liquid.

Somiki

Catfish corridor

But what are the most common fish that are unpretentious in care and useful in an aquarium? Aquarium catfish are the best helpers in cleaning and cleaning from plaque and dirt in the aquarium. As food, they use the remains of uneaten food lying on the bottom and algae. Like labyrinths, aquarium catfish are able to breathe atmospheric air and do not require the presence of a compressor in the aquarium. It is advisable to change the water once a week 30% of the total volume.

Among all species, ancistrus should be distinguished, which are compatible with any fish and perfectly clean the aquarium, sticking to the walls of the container. For all beginners, it is recommended to purchase a pair of ancistrus, they will help the owner with cleaning the aquarium, reaching to the very hard-to-reach places. Among all catfish, corridors are considered the cutest, speckled catfish are the most peaceful, and tarakatums will take root well in a large container.

barbs

For beginners, aquarium lovers are also recommended for keeping fish from the barb family. The most unpretentious barbs are Sumatran, which are very mobile and have a bright striped appearance. Aquarium Sumatran barbs can live in a small tank, keep in flocks and perfectly coexist with any fish of suitable size.

Other unpretentious barbs such as sharks and clowns live in aquariums from 100 liters. And the smallest barbs such as cherry and dwarf are perfect for a mini-aquarium.

labyrinth

Labyrinth cockerel fish

Able to breathe atmospheric air, they swim to the surface of the water and inhale the air. Therefore, they do not need aeration and can withstand a wide range of water parameters. Water changes can occur once every two weeks, a third of the total. The most beautiful and unpretentious labyrinth fish are cockerels, which, despite their fighting disposition, are easy to care for. It is impossible to keep together two male cockerels and with veil fish. Aquarium lalius and some types of gourami are considered the most peaceful.

Goldfish

These widespread fish are not without reason loved by aquarists in addition to their beauty. The most unpretentious goldfish are the veiltail and fantail. These pets are able to do without food for 2-3 days, they are undemanding to maintenance and feed.

Characin

Aquarists also call characin fish as pearl aquarium inhabitants; almost all representatives of this family are distinguished by their gentle beauty and peacefulness. Apart from piranhas, characins are shy and timid like neons, or active and cheerful like minors. Fish can easily withstand hard water, but the temperature for them is optimal from 20 to 24 ° C.

cichlids

The content is still recommended for more advanced beginners. Small cichlids such as angelfish or cichlids are easy to maintain and care, one should only take into account their difficult temper and poor cohabitation, especially with small fish. African representatives can easily breed in the general aquarium, independently incubating eggs in their mouths. These fish are accustomed to digging and like to change the design of the aquarium to their taste, so you need to select a larger substrate.

cichlazoma blue dempsey

Every novice aquarist, buying his first aquarium, thinks about who will live in it. This question is difficult, because on the modern market there are an incredibly many different beautiful fish that differ in price, appearance, conditions of detention and other characteristics.

It is not easy to finally decide, unless a lover of underwater flora and fauna wants something specific. If he does not have a special idea of ​​\u200b\u200bwhom he will put in his aquarium, then it is better to purchase unpretentious types of fish.

Of course, each person can buy any aquarium inhabitants that he likes. But practice shows that it is better for beginner aquarists to start with species that are particularly easy to care for.

This is explained as follows:

• Water parameters. All underwater pets, which can be classified as "unpretentious", feel quite good in any water characteristics. That is, hardness, acidity and even temperature are not particularly important to them. They do not need strong and thorough filtration. As a rule, a conventional internal filter with a sponge providing mechanical cleaning is enough. As for aeration, it all depends on the aquarium itself. If there are enough living plants there, then the compressor will most likely not be needed. Moreover, representatives of the creeper suborder (gourami, macropods, laliuses, cockerels) even have an organ due to which they breathe ordinary atmospheric oxygen;
• Compatibility. All unpretentious fish are peaceful, and therefore they can be considered universal. That is, they are combined with many other species. Therefore, an aquarist can take several different flocks (for example, neon, zebrafish, minor, parsing, etc.). They will definitely get along with each other and will delight the owner with a variety of colors and habits;
• Aquarium size. One of the main advantages of such pets is that they do not need to buy roomy "houses". Often a small aquarium of 10-50 liters is enough. As for the calculation of the number of individuals, it all depends on their size. For example, guppies are quite small, and 2 liters are enough for them. for one representative. Swordtails, on the other hand, reach 8-12 cm, and they need 5 liters already, Sumatran barbs - 10 liters.

Well, of course, all these fish are not particularly whimsical about food, lighting and the frequency of water changes. They are durable and can withstand heavy loads. Although it is better not to force them to live in a stressful situation, because this can shorten their life expectancy.

What fish should you start with?

Some people visiting pet stores often do not know who they want to see in their aquarium. They are not particularly aware of certain families. Employees, in turn, will be very happy to sell someone more expensive, without caring at the same time in what conditions the animal will live.

It is difficult to list all of them unequivocally, but we can mention those who are often found:

black pacu. Visually, it can be confused with a piranha, and not surprisingly, because it is a "relative" of the famous predator. In stores, one individual will have a length of about 5-7 cm, but this does not mean at all that it will remain so forever. In just a few months, she is able to outgrow even a 200-liter aquarium, reaching a weight of 4 kg and a height of 40 cm. The black pacu is suitable for those who can give them a whole ton of liters of space, literally;

Bicolor labeo. It can slightly resemble a shark, while it has an interesting color, due to which it attracts the attention of beginners. The complexity of its content lies both in size and aggressive behavior. If next to him there are similar in color or related residents, then persecution and constant fights cannot be avoided;

Brocade pterygoplicht. Outwardly, a completely harmless catfish, in many ways similar to ancistrus. However, soon the buyer will realize that he made a mistake with the choice. The thing is that pterygoplichts quickly grow to incredible dimensions (up to 50 cm), and it makes no sense to let them into aquariums of less than half a ton;

Astronotus. Also often found on sale. It looks unusual and beautiful, but behind this appearance hides a difficult character. Astronotus are extremely aggressive and will eat anyone that can fit in their mouth. In addition, they need a house starting from 200 liters, but then they will have to be transplanted into a half-ton;

african cichlids. Incredibly attractive and similar to their marine relatives. However, they are also very aggressive and will kill any competitors that may claim their territory. Well, besides, they need good filtration and frequent water changes.

The most popular types of fish in stores are listed above. In addition to them, one can also distinguish discus, arowana, shark ball, glass catfish, koi and axolotls, although the latter are salamander larvae.

Top most unpretentious aquarium fish

Now you can select those underwater pets who will not create problems in keeping. There are also incredibly many of them, and most of them are compatible with each other.

Guppy

Perhaps it is difficult to name them more popular. They are extremely tenacious and everyone who is engaged in aquarism speaks about this. They belong to the family of pecilia. Their main feature is that females are much larger than males. The latter are not only smaller, but also have a brighter color. They have long veiled fins, which attract the attention of beginners.

Guppies feel comfortable at a temperature of 18-28 degrees and are generally a model of unpretentiousness. But it should be borne in mind that they are viviparous, and therefore their population can grow rapidly if this is not monitored.

swordsmen

They are relatively calm and peaceful in nature. Males are smaller and slenderer than females, distinguished by a sword-shaped process on the tail, from which the name came. They can live comfortably in small aquariums. The optimum temperature is 22-26 °, but can withstand even 15 ° C. They belong to the same family as guppies. When spawning, females produce fry ready for life. Reproduction is possible both in the jig and in the general aquarium.

They eat both plant and animal food. They will feel more comfortable if there is a lot of vegetation and shelters nearby. They are quite active and interesting, but it is better to install a cover or glass over the water so that individuals do not accidentally jump out.

Somiki

Catfish Corydoras Panda

This is a whole genus of ray-finned fish belonging to the catfish family. Therefore, it is impossible to unambiguously name the conditions for their content. Some representatives grow no more than 10 cm, while others reach a length of 5 m.

Unpretentious fish include the genus corridor(carapace). They are very friendly and interesting. They swim in flocks and arrange real hide and seek among themselves. Optimal conditions- 20-26 degrees, soft water with low acidity.

It is also possible to highlight tarakatums. They need a larger aquarium, but they get along with almost everyone. Thanks to the shell, even predators are not afraid of them. Live for about 10 years. They prefer, like any catfish, the presence of shelters made of snags, stones and plants.

And of course, don't forget about ancistrus. They are not at all picky about the conditions. Water 20-28 ° is suitable for them. They live for about 7 years and grow up to 10 cm. They love vegetable food, and therefore you can even throw all sorts of vegetables to them (cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkin, dandelion leaves). It is worth noting that this is a very useful inhabitant, which thoroughly cleans the glass and the bottom, if there are food leftovers from neighbors.

Danio

They belong to carps. They are very popular due to the variety of colors. They are quite peaceful and live in flocks, which makes them look even more attractive. They grow small, 2-4 cm. You can feed both dry and frozen food. Temperature - 20-25 ° С.

barbs

Barbus cherry

They amaze with their diversity. They are relatives of the zebrafish family. Very active and varied. They love it when they have enough space to swim. Quite peaceful in nature, but incompatible with those neighbors who have long veil fins.

neon

Also famous representatives of the underwater world. They belong to the Charation family. Differ in bright color. They have a neon stripe on their body, which can have different colors depending on the species. They like cool water around 18-22 °. They also need a lot of plants so they can hide. It is desirable that there are places in the aquarium without currents, where they would feel calm. They look great in flocks of 5 individuals.

Cardinals

Also beautiful animals from the carp order. In many ways, they are similar to neon (especially in temperature conditions), although they are not relatives. They love the current and swim in flocks of 6-8 pieces. They are not picky about food, as well as about water parameters.

tetras

Common name for characion fish. They are all united by the fact that they are not very big and extremely dislike loneliness. They are perfectly combined with each other, but it is better not to plant them with barbs and the like, as they can take away food. Temperature regime– 22-25°С.

Mollies

Direct relatives of the swordsmen. Also versatile in terms of water parameters. Viviparous, peaceful and nimble, from which they arouse interest. It is not difficult to propagate them, so they are often taken by beginners.

Cockerel

One of the most beautiful representatives of the underwater fauna. They have a bright color and chic wide fins. One individual must be allocated a volume of 3 liters. They prefer warm water - 25-28 ° С. Aeration is not needed, they breathe ordinary oxygen. Do not put two males in one container, otherwise they will fight to the death. They also do not like small and slow neighbors.

angelfish

Cichlid family, but clearly different from their counterparts. They have an unusual flat and triangular shape. Temperature regime - 24-28 ° С. They eat live food. Angelfish are relatively calm in nature, but they always find their favorite place, from where they kick out all the other neighbors. The main nuance is that for one individual you need to allocate at least 50 liters, since they grow quite large.

Unpretentious aquarium fish are best option for every beginner aquarist. However, it is worth remembering that these are the same pets as the rest, and accordingly, they also need at least minimal care.

Do not forget about regular water changes. You can not overfeed them (they should eat everything in a couple of minutes). In addition, it is important to observe the population density. Each species has its own indicators, and if they are planted in one container more than it should be, then this will certainly lead to undesirable consequences.

The load on the biobalance will be too great, and sooner or later this will lead to an increased content of nitrates, phosphates and nitrites in the water. The result is the death of all residents from poisoning. Therefore, in order for the animal to feel comfortable and please the owner, he needs to provide appropriate living conditions. Preferably similar to natural.

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