1. Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

• Character: Calm and friendly
• Length: Up to 25 cm
• Aquarium: Minimum 100 liters per fish
• Water temperature: 15 – 22°C

A goldfish does not require heating, but it does need plenty of space and a good filtration system.

2. Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

• Character: Active, peaceful
• Length: 3 – 6 cm
• Aquarium: Minimum 60 liters
• Water temperature: 22 – 28°C

Guppies give birth to live young. Plants or hiding places help protect the baby fish.

3. Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

• Character: Social, peaceful
• Length: 3 – 4 cm
• Aquarium: Minimum 60 liters
• Water temperature: 20 – 26°C

These fish should be kept in groups of at least 6 to display natural behavior.

4. Betta (Betta splendens)

• Character: Solitary, territorial (especially males)
• Length: 6 – 7 cm
• Aquarium: Minimum 20 liters
• Water temperature: 24 – 28°C

Males cannot be kept together because they are very territorial. Low water flow is recommended.

5. Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

• Character: Lively, social
• Length: 4 – 6 cm
• Aquarium: Minimum 60 liters
• Water temperature: 22 – 26°C

Platies are easy to care for and appreciate an aquarium with plenty of plants.

6. Corydoras (Armored Catfish)

• Character: Peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish
• Length: 5 – 8 cm
• Aquarium: Minimum 80 liters
• Water temperature: 22 – 26°C

They should always be kept in groups of at least 5. Use a soft substrate to protect their barbels.

7. Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)

• Character: Active, social
• Length: Up to 12 cm
• Aquarium: Minimum 80 liters
• Water temperature: 22 – 28°C

The swordtail is a livebearing fish and enjoys some water flow.

8. Black Molly (Poecilia sphenops)

• Character: Peaceful, active
• Length: 6 – 10 cm
• Aquarium: Minimum 80 liters
• Water temperature: 24 – 28°C

The Black Molly prefers slightly brackish water (with a little sea salt) and plenty of plants.

9. Ancistrus (Bristlenose Pleco)

• Character: Calm, somewhat solitary
• Length: Up to 12 cm
• Aquarium: Minimum 100 liters
• Water temperature: 22 – 27°C

Ancistrus are nocturnal and like driftwood and hiding places where they can hide during the day.

10. Discus Fish (Symphysodon spp.)

• Character: Peaceful but sensitive
• Length: Up to 15 cm
• Aquarium: Minimum 250 liters
• Water temperature: 27 – 30°C

Discus fish require very stable water conditions and are best kept in groups. They are not suitable for beginners.

Important considerations for (beginner) aquarium keepers

If you want to start an aquarium, there are a few basic things you should keep in mind:

• Swimming layout: Provide variation in the aquarium. Open swimming spaces as well as places to hide or rest are important. Some species mainly swim near the surface (such as guppies), while others prefer the bottom (such as Corydoras).
• Group behavior: Many fish are schooling species and should be kept in groups (such as Neon Tetras, Corydoras, and Swordtails). Groups that are too small can cause stress.
• Overcrowding: Too many fish in one aquarium can lead to stress, disease, and poor water quality. Always consider the volume of your aquarium and the adult size of your fish.
• Water quality: Each fish species has specific requirements for temperature, pH level, and water hardness. Invest in a good filter and test the water regularly.