Starting your first aquarium can feel overwhelming, especially when you're surrounded by hundreds of species that all look equally adorable. The good news? Many popular freshwater fish in Canada are incredibly hardy, colourful, peaceful, and perfect for beginners.
Here are the top choices if you’re looking for easy pet fish for beginners that thrive in simple home tanks.
1. Betta Fish
A popular favourite among new hobbyists searching for the best pet fish in Canada, Bettas offer stunning colours and big personality in a compact tank.
Why They’re Ideal
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Vibrant colours
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Low maintenance
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Thrive alone (no tankmate drama)
Care Notes
A 5–10 gallon tank with gentle filtration is perfect. They enjoy warm, stable temperatures and plenty of resting spots.
2. Guppies
Guppies are small, cheerful, and endlessly colourful basically the confetti of the aquarium world.
Why They're Beginner-Friendly
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Hardy and adaptable
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Do well in community tanks
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Extremely active
Care Notes
A small school in a 10–20 gallon tank works well. They adapt to a wide range of water conditions.
3. Neon Tetras
Great for peaceful community tanks, Neon Tetras are bright, active, and incredibly low effort.
Why They’re a Top Choice
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Beautiful blue-red glow
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Prefer schooling setups
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Low waste producers
Care Notes
A planted 10-gallon or larger tank makes them feel secure and brings out their colors.
4. Platies
Platies are known for being hardy and friendly ideal for anyone who wants a colorful tank without complicated care routines.
Why They’re Popular
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Very forgiving of water conditions
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Peaceful temperament
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Available in many colors and patterns
Care Notes
They thrive in small groups in a 10-gallon or larger tank.
5. Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras are gentle bottom-dwellers that help keep leftover food from settling in the substrate.
Why They’re Loved
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Social and entertaining
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Peaceful with all small fish
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Naturally tidy up uneaten food
Care Notes
Keep them in groups of 4–6 in a 20-gallon or larger tank, with soft sand to protect their barbels.
6. Mollies
If you want a mix of color and movement, Mollies are lively and adaptable.
Why They Work Well
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Active swimmers
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Hardy
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Suitable for both freshwater and brackish setups
Care Notes
They prefer a minimum of 20 gallons and benefit from stable water conditions.
7. Zebra Danios
These energetic swimmers are some of the toughest aquarium fish available.
Why They’re Great for Beginners
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Extremely hardy
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Active and playful
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Thrive in cooler water
Care Notes
A school of 6+ in a 10-20 gallon tank keeps them active and stress-free.
8. Cherry Barbs
A calm, colorful species that adds personality without the aggression sometimes seen in other barbs.
Why They’re a Good Pick
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Peaceful temperament
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Warm red coloration
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Excellent for planted tanks
Care Notes
Keep them in schools of 6+ in a 20-gallon aquarium.
Fish Beginners Should Wait On
Some species look tempting but require advanced care. Hold off on these until you gain more experience:
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Goldfish (large tanks + heavy waste)
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Oscars (aggressive + massive size)
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Discus (sensitive to water parameters)
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Freshwater sharks (grow too large for home tanks)
Beginner-Friendly Tank Combination
If you want a simple, peaceful, and colorful first setup, try:
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6–8 Neon Tetras
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3–4 Corydoras
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1 Betta (optional, depending on temperament)
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Live plants like Java Fern or Anubias
This setup stays stable, low maintenance, and visually appealing.
Where You Can Find These Fish in Canada
Many of these species are readily available through Canadian aquarium retailers. Stores like Maritime Fins offer beginner-friendly fish, aquarium supplies, food, and equipment to make starting your first tank smooth and enjoyable.