This is the main freshwater fish care library on Aquarium Friend, organized by fish type so you can find the right species guide quickly. Every guide covers tank size, water parameters, diet, compatible tank mates, and beginner difficulty so you can choose fish that match your setup before you buy.
New to fishkeeping? Start with community fish or beginner-safe species like cory catfish, cherry barbs, and tetras before moving to more demanding fish.
Community Fish
Community fish are peaceful species that do well in a shared tank with other non-aggressive fish. Tetras, barbs, and rasboras are the most popular starting point for beginners because they are hardy, widely available, and visually striking in a group.
- Cherry Barbs: A Comprehensive Care, Tank Mates, Diet, and Breeding Guide
- Diamond Tetra 101: Care Guide
- Congo Tetra 101: Care Guide
Bettas and Goldfish
Bettas and goldfish are among the most recognizable freshwater fish, but they have very different requirements. Bettas are tropical, solitary fish best kept alone or with carefully chosen tank mates. Goldfish are cold-water fish that need large volumes of well-filtered water despite their small-fish reputation.
Cichlids and Semi-Aggressive Fish
Cichlids are intelligent, personality-driven fish that need more space, thoughtful tank mate choices, and keepers who understand territorial behavior. South American dwarf cichlids like the Bolivian Ram are a good bridge for intermediate beginners ready to move beyond community fish.
Bottom Dwellers and Algae Eaters
Bottom dwellers fill the lowest level of your tank and often serve a useful role as clean-up crew. Cory catfish are the most beginner-friendly option: peaceful, hardy, and fun to watch in a school. Siamese algae eaters are one of the most effective natural algae controls available for a freshwater tank.
- Cory Catfish Care: Types, Tank Setup, Diet, And More
- Siamese Algae Eaters: Care, Tank Mates, and Feeding Guide
- Dojo Loaches: A Beginner’s Guide
- Peacock Gudgeon 101: Tank Requirements, Feeding, and Tank Mates
Shrimp, Snails, and Invertebrates
Freshwater shrimp and snails are low-maintenance tank residents that add visual interest and help keep substrate and glass clean. They are sensitive to water quality, so they do best in an established, well-cycled freshwater tank. Many beginners start with ghost shrimp or cherry shrimp before moving to more delicate invertebrates.
What to Read Next
If you are still setting up your first tank, go back to the Freshwater Aquarium Beginner Setup Guide before adding fish. When you are ready to choose equipment for your chosen species, the Best Aquarium Equipment Reviews hub compares filters, heaters, and lighting by tank size and use case. If a fish is showing signs of illness, the Aquarium Troubleshooting hub covers water quality problems and disease symptoms in plain language.