Community aquariums feature diverse fish species in one tank and are excellent options for beginners. The fish in community aquariums are commonly compatible, peaceful, and easy to care for. In today’s article, we will cover freshwater community fish for beginners. At the same time, some tank requirements will be mentioned. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
A community of fish
Community fish are generally peaceful and can get along well with each other in one tank. Various community fish form more natural and appealing aquariums. Also, community fish in one tank demand a similar living environment. For instance, the water temperature, light intensity, pH level, etc.
However, once you find the following abnormal signs, you’d better isolate the fish first:
- Abnormal swimming behavior
- Inactive and stay at the bottom of the tank
- Fish gasp for air on the water surface
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen abdomen
- Inflamed skin or fins
- Color fading of skin or fins
Best community fish for beginner
After learning some info about community fish, we will list some best freshwater community fish for beginners.
1. Cory Catfish
Cory catfish come in a surprising amount of South American catfish. Commonly, they are fond of staying at the bottom of the tank. Besides, Cory catfish will be happy to play with other compatible fish species in one fish tank.
| Temperament | Peaceful | Care level | Easy |
| Size | 1–4 inches | Water temperature | 68-82℉ |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years | pH level | 7.0-8.0 |
| Schooling fish | Can be kept in groups of six or more of the same species | Requirements for living environment | Natural gravel, heavily aquatic plants, and aquarium decor |
| Diet | Omnivore | Minimum tank size | 20 gallons |
2. Guppy Fish
Featuring attractive body color and flowing fins, Guppy fish are popular tropical freshwater fish among aquarists. Also, they are easy to care for and need less complex maintenance. If you want to know more about guppy fish, you can read:
| Temperament | Peaceful | Care level | Easy |
| Size | 0.6-2.4 inches | Water temperature | 72-82℉ |
| Lifespan | 1-3 years | pH level | 7.0-8.0 |
| Schooling fish | Kept individually is better & Monitor males for aggression | Requirements for living environment | Natural gravel and a few ornaments or rocks |
| Diet | Omnivore | Minimum tank size | 10 gallons |
Community fish for beginners
3. Molly Fish
If you want to set up a community aquarium with hard water, Molly Fish is a great option. While they are not difficult to keep in captivity, molly fish will also breed easily. Furthermore, various colors and fin shapes will make your aquarium more appealing. Usually, molly fish stay in the middle or top of your tank.
| Temperament | Peaceful | Care level | Easy-Intermediate |
| Size | 4-4.5inches | Water temperature | 75-80℉ |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years | pH level | 7.5-8.5 |
| Schooling fish | Monitor males for aggression | Requirements for living environment | Natural gravel and a few ornaments or rocks |
| Diet | Omnivore | Minimum tank size | 20 gallons |
4. Honey Gourami
Honey gourami always comes in yellow and orange, which adds color to aquariums. It is hardy and easy to care for, making it become an excellent alternative. As for a community aquarium to keep honey gourami, the aquarium should be significant. Also, some plants. Otherwise, insufficient space would trigger health issues.
| Temperament | Peaceful | Care Level | Easy |
| Size | About 2 inches | Water temperature | 71-82℉ |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years | pH level | 6.0-8.0 |
| Schooling fish | Better to keep in groups of four at least | Requirements for living environment | Floating aquatic plants |
| Diet | Omnivore | Minimum tank size | 10 gallons |
5. White Cloud Mountain minnow
As a fantastic and appealing community fish, the white cloud mountain minnow comes in bronze and green. And it can be a great addition to a cold water aquarium, rather than a good choice for tropical fish tanks. Furthermore, to keep fish healthy, it is necessary to keep them in groups. Otherwise, it may cause health issues.
| Temperament | Peaceful | Care Level | Easy-Intermediate |
| Size | About 1.5 inches | Water temperature | 64-72℉ |
| Lifespan | 5–7 years | pH level | 6.0-8.0 |
| Schooling fish | Better to keep in groups of five or six | Requirements for living environment | Gravel, plenty of aquatic plants, low to medium water flow |
| Diet | Omnivore | Minimum tank size | 10 gallons |
Community fish for beginners
6. Zebra Danio
Zebra danios, also famous as Zebrafish, are vibrant with bluish-purple and silver strips on their body. Plus, a large and open tank is vital. Since zebra danios prefer swimming around the tank. Aside from that, as zebra danios are fin-nippers, you’d better not keep them with slow-moving fish with flowing fins, such as betta fish.
| Temperament | Peaceful | Care Level | Easy |
| Size | 2.0-2.5 inches | Water temperature | 64-75℉ |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years | pH level | 6.5-7.2 |
| Schooling fish | Better to keep in groups of five or more | Requirements for living environment | Aquatic plants |
| Diet | Omnivore | Minimum tank size | 10 gallons |
7. Harlequin Rasbora
With a triangle black patch and an orange body, Harlequin rasboras are fond of shallow water with plenty of aquatic plants. Besides that, the rasboras are hardy and have great adaptability. Hence, they are an excellent alternative for beginners.
| Temperament | Peaceful | Care Level | Easy |
| Size | 1–2 inches | Water temperature | 75-80℉ |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years | pH level | 6.8-7.8 |
| Schooling fish | Better to keep in groups of eight or more | Requirements for living environment | Natural gravel, decor, and heavily aquatic plants |
| Diet | Omnivore | Minimum tank size | 10 gallons |
8. Diamond Tetra
Diamond tetras are excellent options for freshwater community aquariums, featuring silver color. Moreover, diamond tetras require aquariums with plenty of hiding places. Additionally, to keep the tetras happy and healthy, you’d better keep them in groups of 5 at least.
| Temperament | Peaceful | Care Level | Easy |
| Size | 2-2.5 inches | Water temperature | 72-82℉ |
| Lifespan | 3–6 years | pH level | 5.5-7.0 |
| Schooling fish | Better to keep in groups of 5 or more (best in odd-numbered groups) | Requirements for living environment | Rocks, stones, aquatic plants, and other aquarium decorations |
| Diet | Omnivore | Minimum tank size | 15 gallons |
Are freshwater puffer fish good in a community tank
The ability to inflate enables puffer fish to avoid being swallowed by large fish. However, to some extent, freshwater puffer fish is not a great addition to a community tank. Because most freshwater puffer fish are fin-nippers, while some are aggressive or predatory. For instance, you can keep dwarf puffers with other fast-moving fish, like Danios. But some puffer fish should be alone, like Mbu puffers and Mekong puffers.
Ready to learn more
In a word, no matter which community fish you choose, below are some factors you should consider:
- Size of fish and tank: Adequate space is necessary. Or your fish would suffer health issues.
- Tank requirements: Are the fish saltwater or freshwater? Also, you should consider the pH level, water temperature, water hardness, etc.
- Swimming level in the tank: To avoid overcrowding, knowing the swimming level first is helpful, like bottom, middle, and top. Then you can distribute the fish better.
- Tank environment: Some fish need places to hide. Accordingly, you can add some rocks, stones, plants, or other fish tank decors. Aside from that, some fish are fond of intense light, while some prefer dim light. Just set the aquarium light according to your needs.
Until now, have you got a much better understanding of community fish? If you are interested in setting up a community fish aquarium, you can go to How to Set Up a Community Fish Aquarium.
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