Best Fish For Children to Start With

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by ellen

The best fish for children are those that are easy to care for and fun to watch. My father has always had a big tankful (or two) of fish. I used to have so much fun watching them swim and eat and hide in the little fish houses. The tank was like a wonderland for my imagination to play in.

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Best Fish For Children

As I got older, I began to want my own little fish tank, so I could take care of them. Of course, not all of the fish in my father’s tanks were suitable for beginners. So, which one should you choose?

Here are a few good options if you want a pet fish for kids. Keep in mind that fish tanks for kids should be smaller and easier to care for. Learn more about fish for kids.

What is the best fish to get for a child?

So, what are the best fish for children? Given the expense, you will probably want to begin with a fish that is happy to live in freshwater. Saltwater tanks tend to be more expensive to maintain.

Fish make great first pets for children because they do not require a lot of attention. Your child will need to clean the tank regularly and remember to feed them. Caring for a pet can help teach your child responsibility.

List of best fish for children

Check out the best types of fish for pets.

Goldfish (best fish for toddlers)
Guppies (best pet fish for small tanks)
Tetra
Betta Fish (easiest fish to care for in a bowl)
Platy Fish
Angel Fish (need a bigger tank)
Molly Fish (add a bit of aquarium salt)

Of course, you will want to get your child the right type of tank and supplies to go with their new fish. And, you will need to have fish food, a pH kit to test the water, and a few decorations to keep your fish happy.

What kind of fish is low maintenance?

When thinking about the best fish for a child, you want to make sure they are easy to take care of. You don’t want your child to have to start off needing to spend a lot of time caring for their new friend. Here are four low maintenance fish you can consider.

Bettas
Platy Fish
Black Molly
Goldfish

Low maintenance fish tank

When considering a fish tank, the question is not only what size but what should it be made of. Fish tanks can be made of plastic (acrylic) or glass. Acrylic does not chip or break which is a plus for children.

And, it weighs much less than glass. However, it can become scratched which will make watching the fish less enjoyable. This fish tank is a great starter option.

Plus, it has LED lights which makes it an eco-friendly option. It also comes with food and water care samples to get started.

pH Test Kit

You will need to change the water in your tank and clean the tank once a week. After you do that, you’ll need to add fresh water.

It will be important to monitor the water temperature and the pH level to make sure your fish is not shocked when you return him to the tank. Work with your child in the beginning until they understand the process.

Decorations

Part of the fun of having a fish is creating his little world inside the fish tank. While it’s tempting to get neon pink sand and superhero-themed decorations, try to keep in mind what your fish’s real environment would be like if he were living in nature.

You may want to encourage your child to choose more realistic decorations and natural sand because studies have been done that show less natural environments can be stressful to the fish.

I hope I’ve helped you decide which of these is the best pet fish to buy.