Goldfish

Carassius auratus

Don’t let their name fool you. Goldfish come in a stunning variety of colors. They also come in a range of shapes, sizes and fin types. Slim-Bodied goldfish are extremely hardy and make great first pets for those new to aquarium keeping. Fancy goldfish, such as black moors and orandas, are colorful, unique and more suited to keep as a hobby. Goldfish are competitive eaters and very interactive with their owners. Be careful not to keep bulk or feeder-type fish with fancy goldfish, as there is more of a chance to introduce disease.

Tropical

Tropical fish attract new and experienced aquarium owners for a variety of reasons –– their beauty, their behaviors, their showiness, affordability and more. Not to mention the seemingly endless array of shapes, colors, and sizes they come in as well as their varying personalities, from aggressive and loner fish to community, playful and active fish. There are lots and lots of breeds from which to choose. Some are easy to care for and are perfect for beginners. Others are more challenging but rewarding to own. Create your own interesting mix for your aquarium! But always do your homework on specific breed’s needs and compatibility with other fish.

Cichlid

Cichlidae

Originally from the brackish lakes of Africa and Central and South America, cichlids are a bold and interesting species. They come in many bright and colorful varieties, and can grow anywhere from just a few inches to over three feet long. These territorial, intelligent and highly adaptive fish are constantly engaged in their environment. You’ll always be entertained with cichlids around!

Betta

Betta splendens

Betta fish are best known for being small, colorful pets with big personalities. Male bettas in particular have an amazing variety of tail shapes, ranging from half-moon to spikey and crown-like. Since bettas require minimal maintenance, they're a great species for beginners. Just be careful not to unleash two males in the same aquarium these fish can get downright feisty.

GloFish^®

GloFish^® fluorescent fish are born brilliant! They are not painted, injected or dyed. They inherit their harmless, lifelong color from their parents. They get their stunning color from a fluorescence gene and are best viewed under a blue light. Great for any home, office or classroom, these fun little fluorescent fish are perfect for hobbyists and beginners alike.

Marine

If you feel like you have all the basics of aquarium ownership mastered and you’re at the point in your fishkeeping journey where maintaining, caring and troubleshooting have become routine, perhaps you’re ready to either step up to a saltwater aquarium or up your freshwater game.

Our sister brand, Instant Ocean®, serves marine aquarium enthusiasts of all levels. To learn more, visit their website or subscribe to their e-newsletter, Seascope. You can also read a few articles about the fundamentals of saltwater aquariums in our Information Center.

For those interested in a more advanced freshwater aquarium experience, be sure to check out our other sister brand, Marineland®, for premium aquariums, accessories and world-class equipment. You can also subscribe to their e-newsletter, Newswire!

Pond

Take your love of aquatics outdoors! Water gardening is a great way to expand the hobby while beautifying your home. A Koi pond or water garden can be a wonderful retreat where friends and family gather and enjoy a tranquil afternoon or relaxing evening together. Much like aquarium keeping though, maintaining a pond and caring for it isn’t a spectator sport. It takes work. But rest assured, whatever work you put into it, you’ll get back more. To start your new adventure, a little knowledge will go a long way. Visit the Tetra® Pond Learning Center or subscribe to our e-newsletter, Into The Pond!

BREEDS

You’ll find a whole world of fascinating saltwater creatures. Here are just a few that are more suited for beginners.

Blenny's

Serene and peaceful, Blennys make great tankmates. They have a great personality and often find hiding places to observe what’s going on around them.

Butterfly Fish

More than a hundred Butterfly Fish species can be found in the ocean. You’ll find their coloring simply mesmerizing.

Chalk Bass

Great for small aquariums because of their size, this fish is well-suited for the saltwater newbie.

Clownfish

Perhaps the most recognizable saltwater fish (especially among children!), Clownfish are ideal beginner fish. They’re hardy, easy to care for and don’t require a large aquarium.

Coral Beauty Anglefish

Ironically, these fish are not coral fans. They do, however, enjoy having live rock in their tank to act as a hiding place. They thrive in larger tanks of 70 gallons or more.

Dottyback

This fish has a unique way of swimming: they slither, like a snake, back and forth, which carries them through the water.

Firefish

These small, colorful fish are easygoing and get along well with other fish species.

Talbot's Damsel

Small and hardy, these fish can live a long life. They are somewhat aggressive toward other fish species, especially as they get older.

Tangs

They come in a lot more colors than blue. Suited for larger tanks, 100 gallons or more, these beautiful fish play well with other species but can be aggressive toward other Tangs.

Watchman Goby

Some believe the Watchman Goby is one of the best beginner species for saltwater aquarium owners. While they are compatible with most other species, they can be somewhat aggressive with other gobies.

Wrasses

These fish love to hide among live rock and bury themselves in the sand. When they do make a showing, they get along with most fish species.

FUN FACTS

Starfish and jellyfish are not fish.

Scientists have explored only 1% of the oceans’ depths.

There are most likely at least 750,000 marine species and possibly as many as 25 million.

ENVIRONMENTS

MARINE PRODUCTS

TetraMarine Saltwater Flakes

TetraMarine Saltwater Flakes

JumboKrill Freeze-Dried Jumbo Shrimp

JumboKrill Freeze-Dried Jumbo Shrimp

BabyShrimp

BabyShrimp

front

RiverShrimp

AquaSafe® Plus

AquaSafe^® Plus

EasyStrips™ Complete Test Strip Kit

EasyStrips^™ Complete Test Strip Kit

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