Top 5 Worst Fish For Beginners!

First-time aquarists need to start with the right foot forward. As a beginner, you want your aquatic experience to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That’s why, in this blog post, we’ll be your guide as we explore the Top 5 Worst Fish for Beginners.

While numerous species of fish can thrive in aquariums, not all of them are suitable for those just starting on their fishkeeping adventure. Novice aquarists often seek hardy, forgiving fish that can withstand the initial learning curve.

I will guide all beginner fish keepers with vital information to help you make informed decisions when selecting fish for your aquarium.

We will cover fish such as Angelfish, Gouramis, Bala Sharks, Oscars, and Guppies. You will also gain insights into behavior, care, and potential problems each fish may pose to first time aquarium keepers.

Even better, I will also offer tips and recommendations on how to mitigate any issues that may arise and make your aquatic experience better. 

Key Takeaways on Worst Fish For Beginners

• Angelfish, Gouramis, Bala Sharks, Oscars, and Guppies are not ideal for beginner fish keepers due to their aggressive behavior, large size, or potential health issues.

• It is crucial for beginner fish keepers to do their research and carefully consider the needs of each fish before adding them to their aquarium.

• There are many other beginner fish options available that are easy to care for and do not pose the same risks as the fish mentioned in this article.

Check out these other top picks

• Best Freshwater Aquarium Fish
• Best Tips to Keep Your Aquarium Clean!
• Best Tips for Fish Keepers First Aquarium

1. Angelfish: Beginner Fish With Aggression

Angelfish might be a popular choice for aquarists due to their hardiness and ease of care. However, they can be aggressive and grow quite large, which can be problematic in an aquarium. Once they age, they can become territorial and bully other fish in the tank.

To handle angelfish aggression, consider incorporating dither fish into your tank. Dither fish such as Danios, Tetra and Barb help reduce innate timidity and aggression in the other fish housed in your aquarium.

Angelfish also require larger tanks as they grow, so it’s essential to plan accordingly. Despite their innate behavior, Angelfish can be ideal beginner fish if you take suitable precautions.

Still, you can consider other fish options that are easier to care for and less aggressive before moving to Angelfish.

2. Gouramis: Beautiful But Aggressive

Gouramis are popular aquarium fish for their beautiful colors and ease of care. Still, they can also be quite aggressive. Honey Gouramis, in particular, have a reputation for being aggressive towards other fish in the aquarium.

Gouramis tend to bully other fish in the aquarium and might even kill the smaller species. Therefore, it’s ideal for first-time aquarists to be careful when adding Gouramis to their community aquarium and do proper research to determine what fish will be a good mix for them.

Despite their beauty and ease of care, the aggression of Gouramis lands them at number six on the speaker’s list of worst beginner fish. As with Angelfish, the speaker recommends that beginners start with a super easy fish to care for before moving on to more aggressive species like Gouramis.

3. Bala Sharks: Enticing But Not For Beginners

Bala Sharks are freshwater fish that can entice beginners due to their resemblance to sharks. However, they are not ideal for beginners due to their size and specific care requirements.

For instance, Bala Sharks can grow up to 14 inches long and require a large aquarium of at least 4 feet. They also need plenty of swimming space and a well-maintained environment with proper filtration.

These fish are known to be active swimmers and jumpers, which can be dangerous when kept in a small tank. Additionally, Bala Sharks can be sensitive to water quality and are prone to stress-related illnesses, which can be difficult for beginners to manage.

Overall, while Bala Sharks may seem like an exciting addition to a beginner’s aquarium, their specific care requirements and potential for health issues make them a risky choice. So beginners should start with more easy-to-care-for fish before adding Bala Sharks to their tank.

4. Oscars: Cute But Require Massive Aquariums

Oscars are a popular fish in pet stores due to their cute appearance, but they require massive aquariums to thrive. In most cases, you will purchase young Oscars, but with time, they grow enormous.

As a result, they are not suitable for small tanks, such as 10-gallon tanks.
Beginner fishkeepers should be cautious when considering Oscars, as they can quickly outgrow their tanks and cause problems in the aquarium.

It is essential to research and be prepared to take care of Oscars in a big tank before purchasing them. Otherwise, they can become a significant problem for beginners.

5. Guppies: Good Beginner Fish But Come With Problems

Guppies are a popular choice for beginner fish keepers due to their bright colors and ease of care. However, they do come with some problems that beginners should be aware of.

Firstly, guppies are often mass-produced and can come with diseases or parasites. This can be discouraging for beginners who may need to learn how to care for their fish properly.

It is vital to source guppies from a reliable source and to quarantine them before introducing them to your aquarium. Secondly, guppies have been heavily inbred over the years, which can weaken their genetics and make them more prone to health issues.

You can mitigate this by providing a balanced diet and proper water conditions. Overall, guppies can be a good beginner fish as long as you properly take care of their delicate health issue. It is essential to be aware of their potential problems and to take steps to prevent them.

Final Thoughts

These fish, while beautiful and intriguing, present unique challenges that might not be the best fit for those new to the hobby.

From the sensitive nature of Angelfish to the territorial tendencies of Oscars and the particular water quality requirements of Gouramis, understanding the intricacies of these species is vital to providing them with the best possible care.

Nonetheless, it’s essential to remember that every aquarist’s journey is different, and with dedication, research, and the proper guidance, even these challenging species can be successfully cared for by beginners.

As you progress in your fishkeeping adventure, your skills and knowledge grow, allowing you to take on more demanding species when you feel ready.