Pet fish, and the tank each one really needs
The fish is the cheap part. Each one here comes with the smallest tank it does well in, the water it needs and the first-year cost of doing it right.
AnimalLevelFirst yearDailyLives
- 01
Betta fishHands-off: best watched · 5 gal tank- Level
- Beginner
- First year
- $181–$357
- Daily
- 5–10 min
- Lives
- 3–5 yr
- 02
GuppyHands-off: best watched · 10 gal tank- Level
- Beginner
- First year
- $217–$439
- Daily
- 5–10 min
- Lives
- 2–3 yr
- 03
Bristlenose plecoHands-off: best watched · 20 gal tank- Level
- Beginner
- First year
- $258–$500
- Daily
- 5–10 min
- Lives
- 5–12 yr
- 04
Neon tetraHands-off: best watched · 20 gal tank- Level
- Beginner
- First year
- $297–$570
- Daily
- 5–10 min
- Lives
- 5–8 yr
- 05
AngelfishHands-off: best watched · 29 gal tank- Level
- Intermediate
- First year
- $292–$573
- Daily
- 5–15 min
- Lives
- 8–12 yr
- 06
GoldfishHands-off: best watched · 40 gal tank- Level
- Intermediate
- First year
- $316–$656
- Daily
- 5–15 min
- Lives
- 10–20 yr
What is the easiest fish for beginners?
Betta fish: rated beginner, about 5–10 minutes of care a day, and $181–$357 for the first year.
What is the cheapest fish to keep?
Betta fish, at $181–$357 for the first year including the setup. The animal itself is usually the smallest part of the cost.
Which fish lives the longest?
Goldfish, at 10–20 years. Before you buy a fish, plan for the whole of that.
How this list is built: Every fish we cover, beginner species first, then by daily care time. First year is the essential setup plus a year of food and supplies, at typical US prices; vet care is extra. Every number comes from the animal's own guide and its sources. How we make these guides.