What Are the Best Tropical Fish for Beginners? A Simple Guide for Kiwi Fishkeepers

Luca Toal

What Are the Best Tropical Fish for Beginners? A Simple Guide for Kiwi Fishkeepers

Starting your first aquarium is exciting - a little confusing at times, sure — but once you get the hang of things, it becomes one of the most rewarding hobbies you can dive into. At Simply Fish, we meet new fishkeepers every day, and the big question is always the same:

“What tropical fish should I start with?”

Good news: you’ve got plenty of great options. Below are our top beginner-friendly picks - the ones that handle a few mistakes, look great in a tank, and help you learn the basics without overwhelming you. And yes, all of them are easily available here in New Zealand.

Let’s get into it.

Guppies - Colourful, Hardy, and Busy Little Characters

Guppies are the unofficial “welcome to fishkeeping” species. They’re colourful, active, and forgiving when you’re still learning the ropes. They handle NZ tap water really well and don’t need anything fancy - just decent filtration, regular feeding, and clean water.

They’re also livebearers, which means they give birth to tiny fry instead of laying eggs. Heads up: they’re very good at it. If you suddenly end up with a daycare centre in your tank, don’t panic - it’s normal. Just enjoy the free show.

Why beginners love them:

  • Super hardy

  • Endless colour varieties

  • Great for small to medium tropical tanks

  • They teach you about water changes, stocking levels, and basic care fast

Neon Tetras - A Classic for a Reason

Some people hesitate to recommend Neons to beginners, but we actually think they’re brilliant if you start with a stable tank. They’re peaceful, stunning in a school, and an amazing way to learn why good water quality matters.

Neons prefer groups of 8–10+ and love planted setups. If you’re the type who wants their tank to look “Instagram-ready,” Neons are your fish.

In NZ, they’re widely available, affordable, and a great stepping stone into more delicate schooling fish later on.

Why they work for beginners:

  • Teach you about stable water parameters

  • Peaceful community fish

  • Look incredible in groups

  • Pair well with most other beginner species

Platies - Zero Drama, All Charm

Platies are the definition of low maintenance. They eat well, adapt easily, don’t cause trouble, and generally mind their own business. Perfect for someone who wants a fun tank without the stress.

They’re also livebearers (like guppies), so expect the occasional baby boom. Platies do great in NZ tap water and get along with pretty much everyone.

Why they’re a top pick:

  • Tough as nails

  • Super peaceful

  • Great for kids and first-time hobbyists

  • Come in heaps of colours and patterns

Mollies - A Step Up, but Still Beginner-Friendly

Mollies are similar to platies and guppies, just a touch larger and a bit more curious. They love space, clean water, and a diet with plenty of plant matter.

They’re great for beginners wanting something with a bit more personality. Just make sure your tank isn’t tiny — mollies appreciate room to swim and grow.

NZ hobbyists love them because they thrive in our harder tap water.

Why beginners enjoy mollies:

  • Active and fun to watch

  • Easy to feed

  • Gorgeous colours (from black to dalmatian to orange)

  • Great community fish when kept in small groups

Bristlenose Plecos - The Best “Cleanup Crew” You’ll Ever Meet

If you want a fish that genuinely helps keep your tank tidy, this is your hero. Bristlenose plecos are peaceful algae grazers that stay a manageable size - nothing like those monster common plecos you see online.

They’re hardy, chill, and perfect for tropical tanks 60L+. Just give them some driftwood (they rasp on it), a few hiding spots, and good food. They’ll reward you by keeping the glass and décor looking mint.

Why beginners choose bristlenose:

  • Great algae control

  • Peaceful bottom-dweller

  • Easy to feed (they love veggies and wafers)

  • One of the best first plecos for NZ hobbyists

Common Beginner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even the best fish make life easier, but every beginner hits a couple of bumps early on. Here are the biggest ones we see:

1. Adding too many fish too soon

Start slow. Your tank needs time to establish beneficial bacteria. Add fish over weeks, not all at once.

2. Overfeeding

Fish rarely need as much food as beginners give them. A tiny pinch once or twice a day is plenty - and keeps your water clear.

3. Skipping water tests

You don’t need to become a scientist, but knowing your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels is huge. It’s the quickest way to understand what’s really happening in your tank.

4. Mismatching species

Not every fish plays nicely together. This list keeps things safe and simple - stick with peaceful community species while you learn the basics.

5. Neglecting maintenance

A weekly water change is your best friend. It keeps fish healthy, reduces algae, and fixes most problems before they even start.

Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Start Strong

Beginning your fishkeeping journey doesn’t need to be overwhelming. These species are colourful, hardy, and super rewarding - and they give you the perfect foundation to grow into the hobby without the usual stress.

If you want help choosing the right setup or stocking your first tank, swing by Simply Fish or check out our online store. We’re always happy to help you get started - and we promise not to let you leave with anything that’s going to make your life difficult.

Ready to start your first tank? Let’s make it a good one. 🐠