The inexpensive price and ease of care are two reasons why Mollies are so popular. In pet stores, there are marble mollies with orange, black, and yellow spots, as well as orange mollies with pink eyes.

There are three common colors of mollies, including white, orange, and black. Short-fin mollies are smaller than their sailfin counterparts. The two most common varieties include short-fin and sailfin. These fish look similar to a mix between tetras and goldfish. Mollies ( Poecilia sphenops) are yet another small, inexpensive freshwater fish. Don’t be surprised if you see more juvenile zebrafish in your tank after a while. Keep in mind that zebra danios are prolific breeders.

Zebra danios are quick swimmers, after all. While they’ll blend well with most, you shouldn’t place them with fish that get startled. They’re happy to swim in a tank with 60☏ (15.55☌) water.įor best results, keep your zebra danio together with at least three to five fishes. A smaller aquarium means a smaller expense.Ĭoncerning temperature, zebrafish prefer a non-heated tank. Because of this size, they’re best kept in a small aquarium with a capacity of at least 20 gallons (75.70 L). The zebra danio can only grow to a maximum length of 2.25 inches (5.71 cm). This is precisely why it’s also known by the monikers zebrafish or striped danio. Juvenile Zebra DaniosĪs the name suggests, the zebra danio ( Danio rerio) has a characteristic zebra-patterned body. Don’t expect it to get big, though, as it can only grow a max of 2.5 inches (6.35 cm). Likewise, they’ll thrive best in a temperature of 75☏ (23.88☌).Īs long as you follow these aquarium maintenance tips, you can expect your neon tetra to live for a decade. Don’t put neon tetras in a tank with larger fish, as they’ll become prey in no time!Īs for the tank water, neon tetras like it soft, clean, and acidic. If you must choose a different species, ensure that they’re smaller than the tetras. It’s ideal to keep at least five or six neon tetras together. These small fish should be kept in schools. In addition, bogwood keeps the water acidic, which is what neon tetras prefer. Any of these help accentuate the tetra’s neon color. When setting up a neon tetra tank, ensure that it’s designed with dark gravel, driftwood, or bogwood. Neon tetras are both affordable and easy to keep. Unlike other tetras, the neon tetra boasts a unique iridescent blue line across their bodies. Juvenile Neon Tetraįirst introduced in the 1930s, the neon tetra ( Paracheirodon innesi) remains a favorite amongst hobbyists. Unlike the other affordable fishes in this list, the common goldfish needs cold water. They can survive without a filter or heater, as long as you regularly change their water. They’re not picky like some fish-they’ll eat almost anything. In addition, these pet fish are easy to maintain. They’re usually readily available at any neighborhood pet store. Some even have different body colors, including black, brown, and red.Īpart from being inexpensive, the common goldfish is easy to find. Today, goldfish aren’t limited to a golden color for which they’re famed-some have yellow, orange, or red spots. Over time, mutations caused the species to change to its well-known yellow-orange hue. Interestingly, when humans in China first domesticated carp in 265 to 420 AD, these fish were a dull silver or grey color. The common goldfish or Carassius gibelio comes from the carp fish family. Tied at #1 – Common Goldfish, Neon Tetra, and Zebra Danio Juvenile Common Goldfish Below the chart, I’ll explore these low-cost, low-maintenance fish in more detail. The chart below shows a comparison of the cheapest pet fish. You can purchase these species of fish for under five dollars a piece. The juvenile common goldfish, neon tetra, or danios are the most affordable. The cheapest fish to buy as a pet are specialist freshwater fish. What Is the Cheapest Fish to Buy as a Pet? But Keep an Eye on High-Quality Equipment

6 Tips and Tricks for Cost-Effective Fishkeeping.

Tied at #1 – Common Goldfish, Neon Tetra, and Zebra Danio.

What Is the Cheapest Fish to Buy as a Pet?.

Cheapest fish grabber