Best Beginner Fish for Freshwater Aquariums in Jacksonville
Starting your first aquarium can be exciting, but also a little overwhelming. At Natural Environment Aquatix, with locations on Dunn Avenue and in Mandarin, we help new hobbyists across Jacksonville find the perfect fish to get started the right way. If you’ve been searching for “beginner fish near me”, “easy freshwater fish for new aquariums”, or “best fish store in Jacksonville”, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are five of the best beginner friendly fish we regularly carry—perfect for anyone just getting into the hobby.
1. Neon Tetras
Small, peaceful, and beautifully colored, Neon Tetras are a top pick for beginner tanks in Jacksonville. They do best in groups of six or more and love a planted tank setup. At NEA, we always stock healthy, active tetras and can help you set up the right environment for them to thrive.
2. Zebra Danios
Tough, energetic, and fun to watch, Zebra Danios are one of the hardiest fish for beginners. They tolerate a wide range of water conditions and are perfect for cycling a new tank. If you're just getting started, stop by our Dunn Ave location—we often recommend Danios to first time customers.
3. Guppies
Colorful and full of personality, guppies are ideal for beginners looking for variety. Males come in a wide range of patterns and tail shapes, and they’re very easy to care for. We carry assorted guppies at both our Dunn and Mandarin stores, including local bred strains that do great in Florida water.
4. Platies
Platies are peaceful livebearers that come in lots of colors and mix well with other beginner species. They’re hardy, active, and low maintenance, making them great for new hobbyists especially families. If you’re in Mandarin or Northside Jacksonville, come see what’s in stock!
5. Corydoras Catfish
Every beginner tank needs a good cleanup crew, and Corydoras catfish are perfect for the job. These bottom dwellers are peaceful, fun to watch, and help clean up leftover food. We often stock Albino, Panda, and Bronze Cories. All easy to keep and great for community tanks.
Need Help Starting Your First Aquarium?
At Natural Environment Aquatix, we’re more than just a fish store. We’re your local aquarium experts. We’ll help you choose the right fish, substrate, filtration, and plants for a successful setup. We even offer aquarium maintenance services throughout Jacksonville and provide lifetime fish guarantees for customers with active service contracts.
Whether you're in North Jacksonville, Mandarin, Orange Park, or nearby neighborhoods like Riverside, San Marco, or Oceanway, we’re your trusted source for freshwater fish, invertebrates, plants, and more.
Visit Us Today – Start Your Aquarium Right at NEA
With two convenient locations and the healthiest livestock in town, Natural Environment Aquatix is proud to be Jacksonville’s go to aquarium shop for beginners and pros alike. Stop in today to browse our tanks, talk with our staff, and get the best start to your fishkeeping journey.