What is the cheapest kind of fish to buy as a pet?

Answer 1

That question is way to vague to just answer, but I'll do my best. There are a multitude of fish that can easily be kept as pets.

I have worked at pet stores for a few years, and this is what I've found out so far. The fish I name are only the ones I have come into contact with in my place of work.

Goldfish: I only recommend goldfish to people who have large fishtanks. Most grow to at least 6 inches, and require approximately 2 gallons of water for every INCH of goldfish. This is pretty much the reason goldfish are mainly used in outdoor ponds. They do not require a heater, but definitely need a filter in the tank. Some types are Orandas, Ryukins, bubble eye, and pearlscale.

Tropical Community: These range in sizes from 1 inch to around 3 or 4 inches ususally. (Obviously some can be larger) Basic types are; Tetras, Platys, Mollies, Guppys, Danios, a single angelfish, some barbs. These fish all need the water somewhere between 75 and 80 degrees Far. They all do need a filter as well. Some of these fish are also recommended to have a conditioning salt in the water as well, but this does not harm any other fish, or turn the tank into a salt water tank.

Tropical Semi-Aggressive: Most are on the larger side. Sizes range from 3- 12 inches! Types include (but are not limited to); Some Barbs, some tetras, silver dollars, gouramis, angelfish, needlefish, Pacus, gobis, bichers, many sharks. These fish also require water temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees Far., as well as a filter.

Cichlids: There are a multitude of types. The only two I am semi-familiar with are African and South American. It is highly recommended (at least my place of work) to only keep Africans with Africans and to keep south Americans with south Americans.

African Cichlids: Usually stay between 4 and 8 inches. Some types: jewel, acei, bumblebee... There are a multitude more, but I can't think of anymore at the moment. These all require about the same temperature as the rest, some do profit from the salt as well. They also need a filter. It is important to keep only cichlids that are of similar size, and that will not vary much in their full size.

South American Cichlids: Usually get larger than the Africans; somewhere between 6 and 10 inches. Same Temperatures, also need a filter. Types include: Jack Dempsy, Oscars, parrots, snooks, firemouth, green terrors... also many more I cannot think of at the moment.

Bettas: These fish are a lot easier to take care of. They require nothing more than like a gallon size bowl. No filter or heater needed. The only thing to keep in mind is that it is not recommended to keep more than one betta per tank. These fish, also called Japanese Fighting Fish, are very aggressive, and will usually kill another betta. It is usually possible to keep one male or one female in a tropical community tank as well, but I can't guarantee anything.

I know pretty much NOTHING about saltwater aquariums, so I'll be no help in that department. But if you've never had a fishtank before, I'd start with freshwater. As far as I know, they're easier to maintain.

Answer 2

The cost of a fish is 40 cents! The expensive things are the aquarium, filter, heater, lights and the other bits and pieces required to keep a fish alive and healthy.

Good luck! :P

You can get small goldfish and small guppies for 40 cents~!

Answer 3

Gold fish. they take no particular equipment other then a filter the water temperature is not a problem and they don't attack each other.