Now that you’ve seen the top ten fish that are difficult to keep, can we give you a top 10 list of hardy, common fish? Absolutely! That’s exactly what we’re covering in this blog to help you choose the hardiest aquarium fish. We’ve got four different categories to rate these fish:

1. Water parameter range: How adaptable are these fish to varying water conditions?
2. Travel stress: How well do they handle being transported, especially when buying online?
3. Genetics: Do they generally have strong genetics?
4. Disease resistance: Are they prone to illnesses?

Each category is scored from 1 to 10, with 10 being the best and 1 the worst. The highest score possible is 40 points.

While no fish achieves a perfect score of 40, we’ve compiled a list of excellent options for you.

Quick note: Detailed species profiles are available to help you learn more about each fish. Not all these fish are community-friendly—some just happen to be common and hardy. Enjoy the video, and thanks for being here!

#10 Galaxy Rasbora (Celestial Pearl Danio)

• Scores: Travel stress: 6, Water parameter range: 8, Disease: 7, Genetics: 7.
• Total: 28

These fish are incredibly hardy for their size. Known for their vibrant colors, they thrive in small tanks and schools. However, smaller rasboras like these sometimes struggle with travel stress, though they usually hold up well once acclimated.

#9 Mbuna Cichlids

• Scores: Travel stress: 8, Water parameter range: 6, Disease: 7, Genetics: 7.
• Total: 28

Mbuna cichlids, native to African lakes, are highly resilient. While not ideal community fish due to their aggression, they’re easy to treat when sick and tolerate a wide range of medications.

#8 Full-Size Gouramis (e.g., Opaline, Blue, Gold, and Pearl Gouramis)

• Scores: Travel stress: 7, Water parameter range: 8, Disease: 7, Genetics: 7.
• Total: 29

These gouramis are long-lived and hardy, adapting well to various water parameters. The Pearl Gourami is more peaceful and can be kept in groups, unlike other full-size varieties.

#7 Jewel Cichlids

• Scores: Travel stress: 7, Water parameter range: 8, Disease: 8, Genetics: 7.
• Total: 30

Jewel cichlids are stunning and resilient, thriving in a variety of water conditions. They are best suited to semi-aggressive communities due to their territorial nature.

#6 Black Neon Tetra

• Scores: Travel stress: 6, Water parameter range: 8, Disease: 8, Genetics: 8.
• Total: 30

These tetras are the hardiest of their kind, thriving in a wide range of water conditions. While they experience moderate travel stress, they live long and trouble-free lives in aquariums.

#5 Tiger Barbs

• Scores: Travel stress: 8, Water parameter range: 9, Disease: 7, Genetics: 7.
• Total: 31

Tiger Barbs are colorful, hardy, and full of personality. They do best in large groups and accept various water parameters.

#4 Black Skirt/White Skirt Tetras

• Scores: Travel stress: 8, Water parameter range: 8, Disease: 7, Genetics: 8.
• Total: 31

These tetras are long-lived and resilient, tolerating a variety of water conditions. While they can nip fins, they’re generally peaceful in appropriate setups.

#3 Kribensis (Albino & Standard)

• Scores: Travel stress: 8, Water parameter range: 8, Disease: 8, Genetics: 7.
• Total: 31

These small, colorful cichlids are peaceful enough for community tanks. They adapt well to various water conditions and are easy to breed.

#2 Brilliant Green Rasbora

• Scores: Travel stress: 8, Water parameter range: 8, Disease: 8, Genetics: 8.
• Total: 32

Often overlooked, these rasboras are hardy, peaceful, and perfect for community tanks. Their vibrant colors and schooling behavior make them stand out.

#1 White Cloud Mountain Minnow

• Scores: Travel stress: 10, Water parameter range: 10, Disease: 8, Genetics: 8.
• Total: 36

White Clouds are the ultimate hardy fish. They thrive in various water conditions, breed easily, and are peaceful tankmates.

Key Information

Conclusion

We’d love to hear about the hardiest fish you’ve ever kept and the joy they brought you. We’d love to hear about the ones that brought you endless enjoyment!