If your toddler has been requesting for a pet of his/her own - and yet you are scared of giving him the full responsibility as a hands-on owner, a fish is a very good alternative as pets for kids. They can be left in their own environments inside an aquarium and your toddler can watch them all day.

However, with all the fishes in the sea, it can be a bit difficult to find a specific fish for your toddler’s first aquarium. Visiting around the neighborhood’s pet shops is always a good idea. But for those without much time to canvass, here are excellent suggestions for that first fish.

Cherry barbs. As opposed to their more aggressive cousins, the tiger barbs, cherry barbs are actually more perky and non-hostile. With their amazing colors, they can easily keep children distracted for long periods of time.

Danios. Danios are very active swimmers which can always keep the aquarium from being boring. Some of the best variants are the zebra and pearly danios

Rasboras. These fish variant are not as hyperactive compared to others but they are exceptionally colorful. This captivating feature coupled with its relative slow speed make rasboras into an eye-catching specimen.

Corydoras catfish. The problem with small and lively fishes is that they always occupy the upper half of the aquarium. Two or three corydoras will liven up the bottom of the tank, as this fish variant enjoys gravel and deep altitudes..

Blue gouramis. Aquariums need to have a main event - that stand-out fish which is so large it always command the attention of your toddler. However, this big fish should also be relatively peaceful because with its size advantage it can devour all the fishes in the aquarium. A great choice for this purpose are blue gouramis. They are not aggressive and often drift in the tank’s upper regions.

The important part is to involve your children in the decision-making process. If it is meant to be surprise, subtly inquire about their color of preference.