If you’re looking for a pet that’s low-maintenance and doesn’t require a lot of space, a fish might be the perfect option for you. Small aquariums are ideal for beginner fishkeepers, and there are a variety of fish species that do well in smaller tanks. Are you curious about the best fish for small tanks? Let’s find out!
26 Best Small Fish for Your Freshwater Aquarium
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet that can brighten up your home, a fish might be the perfect option for you. While fish come in all shapes and sizes, small aquariums are best suited for breeds that stay relatively small. Here are a few of the types of small fish.
1. Fancy Guppies (Poecilia Reticulata)
Species overview:
Common names: fancy guppies, guppy, millionfish, rainbow fish
Scientific name: Poecilia Reticulata
Adult size: 2 inches (5 centimeters)
Life expectancy: 3 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 5-10 gallons
Care level: Beginner
Fancy guppies are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium cool fish for a small tank and experienced aquarists alike. They are relatively easy to care for and breed, and their brightly colored fins make them a beautiful addition to any tank.
Guppies are originally from South America and can be found in a variety of colors and patterns. Fancy guppies are the result of years of selective breeding by aquarium hobbyists and come in a wide range of colors and patterns.
The most common coloration for fancy guppies is the tail. The tail is usually brightly colored with spots or stripes, and the fins are often fringed. The body color can be anything from silver to black, and the spots or stripes on the tail can be any color.
Fancy guppies are not particularly finicky eaters, but they need a diet high in protein. They will accept most commercial flake and pellet foods and live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.
Guppies are social creatures and do best in groups. A single fancy guppy in a tank is likely to be stressed and may not thrive. A good rule of thumb is to have at least two guppies for every gallon of water in your tank.
Guppies are livebearers, which means that they give birth to live young. The female will usually have between 20 and 30 young at a time. The fry (baby guppies) are very small and need to be fed live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp or bloodworms.
2. Bettas (Betta Splendens)
Species overview:
Common names: Betta, siamese fighting fish
Scientific name: Betta splendens
Adult size: 3 inches
Life expectancy: 2 to 3 years
Minimum Tank Size: 5 to 10 gallons
Care level: Intermediate
Bettas are beautiful, colorful fish that are popular among aquarium enthusiasts. They are native to Southeast Asia and can be found in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Bettas are also known as Siamese fighting fish. Male bettas are especially aggressive towards each other and will often fight to the death. For this reason, it is recommended to keep only one male betta per tank.
Bettas are labyrinth fish, which means they have a special organ that allows them to breathe air. This organ is located just behind their head and gives bettas the ability to live in water that is low in oxygen. Bettas can live in water temperatures ranging from 75-86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bettas are omnivores and will eat both plants and animals. In the wild, their diet consists of small insects, crustaceans, and larvae. In captivity, bettas can be fed a variety of foods, including pellets, freeze-dried foods, and live foods.
Bettas are relatively easy to care for and make a great addition to any home aquarium. With proper care, bettas can live for 2-3 years.
3. German Blue Ram
Species overview:
Common names: German Blue Ram, Ram Chiclid, German Blue
Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Adult size: 2 to 3 inches
Life expectancy: 3 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care level: Intermediate
A German blue ram is a beautiful, peaceful and popular freshwater aquarium fish. It is a small cichlid that is native to South America. The German blue ram is a very popular aquarium fish because of its stunning blue coloration.
t is a hardy fish that is easy to care for and does well in a community tank. The German blue ram is a social fish and does best when kept in pairs or small groups. They are peaceful fish that get along well with other peaceful fish.
The German blue ram is a small cichlid that grows to about 2-3 inches in length. They have a lifespan of 3-5 years. The German blue ram is a very hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They do best in a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places.
They prefer a water temperature of 74-82 degrees Fahrenheit. The German blue ram is a carnivore, and its diet should consist of live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
4. Chili Rasbora (Boraras Brigittae)
Species overview:
Common names: Chili Rasboras, Mosquito Rasboras
Scientific name: Boraras brigittae
Adult size: 0.7 inches
Life expectancy: 6 to 8 years
Minimum Tank Size: 5-10 gallons
Care level: Beginner
One of the most active and colorful freshwater aquarium fish is the chili rasbora (Boraras brigittae). As the name suggests, these small fish are red, with a black stripe running along their body length. They are peaceful fish that do well in a community aquarium and make an excellent addition to any freshwater setup.
Chili rasboras are native to Southeast Asia and inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams. In the wild, they school together in large groups and are often found near plant life. In the aquarium, they will do best in a densely planted tank with plenty of hiding places. A dark substrate will also help bring out their colors.
These fish are not demanding when it comes to water conditions and can adapt to a wide range of parameters. However, they prefer slightly acidic water with a temperature around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chili rasboras are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods. Their diet consists of small insects, crustaceans, and plant matter in the wild. In the aquarium, they should be given quality flake or pellet food as well as live or frozen foods. To keep them healthy, it is also important to offer them a variety of vegetables, such as blanched zucchini or cucumber.
These fish are social creatures and do best in groups of at least six. However, they can be kept in smaller groups if the tank is large enough. If kept in a group, they will school together and be less likely to hide.
5. Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon Innesi)
Species overview:
Common names: Neon tetra, neon fish
Scientific name: Paracheirodon innesi
Adult size: 1.0-1.5 inches
Life expectancy: 3 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 10-20 gallons
Care level: Beginner
Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a characin family freshwater fish (Characidae) of the order Characiformes. The fish is native to the tropical areas of South America and can be found in the tributaries of the Amazon River. The Neon Tetra is a small fish, growing to a maximum length of about 1-1,5 in. It is a popular fish in the aquarium trade.
The Neon Tetra is an omnivore and, in the wild, feeds on small insects, crustaceans, and worms. In the aquarium, they will accept most commercial flake and pellet foods and live foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.
The Neon Tetra is a peaceful fish and can be kept in a community aquarium with other peaceful fish such as Rasboras, Danios, and other Tetras. They prefer to school in groups of 6 or more and do best in an aquarium of at least 10 gallons.
6. Buenos Aires Tetra
Species overview:
Common names: Buenos Aires tetra, diamond spot characin, red cross fish
Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon anisitsi
Adult size: 2.5-3 inches
Life expectancy: 4 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care level: Easy
The Buenos Aires Tetra (Hemigrammus caudovittatus) is a freshwater fish native to South America. It is a popular aquarium fish and is known for its hardiness.
The Buenos Aires Tetra is a small fish growing to a maximum length of about 3 inches. It is a silver-colored fish with a black stripe running along its body from the snout to the tail.
The Buenos Aires Tetra is a peaceful fish and can be kept with other peaceful species. It is an omnivorous fish and will eat most aquarium foods, including flakes, pellets, and live foods.
7. Glowlight Tetra
Species overview:
Common names: Glowlight tetra, glolight, fire neon
Scientific name: Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Adult size: 1.5 inches
Life expectancy: 4 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care level: Easy
The Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus) is a freshwater fish of the characin family (Characidae).
The Glowlight Tetra is a small fish, reaching a maximum length of only about 1.5 in. It is a laterally compressed fish with a shiny, iridescent body. The fish’s name comes from the fact that it has a prominent, shining red stripe that runs from the fish’s nose to the base of its tail fin. The rest of the fish’s body is a translucent silver, with a faint horizontal stripe running along its side. The fish’s fins are clear.
The Glowlight Tetra is a peaceful fish that does well in community aquariums. It is an active swimmer and does best in aquariums with plenty of open space to swim.
The fish is tolerant of a wide range of water conditions but prefers slightly acidic water to be neutral (pH 6.0-7.5). The fish is an omnivore and will eat most types of aquarium fish food, including flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods.
8. Cardinal Tetras (Paracheirodon Axelrodi)
Species overview:
Common names: Cardinal tetra, large neon tetra, red neon, roter neon
Scientific name: Paracheirodon Axelrodi
Adult size: 2 inches
Life expectancy: 4 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
Care level: Beginner
If you’re looking for a fish that is sure to add some color to your aquarium, the Cardinal Tetra is a great choice! These little fish are native to the South American countries of Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. They get their name from their bright red fins and bodies, which are accented by a blue line running along their sides.
Cardinal Tetras are very peaceful fish and do well in community tanks. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a great option for beginner fish keepers.
Cardinal Tetras are small fish, only reaching about 2 inches in length at maturity. They have a lifespan of 4-5 years, although some have been known to live up to 10 years with proper care.
In the wild, these fish live in slow-moving rivers and streams with plenty of vegetation. In captivity, they should be kept in an aquarium that is at least 15 gallons in size. The tank should be well-filtered and have a lot of live plants. A dark substrate will also help bring out the bright colors of the Cardinal Tetra.
Cardinal Tetras are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods. In the wild, their diet consists of small insects, worms, and crustaceans. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of high quality flake food, live food, and frozen food. It is important to offer them various foods to ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
These fish are very social and do best in groups of 6 or more. They are not territorial and get along well with other peaceful fish. Cardinal Tetras are timid fish and can be easily intimidated by larger, more aggressive fish. They should not be kept with fish that are known to nip at fins.
9. Congo Tetra
Species overview:
Common names: Congo Tetra
Scientific name: Phenacogrammus interruptus
Adult size: 2,5 to 3, 5 inches
Life expectancy: 3 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care level: Moderate
The Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) is a freshwater fish native to the Congo River basin in Africa. It is a popular aquarium fish known for its striking blue and silver coloration. Congo Tetras typically grow to be about 2.5 inches long and live for 3-5 years.
Congo Tetras are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including live, frozen, and flake foods. In the wild, their diet consists of small insects, crustaceans, and plants. In the aquarium, they should be fed a variety of foods, including live, frozen, and flake foods.
Congo Tetras are social fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6. They are peaceful fish and can be kept with a variety of other peaceful fish. Congo Tetras prefer to live in slightly acidic water, with a pH of 6.5-7.0 and a temperature of 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Black Phantom Tetra
Species overview:
Common names: Black phantom TETRA, phantom tetra
Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
Adult size: 1.5 inches
Life expectancy: 4 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care level: Intermediate
The Black Phantom Tetra is a species of freshwater fish native to South America. It is a member of the Characidae family and is closely related to other tetras, such as the Neon Tetra. The Black Phantom Tetra is a small fish growing to a maximum length of 1.5 in. It is a popular aquarium fish and is kept by fishkeepers around the world.
The Black Phantom Tetra is a black fish with a white stripe running along the length of its body. The white stripe is the widest at the fish’s head and tapers towards the tail. The Black Phantom Tetra is a peaceful fish and can be kept with other peaceful species. It is a schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six individuals.
The Black Phantom Tetra is an omnivore and will eat a wide variety of food. It feeds on small insects, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates in the wild. In the aquarium, it will accept most sinking pellets and tablets, as well as live and frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
11. Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma Heteromorpha)
Species overview:
Common names: HARLEQUIN RASBORA, Red rasbora
Scientific name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Adult size: 2 inches
Life expectancy: 5 to 6 years
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care level: Beginner
Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) is one of the most popular fish in the aquarium trade. They are native to Southeast Asia and can be found in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They are a member of the Cyprinidae family, which contains Carps and Minnows.
Harlequin Rasboras grow to be about 2 inches in length. They are a silver color with a black triangle on their dorsal (back) fin. The black triangle is what gives them their name, as it resembles a harlequin clown.
Harlequin Rasboras are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of 6 or more. They prefer to live in tanks with plenty of hiding places and plants.
Harlequin Rasboras are omnivores and will eat most aquarium foods. They should be given a variety of foods, including live, frozen, and flake foods.
12. Endler’s Livebearers (Poecilia Wingei)
Species overview:
Common names: Endler’s Livebearers, Endler’s
Scientific name: Poecilia wingei
Adult size: 1-2 inches
Life expectancy: 2 to 3 years
Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
Care level: Beginner
Endler’s Livebearers are a species of freshwater fish that is native to South America. They are named after German zoologist and aquarist Dr. John Endler, who first described them in the wild in 1978.
Endler’s Livebearers are small fish, reaching a maximum size of only about 2 inches. They are brightly colored, with males typically being more colorful than females. The body is oval-shaped and compressed, and the head is large in comparison to the rest of the body. The eyes are large and protrude slightly from the head.
The diet of Endler’s Livebearers consists primarily of small crustaceans, insects, and other invertebrates.
13. Zebra Danios (Danio Rerio)
Species overview:
Common names: Striped danio, zebra danio, zebrafish
Scientific name: Danio rerio
Adult size: 2.5 inches
Life expectancy: 4 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
Care level: Beginner
Zebra Danios are freshwater fish that are native to South and Southeast Asia. They are a popular fish for aquariums because of their small size and their active personality.
Zebra Danios are silver with black stripes that run horizontally along their body. They have a long, slender body shape and can grow to be about 2.5 inches long.
Zebra Danios are known to be hardy fish, which means they are able to live in a wide range of water conditions. They are also peaceful fish, which makes them a good choice for community aquariums.
14. Bluefin Notho (Nothobranchius Rachovii)
Species overview:
Common names: Bluefin Notho, Rachovii Killifish
Scientific name: Nothobranchius Rachovii
Adult size: 2 inches
Life expectancy: 1 to 2 years
Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
Care level: Intermediate
Bluefin notho (Nothobranchius rachovii) is a species of fish in the family Nothobranchiidae. It is endemic to temporary pools in southern Africa. It is a small, colorful fish that is popular in the aquarium trade.
The bluefin notho is a small fish, reaching a maximum length of 2 in. It is laterally compressed, with a deep body and a small head. The mouth is small and terminal, and the eyes are large. The body is covered in small scales. The coloration is variable but often includes a blue stripe along the body’s midline and blue, orange, and black markings on the fins.
The bluefin notho is found in temporary pools in southern Africa. It is most common in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa, but is also found in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana. The bluefin notho is a poikilothermic species, meaning that its body temperature varies with the environmental temperature.
The bluefin notho is an opportunistic feeder, eating a variety of small invertebrates. These include crustaceans, insects, and worms.
15. White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys Albonubes)
Species overview:
Common names: Canton danio, Chinese danio, white cloud, white cloud mountain fish, white cloud mountain minnow
Scientific name: Tanichthys albonubes
Adult size: 1.5-2 inches
Life expectancy: 3 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care level: Beginner
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a small freshwater fish in the carp family. It is native to China, where it is found in the White Cloud Mountains. It is a popular aquarium fish and has been introduced to several other countries.
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a small fish, growing to a maximum length of about 2 in. It is silver-grey in color, with a black stripe running along the length of the body. The fins are red or orange.
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a peaceful fish that is suitable for keeping in a community aquarium. It is an active fish that prefers to live in a group. It is a good choice for beginners, as it is easy to care for.
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is omnivorous and will eat most types of aquarium foods, including flakes, pellets, and live foods. It is a good algae-eater and will help to keep the aquarium clean.
16. Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio Margaritatus)
Species overview:
Common names: Celestial Pearl Danio, Galaxy Rasbora
Scientific name: Danio margaritatus
Adult size: 1 inch
Life expectancy: 3 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care level: Intermediate
The Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus) is a small freshwater fish belonging to the Danio genus of the Cyprinidae family. It is native to Myanmar, but has been introduced to other parts of the world as an aquarium fish. The fish is characterized by its small size, iridescent coloration, and long fins. It is a popular aquarium fish due to its beauty and peaceful nature.
The Celestial Pearl Danio grows to a maximum length of 1 in. It is a laterally compressed fish with a round body and a small mouth. The fish is covered in tiny scales, which give it a shimmering appearance. The body coloration is variable but typically features a pale blue or green base color with iridescent blue, green, and silver markings. The fins are long and filamentous, and the tail fin is forked.
The Celestial Pearl Danio is a peaceful fish that is well-suited to community aquariums. It is an active swimmer and does best in groups of 5 or more fish.
The fish is an omnivore and will eat a variety of foods, including live, frozen, and flake foods. The fish is a prolific breeder, and breeding is relatively easy. The female lays a large number of eggs, which hatch in 24-36 hours. The fry is free-swimming after 3-4 days and can be fed on baby brine shrimp or other small live foods.
17. Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras Pygmaeus)
Species overview:
Common names: Pygmy Corydoras, Pygmy Catfish
Scientific name: Corydoras Pygmaeus
Adult size: 1-1.5 inches
Life expectancy: 3 years
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care level: Beginner
Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus) are a small species of Corydoras catfish that are native to South America. They are a popular species of fish for aquariums due to their small size, peaceful nature, and striking appearance. Pygmy Corydoras are typically brown or tan in coloration with dark spots or bars on their bodies. They grow to a maximum length of about 1.5 inches.
Pygmy Corydoras are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including live and frozen foods, flakes, and pellets. They should be kept in an aquarium with other peaceful fish species of a similar size. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended.
Corydoras are social fish and do best in groups, so it is best to keep at least 5 or 6 Pygmy Corydoras together.
18. Panda Corydoras
Species overview:
Common names: Panda catfish, panda cory, panda corydoras
Scientific name: Corydoras panda
Adult size: 2 inches
Life expectancy: 6 to 10 years
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care level: Intermediate
Panda Corydoras, or Corydoras panda, is a species of freshwater fish in the family Corydoradidae. The fish is native to South America and is found in the Orinoco and Amazon river basins. It is also found in the countries of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
The fish has a black and white pattern on its body which is why it is called the Panda Corydoras. The fish grows to a maximum length of 2 in.
The Panda Corydoras is a peaceful fish that can live in small tanks. It is an omnivore and will eat a variety of food, including pellets, flakes, and live food. The fish is also known to eat algae.
The Panda Corydoras is a schooling fish and should be kept in groups of six or more. The fish is suitable for beginner aquarium keepers.
19. Pea Puffer
Species overview:
Common names: Pea Puffer, Dwarf Puffer, Bumblebee Puffer, Malabar Puffer, Pygmy Puffer
Scientific name: Carinotetraodon travancoricus
Adult size: 1 inch
Life expectancy: 3 to 4 years
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care level: Intermediate
A Pea Puffer is a type of freshwater fish that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a member of the Tetraodontidae family, which includes other pufferfish such as the balloonfish and the porcupinefish.
The Pea Puffer is one of the smallest pufferfish, growing to a maximum length of only 1 inch. It is a popular aquarium fish due to its small size and peaceful nature.
The body of the Pea Puffer is oval-shaped and compressed, with a short head and a pointed snout. The eyes are large and located at the top of the head. The mouth is small and contains four teeth that are fused into two plates. The skin is covered in small, sharp spines. The body is brown or green in color, with a dark stripe running along the sides. The fins are clear or pale yellow.
The Pea Puffer is a slow swimmer and prefers to spend its time hiding among plants or in other sheltered areas. It is a peaceful fish that is typically not aggressive towards other tank mates. However, it may nip at the fins of larger fish. The Pea Puffer is an omnivorous species that feed on algae, small invertebrates, and zooplankton.
20. Otocinclus (Otocinclus Macrospilus)
Species overview:
Common names: Otocinclus, Oto, Oto cat, Dwarf Sucker Fish
Scientific name: Otocinclus Macrospilus
Adult size: 2 inches
Life expectancy: 3 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care level: Beginner
Otocinclus are native to South America, and they can be found in a variety of habitats, including rivers, streams, and lakes. In the wild, these fish typically grow to be about 2 inches in length, but in captivity, they can reach up to 4 inches.
Otocinclus are brown or black in coloration, with a light stripe running down the length of their bodies. They have a unique sucker mouth, which they use to attach themselves to rocks and other surfaces in their environment.
One of the most appealing things about otocinclus is their peaceful nature. These fish are very shy and non-aggressive and do well when kept with other peaceful community fish. They are also known to be excellent algae-eaters and will help keep your aquarium clean and free of unwanted algae growth.
When keeping otocinclus in your aquarium, it’s important to provide them with plenty of hiding places. Rocks, driftwood, and live plants all make good hiding spots for these fish. They prefer to live in groups, so it’s best to keep at least 6 otocinclus in your aquarium. They are also sensitive to water quality, so be sure to keep an eye on your nitrate and ammonia levels and perform regular water changes as needed.
21. Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis Pumila)
Species overview:
Common names: Sparkling Gourami, pygmy gourami
Scientific name: Trichopsis Pumila
Adult size: 1.5 inches
Life expectancy: 4 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care level: Intermediate
Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila) is a freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. It is a member of the gourami family and is closely related to the kissed gourami (Trichopsis vittata).
The sparkling gourami is a small fish, reaching a maximum length of about 1.6 in. It is a popular aquarium fish and is sometimes kept in ponds.
The sparkling gourami is a peaceful fish that is well suited to life in a community aquarium. It is an omnivorous fish that will eat a variety of live, frozen, and flake foods. In the wild, the diet of the sparkling gourami consists mostly of insects and other small invertebrates.
The sparkling gourami is a labyrinth fish, meaning that it has a special organ that allows it to breathe air. This organ is located in the fish’s head and is connected to the fish’s mouth. The labyrinth organ allows the sparkling gourami to live in water with low oxygen levels.
22. Swordtail
Species overview:
Common names: Swordtail
Scientific name: Xiphophorus helleri
Adult size: 4-5.5 inches
Life expectancy: 3 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
Care level: Easy
Swordtail is a tropical freshwater fish native to Central America. It gets its name from its long, sword-like tail. Swordtail is a popular aquarium fish and is known for its hardiness and peaceful nature.
The swordtail is a member of the Characidae family and is closely related to the Characin fish. Swordtail is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum length of only about 5 inches.
The fish’s body is laterally compressed and covered with small scales. The fish has a long, narrow tail that tapers to a point. The base of the tail is black, with a yellow or orange stripe running along the length of the tail. The dorsal and anal fins are long and filamentous in males and shorter and rounded in females. The caudal peduncle, the area of the fish just before the tail, is very slender.
The Swordtail is a tropical fish and is found in freshwater streams and rivers in Central America. The fish prefers warm water, with a 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit temperature range. The fish is also found in brackish water in some areas.
23. Tiger Barb
Species overview:
Common names: Tiger barb, sumatra barb, and partbelt barb
Scientific name: Barbus tetrazona
Adult size: 3 inches
Life expectancy: 5 to 6 years
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care level: Easy to Intermediate
The tiger barb is a freshwater fish that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a member of the Cyprinidae family and is closely related to the common barb. The tiger barb gets its name from its striped pattern, which is similar to that of a tiger. The tiger barb is a popular aquarium fish and is kept by fishkeepers all over the world.
The tiger barb is a small fish, reaching a maximum size of around 3 inches. It has a slender body and a long, barb-like mouth. The body is covered in small, black spots and has three vertical stripes running down the length of the fish. The fins are clear with a black stripe running along the edge.
The tiger barb is a peaceful fish, but it can be territorial towards other fish of the same species. It is best kept in a community tank with other peaceful fish. The tiger barb is an active swimmer who does best in an aquarium with plenty of swimming space.
The tiger barb is an omnivore and will eat most types of food. Its diet consists of small insects, crustaceans, and plant matter in the wild. In the aquarium, the tiger barb will accept most types of flake food, pellets, and freeze-dried foods. It is also a good idea to supplement its diet with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
24. Gold (Chinese) Barb
Species overview:
Common names: China barb, Chinese barb, Chinese half-striped barb, gold barb, green barb, half banded barb, half-stripes barb, Schubert’s barb, six-banded banded barb
Scientific name: Puntius semifasciolatus
Adult size: 4 inches
Life expectancy: 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care level: Easy
Gold Barb (Barbus schwanefeldtii) is a small freshwater fish in the carp family. It is native to China and widely distributed in the country. It is also found in Taiwan, Korea, and Vietnam. It was first described by German zoologist Karl Schoenfeldt in 1866.
The gold barb is a small, peaceful fish that is perfect for beginner aquarium hobbyists. It is a hardy fish that can adapt to a wide range of water conditions.
It is a schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least six. Gold barbs are omnivorous and will eat a wide variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, freeze-dried foods, and live foods.
25. Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster Lalius)
Species overview:
Common names: Dwarf Gourami, Flame Gourami, Powder Blue Gourami, Red Gourami, Sunset Gourami
Scientific name: Trichogaster lalius
Adult size: 2-3.5 inches
Life expectancy: 4 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care level: Intermediate
Dwarf gouramis are beautiful and popular freshwater fish that are perfect for beginner aquarium enthusiasts. They are a member of the Osphronemidae family, which contains other well-known gourami species, such as the pearl gourami.
Dwarf gouramis are relatively small, only growing to about 2-3.5 inches in length. They are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks and can be kept with other small fish.
In the aquarium, they should be fed a variety of foods, including live, frozen, and flake foods.
26. Hachetfish
Species overview:
Common names: Marbled hatchetfish
Scientific name: Carnegiella strigata
Adult size: 1-1.5 inches
Life expectancy: 4 to 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care level: Intermediate to advanced
Hachetfish are small freshwater fish that are native to Africa. They are named for their long, slender bodies and sharp teeth. Hachetfish are popular among aquarium enthusiasts because of their unique appearance and peaceful nature.
Hachetfish are mostly found in shallow, murky waters. They feed on small insects and crustaceans. Hachetfish are not good swimmers and often spend most of their time hiding in the vegetation.
Hachetfish are easy to care for and make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium. They are best kept in groups of six or more. Hachetfish are not known to breed in captivity.
FAQs on Best Fish for Small Aquarium
Which Fish Would Be Good for a 1-gallon Tank?
Some suitable fish for a 1-gallon tank include the following:
- Betta fish
- Neon tetras
- Endlers
- Guppies
- Corydoras catfish
What Fish is Best for a 3-gallon Tank?
There are a number of fish that can do well in a 3-gallon tank, but some of the best choices include bettas, guppies, and platies. These fish are all relatively small, and they don’t require a lot of space to swim around.
How Many 3-inch Goldfish Can Live in a 5-gallon Tank?
One 3-inch goldfish can live in a 5-gallon tank, but it would be better for the goldfish if there were at least 2 or 3 gallons of water per fish.
Also read:
- Can Goldfish and Guppies Live Together?
- How to Tell if a Goldfish Is Male or Female?
- Best Nano Aquarium: Review & Buying Guide
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a small, low-maintenance pet, a fish might be the perfect option for you. Fish come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can find one that fits your personality and lifestyle.
References:
- Brine Shrimp (By The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica)
https://www.britannica.com/animal/brine-shrimp - How to Raise Mosquito Larvae for Fish Food (by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS, February 18, 2022)
https://www.wikihow.com/Raise-Mosquito-Larvae-for-Fish-Food - Ecology, Epidemiology, and Evolution of Parasitism in Daphnia (National Center for Biotechnology Information (US); 2005)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2042/
