When it comes to the best fishes for small tanks, like 5 to 10 gallons of volume, we usually think about celestial pearl danios, dwarf puffer, and betta fish. Needless to say, these are the most renowned small fishes out there that are also easy to feed and take care of.
But if you want something new, congrats, you’re landing on the right page. This article will give you some.
Norman’s Lampeye Killifish
Lampeye Killifish is a resilient and peaceful fish that does well in various water conditions/environments, especially in aquariums with lots of live plants. So for beginner aquarists or those who plan to set up a planted fish tank, this is a great choice.
It sizes-small, around 1.5 inches long, native to Central and Western Africa.
Keep in mind that Lampeye Killifish has the habit of living in a herb, which should be kept in a tank sizing 10 gallons (for a group of 3).
Besides, Lampeye Killifish isn’t afraid to jump and commonly occupies the top level of the water column so make sure your tank is well-covered by a canopy/lid/hood.
What we like about them:
- Safe to live with adult dwarf shrimp
- Easy to spawn in the tank
- Peaceful disposition with invertebrates and fish
- Easy to feed, perfect for starter aquarists
Least Killifish
Also known as midget livebearer, mosque, dwarf topminnow, or Heterandria Formosa – one of the smallest freshwater fishes in the world (up to 1.2 inches).
That means it can live healthily in a petite tank down to 3 gallons of volume and thrive strongly in different water conditions.
Just avoid using a too harsh filter as they will be battered around.
It has an olive color with a dark spot on the dorsal fin (while females also have a dark spot on their anal fin) and a dark horizontal stripe through the middle of the body. Its favorite foods are plant matter and aquatic invertebrates, like crustaceans and worms.
Just like Lampeye Killifish, this is peaceful that can be kept with other small fishes, like aquatic snails and Endler's Livebearers.
An interesting fact about this fish is instead of laying eggs, it gives birth to live young.
What we like about them:
- Able to live in super-small tanks
- Live peacefully with other small fishes
- Easy to take care of
Endler’s Livebearers
Endler’s Livebearers are known as a very easy-to-house fish that can survive in normal room temperature with no heater required. They’ll survive healthily in most pH levels and hardness levels.
You’ll make many more if the filter of your fish tank is covered by live plants, artificial plants, or sponge filters as they prevent the tool from sucking up live young.
The good news is they are omnivores, meaning that they can eat frozen food, pellets, and flake food.
They make great feeders for more predatory fish or even just some frogs in the tank to help control the population.
It is great for beginners, kids, and planted tanks
What we like about them:
- Perfect for everyone and almost water conditions (except it’s too acidic or nitrate)
- Easy to take care of – no heater required
- Lots of hybrid versions to choose from
Sparkling Gourami
This small fish is originated from Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, or typical habitats characterized by slow-moving water type environments, such as flooded forests, flood plains, swampy areas, and small rivers.
That type of habitat is commonly very densely loaded with either submerged aquatic plants or emergent surrounding plant growth, which means sparkling Gourami is a shy fish. Make sure the lighting conditions aren’t too bright.
They do best with other nano species, except the fast-moving boisterous and aggressive-feeding species.
The ideal temperature range for them is within 75 to 82 degrees F, and the fish also prefers softer acidic water pH range (around 5.5 to 7.5).
To help them demonstrate better coloration, the substrate should have sand and some leaf litter, like Alma tree leaves. One big note is that they are adept at jumping so make sure the tank canopy is tight-fitting.
Overall, this is a good choice for starters with a minimum tank size of 5 to 10 gallons.
Bumblebee Goby
There are currently 9 known species of bumblebee goby. They can grow up to 1.4 inches in size and the real lifespan is estimated to be around three years.
Most are found in coastal areas, such as in asterisks, mangrove swamps, and tidal streams. Two of these nine species are freshwater (Brachygobius Xanthomelas and Brachygobius Mekongensis). If you’re uncomfortable keeping them in freshwater though, bumblebee goby slips in low-sanity level which is anywhere from 1.002 to 1.005.
When you’re mixing salt, remember to use marine salt and not aquarium salt.
The minimum size recommended to these little fishes is 10 gallons.
Males are thinner and brighter while females are fatter and broader. They are territorial, especially in the males. Besides, remember to keep them at a temperature of 72 to 82 degrees F with a pH level of 7 to 8.5.
As for hardness, keep it between 1.4 to 3.7.
Conclusion
Above are the 5 best fishes for small tanks that are all easy to feed, take care of, and look beautiful. No matter that you’re a beginner aquarist, you set it up for your kids, or for a planted tank, these species will live happily and thrive strongly. Thanks for reading!
