When stocking a 10 gallon fish tank, it’s important to choose small, hardy species that don’t overly pollute the water. Good options include guppies, platies, swordtails, mollies, endlers, corydoras catfish, otocinclus catfish, zebra danios, neon tetras, ember tetras, rasboras, glow light danios, dwarf gouramis, honey gouramis, bettas (one per tank), African dwarf frogs, shrimp like red cherry shrimp or ghost shrimp, and small peaceful community fish. Avoid overstocking, do regular water changes, and make sure to get a quality filter to keep the water clean. With the right stocking levels and care, a surprisingly wide variety of colorful nanofish can thrive in a 10 gallon aquarium.
Schooling VS Centerpiece
| Category | Schooling Fish | Centerpiece Fish |
| Definition | Small fish that swim together in groups or “schools” | Larger, more solitary/territorial fish meant to be the showcase/centerpiece |
| Example Species | Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Corydoras Catfish | Gouramis, Bettas, Dwarf Cichlids, Pea Puffers |
| Recommended Numbers | 6-10 of one species | 1 per tank |
| Tank Size | Do best in 10+ gallon tanks to have swim room | Can go in smaller tanks like 5-10 gallons |
| Temperament | Generally peaceful community fish | Some can be semi-aggressive |
| Benefits | Add movement, activity, interest | Bright colors, unique behaviors |
| Drawbacks | Need to be in schools or get stressed | May pester or be aggressive to tankmates |
| Stocking Level | Form the main population of small community fish | The single showpiece fish |
Our Top 20
With the fundamentals of stocking a 10 gallon aquarium under our belt, it’s time to explore the top 20 fish species well-suited for this nano environment.
Ricefish
Ricefish, also known as rice field eel or Asian weather loach, is a small freshwater fish belonging to the family Cobitidae. These slender, eel-like fish are commonly found in rice paddies, streams, and wetlands across Asia.
Ricefish play an important role in controlling insect pests and maintaining the ecological balance in rice fields.
Their ability to survive in shallow, oxygen-deprived waters makes them a resilient species and a valuable asset in traditional rice cultivation practices.
Ember Tetras
Ember tetras are a vibrant and eye-catching freshwater fish species from South America, belonging to the characin family. These small, peaceful schooling fish boast a striking orange-red coloration that resembles glowing embers, making them a sought-after addition to community aquariums.
Ember tetras thrive in well-planted tanks with soft, acidic water and do best when kept in groups of six or more. Their active yet peaceful nature and unique appearance make them a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts.
Blue Emperor Tetras
- Blue Emperor Tetras (Inpaichthys kerri) are a freshwater fish species native to South America, found in the Guaporé River basin in Brazil and Bolivia.
- They are a larger tetra species, growing up to 5 inches (12.7 cm) in length.
- These fish have an elongated, torpedo-shaped body with a distinct blue coloration and a horizontal black stripe running along their sides.
- Blue Emperors are schooling fish and do best when kept in groups of 6 or more in the aquarium.
- They are peaceful community fish but may occasionally nip at long-finned species or smaller tankmates.
- A well-planted aquarium with plenty of swimming space is ideal for these active swimmers.
- Water conditions should be kept clean and well-oxygenated, with a pH around 6.0-7.5 and moderate hardness.
- A varied diet of high-quality flakes, frozen foods, and occasional live foods will keep them healthy.
- Blue Emperors can be somewhat shy when first introduced but will become more outgoing once settled in.
- Though striking in appearance, these fish can be quite expensive and may require a larger aquarium due to their adult size.
Celestial Pearl Danio
The Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus) is a small, peaceful freshwater fish native to Myanmar. These danios boast a striking metallic blue coloration with bright yellow and red markings, making them true gems in the aquarium.
Despite their tiny size, reaching only about an inch long, they have bold personalities and do best in small schools. With their unique colors and active nature, Celestial Pearl Danios are a captivating addition to any community tank.
Galaxy Koi Betta
The Galaxy Koi Betta, also known as the Alien Betta, is a striking variety of the Siamese fighting fish. These bettas showcase a mesmerizing pattern of swirling blue, black, and white colors reminiscent of a galaxy or marble effect.
Read More: “Koi Betta Fish: The Ultimate Care Guide”
Bred for their unique and captivating appearance, Galaxy Koi Bettas require the same care as other betta species. With their vibrant galactic patterning and flowing fins, they make a stunning addition to any planted nano aquarium.
Rocket Clown Killifish
The Rocket Clown Killifish (Epiplatys sexfasciatus) is a small, vividly colored freshwater fish native to West and Central Africa. These killifish earned their name from the bright red stripes on their elongated bodies, reminiscent of a rocket’s flames, contrasted with electric blue and yellow markings.
Quite the characters, male Rocket Clowns exhibit amusing “nodding” behavior during courtship displays. Despite their tiny size, their bold patterns and behaviors make them eye-catching nanofish.
Bumblebee Goby
The small fish swam around the coral reef, searching for its next meal. Among the colorful coral, it spotted a shrimp and gave chase, capturing the quick crustacean in a flash. With its meal in its mouth, it returned to its hiding spot under an overflow to enjoy its prize.
Appearance
The Bumblebee Goby is a small, striped fish reaching up to 5 centimeters in length.
Habitat
It lives hidden among coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region, mostly staying in one small area of the reef.
Diet
Its diet consists mostly of small crustaceans like shrimp, which it hunts by rushing out of its hiding spot remarkably fast to catch its prey.
Dwarf Pufferfish
The tiny Dwarf Pufferfish is a colorful resident of coral reefs. Despite its small size, sometimes only an inch long, it is a feisty predator that hunts down snails and other invertebrates. When threatened, it is able to inflate itself into a spiky ball as a defense against larger fish.
At night it will emerge from crevices to forage for food before retreating back to its shelter at the first light of dawn.
Green Kubotai Rasboras
The elegant Green Kubotai Rasbora glides gracefully through the tank, its metallic blue and green scales shimmering. In a group, their torpedo shapes dart in perfect synchrony.
They remain shy without hiding spots, so lush planting provides security. Their peaceful demeanor makes them well-suited for community nano tanks.
Dumbo Ear Dark Dragon Guppy
The Dumbo Ear Dark Dragon Guppy is a uniquebreed with enlarged anal fins that resemble elephant ears. Their bodies are jet black with colorful iridescent spots and patches shimmering in the light.
While active swimmers, their large fins can look cumbersome but aid impressive displays to impress females. Only a few of these rare guppies should be kept as they can harass each other.
Bumblebee Platy
The attractive Bumblebee Platy’s bands of yellow and black make it stand out from the rest of the shoal. They are always on the move around the tank in their bubbly schools.
Easy to care for, they are lively fish suitable for beginners and I admire their striking patterns. At three centimeters long, they will add pops of color to any community tank.
Pygmy Sunfish
This is one of the smallest freshwater fish. Despite their small size of just 1-2cm, they are feisty predators that patrol the tank bottom in search of microscopic invertebrates. Their vivid yellow, orange and black stripes help them camouflage among rocks.
Care must be taken with tankmates, as they are bold enough to take on fish several times their size. An attractive choice for delicately stocked nanoaquariums.
Moscow Guppies
This is one of the showiest strains with their elaborate and vividly colored tails. In an active group, their long flowing fins trail behind as they dart around performing elaborate courtship dances.
They come in an array of vivid patterns from grass green to dazzling mosaics of yellow, blue and orange. With regular water changes and feeding, their striking good looks are rewarded with frequent lively spawns.
Bumblebee Otos
The adorable Bumblebee Oto catfish gets its name from its striking stripes of black and yellow. Though small in size, it plays a big role in the cleanup crew by grazing on algae and food leftovers all over the glass and decor.
Their small sucker mouths work hard to keep the tank sparkling clean. A group of six or more is recommended for these social algae-eaters to feel comfortable in their surroundings.
Orange Speckled Mickey Mouse Platy
The lively Orange Speckled Mickey Mouse Platy is an engaging sight with its round body dotted with bright orange spots. It derives its name from its resemblance to the cartoon character with its round form and playful nature.
Readily breeding in home aquariums, they are a favorite for their eye-catching patterns and bubbling personalities. Their sociable nature makes them well-suited to community tanks.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
It derives its name from its natural habitat in mountain streams in China. In an aquarium, their silvery scales with a subtle metallic sheen catch the light as they wheel and school together.
Their hardiness and lack of aggression make them suitable as dither fish to relax tankmates.
When kept in chilled water, they will remain smaller and more colorful than at tropical temperatures. An affordable choice to add beauty and activity to nano or community aquariums.
Gold White Cloud Minnows
It adds a hint of luxuriance to this active fish. Their gold and white scales shimmer under light as they follow the swift current. Their hardworking filtering helps maintain pristine water conditions.
Alongside regular companions, these beauteous minnows bring out each other’s golden hues to liven up any community aquarium.
Blue Mystery Snail
The striking Blue Mystery Snail boasts bold azure spiraled shells and feathery eyestalks that peek out to take everything in. Slow yet steady, they patrol the glass grazing algae with their rasping radula.
Their size and active cleaning earns them the title of “pond snail”. An undemanding inhabitant that impresses with its hues.
5 Malaysian Trumpet Snails
A small cluster of Malaysian Trumpet Snails burrow beneath the gravel, their delicate spiraled shells barely visible amongst the substrate. Through their constant tunneling and feeding, they help to oxygenate the soil and break down fish waste.
Unseen are the important roles they play in keeping the tank healthy. With five present, a balance is found as their population remains stable, bringing unseen benefits to the living environment.
10 Snails – Ramshorn Colony Starter
Containing a broad assortment of colors and patterns, a pack of 10 Ramshorn snails establishes a vibrant colony. Their delicate swirling shells speckle the glass, wood, and plants.
As efficient grazers, the group helps maintain clarity by removing uneaten food and algae. Their peaceful coexistence encourages breeding to naturally manage tank algae without manual intervention. An eye-pleasing addition brings low-maintenance balance.
5 Fire Red Cherry Shrimp
A collection of five vibrant Fire Red Cherry Shrimp dashes amongst the greenery, exploring nooks and waving antennas. Their intense scarlet coloring pops against plant life. Though small, they bring significant life to nanohabitats.
By regularly breeding in optimal conditions, their population will flourish as a calming freshwater cleaner crew with minimal bioload. Exquisite choice to admire.
Green Neon Tetra
The luminous Green Neon Tetra shimmers with an electric emerald glow that lights up the surroundings. In a group, their bodies undulate as if connecting like plasma as they explore. Their hardiness and active nature interest both young and seasoned aquarists alike.
With cherry red fins and scaling, their neon presence is eye-catching without being overbearing. Well-suited for community tanks of all sizes.
Rummy-nose Tetra
The sociable Rummy-nose Tetra derives its name from its nose appearing reddened. Tight schools of silver and scarlet flash back and forth, their bright coloration perfect for viewing. Though nippy if alone, they are peaceful in larger numbers.
Their constant activity and interesting behavior stimulates the senses. A favorite choice for mid-sized to large community aquariums.
Bluefin Notho
The elegant Bluefin Notho glides gracefully through the water, its silvery blue scales shimmering under light. Maintained in groups, their torpedo shapes weave in and out synchronously.
They prefer planted tanks with hiding places to feel secure. A novelty fish that brings beauty and interesting behavior to planted community aquariums.
FAQ’s
What is the best fish to put in a 10 gallon tank?
Guppies, platies, or shrimp are suitable for a 10 gallon tank.
What is the best fish to put in a 10 gallon tank?
Tetras, mollies, or endlers are also good choices for a 10 gallon.
Can you keep 12 fish in a 10 gallon tank?
No, 12 fish are overstocked for a 10 gallon tank.
How many fish can you stock in a 10 gallon tank?
A 10 gallon tank can support 3-5 small, peaceful fish long-term.
Conclusion
There are many wonderful options for stocking a 10 gallon aquarium. When choosing fish, it’s important to consider their adult size, temperament, and bioload to ensure a healthy, balanced environment. Guppies, platies, shrimp, tetras, and dwarf corydoras are low-bioload species that school nicely in 10 gallons.
Colorful and entertaining livebearers like guppies and platies are very beginner friendly. Chilli rasboras and celestial pearl danios provide lovely, nano-scale motion. Pygmy cories are entertaining algae eaters. Peacock gudgeon and dwarf rainbowfish add unique beauty.
Bettas are engaging solo fish if properly housed. For a planted tank, otocinclus and nerite snails help clean algae. With careful consideration of water parameters, habitat needs, and not overstocking, any of these top 20 fish choices can thrive in a 10 gallon, bringing delightful interaction and visual interest to their owners for many enjoyable years.
With three years of dedicated expertise in the niche of fish, my domain knowledge encompasses breeding, habitat maintenance, health management, and sustainable aquaculture practices, ensuring optimal outcomes in the aquatic realm.
