A small aquarium can bring life and color to your space without overwhelming it, but choosing the right fish is key to a thriving setup. Not all fish are suited for limited space, but plenty of small, vibrant species can live happily in a small tank. Here are 15 fantastic fish to consider for your small aquarium, each bringing its charm and personality.

1. Betta Fish

Betta fish are the crown jewels of small aquariums, known for their vibrant colors and flowing fins. They thrive in small tanks, but there’s a catch—they’re highly territorial and prefer to live alone. Bettas are hardy, easy to care for, and breathe atmospheric air thanks to their labyrinth organ, making them adaptable to various setups. With the right tank decor and proper care, a betta can live happily in as little as five gallons of water. Just remember, no roommates for this diva—unless it’s a well-researched setup with non-aggressive tankmates.

2. Neon Tetras

Neon tetras are a favorite for small aquariums, thanks to their shimmering blue and red bodies. These social fish are happiest in groups of six or more, so plan for at least 10 gallons to give them room to swim. Neon tetras are peaceful and get along well with other community fish, making them a great addition to mixed-species tanks. They’re also relatively low-maintenance, requiring only clean water and a balanced diet. Watching their synchronized swimming is like having a live light show in your home.

3. Guppies

Guppies are one of the most popular choices for small aquariums due to their vibrant colors and easygoing nature. They come in a rainbow of hues, with flowing tails that add a touch of elegance to any tank. Guppies are also prolific breeders, so unless you want your tank to become a guppy nursery, consider keeping only males. These hardy fish are easy to care for and thrive in small groups, making them ideal for beginners. With proper care, they’ll bring endless movement and color to your aquarium.

4. Cherry Shrimp

Though not technically fish, cherry shrimp are a perfect addition to small tanks. Their bright red bodies add a pop of color, and they’re excellent scavengers, keeping your tank clean by munching on algae and leftover food. Cherry shrimp are peaceful and can coexist with small, non-aggressive fish. They do best in tanks with live plants, which provide hiding spots and additional grazing areas. Watching their busy little legs at work is surprisingly entertaining, and they help maintain a healthy ecosystem in your aquarium.

5. Zebra Danios

Zebra danios are small, hardy fish with striking horizontal stripes that give them their name. These active swimmers love darting around in schools of five or more, so a 10-gallon tank is ideal for their energetic nature. Zebra danios are very forgiving of beginner mistakes, tolerating a wide range of water conditions. They’re also peaceful, making them great companions for other community fish. Their constant movement adds a lively dynamic to your aquarium, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

6. Dwarf Gouramis

Dwarf gouramis are a stunning addition to small aquariums, with their iridescent colors and calm demeanor. These fish thrive in tanks as small as 10 gallons and enjoy a well-planted environment where they can explore and hide. Dwarf gouramis are generally peaceful, though males can be territorial, so it’s best to keep them singly or in carefully chosen communities. Their unique ability to gulp air at the surface adds to their charm, and their slow, graceful movements make them a delight to watch.

7. Endler’s Livebearers

Endler’s livebearers are like guppies but smaller, making them perfect for nano tanks. These tiny fish are incredibly colorful and have similar care requirements to guppies, thriving in small groups in tanks as small as five gallons. They’re peaceful, easy to care for, and breed readily, so a balanced male-to-female ratio is essential if you want to avoid overpopulation. Endler’s livebearers are active and social, creating a lively environment in even the smallest aquariums.

8. Celestial Pearl Danios

Celestial pearl danios, also known as galaxy rasboras, are tiny fish with a celestial pattern of white spots on a dark blue body. These stunning fish thrive in small, heavily planted tanks where they can feel secure. They’re shy by nature, so keeping them in schools of six or more helps them feel at ease. Celestial pearl danios are peaceful and pair well with other small, non-aggressive species. Their ethereal beauty makes them a showstopper in any aquarium.

9. Pygmy Corydoras

Pygmy corydoras are adorable little catfish that stay small, making them ideal for small aquariums. These social fish love to school, so keep them in groups of six or more. They’re bottom-dwellers, spending their time scavenging for food and keeping the tank floor tidy. Pygmy Corys are peaceful and can coexist with a variety of small fish. Their playful nature and constant activity make them a delightful addition to any tank, especially for those who enjoy watching quirky behaviors.

10. Harlequin Rasboras

Harlequin rasboras are small, copper-colored fish with striking black triangles on their bodies. These peaceful fish do best in schools of six or more and thrive in tanks with plenty of swimming space. Harlequins are hardy and adaptable, making them a great choice for beginners. Their calm temperament allows them to coexist with other small, peaceful fish, and their shimmering colors add warmth and vibrancy to your aquarium. They’re low-maintenance and perfect for creating a serene, beautiful aquatic environment.

11. Kuhli Loaches

Kuhli loaches look like tiny eels and bring a unique flair to small aquariums. These nocturnal bottom-dwellers are shy but fascinating to watch as they wriggle through crevices and sift through the substrate. They prefer to live in groups and enjoy heavily planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots. Kuhli loaches are peaceful and get along well with other small, non-aggressive fish. Their unusual appearance and quirky behaviors make them a standout choice for aquarists seeking something different.

12. Otocinclus Catfish

Otocinclus catfish, or “Otos,” are small, hardworking fish known for their algae-eating abilities. They’re perfect for keeping your tank clean and maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Otos are social fish and do best in groups of three or more, thriving in tanks with live plants and plenty of algae to graze on. They’re peaceful and can coexist with a variety of small fish. Their diligent cleaning and gentle nature make them an essential part of a thriving small aquarium.

13. Sparkling Gouramis

Sparkling gouramis are miniature fish with a shimmering appearance and a surprising talent—they can produce croaking sounds! These tiny fish thrive in nano tanks as small as five gallons, especially when the tank is well-planted. Sparkling gouramis are peaceful and can be kept in pairs or small groups. Their iridescent colors and unique sounds make them a fascinating addition to small aquariums.

14. Chili Rasboras

Chili rasboras are tiny fish with bright red coloration, making them stand out in small aquariums. These peaceful fish thrive in heavily planted tanks with soft, acidic water. They’re social and prefer to be in groups of six or more, which helps them feel safe and display their best colors. Chili rasboras are perfect for nano tanks, bringing vibrant energy and movement to the setup.

15. White Cloud Mountain Minnows

White cloud mountain minnows are hardy, adaptable fish with metallic hues that shimmer under aquarium lights. They thrive in small tanks and are tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, making them ideal for beginners. These peaceful fish prefer to be in schools of six or more and can coexist with other small, non-aggressive species. Their easygoing nature and beautiful appearance make them a classic choice for small aquariums.