Best Fish for a 10-Gallon Tank
Edited by Ivan F.
A 10-gallon is a popular first tank, and it fits more species than you might think, as long as you stock it lightly.
How we pick: Species whose minimum tank size is within 10% of 10 US gallons or smaller. Group size still counts: always check how many fish a species needs.
Fitting the same tank size does not mean these species can live together. Check each species' tank mates before you buy.
New at this size

African Dwarf Frog
Hymenochirus boettgeri
- Min tank
- 10 US gal
- Group
- 3+ fish
- pH
- 6.5–7.8
- Swim zone
- Bottom
EasyPeaceful

Apistogramma Borellii
Apistogramma borellii
- Min tank
- 11 US gal
- Group
- 2+ fish
- pH
- 5–8
- Swim zone
- Bottom
IntermediateSemi-Aggressive

Betta
Betta splendens
- Min tank
- 11 US gal
- Group
- Single fish
- pH
- 6–8
- Swim zone
- Top
EasyTerritorial/Aggressive

Celestial Pearl Danio
Danio margaritatus
- Min tank
- 11 US gal
- Group
- 6+ fish
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Swim zone
- Mid-Water
EasyPeaceful

Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
- Min tank
- 11 US gal
- Group
- 8+ fish
- pH
- 4–7
- Swim zone
- Mid-Water
IntermediatePeaceful

Clown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
- Min tank
- 11 US gal
- Group
- 8+ fish
- pH
- 4–7
- Swim zone
- Top
IntermediatePeaceful

Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
- Min tank
- 11 US gal
- Group
- 8+ fish
- pH
- 5–7
- Swim zone
- Mid-Water
EasyPeaceful

Endler's Livebearer
Poecilia wingei
- Min tank
- 11 US gal
- Group
- 3+ fish
- pH
- 7–8.5
- Swim zone
- Top
EasyPeaceful

Fancy Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
- Min tank
- 11 US gal
- Group
- 3+ fish
- pH
- 7–8.5
- Swim zone
- Top
EasyPeaceful

Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus macrospilus
- Min tank
- 11 US gal
- Group
- 6+ fish
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Swim zone
- Bottom
IntermediatePeaceful

Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
- Min tank
- 11 US gal
- Group
- 6+ fish
- pH
- 6–7.4
- Swim zone
- Bottom
EasyPeaceful

Pygmy Corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
- Min tank
- 11 US gal
- Group
- 6+ fish
- pH
- 6.4–7.4
- Swim zone
- Bottom
IntermediatePeaceful

Sparkling Gourami
Trichopsis pumila
- Min tank
- 11 US gal
- Group
- 2+ fish
- pH
- 5–7.5
- Swim zone
- Top
EasyPeaceful
