Colorful, easy to care for, and perfect for beginners
Keeping a small aquarium is a great way to enjoy the beauty of fish without needing a lot of space or equipment. But to make sure your setup thrives, it’s important to choose fish that do well in limited environments. Here are the 7 best fish to keep in a small tank — ideal for beginners and compact spaces
1. Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)
- Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6–7 cm)
- Temperament: Territorial and solitary
- Why it’s great: Bettas are vibrant, hardy, and can live in small tanks — even without a filter (though filtered water is better for long-term health). Just don’t keep two males together!
2. Neon Tetras
- Size: Around 1.5 inches (4 cm)
- Temperament: Peaceful and social
- Why it’s great: Neon tetras love to swim in small groups (at least 5). Their electric blue and red colors light up any tank.
Guppies
- Size: Around 2 inches (5 cm)
- Temperament: Friendly and active
- Why it’s great: Extremely beginner-friendly and come in a variety of bright colors. They adapt well to small aquariums and breed easily.
4. Platies
- Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6 cm)
- Temperament: Peaceful and sociable
- Why it’s great: Platies are colorful, easy to care for, and do well with other community fish.
5. Corydoras Catfish
- Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6 cm)
- Temperament: Calm, bottom-dweller
- Why it’s great: These peaceful fish help clean leftover food from the bottom. Best kept in small groups of 3 or more.
6. Mollies
- Size: Up to 3 inches (7.5 cm)
- Temperament: Peaceful and adaptable
- Why it’s great: Mollies are great for beginners and thrive in both freshwater and slightly brackish water. They’re active and do well in community tanks.
7. Zebra Danios
- Size: Around 2 inches (5 cm)
- Temperament: Fast-moving and playful
- Why it’s great: Hardy and low-maintenance. Zebra Danios enjoy swimming in schools and are very active — perfect for smaller tanks with some swimming room.
Bonus Tips for Small Tanks:
- Keep up with weekly water changes (20–30%)
- Avoid overcrowding — even small fish need space
- Use a gentle filter and a heater if your fish need stable temperatures
- Feed small amounts to avoid water pollution
Small tanks can be beautiful and easy to manage — as long as you choose the right fish. Whether you prefer the elegance of a betta or the activity of guppies and tetras, these small aquarium-friendly species are sure to bring life and color to your home.
Want to learn more? Check out our latest pet care articles below!