The Best Small Fish for Your Aquarium: A list of Stunning Nano Fish
Are you looking for the perfect small fish to add to your nano aquarium? Whether you have a 10-gallon tank or something even smaller, there are plenty of vibrant, fascinating fish species that will thrive in your setup. After years of experience in fishkeeping and working in the aquarium industry, I’ve compiled a list of my all-time favorite small fish. These species are hardy, beautiful, and well-suited for small tanks.
1. Pygmy Corydoras – The Tiny Bottom Dwellers
Pygmy Corydoras are an excellent choice for small aquariums. These tiny catfish are social, active, and great for keeping the bottom of your tank clean. They’re hardy and adaptable to different water parameters, making them easy to care for. Plus, they are affordable and thrive in groups of six or more. They tolerate a wide variety of temps from 70 to 80 degrees, pH from 6.5 to 8.0, and soft to hard water. Grab yourself a group of 6 or more and enjoy these guys on the bottom of your tank.
2. Clown Killifish – The Rocket-Like Swimmers
Clown Killifish are colorful, top-dwelling fish that resemble miniature rockets. Males boast stunning colors, while females are more muted. They are jumpers, so a well-fitting lid is essential. These fish are relatively easy to breed and enjoy feeding on small floating foods such as baby brine shrimp and frozen Cyclops. They tolerate a wide temperature range from 68 to 80 degrees. They can live in water with a pH from 6.5 to 8.2, and almost any hardness. When breeding, aim for the middle of all of those ranges.
3. Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) – A Timeless Classic
Celestial Pearl Danios are one of the most stunning small fish available. With their intricate patterns and striking colors, they bring elegance to any aquarium. They thrive in cool water conditions and are relatively easy to breed. Their mid-water swimming habits make them ideal for a diverse nano tank. They can live in temperatures from 68 to 78, with pH being 6.5 to 8.0 . Hardness can be soft to hard water. For spawning, target the middle and keep them in groups of 6 or more.
4. White Cloud Mountain Minnows – The Hardy Beauties
White Clouds are often overlooked, but they are among the best small fish in the hobby. Available in normal, gold, and long-finned varieties, these fish can even survive in outdoor ponds with freezing temperatures. They are extremely hardy and adapt well to various water conditions. They can handle a temperature range of 30 to 90 degrees, any pH above 6.5, and any hardness. You will only need a pair to spawn them if kept alone. These fish are easy to breed and will usually spawn and make you more.
5. Chili Rasbora – Tiny Fish with Fiery Colors
Chili Rasboras are known for their intense red coloration, which becomes more vibrant in well-maintained tanks. They prefer mid-water areas and do well in heavily planted setups. While they are easy to keep, breeding them is quite challenging. If you manage to breed them successfully, consider sharing your method with the aquarium community! They prefer temperatures from 72 to 82. pH can range from 6.5 to 8.0. Water hardness can be from soft to moderately hard. Keep in groups of 6 or more.
6. Neon Green Tetra – A Unique Twist on a Classic
Neon Green Tetras are even smaller than traditional Neons and display a mesmerizing green hue when viewed from above. They prefer warmer waters and are best suited for aquarists looking to add a unique pop of color to their nano tank. Temperatures can range from 74 to 82, pH from 6.5 to 7.8, with soft to moderate hardness. Keep in groups of 6 or more. Best viewed from standing above to maximize the green color.
7. Fancy Guppies & Endlers – A Rainbow of Options
Guppies and their smaller relatives, Endlers, are excellent choices for small tanks. They come in a vast array of colors and patterns and are incredibly easy to breed. With proper care, they will thrive in hard water and higher pH environments, making them one of the most versatile nano fish. Temperatures can range from 72 to 82 with a pH above 7.0 up to 8.5. Moderately hard to very hard water with lots of minerals is ideal. A single pair can make lots of fry. Keep in groups with more females than males.
8. Sparkling Gourami – The Subtle Stunner
Sparkling Gouramis have an iridescent glow when light hits them just right. These fish exhibit fascinating behavior, often stalking their food like tiny predators. They help control small pest populations like Hydra and add a unique dynamic to a nano tank. Temperatures can range from 72 to 80 degrees, with a pH level of 6.5 to 7.8 with low to moderate hardness. These are micro predators that can even hunt some hydra for you.
9. Kuhli Loach – The Playful "Danger Noodle"
Kuhli Loaches are bottom-dwelling, eel-like fish that come in various colors and patterns. They are social and should be kept in groups. While they spend much of their time hiding, they are a joy to watch when they emerge and explore their environment. Temperatures should range between 72 to 82, with a ph above 6.5 to 8.2. Soft to hard water. Keep in groups of 3 or more.
10. Apistogramma (Dwarf Cichlids) – Small But Mighty
If you’re looking for a more interactive and rewarding fish, a pair of Apistogramma is an excellent choice. These dwarf cichlids require specific water conditions, including soft, warm water, but they will reward you with fascinating behavior and potential breeding opportunities. Temperatures should be 82 to 85 for best results, with a pH of 6.5 to 8.0 with soft to moderate water hardness. A single pair when happy can produce lots of fry. Watch out for sneaker males, which means when buying a boy and a girl, the sexually immature male can look like a female and act like one with a dominant male in a tank.
11. Shell-Dwelling Cichlids (Neolamprologus Multifasciatus) – The Burrowing Engineers
Multis, or shell dwellers, are tiny African cichlids that live in and around shells. They constantly dig and rearrange their environment, making them endlessly entertaining to watch. They prefer high-pH, hard water and do best in species-only setups. Temperatures can range from 72 to 82 with a pH of 7.0 to 8.5. Moderate to hard water is ideal Buying a group of 6 usually gets you at least one female. With enough shells and lots of small foods floating into the shells, you'll make fry. I recommend feeding both our magic small fish feed to feed the fry and the community pellets for the adults.
12. Red Neon Rainbowfish – A Burst of Color
Red Neon Rainbowfish are small, bright, and active. While they can be pricey, they are well worth the investment for their beauty and engaging behavior. They prefer warm water and do well in groups, where males will display their best colors. Temperatures can range from 70 to 82 degrees with a pH of 7.0 to 8.0 with soft to moderately hard water. A single pair can give you eggs with a floating spawning mop. Raising the fry requires very tiny powder foods with a long small fry grow out time.
Final Thoughts
There are countless small fish species that make excellent additions to nano aquariums. Whether you prefer the elegance of Celestial Pearl Danios, the hardiness of White Clouds, or the playful nature of Kuhli Loaches, there’s a perfect small fish for every aquarist.