Fish stocking is often the first thing you think about when deciding to setup a new nano tank. The 10 gallon tank is easily one of the most commonly used tanks for beginners and advanced aquarists alike. However, their relatively small size poses some challenges and there are some important things you should be aware of before you go to the fish shop.
Here are our fish stocking suggestions for a 10 gallon aquarium.
| Schooling fish | Harlequin Rasboras Celestial Pearl Danios Guppies Multi cichlids Neon Tetras |
| Centerpiece fish | Bettas Honey Gourami Dwarf Pea Puffer Peacock Gudgeon Sparkling Gourami |
| Cleaner crew | Otocinclus Shrimp Dwarf Corydoras |
How Many Fish Can I Add?
How many fish can you have in a 10 gallon tank? Unfortunately, it’s a question that needs a bit of thought. A common rule of thumb that you will come across on the internet is the “two fish per gallon” rule. But how does this apply in a planted versus non-planted tank? And what does this say about the size of fish you can keep? It is important to remember that these are just guidelines and do not apply to every situation. In fact, following these guidelines without any further thought can lead to issues down the track including excessive nutrients and algal growth, and fish deaths due to incompatible fish behaviors.
Before you go to the fish shop, you should consider these:
- The size of the adult fish
It may be obvious but be aware that fish shops will sometimes sell you juveniles which will outgrow your tank in time. Fish such as cichlids, clown loaches, and some plecos will need larger and taller tanks that a 10 gallon cannot provide.
2. Available swimming space
Is your tank planted or not planted? Aquatic plants reduce the available swimming space. Schooling fish such as tetras will appreciate wide open space to swim however Bettas and Apistogrammas will be happy in a denser planted tank.
3. Behaviour and temperament
Each fish species are different in terms of their aggressiveness towards other fish and even their kin. For example, fish such as the Dwarf Pea Puffer and male bettas are commonly kept as centerpiece fish and not in schools or community tanks due to their territorial aggressiveness. On the other hand, Dwarf Gourami’s are typically docile and will get along with schooling fish like tetras and rasboras.
Top Schooling Fish
With the above considerations in mind, here are some examples of schooling fish that will go great in a 10 gallon aquarium.
1. Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin Rasboras are one of the recognized schooling fish with their black triangle that covers the back half of their body. They are a popular choice amongst beginner aquarists due to their ability to get along with a wide variety of tank mates and very few specific care needs. All you need is a clean and well maintained tank as well as a good diet, then they will do very well.
| Origin | Native to the blackwater rivers, streams, and peat swamps of Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand |
| Scientific name | Trigonostigma heteromorpha |
| Adult size | Average: 1 inch (2.5 cm) Maximum: 2 inches (5 cm) |
| Care level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | A varied diet of high-quality flakes or pellets, brine shrimp, and daphnia |
| Swimming zone | Mid to top water column |
| Tank setup | Planted community tank with low flow and open swimming areas, preferably sand substrate but gravel can be used |
| Tankmates | Should be kept in a school of no less than 6 individuals. May become stressed to larger and more boisterous fish. Suitable tankmates include other tetras (Ember, Neon) and bottom dwellers. |
| Temperature | 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C) |
| pH | 6.0 – 6.5 |
2. Celestial Pearl Danios
Celestial Pearl Danios sometimes referred to as CPDs or Galaxy Rasboras, have only come onto the aquarium trade scene since the mid-2000s. They are highly active fish that will also provide a splash of color in your aquarium.
The typical lifespan within a healthy tank may be between 3 and 5 years.
| Origin | Vegetated ponds and slow-moving streams in South East Asia |
| Scientific name | Danio margaritatus |
| Adult size | Average: 1 inch (2.5 cm) Maximum: 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) |
| Care level | Easy |
| Temperament | Generally peaceful however can become skittish with boisterous tank mates |
| Diet | May prefer to feed mid water column so pellets and any other sinking foods such as juvenile brine shrimp should be introduced in small amounts every few minutes. High quality flakes work well. |
| Swimming zone | Bottom to top water column |
| Tank setup | Planted community tank |
| Tankmates | Should be kept in a school of no less than 6 individuals. Other nano fish of similar sizes such as Rasboras and Tetras, bottom dwellers including Corydoras, Kuhli Loaches, snails, shrimp, and guppies |
| Temperature | 72°F to 76°F (22°C to 24°C) |
| pH | 6.5 – 7.5 |
3. Guppies
If you are looking to get into fish breeding then guppies are an easy choice to start with. This is because they will happily tolerate a wide range of water conditions and tank setups. Guppies are livebearers which means that they retain the eggs inside their bodies and give birth to live fry.
Guppies are a popular choice for beginners and are known for their different colors, patterns and shapes of fins. This due to selective breeding where certain characteristics are promoted and have resulted in different varieties such as snakeskin and grass guppies.
| Origin | Coastal rivers and lakes of South America (almost all guppies in the aquarium trade are bred in captivity). |
| Scientific name | Poecilia reticulata |
| Adult size | Male: 0.6 – 1.4 inches (1.5 – 3.5 cm) Female: 1.2 – 2.4 inches (3 – 6 cm) |
| Care level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Omnivores A good quality flake can be provided daily however supplement two or three times a week with baby brine shrimp. |
| Swimming zone | Bottom to topwater column |
| Tank setup | Most tank setups will be fine however, a tank with plenty of hiding places (plants, driftwood, rocks, or ornaments) will help fish fry survive from being eaten. |
| Tank mates | Community fish of similar size and temperament. Larger fish may predate on guppies. |
| Temperature | 76°F to 80°F (24°C to 26.5°C) |
| pH | 7.2 – 7.5 |
4. Multi Cichlids
The multi cichlids of Lake Tanganyika are one of the smallest cichlids in the aquarium trade. They are usually kept in species-only tanks which brings out the best of their fascinating colony-like behaviors. If water conditions are correctly maintained, then breeding should come easy and you may see new groups of fry occupying different parts of the bottom of the tank every few weeks. They are shell dwellers, which means that they live and breed in shells.
If you enjoy watching social behaviors and you want something a bit different, then consider multi cichlids.
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika, Africa |
| Scientific name | Neolamprologus multifaciatus |
| Adult size | Males: Average 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), maximum 2 inches (5 cm) Females: Average 1 inches (2.5 cm), maximum 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) |
| Care level | Easy to moderate (easy to breed) |
| Temperament | Inquisitive, always active digging sand and moving shells, high-level of social interaction |
| Diet | Flakes, pellets, live baby brine shrimp |
| Swimming zone | Bottom dwellers |
| Tank setup | Limestone rocks or crushed coral to assist with maintaining water conditions, open spaces with fine to medium-grained sand and at least 2 inches deep, lots of shells. Sponge on filter intake to avoid fry being sucked up. If possible, a shorter but longer tank is beneficial. |
| Tankmates | Should be kept in a school (one male and a few females) with no other tank mates. Will not tolerate other fish species especially when breeding. |
| Temperature | 77°F to 81°F (25°C to 27°C) |
| pH | 8.0 – 8.3 (hard water) |
5. Neon Tetras
The Neon Tetra is probably the most recognizable schooling aquarium fish in the world. Cheap and easy to care for, these fish are a mainstay in almost every fish shop in the world. Given their red and blue iridescent coloring and constant occupation of the middle of the water column, they also are a great option for aquascaped tanks.
In the wild, Neon Tetras live in blackwater (tannin-stained) streams beneath dense forest canopies where little light penetrates through. It is their bright coloration in these natural conditions that help them with maintaining visual contact with each other.
Related: Can I add Water Conditioner whilst Fish are in the Tank?
| Origin | Blackwater biotopes (streams and river basins) in Brazil, Columbia, and Peru |
| Scientific name | Paracheirodon innesi |
| Adult size | Average: 1 inch (2.5 cm) Maximum: 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) |
| Care level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Omnivores Daily: Flake or pellet food Occasionally: High protein items such as chopped up live or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia |
| Swimming zone | Mid and top column. |
| Tank setup | Tend to do better in established aquariums. Planted tank (including floating) with varying degrees of plant density, some open swimming space, driftwood, and dark sandy bottom. Tannin-stained water is beneficial to recreate their natural blackwater habitat. 6 to 8 individuals in a school is ideal for a 10 gallon tank. |
| Tankmates | Peaceful community fish of similar sizes such as Rasboras, Corydoras, Glowlight Tetras, Black Neon Tetras |
| Temperature | 72°F to 81°F (22°C to 27°C) |
| pH | 7.0 – 7.5 |
Top Centerpiece Fish
Read on to find out more about our recommendations for keeping a centerpiece fish in your 10 gallon aquarium.
1. Bettas
Bettas are one of the most eye-catching aquarium fish. They are sought after for their vibrant colors, elegant fin displays, and interesting behaviors.
Betta splendens is the most common Betta species in the aquarium trade. Most are bred to accentuate desirable features such as longer fins or particular colors. Bettas bred in captivity look nothing like their wild counterparts which originate from shallow pools and streams in Thailand.
Despite popular belief, Bettas should not be kept in bowls. They require at least 5 gallons in a preferably planted tank with gentle or slow water flow.
| Origin | Low current streams and pools in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam |
| Scientific name | Betta splendens |
| Adult size | Average: 2.2 inches (5.7cm) Maximum: 3 inches (7 cm) |
| Care level | Easy to moderate |
| Temperament | Inquisitive explorers which are generally peaceful with the right tank mates, however likely to be aggressive to other territorial fish and Bettas |
| Diet | Carnivore Daily: Flake or pellet food such as Hikari Betta Bio Gold Occasionally: High protein items such as live or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia |
| Swimming zone | Generally occupy all parts of the water column |
| Tank setup | Planted tank with varying levels of plant density, some open areas and low current |
| Tankmates | Mid column dwellers: Calm, peaceful, and small community fish such as tetras. Bottom dwellers: Mystery snails, small Corydoras (e.g. Pandas), Ottocinclus, Kuhli Loaches. Avoid other territorial fish such as cichlids. |
| Temperature | 77°F to 81°F (25°C to 27°C) |
| pH | 7.0 |
2. Honey Gourami
The Honey Gourami are popular aquarium fish due to their bright colors, hardiness, and peaceful nature when it comes to other tank mates.
Almost all of the fish in the aquarium trade are commercially bred. Over the last 15 years, the Honey Gourami has been selectively bred with the Dwarf Gourami to promote ornamental colorations.
| Origin | Floodplains of the Ganges River in Northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal |
| Scientific name | Trichogaster chuna |
| Adult size | Average: 2 inches (5cm) Maximum: 3 inches (7.5cm) |
| Care level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful in a community tank, can be shy or timid (best in groups of 4 to 6). |
| Diet | Omnivore Daily: Flake or slow sinking pellet food Occasionally: High protein items such as live or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia |
| Swimming zone | Mid to top water dweller |
| Tank setup | Planted tank with varying levels of plant density, some open areas, floating plants, and low current |
| Tank mates | Rasboras, small Tetras (ember, neon), Corydoras and other bottom dwellers such as dwarf loaches, guppies |
| Temperature | 77°F to 81°F (25°C to 27°C) |
| pH | 6.0 – 7.5 |
3. Dwarf Pea Puffer
Pea Puffers are a unique fish and small fish with big personalities and lots of attitude. They are one of the smallest freshwater pufferfish in the world.
The species is currently listed as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. This is due too severe habitat modification by damming and de-forestation for agricultural plantations. Additionally, the Pea Puffer has long been a popular fish in the aquarium trade. Pea Puffers should be sourced from a reputable place that breeds them in captivity.
| Origin | Rivers, lakes and estuaries in southwest India. |
| Scientific name | Carinotetraodon travancoricus |
| Adult size | Maximum: 1 inch (2.5 cm) |
| Care level | Moderate |
| Temperament | Males are typically aggressive to other Pea Puffers due to territorial nature. Inquisitive and responds to owner after a period of time. |
| Diet | Carnivores. Frozen or live blackworms, bloodworms, brine shrimp, small snails. May not readily eat dry foods (flakes and pellets). |
| Swimming zone | Bottom to top dwelling |
| Tank setup | Planted tank with varying levels of plant density, some open areas, rocks, driftwood, floating plants and low current. |
| Tank mates | Species only tank: Maximum of 3 Pea Puffers (one male, two females) in a 10 gallon (densely planted tank only due to territorial behaviors). Community tank (for more advanced aquarists): Fast swimming fish such as Tetras (Ember, Neon and Glowlight), Harlequin and Lamp Eye Rasboras, Celestial Pearl Danios. Avoid: Slow moving fish with long fins such as Mollies, Guppies as Pea Puffers are known to fin nip, and shrimp. |
| Temperature | 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C) |
| pH | 7.0 – 7.5 |
4. Peacock Gudgeon
Peacock Gudgeons are a great alternative to the more popular Bettas and Sparking Gouramis. They are highly colorful fish with distinct and fun personalities. They are sometimes referred to as Peacock Gobies even though they do not belong to the Goby family.
A 10 gallon tank with lots of hiding places will be suitable for a pair of Peacock Budgeons. They also do well in groups of 6 to 8 however a larger tank (20 gallon) will be needed.
| Origin | Shallow pools and streams in Papua New Guinea |
| Scientific name | Tateurndina ocellicauda |
| Adult size | Average: 2 inches (5cm) Maximum: 3 inches (7.5cm) |
| Care level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful. Can display some territorial aggression to other Peacock Gudgeons if kept in a group but is likely to be for show. Tends to be shy if in a tank that doesn’t have a lot of cover. |
| Diet | Omnivore Daily: Small granular food such as Hikari Betta Bio Gold or Tropical Formula Bug Bites. Occasionally: Chopped frozen bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp and live juvenile brine shrimp as a treat. |
| Swimming zone | Generally occupy all parts of the water column |
| Tank setup | Planted tank with varying levels of plant density, some open areas, rocks, driftwood, floating plants, and low current. Ensure the tank is covered with a lid to stop jumping. |
| Tankmates | Dwarf Rasboras, small tetras, Corydoras, Ottocinclus, Celestial Pearl Danio, Kuhli Loach |
| Termperature | 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C) |
| pH | 6.5 – 7.5 |
5. Sparking Gourami
The Sparkling Gourami is another small Gourami that is ideal for a densely planted 10 gallon tank. They are peaceful with other typical community fish however keeping a small group of them will bring out the best in their social interactions.
The males can be distinguished by their brighter colors as well as longer dorsal and caudal fins. Breeding is easy to achieve by introducing floating plant matter to encourage the males to produce bubble nests. Unlike the Honey Gourami, the Sparking Gourami do not tend to predate on their own fry.
| Origin | Slow-moving and densely vegetated streams and rivers, flooded forests, floodplains, and swamps in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand |
| Scientific name | Tricopsis pumila |
| Adult size | Average: 1 to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) Maximum: 2 inches (5cm) |
| Care level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful in a community tank, inquisitive behaviors |
| Diet | Daily: Small granular food such as Hikari Betta Bio Gold or Tropical Formula Bug Bites. Occasionally: Chopped frozen bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp and live juvenile brine shrimp as a treat. |
| Swimming zone | Generally occupy all parts of the water column |
| Tank setup | Densely planted tank with low to medium light. Sandy substrate with almond leaves. Slightly tannin-stained water and floating plant matter are beneficial. Avoid fast-moving and aggressive feeding species. Ensure the tank is covered with a lid to stop jumping. |
| Tank mates | Dwarf Rasboras, small tetras, pencilfish, Corydoras |
| Temperature | 75°F to 81°F (24°C to 27°C) |
| pH | 5.5 – 7.5 |
Top Cleaner Crew Examples
A few cleaner crew fish will be beneficial in your 10 gallon tank, especially if it’s planted. Here are three cleaner crew fish that would be suitable for a 10 gallon.
1. Otocinclus
Otocinclus is a genus of South American catfish which are related to the Pleco family (Loricariidae). They are a popular addition to planted nano tanks as algae eaters. Sometimes mistaken as an easy to care for fish, you should be mindful of the following aspects which make their care a bit more involving:
- Appetite and diet: The trick to buying healthy fish at the shop is to look for slightly bulged stomachs. This means that they are eating well. Avoid buying Otocinclus which appears skinny. Otocinclus are typically introduced into a tank that has algae issues. However, after they perform their job eating the algae, their diets will need to be occasionally supplemented once to ensure their health is maintained.
- Sensitivity to poor water quality: Otocinclus tend to be sensitive to changes in water quality, the result of which is sometimes death. Ensure that your 10 gallon is mature and has completed its cycling (no ammonia or nitrate) and perform small but frequent water changes.
Although Otocinclus don’t school, they do enjoy each other’s company. Depending on how many fish you already have, 3 to 6 in a planted 10 gallon would work well.
| Origin | Oxygenated small streams or water banks where dense vegetation is present. |
| Scientific name | Otocinclus vittatus |
| Adult size | 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 cm) |
| Care level | Easy to moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Omnivores. Algae (brown diatom algae, soft green algae), algae wafers, a slice of blanched cucumber, zucchini, carrot, or potato to supplement. “Repashy Soilent Green” is a great supplement product that contains spirulina algae. |
| Swimming zone | Bottom to top dwelling (on surfaces such as the aquarium glass, driftwood, plants, substrate) |
| Tank setup | Otocinclus are adept at eating algae off plants so a planted tank with varying levels of plant density is best. Driftwood and a sandy substrate. |
| Tank mates | Other community fish of similar sizes and temperament (tetras, Corydoras) |
| Temperature | 72°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C) |
| pH | 6.5 – 7.5 |
2. Red Cherry or Crystal Red Shrimp
Red Cherry Shrimp are graded according to the amount and intensity of red on the body and legs
mature tank which has been cycled, no ammonia nitrates. once right water quality and setup – easy to breed
3. Pygmy Corydoras
Dwarf Corydoras are one of the smallest Corydoras around and are very popular additions to the 10 gallon tank. Their maximum size of 1 inch (2.5cm), peaceful temperament, and schooling behaviors. They do require a lot of open space on a sandy bottom to sift and forage for foods.
| Origin | Streams and river basins with heavy leaf litter in Venezuela, Columbia, Peru, Ecuador, western Brazil. |
| Scientific name | Three species of Dwarf Corydoras: Corydoras pygmaeus, Corydoras hastatus, Corydoras habrosus |
| Adult size | Maximum: 1 inch (2.5 cm) |
| Care level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Omnivores. A varied diet of high-quality sinking pellets, live tubifex worm, frozen or live juvenile brine shrimp, flakes. |
| Swimming zone | Bottom to middle water column (on surfaces such as the driftwood, plants, substrate) |
| Tank setup | Planted tank with open spaces of sandy (rounded) substrate for food foraging, low to medium flow |
| Tank mates | 5 to 10 Dwarf Corydoras in a 10 gallon tank. Red Cherry shrimp, mid to top dwelling community fish (tetras, Celestial Pearl Danios) Avoid: Male Bettas |
| Temperature | 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C) |
| pH | 6.5 – 7.5 |