The Best Fish for Small Aquariums

While taking care of a small freshwater aquarium is no more difficult than a large one, it does present some challenges in finding fish for it. Since there will be little room for fish to escape from aggressive inhabitants, it is best to select fish of approximately the same size that have easy-going temperaments. It's also necessary to limit your fish to those that remain small as adults.

  1. Zebra Danios

    • If you like active fish, then zebra danios are definitely ones to consider. These striped egg-layers always seem to be in motion. In addition, they are very hardy and tolerate a wide spectrum of water temperatures and conditions and eat a variety of foods. Since they prefer to travel in schools, it's best to have at least four or five of these in a tank. Zebra danios, which grow up to 2 inches in length, also seem to have a calming effect on other fish; since they will inhabit all areas of an aquarium, they seem to give confidence to more timid species.

    Tetras

    • Tetras come in a variety of types such as silver, bloodfin, serpae and neon. These fish are also egg-layers and tolerate a wide variety of temperatures and water conditions. Tetras are very active and do better in small schools. They also eat a variety of foods although they seem to prefer flake food. As adults they will range in size from 1 to 2 inches, depending on the individual species.

    Cherry Barbs

    • Cherry barbs are another fish that do well in small aquariums and are excellent fish for beginners. Not only are they a peaceful species that gets along well with others, they are also tolerant of a wide variety of water conditions. Like the other fish listed, they are about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in length as adults. They have been known to be picky eaters until they get used to their surroundings, but then seem to enjoy variety. They also prefer to travel in small schools and enjoy having a few hiding spots in the tank.

    Guppies

    • Guppies, nicknamed "millions of fish," are very prolific live-bearers. Guppies come in a variety of types and colors, but all are peaceful and get along well with most other varieties of fish of the same 1 to 2 inches in size. In general, the females tend to be a duller color than the males, which often have long, fancy tails. These fish are also tolerant of a wide range of water conditions and types of food. It is best to have several females for each male.