Fish That Can Live in Small Bowls

Pet store owners and hobbyist fish owners will tell you that fish bowls offer less than ideal homes for any type of fish. However, bowls sometimes work better in our living spaces than tanks and their filtration systems. The bowl's small size hinders the natural growth of any fish kept inside and the lack of a filtration system may cause health problems to the aquatic life in the bowl. Although not recommended, some fish can survive life in a fish bowl.

  1. Bettas

    • Like any other fish, bettas, also known as Siamese fighting fish, prefer large tanks that better resemble the streams these fish originate from. However, because bettas reach a maximum length of 2 to 3 inches, they can survive in a fish bowl. A tiny organ located behind the betta's head allows the species to breath air from the atmosphere instead of filtering oxygen from the water. This increases the betta's chances of surviving in bowls without filtration and air circulation system. You should keep one betta in a bowl, because these fish become extremely aggressive over territory and may fight to the death, especially when two males live in the same bowl.

    Goldfish

    • You keep goldfish indoors during the winter and then place them in garden ponds during the warm months.

      Several different varieties of goldfish can live in small fish bowls. Larger varieties prefer ponds but can survive for a period of time in a fish bowl. Goldfish will stop growing in size according to the size of their bowl or pond and the population of other fish in the area. Because it's a coldwater fish, the fish bowl should not have overhead lighting. Pet store owners and fish hobbyists recommend that owners avoid placing goldfish in bowls as the fish needs aerated water to avoid ammonia and nitrates that may kill the goldfish or stunt its growth.

    White Clouds

    • Named for the Chinese mountain range where a young boy discovered the species, white cloud fish are silver to brown in color. Because the white cloud mountain minnow reaches only 1 to 1 1/2 inches long, the fish can live in a small fishbowl. White clouds require only a gallon or two of water per fish to live healthily. These fish may live as long as 10 years in captivity but prefer larger surroundings such as filtered fish tanks and even outdoor fish ponds during the warmer months of the year.