Types of Fish for a 10 Gallon Tank

Basic Considerations

• As you fill your tank, remember that 10-gallon tanks are very small. In general, if you are creating a community tank, you can keep one inch of fish per gallon of water. Keep in mind that this measurement is based on the full-grown length of the fish, not the length when you buy it. Goldfish, for example, are not appropriate for a 10-gallon tank, because a tiny 1-inch goldfish can grow to 10 inches in adulthood. Also, some fish, like head-and-light-tail tetras, are small, but they need a lot of room due to their activity level, and these do not do well in a 10-gallon aquarium.

Types of Fish to Choose

• Guppies, because of their small adult size and vibrant colors, make a stunning display in a 10-gallon tank. The full-grown fish are usually less than an inch and a half in length, and the males sport showy tail and body colors. These are livebearing fish and will breed prolifically, but they will eat their young if you do not wish to raise the fry. If you intend to breed guppies, do not fill your tank with them, because it will become overcrowded after just one brood. Start with one breeding pair, and then plan for homes for the fry as they continue to reproduce.

  Small tetras, such as the neon tetra, lemon tetra and cardinal tetra, are great in small aquariums. These are schooling fish, so you must keep at least six of the same species for them to feel comfortable. These fish do well in a community tank, as they have mild temperaments and are typically quite hardy. Some species of tetra are fin-nippers, so you will want to avoid putting them in a tank with guppies or other species with large tail fins.

  Zebra danios are a very peaceful schooling fish that does will in medium light. They can grow up to 3 inches, but in spite of their length they do well in a 10-gallon tank. These fish are a brilliant silver or gold color with bright blue lines running the length of the body. A new breed of genetically engineered zebra danio, known as the "Glo-Fish," has fluorescent stripes that appear to glow under a black light. These can also be kept in a small tank.

  Betas can be kept in 10-gallon tanks. Betas, which are sometimes called Siamese fighting fish, have been carefully bred to enhance their colors and lengthen their fins. The males are highly combative, so if you choose to keep a male beta, he must be kept alone in the tank. Females have shorter fins and are not as combative, so they can be kept in a tank with other fish. If you shop carefully, you can find females that are as colorful as the males.