Many people would love to have a home aquarium, but they don’t think they have space in their small apartments or houses. The good news is that nanofish exist! These tiny species don’t require large tanks, so you can fit them anywhere. We’re focusing on five-gallon and ten-gallon tanks because these are the most realistic for many hobbyists. And, for the purposes of this guide, we’re defining nanofish as those measuring less than two inches long.
1. Sparkling Gourami: Fish That Croak!
Sparkling Gourami are ideal for nano tanks because of their tiny size. It’s also very entertaining to watch them zip around and interact. They hail from Southeast Asia and grow to about 1.6 inches in length. We advise keeping at least six in a 10-gallon tank. Remember: there are some special considerations when caring for tiny fish. For example, if the aquarium filter is too powerful, it could prevent them from feeding or even suck them inside!
Male Sparkling Gourami are also quite territorial. You may even hear them croaking at each other! Both males and females can make these sounds using their pectoral fins.
2. Japanese Rice Fish: Tiny Yet Vibrant
Medaka (also called Japanese Rice Fish) are another great nano tank species. They only grow up to 1.5 inches. We advise a 10-gallon tank for about eight individuals. However, there are reports of hobbyists keeping healthy schools in even smaller aquariums. Rice fish are also notorious for jumping out of tanks, so it’s crucial to secure the tank’s lid. What’s more, you should do your best to ensure an even male-to-female fish ratio. Males can mate up to 27 times a day, and this could put a lot of stress on your females!
3. Endler’s Livebearer: Easy to Breed
Endler’s Livebearer is a very popular nanofish variety. A livebearing fish, they have a unique method of reproduction. Instead of laying eggs, livebearers give birth to small replicas of themselves. They breed easily, but two fish can quickly turn into 20 and overcrowd your aquarium!
We advise two females and one male for a 10-gallon tank. If you have a larger home aquarium, you can get even more because they’re quite social––just be sure to keep the male-to-female ratio even! Endler’s Livebearer has a beautiful aesthetic with vibrant, colorful patterns across its body. They only grow to about an inch in length, so they’re true nanofish.
4. Celestial Pearl Danios: Great for Beginners
Many nanofish hobbyists adore Celestial Pearl Danios because they can fit several in a five or ten-gallon tank. This microspecies seldom reaches more than an inch long when fully grown. They are territorial, so be careful putting too many males in the tank together. Danios are generally great fish for beginners. You can feed them small flakes and newly hatched brine shrimp. Avoid giving them food that’s too big because it can cause obesity. This is something to remember for all nanofish!
5. Scarlet Badi Suit Experienced Fishkeepers
Scarlet Badis are tiny fish, but they’re admittedly not great for new aquarists. Some owners report that they only eat live food, and it’s a struggle to keep them healthy. Nonetheless, these nanofish are beautiful with their shimmering orange and silver bodies. It’s easy to see why they remain popular despite their complex needs.
We don’t recommend keeping them in a community tank. They’re timid around bigger fish but may eat smaller species. Scarlet Badis loves eating snails!
6. Peacock Gudgeon: Tropical Freshwater Fish
The gorgeous Peacock Gudgeon is originally from Papua New Guinea. This tiny fish has a pale blue body with vivid red stripes. It’s a beautiful contrast that adds a wonderful aesthetic to a home aquarium. They’re tropical freshwater fish, offering the same allure as saltwater fish without their complex needs. Peacock Gudgeons prefer a temperature of 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit with a pH level of 7.0. They usually grow to about 1.5 to two inches, but some may get slightly bigger.
7. Betta Fish Suit Small Aquariums
Betta fish are perfect for small aquariums. They can be slightly bigger than some of the species on this list, but they’ll be happy in a five or ten-gallon tank. Betta fish are available in a wide range of colors and morphs, so there’s one for everybody. Avoid putting artificial plants in their tanks because they might scratch themselves. Live plants are perfect, and they’ll be happy hiding or swimming among them.
8. Dwarf Rasbora Can Live Eight Years
Dwarf Rasboras are a fantastic (and popular) species because of their peaceful natures. This nanofish grows between 0.8 and 1.0 inches in length, and they’re ideal for a five or ten-gallon tank. They can live for up to eight years, too, which may seem surprising because of their small size. You can mix them with other species in a community aquarium, as well. Shrimp and tetras are great tankmates because they’ll coexist without bothering each other. They’re social fish, so it’s better to keep about five or more. These fish may suffer stress if they’re alone or their group is too small.
9. Dwarf Shrimp Eat Decomposing Matter
Yes, we know Red Cherry Shrimp aren’t technically fish. But we believe this nano species should get an honorable mention because it’s ideal for small tanks. You can even keep a colony of them! We recommend adding many plants because this will help to stabilize the environment. Be careful mixing shrimp with larger fish because they will end up as a snack. Red Cherry Shrimp are a popular variety and live for a couple of years in captivity. They like colder water, and this can even extend their lives. These shrimp love algae wafers, and they’re natural scavengers, so they can help keep your aquarium clean.
