Freshwater aquariums are probably the first things you dip your toes into when entering this hobby. Researching and learning about the many fish out there can be quite intimidating. This article will hopefully help cut down on the search by sharing ten fish I think are fantastic choices for a 10-gallon community tank. This list is comprised of my favorite fish for 10-gallon aquariums, The fish listed here are my personal choices and I understand there may be varying opinions depending on who you ask.
1. Ember Tetra
The Ember Tetra is a fantastic option for a 10-gallon fish tank. They’re incredibly small and will stay about 1.25 inches when fully grown. Ember Tetras have a very small bio-load and you can easily add 10-15 of them into a well-planted aquarium.
Ember Tetras are on this list because they remain incredibly small. They’re easy fish to keep, and you can add a good handful of them into a 10-gallon aquarium without issue.
2. Lambchop Rasbora
Lambchop Rasboras (Trigonostigma espei) are peaceful and generally easy to care for freshwater fish. They’ll grow to about 1.5 inches at their maximum size which makes them a great choice for 10-gallon aquariums. Lambchop Rasboras have a nice orange color throughout their bodies, with a lambchop-shaped black splotch near their belly. They’re great additions to a well-planted tank and will lay eggs underneath broadleaf plants.
This fish species also made it to this list mostly due to their size. Lambchop Rasboras don’t get much bigger than the Ember Tetra. If you enjoy the look of Lambchop Rasboras but are looking for something a little more robust, consider checking out Harlequin Rasboras.
3. Threadfin Rainbowfish
Threadfin Rainbowfish are often overlooked as a stocking option. Large rainbows seem to get most of the love. However, these fish have a unique look to them and have beautiful blue and gray colors throughout their bodies. Threadfin Rainbows stay quite small, only growing to about 2 inches. They’re also peaceful and do best in schools of at least 6 individuals.
The unique look and beautiful colors of the Threadfin Rainbow are why I felt they deserve to be on this list. They are gorgeous fish with a streamlined-looking body.
4. Gold Tetra
Gold Tetras are probably one of my favorite species of tetra and are a fantastic option for a 10-gallon fish tank. They have a great shimmer and are quite flashy in aquariums due to their vibrant gold/silver colors. They’re very peaceful and will not bother other fish in the aquarium. Gold Tetras do best in schools of at least 6 individuals. A 10-gallon aquarium should easily house 10 Gold Tetras.
The Gold Tetras are a wonderful addition to a 10-gallon tank. I enjoy the contrast they have to a heavily planted aquarium. Their gold/silver glimmer as they move gives them a spot on this list.
5. Betta Fish
Betta Fish are really fun fish to keep. They have remarkable colors and we can’t forget about their incredibly long fins. Contrary to what you may have been taught, Betta Fish should not be kept in cups, small vases, or other small containers. However, they are a fantastic choice for 10-gallon community tanks. Bettas love to explore, and will likely utilize every part of the fish tank.
Most people know the charm of Bettas. Their personalities are some of the best in freshwater fish. Besides their wonderful personalities, Bettafish come in an assortment of colors. You can likely find a color that will match your style.
6. Pygmy Cory
Pygmy Corys are exactly what you might expect. They’re a bite-sized version of a Corycat and only grow to about 1 inch. They will spend a lot of time shoaling with other Pygmy Corycats, but they’ll break away from the group and explore on their own.
I added them to this list because of their small size and many fishkeepers simply adore them. 10-gallon aquariums are fairly small, and this species of fish won’t take up the spotlight in the aquarium, but you may spend most of your time observing your goofy Pygmy Cory over other fish.
7. Otocinclus
If you’re looking for a small clean-up crew for your 10-gallon aquarium, check out Otocinclus. They’re social algae eaters that do best in small groups. One might not keep algae at bay, but a team may be able to do great things to eradicate algae growing in your fish tank. Use caution because this fish species is a little harder to keep. They may be a little more difficult to acclimate to a new environment.
Otocinclus are on this list because they’re small algae eaters that are also fun to watch. In small groups that can assist in keeping an aquarium tidy. Snails and shrimp can do the job of an Oto, but the option to have a small algae eater is good to have.
8. Neon Tetra
Neon Tetras are a classic fish. Anyone can recognize the blue and red colorations on this fish. They also make great candidates for 10-gallon aquariums. Depending on filtration and how densely planted the aquarium is, you can easily add between 6 and 10 individuals.
Neon Tetras made it into this list because they’re classic fish with beautiful blue and red colors. The biggest downside to Neon Tetras is that they can be finicky. You can get a great batch of them that will love for years, but you may also get some that don’t do very well.
9. Scarlet Badis
Scarlet Badis are an incredibly vibrant freshwater micro predator. They spend their days hunting for small shrimp, copepods, scuds, and other small inhabitants. They’re great for a 10-gallon aquarium setup that is heavily planted and might do best in a species-only fish tank because they can be incredibly shy.
I added them to this list because of their bright colors, which will pop in a 10-gallon fish tank. They are great for more experienced fishkeepers because of their picky diet and elusive personalities.
10. Sparkling Gourami
The Sparkling Gourami is a fish I don’t see often, but they’re great for 10-gallon community tanks. They only grow to about 1.5 inches and have incredible colors. The most eye-catching part for me is the blue ring Sparkling Gouramis have around their eyes. They can get a little territorial, but a male/female pair should do perfectly fine in a 10-gallon aquarium.
Another reason I suggest Sparkling Gouramis is because they make noises. During breeding season you may hear this fish make croaking noises. It’s a very odd feature in an already beautiful fish.
Final Notes
These ten fish are fantastic for a variety of reasons. They’re some of the best options in my eyes, but I know not everyone will agree with the fish I chose. If you own or have kept any of these fish, I’d be happy to hear your stories in keeping them. Let me know how you feel about this top 10 list! Check out 10 Best Fish for 55 Gallon Fish Tank if you’re looking for stocking ideas for a larger fish tank.
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