Choosing the right fish for your 10-gallon tank is crucial for creating a healthy and beautiful aquarium.
While filling your tank with as many fish as possible can be tempting, it’s important to remember that fish need space to swim and thrive.
Therefore, selecting a few schooling fish is an excellent option for a 10-gallon tank.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 11 schooling fish for a 10-gallon tank and provide tips on properly caring for them.
TLDR – Schooling Fish For A 10-Gallon Tank;
- Neon Tetras
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Endlers Livebearers
- Cherry Barbs
- Pygmy Corydoras
- Guppies
- Celestial Pearl Danios
- White Cloud Mountain Minnows
- Betta Fish
- Dwarf Gouramis
- Corydoras Catfish
Contents
Neon Tetras

Neon tetras are a classic choice for a 10-gallon aquarium.
They are small, colorful, and peaceful, making them an excellent choice for beginners.
Neon tetras prefer to swim in schools of six or more, so adding several to your tank is essential.
They also like a planted tank with a fluval stratum substrate. Neon tetras have a lifespan of around five years and are easy to care for.
Harlequin Rasboras

Harlequin rasboras are another popular choice for a 10-gallon tank.
They are small, peaceful, and have unique diamond-shaped bodies.
Harlequin rasboras are relatively hardy and can tolerate a range of water conditions. They prefer to swim in schools of six or more and do well in a planted tank.
Endlers Livebearers
Endlers livebearers are colorful and active fish perfect for a 10-gallon tank.
However, they are smaller than guppies and have a shorter lifespan of around two years.
Endlers livebearers prefer a planted tank with a fluval stratum substrate and do well in a school of six or more.
Cherry Barbs
Cherry barbs are tiny, peaceful fish with a bright red coloration.
They prefer a planted tank with a fluval stratum substrate and do well in a school of six or more.
Cherry barbs are easy to care for and have a lifespan of around five years.
Pygmy Corydoras
Pygmy corydoras is a small, bottom-dwelling fish perfect for a 10-gallon tank.
They are peaceful, easy to care for, and prefer a planted tank with a fluval stratum substrate.
Pygmy corydoras are also a great addition to a community tank and do well with other small, peaceful fish.
Guppies
Guppies are a popular choice for a 10-gallon tank due to their bright colors and energetic personalities.
They prefer a planted tank with a fluval stratum substrate and do well in a school of six or more.
However, it’s important to note that guppies can breed quickly, so it’s essential to monitor their population to avoid overcrowding.
Celestial Pearl Danios
Celestial pearl danios are small, peaceful fish with a unique blue and red coloration.
They prefer a planted tank with a fluval stratum substrate and do well in a school of six or more.
Celestial pearl danios are easy to care for and have a lifespan of around five years.
White Cloud Mountain Minnows
White cloud mountain minnows are hardy, peaceful fish perfect for a 10-gallon tank.
They prefer a planted tank with a fluval stratum substrate and do well in a school of six or more.
White cloud mountain minnows are also an excellent option for a cold water tank.
Betta Fish
Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, is a popular choice for a 10-gallon tank.
They are known for their bright colors and flowing fins and can make a stunning addition to your aquarium.
Betta fish prefer a planted tank with a filter and do well in various water conditions.
However, it’s important to note that male bettas should not be housed together as they are aggressive toward each other.
Dwarf Gouramis

Dwarf gouramis are peaceful fish with vibrant colors and exciting personalities.
They prefer a planted tank with a fluval stratum substrate and do well in a school of six or more.
Therefore, when choosing tank mates for your dwarf gouramis, selecting peaceful fish that won’t compete for resources is essential.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras catfish are peaceful bottom-dwelling fish that can help keep your tank clean.
They prefer a planted tank with a fluval stratum substrate and do well in a school of six or more.
Corydoras catfish are also known for their unique whisker-like barbels, which they use to search for food on the bottom of the tank.
It’s essential to research each species thoroughly before adding them to your 10-gallon tank.
Overstocking the tank can harm the fish’s health, so keeping the number of fish in check is crucial.
Furthermore, it’s essential to maintain proper water conditions in your 10-gallon tank, including monitoring water parameters such as temperature, pH, and ammonia levels and selecting the best aquarium filter.
If you’re experiencing any issues with your fish, such as fish swimming sideways or unusual behavior, seek help from a knowledgeable source.
At Tropical Fish Care Guides, we offer a wide range of resources and information to help you care for your aquarium correctly.
In conclusion, a 10-gallon tank can be an ideal home for various schooling fish. From neon tetras to dwarf gouramis, there are plenty of options.
By selecting the right fish and maintaining proper water conditions, you can create a beautiful and healthy aquarium for years.
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