Aquarists looking to create a small aquarium setup with a 5-gallon tank must choose the right fish to comfortably swim around without outgrowing the tank.
However, selecting suitable fish that get along with each other and can thrive in a small tank can be challenging.
This guide will list the best schooling fish for a 5-gallon tank and factors to consider before deciding.
TLDR – Schooling Fish for a 5-Gallon Tank
- Neon Tetras
- Ember Tetras
- Chili Rasboras
- Endler’s Livebearers
- Guppies
- Betta Fish
- Pygmy Corydoras
- Sparkling Gouramis
- Scarlet Badis
- Celestial Pearl Danios
- Mosquito Rasboras
Contents
Key Considerations
Before selecting the right fish for your 5-gallon tank, consider the following factors:
Tank Size
A 5-gallon tank is a small aquarium that requires carefully selecting fish species. Avoid choosing fish that will grow too large or overcrowd the tank.
Water Parameters
Fish species have different water temperature requirements, pH levels, and hardness. Select fish that can thrive in your tank’s water conditions.
Compatibility
Not all fish species get along with each other. Choose fish that are compatible and can coexist peacefully in a small tank.
The Best Schooling Fish for a 5-Gallon Tank
Here are some of the best schooling fish species that are suitable for a 5-gallon tank:
Neon Tetras
Neon tetras are a popular and colorful choice for small tanks. They are peaceful, hardy, and easy to care for, with a lifespan of around five years.
Ember Tetras
Ember tetras are similar to neon tetras but smaller, more active, and more lively. They also have a lifespan of around five years.
Chili Rasboras
Chili rasboras are small, colorful, peaceful and compatible with other fish species. They are also hardy, easy to care for, and have a lifespan of around three to five years.
Endler’s Livebearers
Endler’s livebearers are small, colorful, and easy-to-care-for fish species suitable for a 5-gallon tank.
They are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young and have a lifespan of around two to three years.
Guppies
Guppies are another popular choice for small tanks, but avoid overcrowding by keeping only a few guppies.
They are colorful, easy to care for and have a lifespan of around two to three years.
Betta Fish
Betta fish are aggressive and territorial, requiring special consideration in a 5-gallon tank. They can only be kept alone, and a filter and a heater are necessary for their health. They have a lifespan of around two to three years.
Pygmy Corydoras
Pygmy corydoras are peaceful catfish that get along with other fish. They are also great cleaners, helping to keep the tank clean by eating leftover food and debris.
They have a lifespan of around three to five years.
Sparkling Gouramis
Sparkling gouramis are small, peaceful fish species compatible with other species and easy to care for.
They have a lifespan of around three to five years.
Scarlet Badis
Scarlet badis are small, colorful, peaceful fish that can coexist with other fish species.
They are also hardy and have a lifespan of around three to five years.
Celestial Pearl Danios
Celestial pearl danios are small and colorful fish species that are peaceful and compatible with other fish species.
They are hardy, easy to care for and have a lifespan of around three to five years.
Mosquito Rasboras
Mosquito rasboras are peaceful surface feeders that are easy to care for and compatible with other fish species. They have a lifespan of around three to five years.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fish for a 5-gallon tank requires careful consideration of factors such as tank size, water parameters, and compatibility with other fish species.
The fish species listed above are all suitable for a 5-gallon tank and are relatively easy to care for.
Maintaining a healthy and stable environment for your fish is essential, so investing in a high-quality aquarium filter, like the best aquarium filter, and using a substrate like fluval stratum substrate to promote healthy plant growth is essential.
As an aquarist, you may have questions about your fish, such as; angelfish tank mates, why is my fish swimming sideways, dwarf gourami tank mates, how many guppies in a 10-gallon tank, do betta fish need a filter, and what do betta fish eat.
If you have any concerns about your fish’s health, seek advice from a veterinarian or a reputable aquarium store.
Your fish can thrive in their 5-gallon tank with proper care for years.
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