If you’re interested in starting a small aquarium, adding schooling fish is a great way to enhance the visual appeal of your tank.
However, not all Fish are suitable for small tanks, and choosing the right species for your aquarium is essential.
In this article, we’ll go over 11 top choices for schooling fish in small aquariums.
Here they are;
- Neon Tetras
- Betta Fish
- Guppies
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Endler’s Livebearers
- Chili Rasboras
- Pygmy Corydoras
- Sparkling Gouramis
- Celestial Pearl Danios
- Scarlet Badis
- Endler’s Guppies
Neon Tetras
Neon Tetras are popular for small aquariums due to their stunning colors and easy care.
These fish are schooling by nature, so it’s best to keep them in groups of at least six.
They do well in soft to slightly hard water and prefer a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Neon Tetras have an average lifespan of around five years, but they can live up to ten years with proper care.
Betta Fish
Betta Fish are known for their vivid colors and unique personalities, making them a popular choice for small aquariums.
They’re labyrinth fish, meaning they have a special organ that allows them to breathe air from the surface, but it’s essential to use a filter to maintain good water quality.
Betta Fish prefers a varied diet that includes pellets, flakes, and frozen or live food.
Guppies
Guppies are easy to care for and come in various colorful varieties, making them a popular choice for small aquariums.
These social Fish should be kept in groups of at least three to four, but keeping your tank manageable is essential.
The general rule of thumb is to have no more than one inch of Fish per gallon of water. Therefore, a 10-gallon tank can house up to ten Guppies.
Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin Rasboras are small, peaceful Fish that make excellent tankmates for other temperate species.
However, they’re schooling Fish, so it’s best to keep them in groups of at least six.
Harlequin Rasboras prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5.
They also enjoy hiding places, so ensure they have plenty of plants or decorations.
Endler’s Livebearers
Endler’s Livebearers are a smaller version of Guppies known for their bright colors and striking patterns.
They’re active, easy to care for, and prefer slightly acidic to slightly alkaline water with a pH range between 6.5 and 8.0.
Endler’s Livebearers are hardy Fish and can tolerate various water conditions.
Chili Rasboras
Chili Rasboras are tiny, peaceful Fish that make a great addition to small aquariums. They’re schooling Fish, so it’s best to keep them in groups of at least six.
Chili Rasboras prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5.
They also enjoy hiding places and plants, so provide them with enough cover.
Pygmy Corydoras
Pygmy Corydoras are a smaller version of the famous Corydoras catfish and make great bottom-dwellers in small aquariums.
They’re peaceful Fish that are easy to care for and should be kept in groups of at least six.
Pygmy Corydoras prefer soft to slightly hard water with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5.
It’s recommended to use a soft substrate like Fluval Stratum and provide them with hiding places.
Sparkling Gouramis
Sparkling Gouramis are small, peaceful Fish that add a touch of elegance to small aquariums.
They’re known for their vibrant colors and sparkling scales and prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sparkling Gouramis are labyrinth fish and can breathe air from the surface, but a filter is still necessary to maintain good water quality.
Celestial Pearl Danios
Celestial Pearl Danios, also known as Galaxy Rasboras, are colorful and active Fish that make great schooling fish for small aquariums.
They prefer soft to slightly hard water with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5 and are peaceful enough to be kept with other peaceful species.
Scarlet Badis
Scarlet Badis are small, colorful Fish that are perfect for small aquariums.
They’re peaceful by nature and can be kept with other temperate species.
Scarlet Badis prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5.
They also enjoy hiding places and substrate, so using a soft substrate like Fluval Stratum is recommended.
Endler’s Guppies
Endler’s Guppies are a smaller and more colorful version of Guppies and are easy to care for in small aquariums.
They prefer slightly acidic to slightly alkaline water with a pH range between 6.5 and 8.0 and enjoy a varied diet that includes flakes, pellets, and live or frozen food.
In conclusion, adding schooling fish to small aquariums can add visual appeal and interest to your tank.
When choosing Fish for your aquarium, it’s essential to consider their size, behavior, and compatibility with other species.
In addition, good water quality is vital, so using the best aquarium filter for your tank size is essential.
With proper care, these top choices for schooling fish can provide your small aquarium with hours of entertainment and beauty.
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