Not having the right fish in your tank can cause several problems. Starting from minor issues to even the death of your water buddies. And picking the proper fish for a small tank, like a 5-gallon tank, could be a little stressful. So, we tried to provide a helpful list of fish for 5 gallon tank or (small/nano tank) to choose the perfect fish for your aquarium.
We’ve prepared the list with several things in mind, like- size, care level, etc. So, don’t worry if you won’t find your favorite ones here.
Well, let’s dig into the list of small fishes you can put into your 5-gallon fish tank or similar nano aquariums.
Best Fishes for 5 Gallon Tank
1. Betta Fish
“Siamese fighting fish,” also known as the Betta, is a freshwater fish. The scientific name is “Betta splendens.” They’re part of the gourami family. About 73 species have been identified from the genus betta. The vibrant color, elaborate fin, and relatively low maintenance make them one of the most popular aquarium fish.
Bettas are native to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia. They grow about 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 inches), making them great small tank fish. Bettas are highly territorial and not the best choice for beginners.
A summary of Betta fish-
Name: Betta (Siamese fighting fish)
Family: Gourami
Tank Size: 1+ Gallon (for a single Betta)
Care Level: Intermediate
Diet: Naturally Carnivore
Water Conditions: 75° to 82°F
pH level: 7.0
Max.Size : 6-8 cm.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Lifespan: 3-5 years
2. White Cloud Mountain Minnow
A small hardy freshwater and cold-water fish is frequently kept in a fish tank. The white cloud mountain minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a carp family member and native to China. Their peaceful behavior and ease to take care labeled them as good fish for beginners.
The white cloud mountain minnow grows around 4 cm (roughly 1.5 inches). It’s a nice silver-green color with bright red caudal ad dorsal fin.
A summary on White Cloud Mountain minnow:
Name: White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Family: Cyprinidae
Tank Size: 5-10 Gallon (about 1 or 2 Gallons per fish)
Care level: Easy
Water condition: 62-72 °F
Diet: Omnivore
pH level: 6.0-8.0
dH level: 5-19
Max Size: 4 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Lifespan: 5-7 Years
3. Honey Gourami
Honey gourami (Trichogaster chuna) is a freshwater fish native to Bangladesh, Nepal, and India. They’re part of the Osphronemidae/ Gourami family and non-aggressive community fish.
Honey gourami has a nice orange-colored body and grows around 7 cm (2.8 inches).
All those features with easy to take care make them the right fish for beginners and a small aquarium.
A summary on Honey gourami:
Name: Honey Gourami
Family: Osphronemidae/Gourami
Tank Size: 5-10 Gallons
Care Level: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 71-82 °F
Max Size: 7-8 cm
Lifespan: 4-8 Years
Temperament: Peaceful (Male can be aggressive towards one another)
4. Dwarf Puffer
The Dwarf pufferfish is a small freshwater fish native to India. They’re also known as Malabar pufferfish, pea pufferfish, or pygmy pufferfish.
Dwarf puffer is the smallest pufferfish. Identifying gender is impossible, as they choose their sex during the maturity stage.
Male and female puffer both look yellow with dark green to black iridescent on the dorsal surface and flanks. They grow about 3.5 cm (1.4 inches). Dwarf puffers are territorial and aggressive.
Dwarf puffer is quite a popular aquarium fish around the world.
A summary of Dwarf Pufferfish:
Name: Dwarf Puffer
Family: Tetraodontidae
Tank Size: 5-10 Gallons
Care Level: Moderate/Intermediate
Diet: Carnivore
Water Condition: 72-82 °F
KH: 5-15
pH: 7.0-8.0
Max Size: 3.5 cm
Lifespan: 4 Years
Temperament: Territorial and aggressive
5. Clown Killifish
The Clown killi, also known as banded panchax, is a small freshwater fish native to the African region. They’re one of the most colorful nano fish. Clown killi is peaceful and an excellent choice for nano aquariums. They occupy the topwater levels of the aquarium.
Clown killi grow around 3-3.8 cm (1.2-1.5 inches) and don’t require large space to live. So, a good fish for a nano tank.
A summary of Clown Killi:
Name: Clown Killi
Family: Nothobranchiidae
Tank Size: 5 Gallons
Care Level: Easy
Diet: Carnivore
Water Condition: 68-79 °F (20-26 °C)
KH: 4-8 dKH
pH: 4.0-7.0
Max Size: 3.5 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 Years
Temperament: Peaceful
6. Least Killifish
Least Killifish (Heterandria Formosa) is one of the smallest fish recorded so far. They’re also known as dwarf topminnow, mosqu, or midget livebearers. Least killi from the family Poeciliidae, same as guppies and mollies. They grow about 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 inches).
Least killi has a stout body, a rounded caudal fin, and an uptrend mouth. In general, they have an olive color with a horizontal stripe through the central part of the body and are hardy.
A summary of Least killifish
Name: Least Killi
Family: Poeciliidae
Tank Size: 5 Gallons or less
Care Level: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 68-78 °F
Hardness: 160-350 ppm
pH: 7.0-8.0
Max Size: 3 cm (1.2 inches)
Lifespan: 3-5 Years
Temperament: Peaceful
7. Dwarf Crayfish
Dwarf Crayfish is the smaller version of standard crayfish. They mimic that of a shrimp. Also known as Mexican Dwarf Crayfish, CPO Crayfish, Orange Dwarf Crayfish. They’re freshwater crustaceans and native to Mexico and the southern US.
Dwarf Crayfish grow about 4-5 cm (1.6-2.0 inches) and are peaceful. It would be plenty for your 5 gallon or small tank.
A summary of Dwarf Crayfish:
Name: Dwarf Crayfish
Family: Cambaridae
Tank Size: 5 Gallons or more
Care Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 60-75 °F
Hardness: 6-12 dKH
pH: 6.5-8.0
Max Size: 4-5 cm (2 inches)
Lifespan: 3-5 Years
Temperament: Peaceful
8. Endler’s Livebearers
Endlers or Endler’s livebearer (Poecilia wingei) is from the genus Poecilla. They’re small, colorful, and native to Venezuela. Also known as Endler’s guppy.
Endler’s Livebearers are hardy and easy to take care of in captivity. They grow about 4.5 cm (1.8 inches) and don’t need large space to survive.
A summary of Endler’s Livebearer
Name: Endler’s Livebearer
Family: Poeciliidae
Tank Size: 5 Gallons or more (5 gallons for a single fish)
Care Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 64°F to 84°F
Hardness: 10-30 KH
pH: 5.5-8.0
Max Size: 4.5 cm (1.8 inches)
Lifespan: 2-3 Years
Temperament: Peaceful
9. Rosy Loach
The rosy loach (Petruichthys sp.) is the smaller member of the loch/botia family. They’re rare and found in Thailand and Myanmar. Rosy loach grows around 1-1.2 inches (2.5-3 cm). They have an attractive appearance and vigorous, make them highly desirable to the aquarists.
Rosy loach has a vibrant red-orange coloration and occupies middle-lower aquarium parts.
A summary of Rosy Loach:
Name: Rosy Loach
Family: Nemacheilidae
Tank Size: 5 Gallons or more (5 gallons for a single fish)
Care Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 68°F to 79°F
Hardness: 8-12 dKH
pH: 6.5-8.0
Max Size: 3 cm (1.2 inches)
Lifespan: Around 5 Years
Temperament: Need put in a community
10. Celestial Pearl Danios
Celestial pearl danio (Danio margaritatus), also known as galaxy rasbora or Microrasbora sp. ‘Galaxy.’ They’re small freshwater fish from Myanmar. Danio margaritatus prefer a well-planted tank. They grow about 2-2.5 cm (about 1 inch)
Males have a bright blue background with fins that are more colored. Females are dull blue-green and vivid fin like the males.
A summary of Celestial Perl Danios
Name: Celestial Pearl Danios
Family: Cyprinidae
Tank Size: 5-10 Gallons
Care Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 68°F to 79°F
Hardness: 90-268 ppm
pH: 6.5-7.5
Max Size: 3 cm (1.2 inches)
Lifespan: 3-5 Years
Temperament: Peaceful Community Fish
11. Ghost Shrimp
The Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) is also known as glass shrimp and eastern grass shrimp. They’re small freshwater crustaceans from the southern US. Ghost shrimp can turn up to 2.5 cm (1 inch) and has a transparent body.
However, their main purpose isn’t to keep them as a pet. Rather act as a bottom cleaner or as a food source for larger fish.
A summary of Ghost Shrimp:
Name: Ghost Shrimp
Family: Palaemonidae
Tank Size: 1+ Gallons
Care Level: Beginner
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 72-82° F
Max Size: 2.5 (1 inch)
Lifespan: 1 Year
Temperament: Peaceful Community Fish
12. Red Cherry Shrimp
The Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is a common aquarium small freshwater aquarium shrimp from Taiwan. A cherry shrimp can come in different colors, from green-brown, red, yellow, orange, to blue, and more.
Cherry shrimp can grow about 4 cm (1.6 inches) long. They’re omnivorous and can live 1-2 years.
A summary of Red Cherry Shrimp:
Name: Red Cherry Shrimp
Family: Atyidae
Tank Size: 5 Gallons
Care Level: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 70°F to 84°F
pH: 6.5-8.0
Max Size: 4 cm (1.6 inches)
Lifespan: 1-2 Years
Temperament: Peaceful Community Fish
13. Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata or Amano shrimp, also known as algae shrimp, Japanese shrimp, and Yamato shrimp, are small peaceful freshwater shrimp native to Taiwan and Japan. It’s a translucent body with a broken line of reddish-brown points on the sides.
Amano shrimp can turn up to 2 inches (5 cm) and is an excellent choice for a small fish tank.
A summary of Amano Shrimp:
Name: Amano Shrimp
Family: Atyidae
Tank Size: 5-10 Gallons.
Care Level: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 64°F to 84°F
pH: 6.5- 7.5
Max Size: 5 cm (2 inches)
Lifespan: 2-3 Years
Temperament: Peaceful Community Fish
14. Guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
The guppy fish is also known as rainbow fish or millionfish, one of the most popular aquarium fish. They’re small tropical freshwater fish from the family Poeciliidae. Female guppies have grey body color, and the males have splashes, stripes, or spots with different color variations.
Male guppies can grow around 1.5-3.5 cm (0.6-1.4 inches), and females are about 3-6 cm (1.2-2.4 inches long. However, the different species growth can vary from one to another a little. Guppies prefer hard-water aquarium.
A summary of Guppies:
Name: Guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
Family: Poeciliidae
Tank Size: 5 Gallons.
Care Level: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 78°F to 82°F (preferred)
pH: 7.0- 8.0
Hardness: 9-19 dH
Max Size: 6 cm (2.4 inches)
Lifespan: 2 Years
Temperament: Peaceful Community Fish
15. Mollies (Poecilia latipinna/Poecilia sphenops)
Poecilia sphenops, or common name Molly, also known as common molly or short-finned molly, is a popular small aquarium fish. They inhabit both brackish and fresh-water from the family Poecilia. From the same genus, 40 species have been confirmed, and 39 of them are mollies.
Male molly can grow up to 8 cm (3.2 inches, while the female can turn 12 cm (4.8 inches). They’re an omnivore and a fine choice for smaller fish tanks.
A summary of Molly fish:
Name: Molly Fish
Family: Poeciliidae
Tank Size: 5-10 Gallons.
Care Level: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 77°F to 82°F (preferred)
pH: 7.5- 8.5
Hardness: 15-30 dGH
Max Size: 8 cm (4.8 inches)
Lifespan: 5 Years
Temperament: Peaceful Community Fish
16. Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus)
The Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus) or Pygmy Catfish is freshwater fish from South America and Brazil. It’s a silver-colored body with a black line along the center of the sides. The maximum growth of Pygmy Corydoras 3.2 cm (1.3 inches) long.
This fish is a peaceful and nice choice for small community fish.
A summary of Pygmy Corydoras:
Name: Pygmy Corydoras
Family: Callichthyidae
Tank Size: 5-10 Gallons.
Care Level: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 72°F to 79°F
pH: 6.0- 8.0
Hardness: 2-25 dGH
Max Size: 3.2 cm (1.3 inches)
Lifespan: About 3 years
Temperament: Peaceful Community Fish
17. Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi)
The Neon Tetras are freshwater fish and native to clearwater-blackwater streams of the Amazon basin of South America. They’re from the Characin family.
Neon Tetra has a light-blue back over a silver-white abdomen. It grows approximately 4 cm (1.5 inches).
A summary of Neon Tetras:
Name: Neon Tetra
Family: Characidae
Tank Size: 5-10 Gallons.
Care Level: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 68°F to 82°F (Best 72-76 °F)
pH: 5.0- 8.0
Hardness: 4-8 KH
Max Size: 3.2 cm (1.3 inches)
Lifespan: About 3 years
Temperament: Peaceful Community Fish
18. Harlequin Rasbora (Rasbora heteromorpha)
The “Harlequin Rasbora” is a small freshwater fish from the family Cyprinidae. It’s a lozenge-shaped with a black triangular patch on the body, reminiscent of the harlequin costume patterns.
Harlequin Rasboras are native to Sumatra, Malaysia, Singapore, and southern Thailand. It can grow about 5 cm (2 inches) long.
A summary of Harlequin Rasbora:
Name: Harlequin Rasbora
Family: Cyprinidae
Tank Size: 5-10 Gallons.
Care Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 72°F to 81°F
pH: 6.0- 7.8
Hardness: 0-15 dGH
Max Size: 5 cm (2 inches)
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Temperament: Peaceful Community Fish
19. Chili Rasbora
Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae) or Mosquito rasbora is a small fish species native to Indonesia. This fish is considered a nano fish since it grows no more than 20 mm. Due to their small size, they’re not the right choice to put with the larger fish.
Chilli Rasbora can live with shrimps and a great choice if you like smaller fish.
A summary of Chili Rasbora:
Name: Chili Rasbora
Family: Cyprinidae
Tank Size: 5 Gallons.
Care Level: Beginner
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 68°F to 82°F
pH: 4.0- 7.0
Hardness: 1-10 dKH
Max Size: 2.2 cm (0.8 inches)
Lifespan: 4-8 years
Temperament: Peaceful Community Fish
20. Sparkling Gourami
The Sparkling gourami or Pygmy gourami (Trichopsis pumila) is freshwater fish from Southeast Asia. They can reach a length of 4 cm (1.6 inches). The color of their body is sparkle green, blue hues, and red.
Pygmy Gourami is a hardy and tolerant type of fish. They aren’t much of a schooling fish.
A summary of Sparkling Gourami:
Name: Sparkling Gourami
Family: Belontiidae
Tank Size: 5-10 Gallons.
Care Level: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 72°F to 82°F
pH: 6.0-7.5
Hardness: 5-19 dH
Max Size: 4 cm (1.6 inches)
Lifespan: 4-5 years
Temperament: Peaceful
21. Scarlet Badis
The Scarlet Badis (Dario Dario) is one of the smallest fish species of percoid. It’s a tropical freshwater macropredator fish. The male and females grow at different lengths. Males can turn up to 2 cm (0.79 inches), and the females don’t exceed 1.3 cm (0.51 inch).
Both males and females have vibrant colors and prominent fins on the male.
A summary of Scarlet Badis:
Name: Scarlet Badis
Family: Badidae
Tank Size: 5-10 Gallons.
Care Level: Moderate
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 73°F to 79°F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Hardness: 10-15 KH
Max Size: 2 cm (0.8 inches)
Lifespan: 3-6 years
Temperament: Peaceful but aggressive towards other males
22. Pygmy Sunfish
The Pygmy Sunfish (Elassoma) is a member of the family Centrarchidae. They’re freshwater fish and have about whether they’re true sunfish or not. Pygmy sunfish grow a maximum of 3-4 cm (1-1.5 inches) in length. Their iridescent colors and fascinating breeding behavior make them popular to the aquarists.
A summary of Pygmy Sunfish:
Name: Pygmy Sunfish
Family: Centrarchidae
Tank Size: 5-10 Gallons.
Care Level: Beginner-Moderate
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 60°F to 84°F
pH: 7.0-8.0
Hardness: Moderate
Max Size: 4 cm (1.5 inches)
Lifespan: 2-3 years
Temperament: Peaceful
23. Ricefish
The ricefishe are small ray-finned fish from the family Adrianichthyidae. They’re native to Japan and India. They are commonly found in rice paddies, hence the name. There’re 37 species have been recognized so far.
Ricefishe are small; the largest species was identified 8 cm (3.1 inches), and some species are rare. These facts make them attractive to the aquarists. Most of the species won’t cross 1.6 cm (0.63 inches).
A summary of Ricefish:
Name: Ricefish
Family: Adrianichthyidae
Tank Size: 5-10 Gallons.
Care Level: Moderate
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 73°F to 80°F
pH: 6.0-7.0
Max Size: 8 cm (3.1 inches), mostly 1.6 cm (0.65 inch)
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Temperament: Peaceful
24. Zebrafish (Zebra Danio)
The Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a part of the minnow family Cyprinidae. It’s a freshwater fish native to South Asia. It’s a popular aquarium fish, also known as zebra danio. It’s both tropical and subtropical fish.
Zebrafish has horizontal, pigmented, blue stripes on its body, which are reminiscent of the Zebra. It can grow around 4-5 cm (1.6-2.0 inches) long.
A summary of Zebrafish:
Name: Zebrafish (Zebra Danio)
Family: Cyprinidae
Tank Size: 5-10 Gallons.
Care Level: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 64°F to 74°F
pH: 6.5-7.0
Hardness: 5-12 dGH
Max Size: 4-5 cm (1.6-2 inches)
Lifespan: 3-6 years
Temperament: Peaceful community fish
25. Cardinal Tetra
The Cardinal tetra is freshwater fish from the Characin family. It’s native to South America. Cardinal tetra grows about 3 cm (1.2 inches) in length. It’s a popular small aquarium fish, has bright red ventral parts and an iridescent blue line that runs horizontally through the body.
Cardinal tetra could be a great choice for your nano fish tank.
A summary of Cardinal Tetra:
Name: Cardinal Tetra
Family: Characidae
Tank Size: 5-10 Gallons.
Care Level: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Water Condition: 73°F to 81°F
pH: 5.5-7.5
Hardness: 2-6 KH
Max Size: 5 cm (2 inches)
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Temperament: Peaceful
Winding Up:
Fish for 5-gallon tanks are also fish for smaller or nano tanks. These fish can do fine in small aquariums too. Not all the fish can survive in a small tank. So, taking these into consideration and other factors like care and maintenance, hope you will find the right one for your tank.
In the comment section, ask for any information you want to hear. We’ll be delighted to help you out.