Best Fish for a 10 Gallon Tank
A small school of nano fish plus a cleanup crew.
19 species in our database can live in a 10-gallon tank. Here are some stocking ideas.
Schooling fish
Centerpiece & bottom dwellers
Frequently asked questions
What fish can live in a 10 gallon tank?
19 species from our database can live in a 10-gallon tank. This includes 9 schooling species and 3 centerpiece/bottom dwellers.
How many fish can I put in a 10 gallon tank?
Use our stocking calculator to estimate a safe stocking level based on fish size and bioload. A 10-gallon tank gives you 38 liters of volume.
Related resources
Calculate exact stocking for 10 gal →
Species that fit a 10 gallon tank
All 14 species below have a minimum tank size of 10 gallons or less. Remember that minimum group size is part of the calculation — a shoaling species needs room for the whole group, not one fish.
| Species | Adult size | Min tank | Group | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwarf Gourami | 3.5″ | 10 gal | 1+ | 72–82°F |
| Betta | 2.5″ | 5 gal | 1+ | 76–82°F |
| Platy | 2.5″ | 10 gal | 3+ | 70–82°F |
| Amano Shrimp | 2.0″ | 10 gal | 3+ | 65–80°F |
| Guppy | 2.0″ | 10 gal | 3+ | 72–82°F |
| Honey Gourami | 2.0″ | 10 gal | 1+ | 72–82°F |
| Mystery Snail | 2.0″ | 5 gal | 1+ | 68–82°F |
| Zebra Danio | 2.0″ | 10 gal | 6+ | 64–77°F |
| Harlequin Rasbora | 1.8″ | 10 gal | 6+ | 73–82°F |
| Neon Tetra | 1.5″ | 10 gal | 6+ | 72–78°F |
| Otocinclus | 1.5″ | 10 gal | 6+ | 72–79°F |
| White Cloud Mountain Minnow | 1.5″ | 10 gal | 6+ | 60–72°F |
| Endler's Livebearer | 1.3″ | 10 gal | 3+ | 72–82°F |
| Celestial Pearl Danio | 1.0″ | 10 gal | 8+ | 72–79°F |
10 gallon tank FAQ
How many fish can I keep in a 10 gallon tank?
It depends on the species. As a guide, a 10-gallon tank comfortably supports a single species plus a clean-up crew. Use the stocking calculator for a specific plan.
Does a 10 gallon tank need a filter and heater?
A filter, always — it houses the bacteria that process fish waste. A heater is needed unless you keep coldwater species; see fish that do not need a heater.
How often should I change the water in a 10 gallon tank?
25–30% weekly, which is about 2 gallons. Consistency matters more than volume.