Best Fish for 10-Gallon Tanks (Top 7 Picks)

A 10-gallon tank is a popular size for many fish enthusiasts. It’s not too big or too small, making it a perfect size to keep a few brightly colored fish. But it does require some forethought and planning.

If you’re looking for the best fish for your 10-gallon tank, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll give you my top 7 picks and also advice on how many fish you can keep in a 10-gallon aquarium. I’ll also provide some tips on how to care for your new fish.

Things to Consider Before Stocking a 10-Gallon Tank

In order to provide a healthy environment for your fish, you should keep a few things in mind when stocking a 10-gallon aquarium:

  • First and foremost, make sure the 10-gallon size is large enough for the size and type of fish you want to keep. Some fish grow larger than others and will require more space. So, it’s important to only choose the one that thrives in a small space.
  • Second is the number of fish you want to keep in your tank. It is important not to over-populate your aquarium, as this can lead to health problems for your fish.
  • Choose the right type of filtration for your tank. There are different types of filters available, so it is important to select one that is best suited for the size and type of tank you have.
  • Consider adding plant ornaments to give your tank some life and color.
  • Last but not least, take care of your new pet! Fish require plenty of attention just like any other pet – feed them with quality food and supplements; provide them with clean water, and monitor their health.

Best Fish for a 10-Gallon Tank

While there are many fish species that can thrive in a 10-gallon aquarium, there are a few that stand out as the best options. Here are the top 7 picks:

1. Celestial Pearl Danio

  • Size: 0.75 inches
  • Care: Easy
  • Number of Fish in a 10-Gallon Tank: 6 to 8

The Celestial Pearl Danio is a peaceful and hardy freshwater fish that originates from Thailand and Myanmar. They are small, schooling fish that are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists.

Celestial Pearl Danios are omnivorous and will accept a variety of different foods, but they should have a diet that is rich in plant matter. These fish prefer waters with a temperature of 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit and do best in aquariums that are at least 10 gallons in size.

When kept in smaller tanks, it is recommended to only keep a few fish as they can be quite active. Celestial Pearl Danios are one of the most colorful freshwater fish available and their colors can range from blues and greens to oranges and reds. These beautiful fish make a great addition to any community aquarium and can bring both beauty and peace to your home.

2. Guppy Fish

  • Size: 1 to 2.4 inches
  • Care: Easy
  • Number of Fish in a 10-Gallon Tank: 4 to 5

Guppies are one of the most popular freshwater fish for beginner aquariums. They are peaceful and easy to care for. Guppies come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, making them a very attractive addition to any tank.

Guppies are omnivorous; their diet consists of frozen, dried, live food and even plants. They are also known to be hardy fish, which means they can live in a variety of different water conditions. However, they prefer slightly warmer water, between 63-82 degrees Fahrenheit.

They do not require a lot of space and can be easily kept in small tanks. A 10-gallon tank is a much better option for keeping guppies.

3. Betta Fish

  • Size: 2.5 to 3 inches
  • Care: Easy
  • Number of Fish in a 10-Gallon Tank: 2 to 3

Betta fish are another beautiful and popular choice for many aquarium enthusiasts. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and their long fins make them a stunning addition to any tank. But bettas are also known for being aggressive, and they can be difficult to care for if you’re not prepared.

Betta fish are carnivores, so their diet consists mostly of live food, such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. Bettas require 75-80°F warm water to thrive, so an aquarium heater is recommended. Good care will result in a healthy and long-lived betta fish.

It’s generally recommended that you only keep one male betta per tank, especially if the tank is on the smaller side. That way, each fish has plenty of space to swim around and there’s less chance of them fighting with each other.

4. White Cloud Minnow

  • Size: 1.5 inch
  • Care: Easy
  • Number of Fish in a 10-Gallon Tank: 5 to 6

If you are looking for a low-maintenance and peaceful fish for your 10-gallon tank, the white cloud minnow is a great option. These little carnivores are native to China and thrive in water that is 58-72 degrees Fahrenheit. They are very easy to care for and can be fed a diet of live or dried food.

5. Dwarf Gourami

  • Size: 2.5 to 3 inches
  • Care: Moderate
  • Number of Fish in a 10-Gallon Tank: 2 to 3

The Dwarf Gourami is a beautiful fish that originates from South Asia. They are omnivorous, so they will eat both plants and small insects. They should be fed a variety of food, including live, frozen, and dried foods. Dwarf Gouramis prefer a water temperature of 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit and do well in a 10-gallon tank with other members of the betta family.

Dwarf Gourami comes in different colors, but the most popular are blue and green. They are peaceful fish but can become aggressive if they don’t have a dark hiding place.

6. Zebra Danio

  • Size: 1.5 to 2 inches
  • Care: Easy
  • Number of Fish in a 10-Gallon Tank: 5 to 6

The Zebra Danio is a peaceful, active fish that is native to India. They are carnivorous and will eat live food as well as frozen food. They prefer a water temperature of 70-82 degrees Fahrenheit and need plenty of swimming space.

Zebra Danios are one of the most popular aquarium fish for beginners due to their ease of care. They are not finicky eaters and will accept most flakes and frozen foods.

7. Freshwater Shrimp

  • Size: 1 to 1.25 inches
  • Care: Easy
  • Number of Shrimp in a 10-Gallon Tank: 8 to 10

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet that will help keep your 10-gallon tank clean, consider adding a few freshwater shrimp. These hardy little creatures are available in a variety of colors, including cherry-red and blue, and can live peacefully with other fish.

When it comes to diet, freshwater shrimp are omnivores and will happily feast on algae as well as leftover food from their tankmates. However, they should also be given quality pellets or flakes to ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need.

Care is relatively simple for these little guys, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, they prefer water that is between 60-82 degrees Fahrenheit. Secondly, since they’re bottom dwellers, make sure there are plenty of hiding places in your tank for them to escape to if needed.