If you’re looking for the perfect types of small fish to add to your nano aquarium, then you’ve come to the right place. These fish come in a variety of colors and sizes, and they’re sure to bring some excitement and life to your tank.
Having a nano aquarium can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming when it comes to choosing the types of small fish that are perfect for your tank. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start.
Fortunately, this article will provide you with an overview of fifteen types of small fish that are perfect for nano aquariums. From tetras and danios to guppies and rasboras, these small fish can add a pop of color and personality to your tank while also helping to keep it clean and healthy.
Types of small fish
Cardinal Tetras
Cardinal tetras are one of the most popular types of small fish for nano aquariums. These small, peaceful fish have an attractive iridescent blue-green body with red or orange stripes along the sides, and their size makes them a perfect choice for smaller tanks.
They are very active, shoaling fish that should be kept in groups of at least 6, but ideally 10-15 for maximum effect. They prefer slightly acidic water conditions and will do best in a tank with plenty of hiding places and oxygenated water. Cardinal tetras are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet of both meaty and plant-based foods.
Neon Tetras
Neon tetras are some of the most popular small fish for nano aquariums. They are quite hardy, easy to care for, and add a lot of color to the aquarium. Neon tetras have bright blue-green stripes that run along the length of their bodies and a bright red stripe on their tail.
These fish are peaceful, so they should be kept in groups of at least five or more. Neon tetras prefer a temperature range between 68 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, a pH level of 6.0 – 8.0, and soft, slightly acidic water. To keep them healthy, feed them a varied diet of both frozen and live foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.
When it comes to tank mates, neon tetras do well with peaceful tank mates like Danios, Corydoras, and other small schooling fish. However, be sure to avoid aggressive species such as large cichlids and some catfish. Neon tetras also do best when kept in schools, so if you’re keeping just one or two make sure to supplement its school with some dummies made from plastic plants.
All in all, neon tetras make an excellent addition to any nano aquarium thanks to their stunning colors and active nature. They may be small but they will add a lot of life to your tank!
Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin Rasboras are one of the most popular small fish for nano aquariums. These fish have a unique look and a vibrant coloration that is sure to draw the eye. Harlequin Rasboras have an elongated body that is usually black with a bright red patch. They can reach up to 1.5 inches in length, making them an ideal size for nano tanks.
These fish are peaceful and schooling, so it’s best to keep them in groups of 6-8 individuals. They prefer slow-moving water with plenty of hiding places, such as rocks, plants, and driftwood. Harlequin Rasboras will thrive in water temperatures of 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH range of 6.0-7.0. They will accept a variety of frozen and live foods and are omnivorous.
Harlequin Rasboras can be an excellent addition to any nano aquarium. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they are also peaceful and low-maintenance fish that will add life and color to your tank.
Ember Tetras
Ember Tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae) are small, freshwater fish that make a great addition to any nano aquarium. They have bright orange and red coloring with a black stripe running along their midsection. Their fins are transparent, making them even more eye-catching. The Ember Tetra will grow to about 1 inch in length, so they are perfect for smaller tanks.
These fish are peaceful and do well in groups of 6 or more. When kept in groups, Ember Tetras will shoal and swim together in the tank. They prefer densely planted tanks with plenty of hiding places to feel secure. It’s important to provide plenty of vegetation in the aquarium so they can explore and seek out food.
Ember Tetras are omnivores that will enjoy small live and frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. They should also be fed high-quality flakes and pellets that are formulated specifically for small fish.
Because they are a schooling species, Ember Tetras do best when they are kept in tanks with similarly sized fish. They should not be kept with larger or more aggressive fish that may try to harm them. With the right tank mates and environment, the Ember Tetra can be a great addition to your nano aquarium!
Celestial Pearl Danios
Celestial pearl danios are small and colorful fish that are perfect for nano aquariums. They have a unique, sparkling silver-blue sheen with a single black stripe running down their back. They reach a maximum size of 1 inch and prefer to stay in groups of at least five fish.
Celestial pearl danios thrive in slightly acidic water, around 6-7 pH, with temperatures between 68°F and 78°F. They should also have plenty of hiding spots in the aquarium and do best when fed a variety of live and frozen foods.
These small fish are very peaceful and can get along with other small fish of similar size. They also enjoy swimming around plants, rocks, and decorations, which helps to make them feel secure. Celestial pearl danios are an excellent addition to any nano aquarium and will add color and beauty to your tank.
Chili Rasbora
The Chili Rasbora, also known as the Celestial Pearl Danio or Galaxy Rasbora, is a small fish native to Thailand and Burma. This tiny fish is an excellent addition to any nano aquarium. It has an elongated body with a black and red coloration, giving it an eye-catching appearance. The Chili Rasbora typically grows up to 1.25 inches in size, so it’s great for tanks that are on the smaller side.
The Chili Rasbora is a peaceful fish that can be kept in schools of six or more. They are not picky eaters and will accept most prepared aquarium foods, such as flakes and pellets. To keep the Chili Rasbora healthy, make sure the water is clean and well-oxygenated. The pH should also be between 6.0 and 7.5.
Since the Chili Rasbora is an active swimmer, it needs plenty of space to explore. Make sure to provide plenty of hiding places and plants for these tiny fish to hide in. Additionally, because this species of fish is so small, they need to be kept with other similarly sized fish to avoid being bullied.
Overall, the Chili Rasbora is an attractive fish that makes a great addition to any nano aquarium. They require minimal care and can thrive in most environments if the tank is properly maintained. With its vibrant colors and peaceful nature, the Chili Rasbora can bring a lot of joy to any home aquarium!
Pygmy Corydoras
Pygmy Corydoras, also known as Pygmy Corys, is an ideal choice for a nano aquarium due to their small size and peaceful nature. These fish are part of the Corydoradinae family and typically measure only 2-3 centimeters in length. They can come in a variety of color patterns, ranging from tan to yellow to bright orange with dark stripes or spots.
Pygmy Corys are native to South America and inhabit areas with slow-moving water, such as rivers and streams. In the wild, they eat insects, larvae, and plant matter, so it is important to provide them with a diet rich in protein when keeping them in captivity. They should be fed a variety of high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen, and freeze-dried foods.
When it comes to tankmates, Pygmy Corys get along well with other peaceful fish species such as tetras, danios, and livebearers. They also appreciate plenty of hiding places in their tank and will often take refuge in caves or densely planted areas. With the right conditions, these fish can live up to 10 years in captivity.
Kuhli Loach
The Kuhli Loach is an ideal fish for nano aquariums due to its small size and peaceful nature. The Kuhli Loach, or Pangio kuhlii, is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in streams, rivers, and ponds. Its small size makes it perfect for a nano tank, as it only grows up to two inches in length. The Kuhli Loach has a slimy body and an eel-like appearance, which gives it its unique look.
The Kuhli Loach is a nocturnal fish, so it needs plenty of hiding places in its tank to keep it safe during the day. It is also a shoaling fish, so having at least five of them in the tank will help them feel secure and comfortable. The Kuhli Loach is peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful fish of similar size. They do best when given live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
The Kuhli Loach is a great addition to any nano tank due to its small size and peaceful nature. With plenty of hiding places and a diet of live or frozen food, the Kuhli Loach will be a welcome addition to your aquarium!
Green Neon Tetra
The Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans) is a stunningly beautiful and popular fish for nano aquariums. This species is native to the Amazon River Basin in South America and can be found in Colombia, Peru, and Brazil. It has a unique metallic green sheen with a single red stripe that runs along its body from the nose to the tail fin.
Green Neon Tetras prefer soft, acidic water and should be kept in schools of five or more individuals. They do best in aquariums with plenty of hiding places like driftwood or plants, as well as moderate to low lighting.
They can grow up to 1.2 inches in length, so they don’t require a very large tank.
Like other tetras, these fish are peaceful and enjoy swimming in groups. They are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality flakes, freeze-dried bloodworms, brine shrimp, and other small foods. As long as they have the right environment and diet, Green Neon Tetras will thrive in a nano aquarium.
Clown Killifish
The Clown Killifish is a colorful fish that makes an excellent choice for a nano aquarium. This small, slender fish has a vibrant yellow body and a long, pointed snout. It also has an attractive black stripe that runs along its sides.
The Clown Killifish has a playful nature, and they are very social with other fish in the tank. They need plenty of hiding spots, so be sure to provide plenty of vegetation and decorations in the tank. This fish will eat live, frozen, and freeze-dried foods, so you should have no problem finding something to feed them.
Because of their small size, the Clown Killifish does best when kept in schools of 6 or more. With the proper care, these fish can be kept for several years in your nano aquarium.
Panda Guppy
The Panda Guppy is a unique and attractive type of small fish that is perfect for a nano aquarium. It has an eye-catching black and white striped pattern and its fins can be either clear or red. The Panda Guppy is an active swimmer and loves to explore, so it is important to provide plenty of space for it in the aquarium. It should also be kept in a group of at least three or four, as they are social fish that thrive in a community.
When it comes to diet, the Panda Guppy is not picky and will gladly accept flakes, pellets, and live or frozen food. Its hardiness makes it a great choice for beginners, as it is very tolerant of water parameters and not susceptible to many diseases.
Spotted Blue Eye Rainbowfish
The spotted blue eye rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox) is a stunning freshwater fish that originates from New Guinea. It is an ideal addition to any nano aquarium, as it only grows up to 2 inches in size. The male fish has a stunning iridescent blue body with black speckles on its head, while the female has a more muted yellow body with light blue speckles.
These fish are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. They prefer aquariums with plenty of swimming space and some plants for cover. They are relatively peaceful and can live with other small species such as tetras, Corydoras, and Danios.
In terms of diet, these fish will happily accept flake food and live food such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.
They need to be fed several times a day in small amounts.
Overall, the spotted blue eye rainbowfish is a beautiful fish that adds great color and activity to any nano aquarium. With its peaceful temperament and small size, it is an excellent choice for novice aquarists.
Borneo Sucker Loach
The Borneo Sucker Loach, also known as the Chinese High Fin Banded Shark, is a small and peaceful fish perfect for nano aquariums. These loaches are bottom-dwellers and stay relatively small, maxing out at about three inches long when fully grown. They are easily identified by their black and white banded pattern and the two long barbels on each side of their heads.
Borneo Sucker Loaches prefer warm waters, ideally in the range of 78-80°F. They should be kept in a group of 5 or more to avoid any aggression. As they are bottom-feeders, they should have access to a sand or gravel substrate where they can search for food. They enjoy live and frozen food, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia, but will also accept prepared foods like flakes and pellets.
These loaches are not very active swimmers, but they do love to explore their environment. Be sure to provide plenty of hiding spots, like driftwood and rocks, for them to explore. With the right environment, Borneo Sucker Loaches can make a great addition to any nano aquarium!
Mickey Mouse Platy
The Mickey Mouse Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a freshwater fish native to Central America. It is a peaceful, colorful, and active fish that makes a great addition to any nano aquarium. The Mickey Mouse Platy has a rounded body shape with a yellowish-orange base color and black spots all over its body. Its fins are bright orange and it has a white-tipped tail fin. It can grow up to 2 inches in length and lives for around 3 years.
The Mickey Mouse Platy is easy to care for and requires little maintenance, making it an ideal fish for beginners. They should be kept in groups of at least 3 individuals of the same species, preferably 6 or more. To keep them healthy, feed them high-quality flake food and supplement this with occasional treats like bloodworms or brine shrimp. Provide plenty of hiding places, such as plants and rocks, and keep the water temperature between 74-78°F.
The Mickey Mouse Platy is an incredibly active fish that loves to explore its environment, so choose your tank accordingly. A 10-gallon tank is more than enough space for a group of these small fish. Since they’re peaceful, they can be kept in a community tank with other small fish that share the same temperament. They’re also great additions to livebearer tanks, and will even breed in captivity.