20 Low Maintenance Fish That Are Perfect For A Small Tank

Length: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)

Weight: 0.25-0.5 ounces (7-14 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

You may have noticed the Betta fish being displayed in pet stores in small containers. While they can survive in these small tanks, Betta fish require a minimum tank size of 5 gallons (19 liters) to live an ideal life.

Even in a small tank, Bettas can easily swim. However, they are active fish that enjoy exploring their environment, so a larger tank might be helpful in providing the species with a comfortable living space. Smaller tanks tend to have poorer water quality due to the limited space for filtration, so Betta owners should regularly change the water.

Length: 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm)

Weight: 0.05 ounces (1.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 5-10 years

The Neon Tetra is considered a low-maintenance fish due to its tiny size and sociable nature. These animals do not require a large aquarium; in fact, a tank as small as 10 gallons can accommodate a small school of these fish.

Neon Tetras are peaceful and friendly fish, making them easy to care for in a community tank. They can be kept with other non-aggressive fish, as they are not known to be territorial or aggressive themselves.

Length: 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm)

Weight: 0.1 ounces (3 grams)

Life Expectancy: 3-5 years

The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a small freshwater fish native to the mountainous regions of China. It is known for its attractive appearance and vibrant colors. The fish has an elongated body shape with a slightly compressed, torpedo-like structure.

The most striking feature of the species is its coloration. The body is usually silver or light golden, with a shimmering iridescence that catches the light. Along the lateral line, there is a bold black stripe that stretches from the gills to the tail fin. Above this stripe, there is a thinner, less noticeable silver stripe. The fins of the minnow are translucent and can be tinted with orange or red hues, especially during breeding season.

Length: 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm)

Weight: 0.07 ounces (2 grams)

Life Expectancy: 3-5 years

The Pygmy Corydoras is a small freshwater fish that originated in the rivers and streams of South America. They are known for their peaceful nature and social behavior, making them popular choices for community aquariums.

The Corydoras thrives in a well-maintained aquarium with a minimum capacity of 10 gallons. Meanwhile, a small aquarium can also accommodate a small group of these fish, as they are typically kept in schools of six or more individuals. It is important to provide them with plenty of hiding spots, such as caves, or driftwood, to mimic their natural habitat.

Length: 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm)

Weight: 0.05 ounces (1.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-3 years

The Endler's Livebearer fish, also known as Poecilia wingei, are small freshwater fish native to Venezuela. These freshwater fish from Venezuela have a distinctive appearance.

The Livebearer fish is considered relatively rare in the wild. Due to their limited natural habitat, these fish are classified as an endangered species. In recent years, however, their popularity among aquarium enthusiasts has increased. While they may still be relatively uncommon in pet stores, dedicated breeders and hobbyists have made significant progress in preserving the species.

Length: 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm)

Weight: 0.07 ounces (2 grams)

Life Expectancy: 3-5 years

The Celestial Pearl Danio, also known as the Galaxy Rasbora, is a small freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. It is highly sought after by aquarium enthusiasts due to its stunning beauty and peaceful nature.

Measuring only around 2 centimeters in length, the Danio is well-suited for small tanks, such as nano aquariums or desktop setups. Its small size allows for multiple individuals to be kept in a limited space without overcrowding. Additionally, these fish are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them suitable tankmates for other small, peaceful species.

Length: 1.5-2.5 inches (3.8-6.3 cm)

Weight: 0.1 ounces (3 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-3 years

The Guppy fish, also known as Poecilia reticulata, is a small tropical fish. These fish come in a wide array of colors, including metallic shades of blue, red, yellow, orange, and green, often adorned with intricate patterns and spots. This stunning variety adds a captivating visual appeal to any aquarium.

Furthermore, Guppies are known for their lively and active nature. They exhibit playful behavior, constantly swimming around and exploring their environment. Their energetic presence adds a dynamic element to the tank, making them a joy to observe.

Length: 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm)

Weight: 0.05 ounces (1.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 3-5 years

The Harlequin Rasbora has a silver body with black triangular patches on its sides, which give it a harlequin-like appearance. The species is highly popular among aquarium enthusiasts due to its lively colors and active nature.

Harleuins are social creatures and should be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals to thrive. A small aquarium of around 10-15 gallons (38-57 liters) is sufficient for a small school of Harlequin Rasboras. Also, these fish are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for beginner aquarists.

Length: 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm)

Weight: 0.05 ounces (1.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 3-5 years

The Zebra Danio (Danio rerio) is specifically found in rivers and streams in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It is a popular aquarium fish due to its hardy nature, vibrant stripes, and active behavior. This species is known for its distinctive horizontal stripes, which resemble a zebra's pattern.

Despite having a similar name to the Celestial Pearl Danio, the two fish breeds are not closely related. While both species belong to the Danio family (Cyprinidae), they come from different parts of the world and have distinct physical characteristics.

Length: 2-2.5 inches (5-6.3 cm)

Weight: 0.25 ounces (7 grams)

Life Expectancy: 4-7 years

The Cherry Barb can make anyone fall in love with it due to its distinct coloration.  The males feature a bright red body with shimmering silver scales, while the females have a more subdued coloration. This makes them visually appealing and adds a splash of color to any tank.

Cherry Barbs are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced fish keepers. They are hardy and adaptable, tolerating a wide range of water conditions.

Length: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)

Weight: 0.25-0.5 ounces (7-14 grams)

Life Expectancy: 4-6 years

The Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a beautiful freshwater fish native to the slow-moving waters of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This popular aquarium fish belongs to the gourami family and is known for its unique colors.

The Dwarf Gourami is one of the smallest gourami species available, which makes it an ideal pet for a small tank. It has an elongated body shape with rounded fins. The males have more vivid colors compared to the females. Their bodies are usually a rich blue or red, with vertical stripes extending from their heads to their tails.

Length: 2-2.5 inches (5-6.3 cm)

Weight: 0.25 ounces (7 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-3 years

The Platy fish, scientifically known as Xiphophorus maculatus, can easily live in a small tank. However, you should provide suitable living conditions to ensure its well-being. Ideally, a 10-gallon tank would be sufficient for a small group of Platies.

Platies prefer a temperature range between 70-82°F (21-28°C) and a pH level of 7.0-8.3. They are relatively hardy fish and can tolerate a variety of water conditions, but it is important to maintain good water quality. Regular water changes and filtration are necessary to keep ammonia and nitrate levels low.

Length: 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm)

Weight: 0.5 ounces (14 grams)

Life Expectancy: 3-5 years

The Swordtail fish is native to Central America, particularly Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. It belongs to the family Poeciliidae, which also includes other popular aquarium fish like guppies and mollies. The Swordtail fish is highly sought after by hobbyists due to its colors, unique body shape, and friendly nature.

The most distinctive feature of the Swordtail is the elongated lower lobe of the caudal fin, resembling a sword, from which it derives its name. This prominent extension, found only in males, can grow up to two times the length of the body.

Length: 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm)

Weight: 0.5 ounces (14 grams)

Life Expectancy: 5-10 years

The Kuhli Loach fish is a unique species adored for its elongated and eel-like body shape. Its slender body is adorned with beautiful patterns of dark brown or black bands that run horizontally across its body, resembling a leopard's spots. This distinctive coloration earned it the nickname Leopard Loach.

Another remarkable aspect of the Kuhli Loach is its burrowing behavior. These fish are renowned for their ability to dig into the substrate using their snouts, creating tunnels and hiding within them.

Length: 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm)

Weight: 0.1 ounces (3 grams)

Life Expectancy: 3-5 years

The Otocinclus Catfish has a slender body shape with a flattened belly and a sucker-like mouth. Their bodies are covered in small bony plates, giving the species a tough and armored appearance. The coloration is usually light to dark gray, with a mottled pattern that helps it blend in with its surroundings.

The Otocinclus Catfish is renowned for its ability to attach itself to smooth surfaces using its mouth, which is adapted for suction. This allows it to cling onto rocks, glass, and plant leaves, where it can feed on algae and other microscopic organisms. It is often recommended as a natural algae eater in aquariums to help keep the tank clean.

Length: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)

Weight: 0.25-0.5 ounces (7-14 grams)

Life Expectancy: 5-10 years

The Corydoras Catfish is a small, bottom-dwelling fish originating from South America. They have a more rounded body shape, are larger in size, and have a wider range of color patterns compared to Otocinclus catfish.

Corydoras are known for their armored plates or scales, which provide protection against potential predators. They are social creatures that prefer to live in groups, so it is recommended to keep them in schools of at least six individuals.

Length: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)

Weight: 1-2 ounces (28-57 grams)

Life Expectancy: 5-10 years

The Bristlenose Pleco is a popular freshwater fish that belongs to the catfish family. It is native to South America and is commonly found in rivers and streams with rocky bottoms. The name "Bristlenose" refers to the tentacle-like appendages that protrude from its head.

Bristlenose Plecos are known for their unique appearance and beneficial qualities. They have a dark brown or black body covered in small, hard plates, making them less susceptible to injury. They also possess a sucker mouth that allows them to attach to surfaces, aiding in their algae-eating behavior.

Length: 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm)

Weight: 0.5 ounces (14 grams)

Life Expectancy: 4-6 years

The Rosy Barb (Puntius conchonius) has an elongated body shape that distinguishes it from other barb species. It has a streamlined body, tapering towards the tail, which allows for swift and agile swimming movements.

The most striking feature of the Rosy Barb is its attractive coloration. Its body is adorned with beautiful shades of pink, red, and silver. Males exhibit brighter colors than females, especially during the breeding season when they develop a reddish hue. These vivid colors make the Rosy Barb an attractive addition to any aquarium.

Length: 0.75 inches (2 cm)

Weight: 0.02 ounces (0.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-3 years

The Ember Tetra is a popular fish among marine lovers. These freshwater fish are native to the Araguaia River basin in Brazil. They are relatively hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

Tetras thrive in well-maintained, planted aquariums with soft, slightly acidic water conditions. It is recommended to keep them in small groups of at least six individuals to ensure their well-being and reduce stress. Despite their small size, Ember Tetras are active swimmers and appreciate an aquarium with ample swimming space. 

Length: 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)

Weight: 0.05 ounces (1.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-5 years

The Dwarf Pencilfish normally inhabits slow-moving rivers, streams, and flooded areas that are densely vegetated with plants and submerged tree roots. These areas typically have soft, acidic water with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).

Due to its small size, the dwarf pencilfish is well-suited for living in small tanks. A tank size of at least 10 gallons is recommended, providing ample swimming space for a small group of these fish. It is important to replicate their natural habitat within the tank by incorporating live plants, driftwood, and floating vegetation.