12 Best Fish for a 10 Gallon Tank (2026 Guide)

10 Gallon Tank Stocking Rules

Before choosing fish, understand the basic stocking guidelines:

The old rule: 1 inch of fish per gallon (outdated but useful starting point)
Better approach: Consider fish activity level, waste production, and swimming needs
Always: Use our stocking calculator for accurate recommendations

Pro tip: Understock your tank. A 10 gallon with fewer fish is easier to maintain and healthier for the fish. Regular water changes are still essential.

Top 12 Fish for 10 Gallon Tanks

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1. Betta Fish

Betta splendens | 2.5-3 inches

The classic 10 gallon fish. Bettas have gorgeous flowing fins and vibrant colors. Keep only one male betta per tank.

Easy Care Solo or Community 78-82°F

Stocking: 1 betta alone, or with peaceful tankmates like corydoras

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2. Guppies

Poecilia reticulata | 1-2 inches

Colorful, active, and incredibly easy to keep. Guppies are livebearers and will reproduce quickly - consider all males to control population.

Beginner Friendly Schooling 72-82°F

Stocking: 6-8 guppies in a 10 gallon

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3. Neon Tetras

Paracheirodon innesi | 1.2 inches

Iconic aquarium fish with electric blue and red coloring. Must be kept in schools of at least 6. Peaceful and active.

Moderate Care Schooling (6+) 70-77°F

Stocking: 8-10 neon tetras in a 10 gallon

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4. Pygmy Corydoras

Corydoras pygmaeus | 1 inch

Tiny bottom-dwelling catfish that scavenge leftover food. Adorable whiskers and armored bodies. Keep in groups of 6+.

Easy Care Schooling (6+) 72-79°F

Stocking: 6-8 pygmy cories in a 10 gallon

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5. Endler's Livebearers

Poecilia wingei | 1 inch

Smaller and more colorful than guppies. Males display incredible neon patterns. Hardy and prolific breeders.

Beginner Friendly Schooling 75-82°F

Stocking: 8-12 endlers in a 10 gallon

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6. Sparkling Gourami

Trichopsis pumila | 1.5 inches

Tiny gouramis with iridescent spots. They actually make a clicking/croaking sound! Peaceful and interesting behavior.

Moderate Care Pairs or Small Groups 76-82°F

Stocking: 3-4 sparkling gouramis in a 10 gallon

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7. Chili Rasboras

Boraras brigittae | 0.7 inches

One of the smallest aquarium fish. Brilliant red coloring looks stunning in planted tanks. Keep in large schools.

Moderate Care Schooling (10+) 68-78°F

Stocking: 15-20 chili rasboras in a 10 gallon

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8. White Cloud Mountain Minnows

Tanichthys albonubes | 1.5 inches

Cold water fish that don't need a heater! Hardy, peaceful, and beautiful with red fins. Great for unheated tanks.

Easy Care Schooling (6+) 60-72°F

Stocking: 8-10 white clouds in a 10 gallon

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9. Celestial Pearl Danios (Galaxy Rasbora)

Danio margaritatus | 1 inch

Stunning spotted pattern resembles a galaxy. One of the most beautiful nano fish. Shy at first but active in groups.

Moderate Care Schooling (8+) 72-76°F

Stocking: 10-12 CPDs in a 10 gallon

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10. Otocinclus Catfish

Otocinclus vestitus | 1.5 inches

Peaceful algae eaters that stay small. Unlike plecos, otos are perfect for small tanks. Keep in groups of 4+.

Moderate Care Group (4+) 72-79°F

Stocking: 4-6 otos in a 10 gallon (established tanks only)

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11. Scarlet Badis

Dario dario | 0.8 inches

Micro predator with brilliant red and blue striping. Males are territorial but tiny. Need live or frozen foods.

Advanced Care Solo or Pair 72-79°F

Stocking: 1 male + 2-3 females in a 10 gallon

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12. Nerite Snails (Bonus!)

Neritina natalensis | 1 inch

The best algae-eating snails. Multiple patterns available. They won't reproduce in freshwater, so no population explosions.

Easy Care Cleanup Crew 65-85°F

Stocking: 2-3 nerites in a 10 gallon

Sample Stocking Combinations

Here are some proven combinations for 10 gallon tanks:

Betta Community

1 betta + 6 pygmy cories + 2 nerite snails

Nano School

12 chili rasboras + 6 pygmy cories + 3 amano shrimp

Colorful Community

6 guppies + 4 otocinclus + 2 nerites

Galaxy Tank

10 celestial pearl danios + 6 dwarf cories

Fish to AVOID in 10 Gallons

These fish are commonly sold for small tanks but should never be kept in a 10 gallon:

Goldfish - Need 20+ gallons per fish, produce massive waste
Common Plecos - Grow to 18+ inches
Angelfish - Need 30+ gallon tall tanks
Oscars - Grow to 12+ inches, need 75+ gallons
Giant Danios - Active swimmers needing 30+ gallons
Rainbowfish - Most species need 20+ gallons
Chinese Algae Eaters - Grow large and become aggressive

Plan Your Tank

Use our free stocking calculator to check if your planned fish combination will work in a 10 gallon tank.

Open Stocking Calculator

12 Best Fish for a 10 Gallon Tank

Quick Guide