18 Best Fish For 5 Gallon Tanks [Stocking Guide + Pictures] 2024

Now that you are about to buy a 5 gallon tank, the next question that arises is, “what fish do I get?” You might want something active or colorful, or the possibilities are endless.

This exhaustive list brings 18 of the best possible Fish For 5 Gallon Tanks. There is no particular order within each category, as all these fishes are skillfully suited for a 5 gallon tank.

In order to make this list, the fish must meet these 3 criteria:

• The fish must be small enough to fit in a 5 gallon aquarium (which is no more than 12 inches tall)
• The fish must not grow too large or become overly aggressive, as it would then require a larger and more expensive tank.
• The fish must be absolutely undemanding, not requiring pristine water quality, lots of space, or frequent feedings. A great many fishes meet the first two requirements but fall short on the third (like neon tetras). These are definitely enjoyable pets, but they will require much more attention than the recommended fishes.

List Of 18 Best Fish For 5 Gallon Tanks In 2022

Given below is a list of the 18 best fishes for 5-gallon tanks.

1. White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)

• Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
• Size: 2 inches and under
• Lifespan: 2 – 3 years
• Nature: Aggressive carnivores, but peaceful with their own kind.
• Water Temperature: 65 – 78 °F (18-26 °C)
• Ph level: 6.8 to 7.5; slightly acidic to neutral
• Required Tank Size: 5 gallons as a minimum
• Required Water Type: Soft to slightly hard
• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate

White Clouds are some of the hardiest fish you can get, making them perfect for beginners, but they’re also an excellent choice for anyone who wants a low-maintenance pet. They’re undemanding, don’t mind living in a crowded school, and can tolerate fluctuating water parameters well. They’re also quite entertaining as they actively explore the tank without fear of getting hurt since they’re practically blind.

They can grow to be about 2 inches long and do best when kept in groups of five or more (as they are very social animals), but they’re not very fussy about water conditions or even tank decorations. They also compete well with other fish that may bully smaller species since they can be easily spotted and outcompete their predators for food.

The White Cloud is the quintessential beginner fish but still provides enough interest to keep experienced aquarists entertained as well.

2. Cory Catfish (Corydoras spp.)

• Scientific Name: Corydoras spp.
• Size: 1 ½ inch and under
• Lifespan: 2 – 4 years
• Nature: Peaceful, active herbivores
• Water Temperature: 68 – 82 °F (20-28 °C)
• Ph level: 6.8 to 7.2; slightly acidic to neutral
• Required Tank Size: 5 gallons as a minimum
• Required Water Type: Soft to slightly hard
• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate

Cory catfish have aerated, flow-through bodies that are perfect for the tiny 5 gallon aquariums of beginners. They’re also undemanding and quite entertaining with their active swimming habits, which never fail to

These small catfishes are some of the best choices for a 5 gallon tank because they’re equally undemanding and easy to care for, but also very entertaining to watch as they scour the bottom of the tank looking for food scraps. They can even be trained to eat from your hand if you’re patient enough.

Corys are schooling fish, so they should always be kept in groups of at least three. They can grow up to about 2 inches long but aren’t picky about water conditions and will usually do just fine in whatever parameters are present in a 5 gallon tank. Cory cats won’t bother any other fish and can even help keep algae at bay since they need a snack of plant matter every now and then.

3. Harlequin Rasbora

• Scientific Name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha
• Size: 1 ½ inches and under
• Lifespan: 2 – 4 years
• Nature: Peaceful, shy herbivores
• Water Temperature: 72 – 82 °F (22-28 °C)
• Ph level: 6.5 to 7.0; slightly acidic to neutral
• Required Tank Size: 5 gallons as a minimum
• Required Water Type: Soft to slightly hard
• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate

Harlequin rasboras are some of the hardiest freshwater fish out there, so you don’t have to worry about them getting sick or dying even if your water parameters are off. They’re also quite hardy in terms of size, only growing to be about 1 inch long, which makes them great for smaller tanks.

They can handle just about any water condition and will do well with other fish that don’t require pristine water quality, but some caution should be exercised if you intend to keep them with other rasboras (which prefer similar conditions) or bottom-dwelling fish like cory catfish or loaches.

4. Glass Catfish

• Scientific Name: Kryptopterus bicirrhis
• Size: 3 inches and under
• Lifespan: 2 – 4 years
• Nature: Peaceful, slow-moving carnivores
• Water Temperature: 72 – 82 °F (22-28 °C)
• Ph level: 6.8 to 7.2; slightly acidic to neutral
• Required Tank Size: 5 gallons as a minimum
• Required Water Type: Soft to slightly hard
• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate

Glass catfish are unusual-looking fish with transparent bodies, and, as such, they’re great for beginners who want an interesting-looking aquarium that shows off the interior of the tank. They also do well in groups of their own kind, so they’re good choices for people who want to keep multiple fish in the same tank.

Glass catfish are very small and can’t handle rough handling, so they should be carefully transferred into the aquarium rather than being netted or dumped unceremoniously into the water. They also need plenty of room to

The Glass Catfish is a hardy, peaceful fish that really thrives in a community environment. They grow to be about 2 inches long and can handle just about any basic water conditions, though they do prefer slightly acidic water with a pH of 6.5-7.5.

Glass cats are very gentle fish that prefer to eat from the surface of the tank, which makes them easy for other fish to get along with. They’ll often keep to themselves but can also be kept with other fish like otocinclus cats, which require similar water conditions and diets.

Also Read: The 11 Most Popular Pond Fish

5. African Dwarf Frog

• Scientific Name: Hymenochirus boettgeri
• Size: 2 ½ inches and under
• Lifespan: 4 – 7 years
• Nature: Peaceful, sensitive to water quality 
• Water Temperature: 75 – 86 °F (24-30 °C) 
• Ph level: 6.5 – 8.0; acidic to neutral
• Required Tank Size: 5 gallons as a minimum 
• Required Water Type: Soft and slightly acidic water required 
• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate 

African dwarf frogs are great choices for beginners because they’re some of the easiest pet frogs out there. They only grow to be about 2 ½ inches long.

African dwarf frogs are one of the best choices for a beginner aquarist since they’re very hardy and completely undemanding. They can even be kept with fish that are more demanding, making them perfect for people who don’t have a lot of experience with freshwater aquariums.

They’re also very entertaining to watch since they’ll often sit on the substrate waiting patiently for food or explore your tank whenever you’re near it. They grow to be about an inch long and can handle a wide range of water parameters with ease, though you should avoid using gravel that’s too sharp since their sensitive skin can be easily injured.

6. Betta Fish

• Scientific Name: Betta splendens
• Size: 1 – 2 inches long
• Lifespan: 2 – 3 years
• Nature: Aggressive; males only 
• Water Temperature: 75 – 82 °F (24-28 °C) 
• Ph level: 6.0 to 8.0; acidic to neutral 
• Required Tank Size: 5 gallons as a minimum 
• Required Water Type: Soft and slightly acidic
• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate 

Bettas are certainly one of the most common fish you’ll find in pet stores, which is sometimes unfortunate since they’re often sold to beginners who don’t have the experience needed to care for them properly.

The iconic betta is one of the most popular fish for beginner aquarists, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Yes, betta fish can live happily in a community tank with other non-aggressive fish, but they’re also one of the hardest freshwater species to keep alive because their often poor care results in frequent tail biting and bacterial infections that lead to premature death.

If you plan on keeping a betta, make sure your aquarium is completely cycled, establish a feeding routine where you only feed them what they can eat in 2-3 minutes every day (so they don’t overfeed), and avoid adding any chemicals to your water since it’s already hard enough for them to survive.

7. Red-Eared Slider Turtle

• Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
• Size: 5 inches (including the tail); females will grow larger than males 
• Lifespan: 20 years or more, though it can be shortened due to poor care
• Nature: Semi-aggressive; aggressive towards smaller turtles 
• Water Temperature: 65 – 75 °F (18-24 °C); they prefer warmer water 
• Ph level: 5.0 – 8.0; acidic to neutral
• Required Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger 
• Required Water Type: Soft and slightly acidic water required; they do best in a pond environment with a sandy bottom 
• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate to difficult due to their long reproductive cycle, which can last up to four months

Red-eared sliders are one of the most popular turtles people buy as pets, but that popularity has a lot of drawbacks because hobbyists often don’t realize how

Red-eared slider turtles might not be the best choice for a beginning aquarist since they can grow up to 12 inches long and require a lot of space, but their unique appearance and generally docile nature make them one of the most popular choices for people with some experience.

Turtles also don’t need pristine water conditions like most other popular freshwater species, but they do need a large tank with plenty of space to swim and a water temperature that doesn’t fall below 72°F.

Also Read: 30 Best Cold Water Fish For Your Aquarium

8. Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

• Scientific Name: Glossolepis pseudoincisus
• Size: 1 inch 
• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years or longer
• Nature: Very peaceful; they can be kept with other species of rasbora but avoid keeping them with very aggressive fish
• Water Temperature: 73 – 82 °F (23-28°C); they prefer warmer water 
• Ph level: 5.0 – 7.0; slightly acidic to neutral
• Required Tank Size: 5 gallons or more 
• Required Water Type: Soft and slightly acidic
• Breeding Difficulty: Difficult due to their complex reproductive cycle, which lasts for around 3 months 

Emerald dwarf rasboras are a versatile species of fish that can thrive in a wide range of conditions, making them a popular choice for experienced aquarists and beginners alike.

They’re very peaceful fish that don’t often become aggressive, but they are susceptible to fungal infections if the water conditions in your tank aren’t up to par.

Emerald dwarf rasboras are one of the most underrated species of freshwater fish, which is why they’re loved by aquarists around the world. These lovely fish don’t need a heated aquarium, only eat algae wafers, and are extremely peaceful, which makes them an ideal pick for community tanks.

Emerald dwarf rasboras are usually very peaceful fish, but they can sometimes irritate other aquarium inhabitants with their fins if they’re not kept in a large enough school, so it’s recommended to buy at least 6 of them. They only grow up to 1 inch long and don’t eat any type of dry food, so make sure you buy them from a reputable dealer if you want to keep your fish healthy.

9. Bristlenose Pleco

• Scientifc Name: Ancistrus spp.
• Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years or longer
• Nature: Semi-aggressive; not suitable for community tanks 
• Water Temperature: 70 – 78 °F (21-26°C); they prefer warmer water 
• Ph level: 6.5 – 7.5; neutral to acidic
• Required Tank Size: 20 gallons or more 
• Required Water Type: Soft and slightly acidic
• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate; the mother cares for the eggs until they hatch

The Bristlenose pleco is one of the most popular catfish in the aquarium trade, thanks to its attractive look and hardy nature. Bristlenose plecos are some of the most underrated species of freshwater fish in this hobby, which is unfortunate since they’re very easy to care for, and they’re very beautiful. They only grow up to 2 inches long and don’t eat any type of dry food, so make sure you buy them from a reputable dealer if you want to keep your fish healthy.

Bristlenose plecos are usually very peaceful fish, but they can sometimes irritate other aquarium inhabitants with their cones if they’re not kept in a large enough school, so they’re not ideal for community tanks. They also tend to stop eating if stressed, so make sure you buy them from a reputable dealer if you want to keep your fish healthy.

Related: The Best 15 Types Of Plecos For Your Tank

Related: Vampire Pleco (L-240): Detailed Care Guide

10. Cherry Barb

• Scientific Name: Puntius titteya
• Size: 1.5 inch 
• Lifespan: 5 years or longer 
• Nature: Semi-aggressive; not suitable for community tanks 
• Water Temperature: 70 – 82 °F (21-28°C); they prefer warmer water 
• Ph level: 6.5 – 7.5; neutral to slightly acidic 
• Required Tank Size: 20 gallons or more 
• Water Type: Soft and acidic
• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate; the parents care for their young until they become free-swimming fish

The cherry barb is a colorful species of freshwater fish that can be an ideal choice if you want something a little more attractive than a neon tetra. They’re usually sold as young fish, so you should buy at least 5 of them since they don’t attend school well with other species.

The cherry barb doesn’t have an aggressive nature, but it can sometimes irritate other aquarium inhabitants with its fins if it’s not kept in a large enough school.

Cherry barbs are one of the most underrated species of freshwater fish, which is unfortunate since they’re very easy to care for, and they look absolutely stunning.

They have a bright red body with small fins that will remind you of cherry blossoms whenever they swim by your tank, which makes them an ideal choice for any aquarist that wants something eye-catching without too much effort.

Cherry barbs are usually very peaceful fish, but they can sometimes irritate other aquarium inhabitants with their barbels if they’re not kept in a large enough school. They grow up to 2 inches long and will only feel comfortable in water that’s at least 72°F.

11. Harlequin Rasbora

• Scientific Name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha
• Size: 1 inch 
• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years or longer
• Nature: Semi-aggressive; not suitable for community tanks 
• Water Temperature: 73 – 82 °F (23-28°C); they prefer warmer water 
• Required Tank Size: 20 gallons or more 
• Water Type: Soft and acidic
• Ph level: 6 – 8; neutral to slightly acidic 
• Required Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger

The harlequin rasbora is one of the most popular species for planted tanks since it’s very attractive and peaceful. It doesn’t have an aggressiveHarlequin rasboras are small, peaceful fish that will add a splash of color to any community tank, but they’re still one of the more popular freshwater species in most pet stores because they look absolutely stunning.

The male harlequin rasbora has a beautiful orange-red body with green stripes that will make you think of exotic plants or ancient Chinese paintings whenever they swim by your aquarium. They’re very active fish which makes them an ideal pick for community tanks, but their activity level might bother more sedentary species like betta fish so check for compatibility before you buy one.

12. Boeseman’s Rainbow Fish

• Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae
• Size: 1 inch 
• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years or longer 
• Nature: Semi-aggressive; not suitable for community tanks 
• Water Temperature: 68 – 82 °F (20-28°C); they prefer warmer water 
• Ph level: 7.2 – 8.5; slightly alkaline 
• Water Type: Soft and acidic
• Required Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger 
• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate, the parents, care for their young until they become free-swimming fish

The Boseman’s rainbow gourami is an unusual species of freshwater fish that’s usually sold as a juvenile since it doesn’t start to develop its full colors until it becomes an adult.

Boeseman’s rainbowfish is one of the most peaceful species of gourami, but they’re still recommended only for larger tanks with other peaceful tankmates like small barbs or bottom-dwelling catfish.

They can grow up to 3 inches long and will only feel comfortable in water that’s at least 72°F, but they’re known to be a little picky when it comes to water conditions.

The Boseman’s rainbowfish is one of the smallest species in the freshwater aquarium trade, which makes it an ideal choice if you want something peaceful that won’t take up too much space or conflict with other inhabitants in your tank.

They’re not usually sold in stores, but they are becoming more popular with aquarists thanks to their stunning appearance and peaceful behavior. They grow up to 1 inch long and only eat algae wafers, so they’re an ideal choice for planted tanks or people who want something low-maintenance.

13. Clown Killifish

• Scientific Name: Pseudepiplatys annulatus
• Size: 2 inches 
• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years or longer 
• Nature: Aggressive and territorial; not suitable for community tanks 
• Water Temperature: 60 – 82 °F (16-28°C); they prefer warmer water 
• Required Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger 
• Water Type: Soft and acidic 
• Ph level: 6.0 – 7.5; neutral to slightly acidic
• Breeding: Moderate, the parents, care for their young until they become free-swimming fish. 

The clown killifish is a beautifully colorful species that are full of personality and activity, but it’s not recommended for most community tanks since they’re aggressive and territorial by nature. They only grow up to 2 inches long, but they can be very aggressive towards their own kind and any fish that’s even slightly larger than them.

Clown killifish are beautiful little fish that prefer a well-planted tank with lots of hiding spaces where they can settle down in peace. Clown killifish is one of the most underrated species of freshwater fish, which is unfortunate since they’re extremely easy to care for, and they look absolutely stunning. They have a bright orange body that’s covered with black stripes or blue spots, which makes them an ideal choice if you want something that will stand out in your tank.

Clown killifish are usually very peaceful fish, but they can sometimes irritate other aquarium inhabitants with their fins if they’re not kept in a large enough school. They grow up to 1 inch long and only eat live foods, so make sure you buy one from a reputable dealer if you want to keep your fish healthy.

14. Sparkling Gourami

• Scientific Name: Trichopsis vittata
• Size: 2 inches 
• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years or longer for females; 1 – 2 years or shorter for males 
• Nature: Peaceful and unaggressive; suitable for community tanks 
• Water Temperature: 72 °F (22 °C); they prefer warmer water 
• Required Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger for a school; 5 – 7 gallons for a single fish 
• Water Type: Slightly hard and alkaline 
• Ph level: 6.8 – 8.0; neutral to slightly alkalinity 
• Breeding: Moderate, the parents, care for their young until they become free-swimming fish

The sparkling gourami is one of the most popular species of freshwater aquarium fish, which is surprising since they’re only sold in stores as juveniles that don’t start developing their beautiful “sparkling” colors until they become adults. They grow up to 2 inches long and are known for being gentle, peaceful fish that are great for community tanks.

Sparkling gourami is one of the easiest freshwater fish to care for since it doesn’t need a heated aquarium, and it only eats algae wafers. It’s also very popular with aquarists, thanks to its beautiful appearance, which makes it an ideal choice if you want something that will stand out in your tank.

Sparkling gourami only grows up to 2 inches long, and it will only feel comfortable in water that’s at least 72°F, but it’s usually very peaceful fish as long as you keep them with other species that won’t bully them, such as cichlids or catfish.

Sparkling gouramis are very shy fish, but they’re also some of the most underrated species in this hobby since they don’t need a heated aquarium and only eat algae wafers. They usually grow up to 2 inches long, so make sure you buy them from a reputable dealer if you want to keep your fish healthy.

15. Celestial Pearl Danio

• Scientific Name: Celestichthys margaritatus
• Size: 1.5 – 2 inches
• Lifespan: 5 years or longer
• Nature: Peaceful and unaggressive; suitable for community tanks
• Water Temperature: 70 – 82 °F (21 – 28 °C); they prefer warmer water
•  Required Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger for a school; 5 gallons for a single fish
• Water Type: Soft and acidic to neutral water
• Ph level: 6.0 – 8.0; slightly acidity is preferred
• Breeding: Easy, the parents care for their young until they’re free-swimming fish

Celestichthys margaritatus is another one of the most underrated species in this hobby since it’s only sold as juveniles, which means that its beautiful colors won’t appear until it becomes an adult. This little fish grows up to 1.5 – 2 inches long, and it will only feel comfortable in water that’s soft and deep.

The celestial pearl danio is an extremely popular species of freshwater aquarium fish that’s also known as the galaxy rasbora or zebrafish. It has a bright blue body with yellow stripes, which makes it extremely easy to recognize in stores, and they’re usually very active fish when kept in schools.

Celestial pearl danio is one of the most underrated species on this list, which is unfortunate since it’s very easy to care for, and it looks absolutely stunning. These fish have a bluish-grey body with silver specks that will remind you of star constellations, and they will only feel comfortable in water that’s at least 72°F.

Celestial pearl danios usually grow up to 1 inch long, and they’re very peaceful fish, but their slender body makes them an ideal pick for community tanks with larger species like cichlids or catfish. They only eat live foods, so make sure you buy them from a reputable dealer to keep your fish healthy.

16. Congo Tetra

• Scientific Name: Micralestes interruptus
• Size: 2 inches 
• Lifespan: 3 years or longer 
• Nature: Peaceful and unaggressive; suitable for community tanks 
• Water Temperature: 72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C); they prefer warmer water 
•  Required Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger for a school; 5 gallons for a single fish 
• Water Type: Soft and acidic to neutral water 
• Ph level: 6.0 – 8.0; slightly acidity is preferred 
• Breeding: Moderate, but easier than other species on this list since it’s livebearer. 

Congo tetra is another one of the most underrated species in this hobby since it’s only sold as juveniles, which means that its beautiful colors won’t appear until it becomes an adult. These fish are incredibly easy to care for thanks to their peaceful nature, and they only grow up to 2 inches long.

Congo tetras are one of the most underrated species of freshwater fish, but they’re also some of the easiest ones to care for since they don’t need a heated aquarium and only eat algae wafers. They also look absolutely stunning with their bright orange body and black stripes, which makes them an ideal choice if you want something that will stand out in your tank.

Congo tetras are usually very peaceful fish, but they can sometimes irritate other aquarium inhabitants with their fins if they don’t have plenty of hiding places, so they’re not ideal for community tanks. They only grow up to 1 inch long and don’t eat any type of dry food, so make sure you buy them from a reputable dealer if you want to keep your fish healthy.

17. Rummy Nose Tetra

• Scientific Name: Hemigrammus bleheri
• Size: 2 inches 
• Lifespan: 3 years or longer 
• Nature: Peaceful and unaggressive; suitable for community tanks 
• Water Temperature: 68 – 82 °F (20 – 28 °C); they prefer warmer water 
•  Required Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger for a school; 5 gallons for a single fish 
• Water Type: Slightly acidic to neutral water 
• Ph level: 6.0 – 8.0; slightly acidity is preferred 
• Breeding: Difficult but easier than other species on this list. 

The rummy nose tetra is another one of the species that’s extremely easy to care for, and it won’t develop its brilliant colors until it becomes an adult. These fish only grow up to 2 inches long, and they’re basically the ideal choice if you want something small with beautiful colors.

Rummy nose tetras are one of the most underrated species of freshwater fish, which is unfortunate since they’re extremely easy to care for, and they look absolutely stunning. This is a very peaceful species that are best kept with other small fishes that won’t bully it, but it can also be kept with larger species as long as you have plenty of hiding places for the tetras.

Rummy nose tetras are usually very peaceful fish, but they can sometimes irritate other aquarium inhabitants with their fins if they’re not kept in a large enough school, which is why it’s recommended to buy at least 6 of them. They only grow up to 1 inch long and only eat live foods, so make sure you buy one from a reputable dealer if you want to keep your fish healthy.

18. White Cloud Mountain Minnow

• Scientific Name: Tanichthys micagemmae
• Size: 2.5 inches 
• Lifespan: 5 years or longer 
• Nature: Peaceful and unaggressive; suitable for community tanks 
• Water Temperature: 68 – 82 °F (20 – 28 °C); they prefer warmer water 
•  Required Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger for a school; 5 gallons for a single fish 
• Water Type: Soft and acidic to neutral water 
• Ph level: 6.0 – 8.0; slightly acidity is preferred 
• Breeding: Moderate, but easier than other species on this list since it’s livebearer.

White cloud minnows are a perfect choice if you have a large community tank since they’re extremely peaceful and won’t cause any problems. These fish don’t need a heated aquarium and only grow up to 2.5 inches long, making them the ideal choice for beginners who want to keep something that’s easy to care for.

White cloud minnows are another underrated species of freshwater fish, but they’re also some of the easiest ones to care for since they don’t need a heated aquarium and only eat algae wafers. They’re also very popular with aquarists, thanks to their beautiful appearance, which makes them an ideal choice if you want something that will stand out in your tank.

White cloud minnows are usually very peaceful fish, but they can sometimes irritate other aquarium inhabitants with their fins if they don’t have plenty of hiding places, so they’re not ideal for community tanks with larger species. They usually grow up to 2.5 inches long and only eat live foods, so make sure you buy them from a reputable dealer if you want to keep your fish healthy.

Conclusion

Fish are beautiful creatures that can turn a boring old aquarium into something truly magnificent, but not every fish is suitable for beginners.

If you want to know more about their care and needs, then you should check out the articles on this blog or find a reputable dealer if you’re interested in buying any of these fishes.