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The 10 gallon tank is a classic starter size, but it is smaller than many people think: about 38 litres gross, and less once substrate and decor are in. This list is computed from our species data and shows every fish and invertebrate whose minimum tank size is 40 litres (about 10 gallons) or less.
Being on the list means one species fits, not that you can combine all of them. A realistic 10 gallon community is usually one school of small fish (chili rasboras, ember tetras, endlers), perhaps a few pygmy corydoras, plus shrimp and snails. Medium fish such as swordtails, angelfish or most barbs are not here because they need more room.
- Choose fish that stay under about 1.2 inches (3 cm) as adults, or a single betta.
- Prefer one fish species and invertebrates over several fish species.
- Plant heavily: plants help with water quality and give cover.
- Run the stocking calculator with your exact selection to check the load.
Our minimum sizes are conservative on purpose. You will see fish sold for 10 gallon tanks that we place in larger lists; in our experience, giving them more space prevents stress, aggression and disease.
10 gallon tank
| Species | Min. liters | Size | Temp. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Betta fish Betta splendens | 7 gal (25 L) | 2.4 in (6 cm) | 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) | Easy |
 Nerite snail Neritina natalensis | 5 gal (20 L) | 1 in (2.5 cm) | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) | Easy |
 Horned nerite snail Clithon corona | 5 gal (20 L) | 0.6 in (1.5 cm) | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) | Easy |
 Amano shrimp Caridina multidentata | 11 gal (40 L) | 2 in (5 cm) | 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) | Easy |
 Cherry shrimp Neocaridina davidi | 5 gal (20 L) | 1.2 in (3 cm) | 64–81 °F (18–27 °C) | Easy |
 Celestial pearl danio Danio margaritatus | 11 gal (40 L) | 1 in (2.5 cm) | 68–77 °F (20–25 °C) | Moderate |
 Ember tetra Hyphessobrycon amandae | 11 gal (40 L) | 0.8 in (2 cm) | 73–82 °F (23–28 °C) | Easy |
 Lyretail killifish Aphyosemion australe | 11 gal (40 L) | 2.2 in (5.5 cm) | 70–77 °F (21–25 °C) | Moderate |
 Chili rasbora Boraras brigittae | 8 gal (30 L) | 0.8 in (2 cm) | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) | Moderate |
 Dwarf rasbora Boraras maculatus | 11 gal (40 L) | 1 in (2.5 cm) | 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) | Moderate |
 Vampire crab Geosesarma sp. | 11 gal (40 L) | 1.2 in (3 cm) | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) | Moderate |
 Assassin snail Anentome helena | 5 gal (20 L) | 1 in (2.5 cm) | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) | Easy |
 Bladder snail Physella acuta | 3 gal (10 L) | 0.4 in (1 cm) | 59–82 °F (15–28 °C) | Easy |
 Ramshorn snail (great ramshorn) Planorbarius corneus | 5 gal (20 L) | 1.2 in (3 cm) | 59–77 °F (15–25 °C) | Easy |
 Malaysian trumpet snail Melanoides tuberculata | 5 gal (20 L) | 1.2 in (3 cm) | 68–86 °F (20–30 °C) | Easy |
 Salt and pepper cory Corydoras habrosus | 11 gal (40 L) | 1.2 in (3 cm) | 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) | Moderate |
 Pygmy cory Corydoras pygmaeus | 11 gal (40 L) | 1 in (2.5 cm) | 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) | Moderate |
 Scarlet badis Dario dario | 11 gal (40 L) | 0.8 in (2 cm) | 64–79 °F (18–26 °C) | Moderate |
 Endler's livebearer Poecilia wingei | 11 gal (40 L) | 1.2 in (3 cm) | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) | Easy |
 Gardneri killifish Fundulopanchax gardneri | 11 gal (40 L) | 2.4 in (6 cm) | 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) | Moderate |
 Blue dream shrimp Neocaridina davidi var. Blue Dream | 5 gal (20 L) | 1.2 in (3 cm) | 64–81 °F (18–27 °C) | Easy |
 Crystal red shrimp Caridina cantonensis | 8 gal (30 L) | 1 in (2.5 cm) | 64–75 °F (18–24 °C) | Difficult |
 Ghost shrimp Palaemonetes paludosus | 11 gal (40 L) | 1.6 in (4 cm) | 64–81 °F (18–27 °C) | Easy |
 Tiger shrimp Caridina mariae | 7 gal (25 L) | 1.2 in (3 cm) | 64–77 °F (18–25 °C) | Moderate |
 Medaka (Japanese ricefish) Oryzias latipes | 11 gal (40 L) | 1.4 in (3.5 cm) | 50–79 °F (10–26 °C) | Easy |
 Nothobranchius rachovii (Rachow's nothobranch) Nothobranchius rachovii | 11 gal (40 L) | 2 in (5 cm) | 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) | Difficult |
 Pea puffer (dwarf puffer) Carinotetraodon travancoricus | 8 gal (30 L) | 1.2 in (3 cm) | 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) | Moderate |
 Least killifish Heterandria formosa | 8 gal (30 L) | 1 in (2.5 cm) | 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) | Easy |
No species match those filters.
Frequently asked questions
How many fish can go in a 10 gallon tank?
It depends on the species and its adult size. As a reference, a school of 8-10 nano fish plus a few shrimp or snails is a reasonable load with good filtration. Use the stocking calculator for your exact mix.
Can a betta live in a 10 gallon tank?
Yes, a 10 gallon tank is a very good home for a single male betta, and it leaves room for snails or a small group of peaceful bottom dwellers if you choose carefully.
Can I keep guppies in a 10 gallon tank?
A small group of males can work. Mixed sexes breed fast and will quickly overpopulate a tank of this size.
Why is 1 inch of fish per gallon not used here?
That rule ignores body mass, activity and waste. A 10 inch fish is not equivalent to ten 1 inch fish, so we use each species' honest minimum tank size instead.
