The best fish for a 5-gallon tank can transform a small space into a vibrant underwater ecosystem. Choosing the right fish for such a compact environment presents unique challenges, but with careful consideration, you can create a thriving aquatic community. In this article, we will explore the top 10 products available on Amazon for the best fish for 5-gallon tanks in 2024. We will also provide a comprehensive buying guide to ensure that your choices lead to a successful fish-keeping experience.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Aqueon LED MiniBow Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit with SmartClean Technology, Black, 5 Gallon | Buy on Amazon | ||
| 2 |
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Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit, 5 Gallons, Hidden Filtration,Black | $77.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
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PONDON 5 Gallon Fish Tank, Low Iron Rimless Glass Aquarium Starter Kits with Backpack Partitioned... | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
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Tetra Crescent aquarium Kit 5 Gallons, Curved-Front Tank With LEDs | $75.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 5 |
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Marina 5 Gallon (19 L) LED Aquarium Kit – Ideal for Beginner Aquarists and New Fish-Keepers | $82.98 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 6 |
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5 Gallon Fish Tank Glass Small Aquarium Starter Kits Self Cleaning with LED Light & Filter for Betta... | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 7 |
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Orlushy 25W Small Submersible Aquarium Heater, Constant Temperature Betta Fish Tank Heater of... | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 8 |
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Tetra Glass Aquarium 5.5 Gallons, Rectangular Fish Tank | $42.49 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 9 |
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Betta Fish Tank, 5 Gallon Glass Aquarium, Small Fish Tank with Filter and 3 LED Plant Lights and... | $89.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 10 |
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5 Gallon Glass Small Fish Tank,Betta Fish Tank with Filter and Light(Tank+Air Pump+Sponge... | $89.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Contents
- Buying Guide for Best Fish for 5 Gallon Tank
- Top 10 Best Fish for 5 Gallon Tank from Amazon
- 1. Betta Fish (Betta splendens)
- 2. Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
- 3. Endler’s Livebearer (Poecilia wingei)
- 4. Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
- 5. Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
- 6. Zebra Danio (Danio rerio)
- 7. Pygmy Corydora (Corydoras pygmaeus)
- 8. Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus)
- 9. Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)
- 10. White Cloud Mountain Minow (Tanichthys albonubes)
- Conclusion
Buying Guide for Best Fish for 5 Gallon Tank
When selecting fish for a 5-gallon tank, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure the fish thrive rather than merely survive. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Tank Size and Stocking Density
A 5-gallon tank is relatively small, and therefore correct stocking density is vital. Generally, a good rule of thumb is one inch of fish per gallon of water. However, it’s advisable to stock less to maintain water quality.
2. Fish Compatibility
Choosing compatible species is critical. Some fish are more territorial and may stress or harm their tank mates. Researching species before purchasing is essential for a peaceful community tank.
3. Water Parameters
Different fish species have varying requirements regarding temperature, pH, and hardness. Make sure to select fish that can thrive under similar conditions.
4. Maintenance and Care
Small tanks require frequent maintenance. Choose fish that are hardy and can cope with minor fluctuations in water quality. More sensitive species may not be ideal for beginners.
5. Aesthetic and Behavior
Consider the aesthetic appeal and behavior of the fish. Some fish are known for their vibrant colors, while others might display interesting behaviors. Decide what you prefer in your aquarium.
Top 10 Best Fish for 5 Gallon Tank from Amazon
1. Betta Fish (Betta splendens)
Betta fish are incredibly popular for small tanks due to their vibrant colors and unique personalities. They thrive in smaller environments, making them ideal for a 5-gallon tank.
Amazon Review: Betta fish are known for their aggression, especially males. Keeping only one male Betta in the tank is advisable to prevent territorial disputes. They require a heater and filter to maintain stable water conditions.
Price Range: Approximately $10 – $15
Pros:
- Colorful and engaging
- Suitable for a 5-gallon tank
- Minimal care requirements
Cons:
- Can be aggressive with tank mates
- Need careful water parameter management
- 2 Pack Of Zoo Med Betta Banquet Blocks.
- Blocks dissolve in water to release nutritious micro betta pellets with time while you’re away.
- Made with krill, squid, shrimp and fish meal plus vitamins and minerals for a balanced betta diet.
- Package comes with 6 blocks, and each block can feed a betta for up to seven days.
- Formula is proudly made in the USA with no fillers, artificial colors or preservatives.
2. Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
Neon Tetras are a favorite among beginners due to their peaceful nature and stunning color. They thrive in schools, so consider keeping at least six.
Amazon Review: These small fish are easy to care for but require stable water parameters and regular feeding. Their vibrant blue and red stripes add a lively touch to any aquarium.
Price Range: Approximately $2 – $5 each
Pros:
- Peaceful community fish
- Visually appealing
- Hardy and easy to care for
Cons:
- Prefer to live in schools
- Can be sensitive to water quality
- ✅ These little live Neon Tetra are one of the brightest colored fish available in the freshwater aquarium hobby! They have a light blue back and a silver or white belly, and they feature a shimmering blue stripe along the top of their back alongside a neon red stripe along the back and bottom of their bodies
- ✅ Their eye-catching coloration live Neon Tetra has made them one of the most popular fish for freshwater aquariums today. They are great for beginners and experts alike, and they thrive in any well-established aquarium that meets their recommended water parameters
- ✅ These live Neon Tetra fish stay small, growing no larger than one to two inches, which makes them an excellent choice for small-sized tanks
- ✅ Neon Tetras live fish are very peaceful and make great additions to community aquariums. However, they should only be kept in tanks with other non-aggressive fish that are similar in size
- ✅ They are a schooling fish, and their schools create a magnificent display of colors in motion that has to be seen to be believed! These fish do best in densely planted aquariums with plenty of hiding places
3. Endler’s Livebearer (Poecilia wingei)
Endler’s Livebearers are small and beautiful fish, perfect for a 5-gallon tank. Known for their lively behavior, they are also prolific breeders.
Amazon Review: This species is very adaptable and can thrive in a range of water conditions. They do well in groups and are compatible with many other small fish.
Price Range: Approximately $10 – $15
Pros:
- Colorful and lively
- Peaceful companions
- Easy to breed
Cons:
- Can overpopulate if not monitored
- May require additional filtration
4. Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
While not fish, Cherry Shrimp are a fantastic addition to a small tank. They help keep algae in check and are fun to watch as they scuttle around.
Amazon Review: Cherry Shrimp are hardy, require minimal care, and are peaceful community members. However, they are vulnerable to predation from larger fish, so be cautious in your selections.
Price Range: Approximately $3 – $5 each
Pros:
- Effective algae eaters
- Colorful and engaging
- Minimal care requirements
Cons:
- Can be eaten by larger fish
- Need stable water conditions
- Live Arrival Guarantee.
- Size: Juvenile shrimps 1/4" - 1/2" or maybe bigger
- Attention to Customers! Due to limitations in Amazon's system, sellers cannot initiate contact with customers unless customers have contacted us first. If you have ANY issues or concerns regarding your order, please text us @ 714-253-7174 with your Order# or Order Screen shot. Our customer service team will respond within 24 hrs! Thank you!
5. Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
Guppies are another popular choice for beginners, known for their vibrant colors and friendly nature. They are livebearers, which means they give birth to live young.
Amazon Review: Guppies thrive in various water conditions and are very hardy. It’s best to keep a gender-balanced group to avoid overcrowding due to breeding.
Price Range: Approximately $2 – $10 each
Pros:
- Easy to care for
- Available in many colors
- Friendly behavior
Cons:
- Breeding can lead to overcrowding
- May be prone to disease
- 4 Assorted Guppies, Live
- 100% Live Arrival Guarantee.
6. Zebra Danio (Danio rerio)
Zebra Danios are robust fish that are perfect for the beginner aquarist. They are active and enjoy swimming around the tank.
Amazon Review: Their adaptability to various water conditions makes them easier to care for, and their playful nature adds liveliness to a small aquarium.
Price Range: Approximately $2 – $4 each
Pros:
- Strong and hardy
- Peaceful and social
- Active swimmers
Cons:
- Can be territorial in smaller spaces
- Enjoys swimming in groups
- Zebra fish (Danios) are small, very active, nonaggressive, egg-laying fish with horizontal stripes. The zebra fish is widely used in molecular and developmental genetic engineering studies. Complete with care instructions.
- From our beginnings in 1927, Carolina Biological Supply Company has grown to become a leading supplier of science teaching materials for all levels of education. Today, from our headquarters in Burlington, North Carolina, we serve customers worldwide, including teachers, professors, homeschool educators, hobbyists, and professionals in health and science-related fields.
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7. Pygmy Corydora (Corydoras pygmaeus)
Pygmy Corydoras are small catfish that fit perfectly in a 5-gallon tank. They are peaceful bottom dwellers that help keep the tank clean.
Amazon Review: These fish prefer to be in schools, so it’s best to purchase at least six to observe their natural behavior and keep stress levels low.
Price Range: Approximately $3 – $6 each
Pros:
- Peaceful and community-friendly
- Great algae eaters
- Unique appearance
Cons:
- Prefer to be kept in groups
- May require additional cleaning
8. Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus)
Celestial Pearl Danios, also known as galaxy rasboras, are small and colorful fish that thrive in a community tank. Their striking patterns and peaceful nature make them ideal for a 5-gallon setup.
Amazon Review: They prefer to be in schools and do well in planted tanks, providing both aesthetics and shelter.
Price Range: Approximately $5 – $15 each
Pros:
- Gorgeous coloration
- Peaceful and sociable
- Suitable for small tanks
Cons:
- Require stable water conditions
- Prefer to live in groups for social interaction
- ✅ The Celestial Pearl Danio is possibly THE nano fish due to its peaceful nature, small size, and remarkably beautiful coloration
- ✅ If you're looking to add natural yet arresting beauty to your aquarium, look no further than the Celestial Pearl Danio (Celestichthys margaritatus). These jewel-toned little fish are truly a sight to be seen
- ✅ The Celestial Pearl Danio is peaceful and easy to care for, as long as they live in stable water parameters with good water quality. They do best in tanks that have plant, rock, or driftwood that provides them with cover. We sell these fish in a school of 6 because they are known to do best in groups of 6 or more
- ✅ Celestial Pearl Danios will form schools with each other and with all other types of danios, forming rainbows of motion throughout your aquarium
- ✅ Our Celestial Pearl Danios are tank-raised, and we are one of the only suppliers in the United States that offers tank-raised Celestial Pearl Danios.
9. Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)
Rasboras are small, peaceful, and vibrant fish that add color to any aquarium setting. They are great schoolers and typically do well in small tanks.
Amazon Review: These fish thrive in planted tanks with foliage that provides cover, helping to reduce stress.
Price Range: Approximately $5 – $10 each
Pros:
- Peaceful schooling fish
- Excellent for community tanks
- Hardy and easy to care for
Cons:
- Prefer to be in groups
- Can be shy without sufficient cover
- ✅ The Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae), also known as the Mosquito Rasbora, is a strikingly beautiful nano fish that is very popular among aquarists due to its schooling behavior, peaceful disposition, and very small size
- ✅ This schooling fish can be the highlight in any peaceful community aquarium and it is a particular standout in the planted aquarium. With optimal diet and care, many males of this species display bright ruby red coloration
- ✅ The Chili Rasbora typically occupies the top and middle level of the water column, although it can often be seen swimming and feeding in the middle and bottom levels as well
- ✅ It is safe with other peaceful, small fish. Due to its extra small size and peaceful demeanor, it can be safely kept with dwarf shrimp. Larger, peaceful invertebrates can also make good tankmates.
- ✅ The Chili Rasbora must be kept in schools of 6 or more, although much larger schools of 20+ are more ideal. The schooling behavior of a large group of this fish is fascinating. Its natural habitat typically has slow water flow and contains acidic water rich in tannins and leaf litter
10. White Cloud Mountain Minow (Tanichthys albonubes)
White Cloud Mountain Minnows are hardy fish that can thrive in a wide range of temperatures. They are small and colorful, making them perfect for a 5-gallon tank.
Amazon Review: They are peaceful and adapt well to community tanks, preferring the company of their own species.
Price Range: Approximately $2 – $5 each
Pros:
- Hardy and resilient
- Bright coloration
- Peaceful community fish
Cons:
- Prefer cooler water temperatures
- Need to be kept in schools for their well-being
Conclusion
Choosing the best fish for a 5-gallon tank can lead to a rewarding and visually stunning aquarium experience. By considering factors such as tank size, fish compatibility, and care requirements, you can ensure that your aquatic pets thrive in their environment. Among the top choices available for 2024, Betta fish, Neon Tetras, and Cherry Shrimp stand out due to their unique characteristics and ease of care. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, incorporating any of these species will bring life to your small tank.
With the right preparation and understanding, you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility that a well-managed aquarium can offer. Happy fish keeping!
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.