I have a 10-gallon tank. What can I keep?
A 10-gallon tank (38 L) suits small fish, shrimp and snails, or one betta with a few calm companions. It’s easy to overstock, so plan one main group plus a cleanup crew rather than a bit of everything.
From the 11 species we cover so far. We add more every week.
Fits a 10-gallon tank
| Species | Adult size | Keep at least | Smallest tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betta fish | 2.5–2.8 in | 1 (fine alone) | 5 gallons (19 L) |
| Cherry shrimp | 1–1.5 in | 6 together | 5 gallons (19 L) |
| Ember tetra | 0.9–1 in | 6 together | 10 gallons (38 L) |
| Guppy | 1.5–2.5 in | 3 together | 10 gallons (38 L) |
| Neon tetra | 1.4 in | 6 together | 10 gallons (38 L) |
| Pygmy corydoras | 1 in | 8 together | 10 gallons (38 L) |
| Zebra nerite snail | 1 in | 5 gallons (19 L) |
Pairs that are compatible in 10 gallons
Both species fit a 10-gallon tank on their own and every compatibility check passes. This is about the two species getting along. It isn’t a stocking plan: we don’t yet check how many fish fit together, so keep one main group plus a cleanup crew. For full stock lists with counts and assumptions, see the 10-gallon betta setups.
| Betta fish + Ember tetra | Can a betta live with ember tetras? Yes. |
| Betta fish + Pygmy corydoras | Can a betta live with pygmy corydoras? Yes. |
| Cherry shrimp + Ember tetra | Can a cherry shrimp live with ember tetras? Yes. |
| Cherry shrimp + Pygmy corydoras | Can a cherry shrimp live with pygmy corydoras? Yes. |
| Ember tetra + Neon tetra | Can an ember tetra live with neon tetras? Yes. |
| Ember tetra + Pygmy corydoras | Can an ember tetra live with pygmy corydoras? Yes. |
| Guppy + Zebra nerite snail | Can a guppy live with nerite snails? Yes. |
| Neon tetra + Pygmy corydoras | Can a neon tetra live with pygmy corydoras? Yes. |
Have a betta? See betta tank mates for a 10-gallon tank, with three example setups.
Too big for 10 gallons
- Angelfish: needs at least 30 gallons.
- Common goldfish: needs at least 75 gallons.
- Fancy goldfish: needs at least 20 gallons.
- Tiger barb: needs at least 30 gallons.
Before you buy fish
Cycle the tank first and check it’s ready, then use the compatibility checker to test your plan.