Setting up a small 3.5-gallon aquarium can be a delightful addition to your living space. While it may seem limited in size, you can still create a beautiful and thriving underwater world with the right fish selection. In this article, we’ll introduce you to “10 Great Fish for 3.5 Gallon Aquariums”, ensuring a visually stunning and harmonious aquatic environment.
A 3.5-gallon aquarium may be pretty attractive if it is appropriately constructed. Although it may appear that the fish selections for 3.5 Gallon tanks are restricted (which is valid to some extent, of course), there are actually a lot of gorgeous freshwater tiny fish and shrimp to pick from.
The reality is that there aren’t many fish that would thrive in a tank this tiny, and many options on the list are really various varieties of shrimp that would do well in a small aquarium.
Regardless of that, the following list has ten tiny freshwater fish that are suitable for a 3.5-gallon aquarium (and go over all of the care they need).
10 Stunning Small Freshwater Fish for 3.5 Gallon Tanks
1. Least Killifish
It is a small freshwater fish that may be found all across the Southeastern United States. The Least Killifish, which is closely related to Guppies and Mollies, is not a genuine “Killifish” in the traditional sense; instead of laying eggs, they give birth to live young (and as livebearers, they tend to breed quite regularly in home aquariums).
Least Killifish may grow to be around 1.5 inches in length and are pretty happy in nano aquariums as little as 3.5 gallons in size. They are quite tolerant when it comes to water conditions, and they can flourish in a wide variety of habitats and climate conditions. When it comes to choosing an easy fish to include in your nano aquarium (and not being bothered by their lack of color), these are excellent choices!
2. Dwarf Puffer
Contrary to popular perception, puffers are not only a saltwater species, as is commonly assumed. Several species of Dwarf Puffers are really native to freshwater settings and may be kept in 3.5-gallon aquariums with success. Pea Puffers, for example, grow to be approximately an inch in length and can be kept in a 3.5-gallon aquarium with little problem. That being said, if you intend to have more than one Puffer in your tank, a tank larger than 5 gallons is preferable.
In aquariums with plenty of live plants and hiding places, Pea Puffers thrive. They are inherently curious creatures, so make sure to provide them with plenty of amusement in the form of flora and driftwood. A consistent supply of meaty meals is required for puffers because they are a carnivorous species. Additionally, feeding your Puffer live snails regularly is highly advised to maintain his sharp teeth ground down and prevent him from becoming injured.
3. Norman’s Lampeye Killifish
If you’re searching for a fish that will flourish in a nano aquarium, go no further than the Norman’s Lampeye Killifish, a small freshwater fish ideal for nano aquariums. Lampeyes are known for their tranquil and robust temperament, and they tend to thrive in various habitats and water conditions, making them an excellent choice for beginning aquarists.
Lampeye Killifish love to be maintained in groups of three to five other fish. They may be kept in aquariums as little as 3.5-5 gallons since they stay so tiny (at their maximum length, they are generally around 1.5′′). Lampeyes thrive in planted aquariums with a large variety of real plants, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking to start a planted aquarium.
4. Celestial Pearl Danios
Among the many varieties of Danios are the Celestial Pearl Danio, which is one of the smallest of the bunch. This tiny freshwater fish is vibrantly colored and fascinating to see, making it a popular choice among nano aquarium owners because of its size and coloration.
Because Celestial Pearl Danios (also known as CPDs) are naturally schooling fish, we recommend that you maintain them in groups of 4-6 fish at all times. Groups are OK in tanks as little as 3.5 gallons; however, tanks larger than 10 gallons are preferred if at all feasible (if you decide to go with a smaller tank, ensure the water changes).
Because Celestial Pearl Danios are omnivores, they thrive on a diet that includes both plant-based and meat-based ingredients. Having said that, they are generally not fussy eaters and will consume flake meals, algal wafers, brine shrimp, and freeze-dried blood worms, among other things. Overall, Celestial Pearl Danios are unquestionably one of the most beautiful freshwater nano fish species available.
10 Great Fish for 3.5 Gallon Aquariums (Cont.)
5. Sparkling Gourami
Known as Pygmy Gourami in certain circles, Sparkling Gourami, sometimes known as Pygmy Gourami, is the tiniest member of the Gourami family and coveted for their brilliance iridescent hues. Because these tiny active fish thrive in small groups, it is suggested that you purchase at least three of them.
In their natural environments, Sparkling Gourami thrives in large amounts of natural foliage; as a result, they are most at ease in tanks with a large number of plants and driftwood. Along with giving plenty of hiding places, plants have the added benefit of enhancing the colors of this adorable tiny species.
Pygmy Gouramis are an omnivorous species that thrive on a diet that includes plant-based and meat-based items in equal amounts. Their health and color will improve dramatically when the flakes are combined with a pinch of bloodworms.
6. Bumblebee Goby
As one of the most unusual species on our list, Bumblebee Gobies may be kept in both freshwater and brackish water, making them one of the most interesting to keep. These vivacious tiny fish grow too little, around 1 inch in length, yet they are known for having outspoken personalities. They are known to be very aggressive toward other members of the same species, so use caution if you want to keep more than one Bumblebee Goby in the same tank.
In contrast to the majority of the other species on our list, Bumblebee Gobies are not very voracious feeders. It is common for them to be outcompeted for food in community aquariums; if you maintain these Gobies with other fish, keep an eye on them during feedings to ensure they are getting enough food.
7. Betta Fish
Bettas are valued for their vibrant colors and hardiness, making them one of the most popular species in fishkeeping. Considering that bettas are capable of living in tiny tanks and are very adaptable when it comes to water conditions, they are an excellent choice for beginning aquarium keepers.
Keeping Bettas in tiny cups or bowls is never recommended, despite what you may read online (or even hear from store staff). This terrible misconception is being disseminated and encouraged by big pet store chains as a “marketing gimmick.” The truth is that Bettas need to be housed in tanks that are at least 3.5 gallons in size with a working heater and filter.
8. Endler’s Livebearers
The Endler’s Livebearer is a tiny freshwater fish known for its kaleidoscopic patterns and vivid colors. Endlers, like other livebearers, are known to reproduce regularly; if you want to maintain this species, you should expect to have some young in your care.
Endler’s Livebearers are well-known for being extremely easy to care for, in addition to their stunning colors and prolific reproductive habits. They are often tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, making them an excellent choice for beginners or tanks requiring little maintenance. In common with the majority of the species on our list, Endlers are omnivorous, and a basic mixed diet of flake food and the odd meaty snack will be enough for them.
9. Crystal Red Shrimp
We understand that Crystal Red Shrimp is not strictly a fish, but they make excellent tiny aquarium residents regardless of their classification. These small freshwater shrimp are stunning to look at, (relatively) simple to care for, and may flourish in aquariums as little as 3-5 gallons in size. However, if there are larger fish around, Crystal Reds are more likely to be eaten as snacks; therefore, if you wish to maintain shrimp, you should keep them in a shrimp-only tank.
Crystal Red Shrimp thrive in aquariums that include a variety of live plants and driftwood to hide among. A colony of CRS may grow to be huge in the appropriate conditions, which is fortunate because a 3.5-gallon aquarium can accommodate a pretty significant number of them. The Crystal Red Shrimp is an excellent option if you’re searching for something distinctive.
10. Red Cherry Shrimp
The Red Cherry Shrimp (RCS) is one of the most straightforward species to keep in a shrimp tank if you enjoy the concept of having a shrimp tank. These tiny fellas are incredibly tolerant when it comes to water conditions (even more so than Crystal Reds), and they multiply at an alarmingly rapid rate.
Red Cherry Shrimp, like any other species of dwarf shrimp, should not be maintained in the same tank as fish (or they will probably end up as food). The good news is that RCS is rather enjoyable on their own and create a striking contrast against green vegetation. Cherry Shrimp, like Crystal Reds, thrive in planted aquariums with plenty of hiding places for their young.
Conclusion: 10 Great Fish for 3.5 Gallon Aquariums
Many individuals involved in the fishkeeping hobby have the attitude that “more is better” (don’t get me wrong, enormous tanks may be fantastic). But, a 3.5-gallon aquarium may, in our opinion, be just as attractive and entertaining as a 50-gallon aquarium – especially considering the abundance of tiny freshwater species available.
It’s significant to note that there aren’t many fish that can thrive in a tank this tiny, and many of the things on the list are really different varieties of shrimp that would do well in a small aquarium. Additionally, avoid overstocking your tank, feeding gently, and doing frequent water changes! The fish and shrimp recommendations on this list should help to ensure that you have a beautiful little aquarium within no time!
Tell us in the comments, how you like our article “10 Great Fish for 3.5 Gallon Aquariums”
For similar posts like this, click here.
For the source file, click here.
One thought on “10 Great Fish for 3.5 Gallon Aquariums”