Stocking List For 5 Gallon Nano Aquariums

[ashenwelt]

So a question that comes up a lot is what can go into a five gallon aquarium. This expects heat and filtration and good water. We have made a list based on what people have been successful with. As such, can you help me expand this list? Please only add if YOU have done it. Here is our list so far.

What can go in a five? Many, many options. Many of which will start arguments. This is a list that people have been successful with. It’s not a guarantee but it is a place to start. Also, please research these fish as many has very specific requirements. Also note that many of these fish would be best listed as fish for "advanced" fishkeepers.

Fish:

Characiformes Characidae:

• Green Neon Tetra or Paracheirodon simulans - (recommend a minimum of 170 square inches (1096 square cm) of aquarium floor space, with 200+ (1290 square cm) preferred; length is wanted) - Requires 6 in a 5 gallon aquarium

Characiformes Lebiasinidae:

• Nannostomus anduzeI - Requires 6 in a 5 gallon aquarium

Cypriniformes Cyprinidae:

• Celestial Pearl 'Danio' / Galaxy 'Rasbora' or Celestichthys margaritatus - Requires 6 in a 5 gallon aquarium
• Strawberry Rasbora or Boraras naevus - Requires 6 in a 5 gallon aquarium
• Neon blue rasbora or Sundadanio axelrodI - Requires 6 in a 5 gallon aquarium
• Dwarf Rasbora or Boraras maculatus - Requires 6 in a 5 gallon aquarium
• ChilI rasboras / Mosquito Rasbora or Boraras brigittae - Requires 6 in a 5 gallon aquarium
• Boraras micros - Requires 6 in a 5 gallon aquarium
• Boraras urophthalmoides - Requires 6 in a 5 gallon aquarium
• Ember barb / Dwarf Amber Barb or Barboides gracilis - Requires 6 in a 5 gallon aquarium
• Barboides britzI - Requires 6 in a 5 gallon aquarium
• Phoenix Rasbora or Boraras merah - Requires 6 in a 5 gallon aquarium

Cyprinodontiformes Nothobranchiidae [Killifish]:

• Aphyoplatys duboisI - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion australe - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion aureum - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion bualanum - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion calliurum - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion celiae - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion coeleste - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion exigoideum - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion hofmannI - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion joergenscheelI - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion louessense - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion ocellatum - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion prnium - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion raddaI - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion wachtersI - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion (Chromaphyosemion) species - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion (Diapteron) abacinum - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion (Diapteron) cyanostictum - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion (Diapteron) fulgens - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Aphyosemion (Diapteron) georgiae - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Epiplatys annulatus - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Epiplatys chaperI - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Epiplatys dagetI - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Fundulopanchax ahlI - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Fundulopanchax gardnerI - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.; mature fish can eventually outgrow a 5, but albino and Gold forms tend to stay smaller)
• Fundulopanchax filamentosa - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Fundulopanchax marmoratum - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable; larger size, but very peaceful fish
• Fundulopanchax oeserI - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Fundulopanchax scheelI - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.

Cyprinodontiformes Poeciliidae:

• Endler's Livebearer or Poecilia wingeI - 1-4M or 2F; swims in all zones; caution breeds prolifically
• Dwarf Mosquitofish / Least Killifish or Heterandria formosay - 1-4M or 2F; swims in all zones; caution breeds prolifically

Perciformes Elassomatidae:

• Pygmy Sunfish or Elassoma sp.- 1M or 1F or 1M/1F
• Banded Pygmy Sunfish or Elassoma zonatum - 1M or 1F or 1M/1F
• Bluebarred Pygmy Sunfish or Elassoma okatie - 1M or 1F or 1M/1F
• Carolina Pygmy Sunfish or Elassoma boehlkeI - 1M or 1F or 1M/1F
• Gulf Coast Pygmy Sunfish or Elassoma gilbertI - 1M or 1F or 1M/1F
• Okefenokee Pygmy Sunfish or Elassoma okefenokee - 1M or 1F or 1M/1F
• Spring Pygmy Sunfish or Elassoma alabamae - 1M or 1F or 1M/1F
• Everglades Pygmy Sunfish or Elassoma evergladeI - 1M or 1F or 1M/1F

Perciformes Osphronemidae:

• Parasphaerichthys lineatus - Requires 6 in a 5 gallon aquarium

Perciformes Badidae:

• Scarlet Badis or Dario dario - 1M, 3M or 1M/2F, due to aggression and territorial aggression; lower third swimmer
• Red Dario / Red Melon Dario or Dario hysginon - 1M, 3M or 1M/2F, due to aggression and territorial aggression; lower third swimmer
• Dario dayingensis - 1M, 3M or 1M/2F, due to aggression and territorial aggression; lower third swimmer
• Dario kajal - 1M, 3M or 1M/2F, due to aggression and territorial aggression; lower third swimmer
• Dario urops - 1M, 3M or 1M/2F, due to aggression and territorial aggression; lower third swimmer
• Black Tiger Dario or Dario sp. 'Myanmar' - 1M, 3M or 1M/2F, due to aggression and territorial aggression; lower third swimmer

Perciformes Osphronemidae:

• Licorice GouramI or Parosphromenus deissnerI - (Debated; Recommend captive bred only, in very soft water; Recommend to focus on breeding) - 1M or 1F or 1M/1F
• Betta Albimarginata - (Recommend to focus on breeding) - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Betta Brownorum - (Recommend to focus on breeding) - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Betta Channoides - (Recommend to focus on breeding) - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Betta Persephone - (Recommend to focus on breeding) - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Betta Rutilan - (Recommend to focus on breeding) - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Betta sp. ApI ApI - (Recommend to focus on breeding) - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.
• Betta / Siamese Fighting Fish or Betta Splendens - 1M or 1F
• Betta Tussyae - (Recommend to focus on breeding) - 1M/1F Pair is preferred, 1M or 1F is not optimal but minimally acceptable.

Perciformes Gobiidae:

• Stiphodon birdsong - 1M or 1F or 1M/1F

Perciformes Cichlidae:

• Big-Eye' Lamprologus / Zebra Shelldweller or Neolamprologus similis - (use caution and watch for aggression; recommend a minimum of 170 square inches (1096 square cm) of aquarium floor space, with 200+ (1290 square cm) preferred) - 1M or 1F or 1M/1F, due to aggression and territorial aggression; lower third swimmer
• Ocellated Lamprologus / Ocellatus Shelldweller or Lamprologus Ocellatus - (use caution and watch for aggression; recommend a minimum of 170 square inches (1096 square cm) of aquarium floor space, with 200+ (1290 square cm) preferred) - 1M or 1F or 1M/1F, due to aggression and territorial aggression; lower third swimmer
• Multis /Multi-Bar Lamprologus or Neolamprologus multifasciatus - (use caution and watch for aggression; recommend a minimum of 170 square inches (1096 square cm) of aquarium floor space, with 200+ (1290 square cm) preferred) - 1M or 1F or 1M/1F, due to aggression and territorial aggression; lower third swimmer

Tetraodontiformes / Tetraodontidae:

• Dwarf Puffer / Malabar pufferfish or Carinotetraodon travancoricus - 1 Puffer

Invertebrates:

• Cherry Shrimp (all varieties) / Neocaridina davidI (up to 12 shrimp)
• Crystal Shrimp (all varieties) / Caridina cantonensis (up to 12 shrimp)
• Cardinal Shrimp / Caridina sp. "Cardinal" (up to 12 shrimp)
• Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis / Snowball Shrimp (up to 12 shrimp)
• Ghost Shrimp / Paleomonetes sp. (up to 8 shrimp)
• Amano Shrimp (up to 5 shrimp)
• ThaI Micro Spider Crabs / Limnopilos naiyanetrI (up to 3 crabs)
• Pom Pom Crab / Lybia sp. (up to 3 crabs)
• SpikI Snail (up to 2 snails)
• Pond Snail (beware) (up to 3 snails, warning: prolific breeders)
• Nerite Snail (up to 2 snails)
• Assassin Snail (up to 2 snails)
• Mystery Snail (only 1 snail)
• Dwarf Mexican Crayfish (up to 1 crayfish)

Amphibians:

• African Dwarf Frogs (please remember these are social and should be 2 in 5 gallons; some research shows that it does best in species only aquariums

As a note, nearly every member of livestock here can and will start an ethics argument.

Remember there are additional concerns when doing this such as: water temp., water type, water quality, plant levels, ground cover/substrate, etc. One of the most important things to remember is that water is inherently less stable in smaller quantities. Yes, this means a 5 gallon aquarium is harder to manage than a 20 gallon aquarium. Additionally, many fish here do require what is referred to as old water. So think an aquarium that has been up for a few months at least.

Please note there are additional highly debated fish, such as the Danionella Dracula that have wildly differing sources. As such at this time we recommend holding to this list, and avoiding those fish. You may have unexpected and negative consequences for your aquatic pets when moving to those animals.

Contributors from many places but here at Fishlore.com includes:

Anders247
BottomDweller
Bruxes and Bubbles
Little Tank of Happiness
Catfish12345
Kaleb Rinehart
Coradee
CROWNTAILBETTA
fishandle
scarface
MrBryan723
ashenwelt
TexasDomer
JRS
APierce
beau
aquatickeeper
fishychachki
HappiestCamper
chromedome52

Thank you all for the contributions!

- List Curated by ashenwelt

--------

Additional Killifish breeding information provided by chromedome52

Killies are generally kept as M/F pairs, occasionally M/F/F trios.

Killifish for 5 gallon tanks with difficulty rating 1-5:
1- eats anything, and if you can't get them to spawn, there's something wrong with YOU!
2 - usually adapts to dry/frozen foods, may require some water chemistry adjustment or other.
3 - May eat frozen foods, but to breed live foods are needed. Water chemistry and possibly temperature requirements will have to be met.
4 - Require live foods, may have special spawning requirements or could be a seasonal breeder.
5 - You really have to know what you're doing to keep them alive, and breeding will require some very specific conditions.

Raising fry of killifish in general requires egg removal from parent's tank, though some 1 or 2 rated species might even allow fry to grow up in the tank. However, in a 5 gallon tank it will generally be necessary to remove fry that are seen so as to control population.

I use the terms common, uncommon, and rare. Common fish are species that may occasionally be seen in stores, but are pretty much available through auction sites and AKA show auctions. Uncommon are fish that you might find on auction sites, and have a good chance of finding at AKA shows. Rare is a fish that you will almost never see available on auction sites, and if you find them at AKA auctions, have a very, very deep wallet.

And now, some FISH:

• Aphyoplatys duboisI - 5 - RARE.
• Aphyosemion australe - 2 - common
• A. aureum - 3 - uncommon
• A. bualanum - 4 - uncommon (subgenus Kathetys, other species with same requirements are dargei, elberti, exiguum, and thysi; last two more uncommon than others)
• A. calliurum - 1 - uncommon
• A. celiae - 2 - uncommon (also subspecies A. c. winifredae, same ratings, more color)
• A. coeleste - 3 - uncommon
• A. exigoideum - 2 - uncommon
• A. hofmannI - 4 - rare, I think
• A. joergenscheelI - 5 - rare
• A. louessense - 1or2, depending on pop. - uncommon
• A. ocellatum - 3 - uncommon (highly recommended, but has low temperature requirements)
• A. prnium - 3 - uncommon
• A. raddaI - 4 - uncommon?
• A. wachtersI - 5 - rare (closely related, A. herzogI and A. bochtleri, same ratings)
• A. (Chromaphyosemion) species - bitaeniatum and some splendopleure populations may be seen in commercial imports, and these are generally rated 1-common. I've even had a very small splendopleure type that had fry with them in a 2 gallon drum bowl. There are a lot of new names in this group, but there are three species that I would not keep in a 5: riggenbachi, known as the Giant Krib; bivittatum; and lugens. Last two have highly aggressive males.)
• A. (Diapteron) abacinum, cyanostictum, fulgens, and georgiae - 4.5 - uncommon
• Epiplatys annulatus - 4 - common
• Epiplatys chaperI - 2 - uncommon
• Epiplatys dagetI - 1 - used to be common, now uncommon
• Fundulopanchax ahlI - 3 - uncommon
• Fpx. gardnerI - 1 - common (limited; mature fish can eventually outgrow a 5, but albino and Gold forms tend to stay smaller)
• Fpx. filamentosa - 3 - uncommon (along with robertsonI and rubrolabiale, small fish with feathered finnage, usually a substrate spawner)
• Fpx. marmoratum - 1 - uncommon (larger size, but very peaceful fish)
• Fpx. oeserI - 1 - uncommon (also larger, but calm species)
• Fpx. scheelI - 1 - has become common, though better stock is to be found at shows

Final note: Nothobranchius species are sometimes sold commercially, and are quite available via online auctions. Often these are sold as eggs in peat, to be hatched by recipient. Notho males are, by instinct, very rough on females. The sexes can only be put together temporarily for breeding. Males have been kept in community tanks as singles with larger fish, and a single male of pretty much any species will do well in a 5. BUT, in a small tank any tank mates are at risk, whether fish or invertebrate.

 

[BottomDweller]

Other neocardinia shrimp will work as well as RCS. Ghost shrimp would also work.

In my opinion no schooling fish should be kept in less than 10 gallons. They are too active and 5 gallons isn't enough room for 8.

 

[dcutl002]

I see your list and I understand that there is literature out on the net with these species living in a five gallon, but I would say nothing smaller than a ten. That is my opinion. Maybe one Betta for a five...I prefer a ten. calling the experts Anders247 TexasDomer

 

[Anders247]

I would not keep ember tetras, green neons, Apistogramma or shell-dwellers in a 5g. The rest, maybe....

 

[ashenwelt]

I would not keep ember tetras, green neons, Apistogramma or shell-dwellers in a 5g. The rest, maybe....

Why not on the Embers? They honestly are probably the top schooling fish in a 5. The rest are like I said in the post... Debated. But normally Embers aren't.

 

[Anders247]

Why not on the Embers? They honestly are probably the top schooling fish in a 5. The rest are like I said in the post... Debated. But normally Embers aren't.

For a 10, maybe they are fine, but in a 5, personally I wouldn't do them. ChilI rasboras and CPDs are better, imo.

 

[ashenwelt]

For a 10, maybe they are fine, but in a 5, personally I wouldn't do them. ChilI rasboras and CPDs are better, imo.

So what would you add to my list?

 

[Anders247]

I can't think of anything else to add, except maybe a pair of licorice gouramis? That is possible in a 5g.

 

[ashenwelt]

I can't think of anything else to add, except maybe a pair of licorice gouramis? That is possible in a 5g.

Someone asked me on another board about sparkling gourami. I tend to think no, but figured I would ask?

 

[Anders247]

I would say no.

 

[ashenwelt]

Made minor edits. Simplified Betts and added some comments

 

[Jennywren]

I can't think of anything else to add, except maybe a pair of licorice gouramis? That is possible in a 5g.

Wow, what a nifty little fish! I've never seen them before! <3

 

[Anders247]

I would edit the 'many types of rasboras' part. There aren't that many rasboras that I would think of keeping in a 5g. It's kind of vague.

 

[ashenwelt]

I would edit the 'many types of rasboras' part. There aren't that many rasboras that I would think of keeping in a 5g. It's kind of vague.

Can I ask people here to help with that clarification?

Anders, which do you think are the best for it?

 

[Anders247]

ChilI rasboras are one.

 

[Little Tank of Happiness]

You can do a multI shrimp tank:

4x amano shrimp
4x ghost shrimp
5x crystal shrimp
8-10x cherry shrimp

Edit: I suggested that because not many people think about it and just think about doing a single shrimp species tank when multiple looks really cool. You'd have to do a lot of moss balls and anubias nana (and any other good loved-by-shrimp live plants) though.

 

[BottomDweller]

You can do a multI shrimp tank:

4x amano shrimp
4x ghost shrimp
8-10x cherry shrimp

I believe ghosts and rcs crossbreed.

Edit: I suggested that because not many people think about it and just think about doing a single shrimp species tank when multiple looks really cool. You'd have to do a lot of moss balls and anubias nana (and any other good loved-by-shrimp live plants) though.

I don't think ghosts and RCS crossbreed. To my knowledge they are completely different species. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.

You could add some crystal shrimp to that stocking, they wouldn't crossbreed with the rest.

 

[Anders247]

Ghosts and RCS will not crossbreed.

 

[Little Tank of Happiness]

Ok, I will edit that out. I wasn't sure anyway.

 

[Catfish12345]

Male Gambusia maybe?

 

[ashenwelt]

Thank you all for helping. Its helpful.

Just for clarification, the idea here is simply build a "these kinds of stock can go in a 5 gallon aquarium". A permanent list I can use when people ask. We see lots for tens and usually get the response of: no fish can live in a five. And then people get on a high bourse and often drive people away from asking for help or flat out from the hobby.

My first aquarium was in 1977. And I will say opinions have shifted dramatically over the years (just look at Mollies). I want to get a real list and say: here look at these, they have been done. I am looking for reasonable information to try to help people.

I will say this is being done with a USA philosophy. Different cultures and nations have very different expectations for aquarium size.

Male Gambusia maybe?

They are small enough. Any other thoughts on this one?

You can do a multI shrimp tank:

4x amano shrimp
4x ghost shrimp
5x crystal shrimp
8-10x cherry shrimp

Edit: I suggested that because not many people think about it and just think about doing a single shrimp species tank when multiple looks really cool. You'd have to do a lot of moss balls and anubias nana (and any other good loved-by-shrimp live plants) though.

Personally I wouldn't mix in the ghosts because they get aggressive... But I added Ghost shrimp to my list.

ChilI rasboras are one.

Cool. Thoughts on the following rasboras? Any more?

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora /
Celestichthys erythromicron

Dwarf Rasbora / Boraras maculatus

Mosquito Rasbora / Boraras brigittae

 

[Anders247]

Yes to the two boraras, no the the emerald dwarf 'rasbora' (it's actually a type of danio, and is now in the genus Danio, too).

 

[ashenwelt]

Yes to the two boraras, no the the emerald dwarf 'rasbora' (it's actually a type of danio, and is now in the genus Danio, too).

Even as the smallest? Also I have never seen it very active.

And yeah... Seems lots of fish get called Rasboras and end up Danios lately lol

 

[Anders247]

I don't think it is the smallest, pretty sure there is one smaller, though I may be wrong. Been a while since I went through that genus.

 

[ashenwelt]

I don't think it is the smallest, pretty sure there is one smaller, though I may be wrong. Been a while since I went through that genus.

No of that list lol. 20 mm or 3/4 of am inch for max size. So 1 mm smaller than the CPD.

Thoughts on rosy loach?

 

[Anders247]

No of that list lol. 20 mm or 3/4 of am inch for max size. So 1 mm smaller than the CPD.

Are you looking at fishbase for that size? It (fishbase) says they get 30 mm.

 

[ashenwelt]

Are you looking at fishbase for that size? It (fishbase) says they get 30 mm.

I use seriously fish. However I have found the same several places. I did see some post a while back of a much larger fish they thought was misidentified as Celestichthys erythromicron that was larger. I will say the Danio erythromicron on fishbase is listed at 3 CM and that fits NOTHING I have seen anywhere else. Let alone being a completely different color than I have seen (not sure why).

 

[Anders247]

You mean the lighter color of the picture on fishbase? It's the same species as the other ones you have seen, it's just a different shade. Or maybe it is the lighting.

 

[ashenwelt]

You mean the lighter color of the picture on fishbase? It's the same species as the other ones you have seen, it's just a different shade. Or maybe it is the lighting.

So which sizing do you believe? 3.0 CM or 20 mm? In the purpose here it has a massive difference. I personally have never seen one over an inch, but that is just my experience.

 

[BottomDweller]

Thoughts on rosy loach?

I don't have any personal experience with them but this is what Seriously Fish says about them:
"Base dimensions of 60 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent are required despite its diminutive size since this species is very active and should be maintained in numbers."

 

[ashenwelt]

Then scratch that. Any others you wanna throw in BottomDweller ?

List updated.

 

[BottomDweller]

Then scratch that. Any others you wanna throw in BottomDweller ?

Sorry I just bring negative news lol. I can't think of any you don't already have.

Edit: It looks like you don't have guppies, any reason for that?

 

[ashenwelt]

Sorry I just bring negative news lol. I can't think of any you don't already have.

Edit: It looks like you don't have guppies, any reason for that?

I am actually wondering about those. I just rarely keep regular guppies.

I would like comments on the following:

• Dwarf Mosquitofish / Heterandria formosa
• Mosquito Fish / Gambusia - Male only
• Guppy
• Fancy Guppy

Should any of these be in the list?

 

[BottomDweller]

For mosquito fish do you mean the western mosquito fish (gambusia affinis) or the eastern mosquito fish? I wouldn't do the western mosquito fish, I think they get too big. Females get to about 2.5 inches but even males aren't tiny. They can be nippy and slightly aggressive with their own kind and 5 gallons doesn't give them much room to escape each other. If you were to try it I would recommend a single male.

The other 3 look fine to me.

 

[ashenwelt]

For mosquito fish do you mean the western mosquito fish (gambusia affinis) or the eastern mosquito fish? I wouldn't do the western mosquito fish, I think they get too big. Females get to about 2.5 inches but even males aren't tiny. They can be nippy and slightly aggressive with their own kind and 5 gallons doesn't give them much room to escape each other. If you were to try it I would recommend a single male.

The other 3 look fine to me.

Will add the others. What about the eastern or possibly male only?

List updated.

Can someone help identify the actual species that will work for these?

• Some types of Killifish
• Smallest Gobbies

Thanks all! This is a team effort!

How about least killifish that sounds like a common recommendation.

 

[Anders247]

Isn't least killifish the same thing as the dwarf mosquitofish you have listed above?

 

[ashenwelt]

Isn't least killifish the same thing as the dwarf mosquitofish you have listed above?

Doh! Yes. Too many names lol.

 

[Bruxes and Bubbles]

IMO, a single male gambusia would work in a 5 gallon, but only it was captive bred and or in a very heavily planted tank. The wild ones (whether actually from outside or just not raised to be used to humans) are very skittish, from personal experience. The ones I bought from a pond store still will not come to eat their food if I'm too close to the pond, and they have a lot of room to get away in there. I will have to experiment with babies this summer to see if they act like this if reared in an aquarium setting with daily human interaction. Definitely agree with BottomDweller about them being nippy!

 

[Anders247]

Doh! Yes. Too many names lol.

Those would be fine then, imo.

 

[ashenwelt]

Argh, now this list means more to me... Need to color coordinate a 7.9 gallon...

Hello team!

Here are some more fish and invertabrates to consider. Please give feedback.

Special attention to our contributors here:

Anders247
BottomDweller
Bruxes and Bubbles
Little Tank of Happiness
Catfish12345

I wanted to thank our contributors so far! Please join us on this!

Fish:

Microdevario kubotai
Neon blue rasbora / Sundadanio axelrodi
Boraras naevus
Bluefin Nothobranch Killifish / Nothobranchius rachovii
Pygmy Sunfish / Elassoma sp.
Eastern Mosquitofish / Gambusia holbrooki
Western Mosquitofish / Gambusia affinis (Male ONLY)

Invertabrates:

ThaI Micro Spider Crabs / Limnopilos naiyanetri
CPO Dwarf Crayfish

And lastly...

African Dwarf Frogs. I honestly have next to zero knowledge on these, outside I believe they are much better in shallower species only tanks?

 

[Kaleb Rinehart]

I have two adfs in a ten gallon with a betta and 4 kuhlI loaches, they do appreciate a shallower tank. But I kept them in a 55 for quite a while with out issue.

 

[Coradee]

Microdevario kubotaI are incredibly active for their size, ime with them they make even a 3ft tank look too small for them, I'd have to say they're not suitable for a 5 gallon tank

 

[ashenwelt]

Microdevario kubotaI are incredibly active for their size, ime with them they make even a 3ft tank look too small for them, I'd have to say they're not suitable for a 5 gallon tank

Sounds reasonable. I have no experience with them.

I have two adfs in a ten gallon with a betta and 4 kuhlI loaches, they do appreciate a shallower tank. But I kept them in a 55 for quite a while with out issue.

Would you put ADFS in a five?

 

[Kaleb Rinehart]

Imo, probably not. Just because I think they would prefer more space to explore. That's just me tho

 

[ashenwelt]

Hmm... should there be a comment that if people are building a nano tank, they should pick a shape best for their occupants? Some need height, some need length, some need shallow and wide tanks. Or should that be as normal?

 

[Kaleb Rinehart]

I have 3 Asian stone catfish in a 5 gallon and they're doing quite well, I'm thinking about adding a couple more.

 

[ashenwelt]

I have 3 Asian stone catfish in a 5 gallon and they're doing quite well, I'm thinking about adding a couple more.

I don't know that I would add more, but the fact is those fish are so inactive it isn't even funny. Makes then a good fit for 5s. Those are on our list.

 

[Kaleb Rinehart]

I don't know that I would add more, but the fact is those fish are so inactive it isn't even funny. Makes then a good fit for 5s. Those are on our list.

I know that's why I was considering adding a couple more. It's only them in the tank so it wouldn't be overstocked

 

[BottomDweller]

For the fish pygmy sunfish would be fine in my opinion.
I've already given my opinion on the western mosquito fish and I'm not sure about the rest.

ThaI Micro Spider Crabs / Limnopilos naiyanetri
CPO Dwarf Crayfish

And lastly...

African Dwarf Frogs. I honestly have next to zero knowledge on these, outside I believe they are much better in shallower species only tanks?

I think thaI micro crabs would be fine
I believe CPO dwarf crayfish need 8 gallons minimum
I wouldn't put ADF in anything less than 10 gallons. Also they are social so you would need more than 1.

I just want to say I think it's brilliant you're making this list. I'm setting up a 5 gallon soon and I'm probably just going to have a betta and invertebrates but you've given me a lot of ideas. Also I think it's great you're being open minded and taking everyone's opinions on board.

 

[ashenwelt]

For the fish pygmy sunfish would be fine in my opinion.
I've already given my opinion on the western mosquito fish and I'm not sure about the rest.

I have seen a lot of references to the pygmy sunfish. The western, on a male only, is to get some discussion on it. Thank you by the way for your input on it. I am currently thinking it shouldn't be there.

I think thaI micro crabs would be fine

It seems fairly well recommended for 5s.

I just want to say I think it's brilliant you're making this list. I'm setting up a 5 gallon soon and I'm probably just going to have a betta and invertebrates but you've given me a lot of ideas. Also I think it's great you're being open minded and taking everyone's opinions on board.

Thank you for being a part of this. Its crowd sourcing in essence. The only opinion I have been bypassing is the one that says: "No fish can live in 5 gallons."

I want those five gallon tanks just as beautiful and healthy as the tens and twentys. And "Get a Betta" shouldn't be the only answer people give. Nothing is wrong with them... but they are not the only answer. And yes, I have a Betta, and he even has a name (Hern).