Top 10 Fish and Other Inhabitants for a Thriving Community Tank

So you've set up your tropical fish tank, cycled it and now you’re ready to add fish. Great! The underwater world is full of fascinating creatures and vibrant colors. One of the most popular ways to get started is with a community fish tank. This basically means you'll have a variety of different fish species living together in harmony. Community fish tanks are great for beginners because they offer a lot of variety and visual interest.

But before you rush out and buy the first fish that catches your eye, there are a few things to consider. The best community fish generally have a peaceful temperament, an appropriate size for your tank, and interesting behaviors and activity levels to keep things entertaining.

Ready to meet some amazing aquatic buddies? Here are some ideas to help you stock your community tank, in no particular order.

1. Corydoras Catfish

These little guys are armored catfish with adorable whisker-like barbels. One of the most popular freshwater bottom feeder fish in the hobby, they come in various colors and patterns.

• Behaviour: Peaceful bottom dwelling community fish that love to scavenge for food. You'll often see them sifting through the substrate.
• Schooling: Yes, keep them in groups of 3 or more.
• Size: Around 2-3 inches.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons.

2. Cherry Barb

As their name suggests, males sport a vibrant cherry red color, especially during spawning. Females are less colourful but still a bright addition to any community fish tank!

• Behaviour: Active and shoaling fish that add a lot of movement to your tank.
• Schooling: Yes, definitely keep them in groups of 6 or more.
• Size: Around 2 inches.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons.

3. Neon Tetra

One of the most iconic aquarium fish with their striking blue and red stripes, neon tetras are a pleasing addition to any community tank.

• Behaviour: Peaceful and active schooling fish that love to swim in the middle water layers.
• Schooling: A big yes! Keep them in groups of 6 or more, the bigger the school, the better.
• Size: Around 1.5 inches.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons.

4. Honey Gourami

Beautiful golden yellow with a cute personality, honey gouramis are small but striking fish that’s perfect as a centerpiece community fish. 

• Behaviour: Relatively peaceful and a bit more shy than other gouramis. Males can be territorial with each other.
• Schooling: No, they can be kept in pairs or singly.
• Size: Around 2-3 inches.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons for dwarfs, 20 gallons for standard.

5. Platies

Platies come in a rainbow of colors, from vibrant reds and oranges to deep blues and yellows. They also sport a variety of fin types, including the elegant high-fin and the unique pintail.

• Behaviour: Peaceful, active, and love to explore all levels of the tank.
• Schooling: While not a schooling fish, they do better in groups of 3 or more.
• Size: Around 2-3 inches.
• Difficulty: Very easy.
• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons.

6. Celestial Pearl Danios (Galaxy Rasbora)

These tiny fish have a stunning celestial pattern with orange spots on a dark blue body. They are best paired with dither fish to counteract their shy nature.

• Behaviour: Peaceful and shy community fish. They prefer a planted tank with plenty of hiding places.
• Schooling: Yes, keep in groups of 6 or more.
• Size: Around 1 inch.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons.

7. White Cloud Mountain Minnow

White clouds are a highly active community fish that’ll make sure there’s always something happening in your tank. They are also known for their hardiness and adaptability, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists.

• Behaviour: Peaceful and active, these fish can even tolerate cooler water temperatures.
• Schooling: Yes, keep in groups of 6 or more.
• Size: Around 1.5 inches.
• Difficulty: Very easy.
• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons.

8. Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae eaters that are great for keeping your tank clean. These little catfish are constantly searching for food, making them a fantastic addition to any planted tank. You'll rarely see them not munching on something!

• Behaviour: They spend their time grazing on algae on surfaces like plants and decorations but are most active at night.
• Schooling: Yes, keep in groups of 3 or more.
• Size: Around 1.5-2 inches.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons.

9. German Blue Ram

These small cichlids are one of the most popular centerpiece fish for a smaller aquarium, and stand out due to their beautiful blue and yellow coloration.

• Behaviour: While generally peaceful, they can be a bit more sensitive and demanding than other fish on this list. Mating pairs are territorial.
• Schooling: No, keep in pairs or singly.
• Size: Around 3 inches.
• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Minimum tank size: 20 gallons.

10. Cherry Shrimp

These captivating invertebrates are a vibrant cherry red color, adding a lively touch to any freshwater tank. Not only do they add a pop of colour, but they also act as diligent little cleaners, constantly scavenging for algae and leftover food to keep your aquarium spotless.

• Behaviour: Peaceful scavengers that love to graze on algae and leftover food.
• Schooling: Yes, keep in groups of 10 or more.
• Size: Around 1.5 inches.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Minimum tank size: 5 gallons.

Build Your Community Tank with East Ocean Aquatic

A community tank is a fantastic way to experience the joy of an aquarium. The species we've explored today are known for their peaceful nature and can be combined to create a vibrant and harmonious underwater world.

Remember, research is key before bringing any aquatic creature home. Understanding their needs will ensure they thrive in your care.

Visit East Ocean Aquatic today! We have a wide selection of community fish, including all the species mentioned in this article, plus everything you need to create the perfect community fish tank. Want to add some colorful invertebrates? Browse our selection of aquarium shrimp for sale! Looking for specific species? You can even buy tropical fish online through our website. Our friendly staff can help you with community fish tank ideas and provide expert advice for your aquarium journey.