FishTankFreshwater fish care sheets
The key facts for 32 popular freshwater fish, shrimp and snails on one page: adult size, smallest tank, temperature and how many to keep. Tap a name for its full care guide.
Care sheet table
On a phone, swipe the table sideways. Want only the fish that fit your tank? Use the fish finder.
| Fish | Type | Adult size | Smallest tank | Temperature | Keep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry barb | Barb | 2 in | 20 gal | 73–81°F | 6+ |
| Tiger barb | Barb | 3 in | 30 gal | 72–80°F | 6+ |
| Betta (male) | Betta | 2.5 in | 5 gal | 76–82°F | 1 male |
| Corydoras (bronze or peppered) | Catfish | 2.5 in | 20 gal | 70–78°F | 6+ |
| Otocinclus | Catfish | 1.75 in | 20 gal | 72–79°F | 6+ |
| Pygmy corydoras | Catfish | 1 in | 10 gal | 72–79°F | 6+ |
| Angelfish | Cichlid | 6 in | 30 gal | 76–84°F | On its own or more |
| Zebra danio | Danio | 2 in | 20 gal | 65–77°F | 6+ |
| Common goldfish | Goldfish | 12 in | 75 gal | 60–72°F | On its own or more |
| Fancy goldfish | Goldfish | 7 in | 30 gal | 65–72°F | On its own or more |
| Dwarf gourami | Gourami | 3.5 in | 15 gal | 75–80°F | 1 male |
| Honey gourami | Gourami | 2 in | 10 gal | 72–82°F | On its own or more |
| Pearl gourami | Gourami | 4.5 in | 30 gal | 77–82°F | On its own or more |
| Endler's livebearer | Livebearer | 1 in | 5 gal | 72–80°F | 3+ |
| Guppy | Livebearer | 2 in | 10 gal | 72–80°F | 3+ |
| Molly | Livebearer | 4 in | 30 gal | 72–80°F | 3+ |
| Platy | Livebearer | 2.5 in | 10 gal | 70–80°F | 3+ |
| Swordtail | Livebearer | 4.5 in | 30 gal | 72–79°F | 3+ |
| Kuhli loach | Loach | 4 in | 20 gal | 75–86°F | 5+ |
| White cloud mountain minnow | Minnow | 1.5 in | 10 gal | 60–72°F | 6+ |
| Bristlenose pleco | Pleco | 5 in | 20 gal | 72–80°F | On its own or more |
| Harlequin rasbora | Rasbora | 2 in | 10 gal | 72–80°F | 6+ |
| Amano shrimp | Shrimp | 2 in | 10 gal | 70–80°F | 3+ |
| Cherry shrimp | Shrimp | 1 in | 5 gal | 65–80°F | 10+ |
| Mystery snail | Snail | 2 in | 5 gal | 68–82°F | On its own or more |
| Nerite snail | Snail | 1 in | 5 gal | 72–78°F | On its own or more |
| Black skirt tetra | Tetra | 2.5 in | 20 gal | 72–80°F | 5+ |
| Cardinal tetra | Tetra | 2 in | 20 gal | 75–82°F | 6+ |
| Ember tetra | Tetra | 0.8 in | 10 gal | 73–82°F | 6+ |
| Neon tetra | Tetra | 1.5 in | 10 gal | 72–80°F | 6+ |
| Rummynose tetra | Tetra | 2 in | 20 gal | 75–82°F | 6+ |
| Serpae tetra | Tetra | 1.75 in | 20 gal | 72–79°F | 6+ |
Full care guides
- Angelfish care
- Bettas care
- Bristlenose plecos care
- Cherry shrimp care
- Corydoras care
- Dwarf gouramis care
- Goldfish care
- Guppies and Endlers care
- Mollies care
- Neon tetras care
- Platies care
- Snails care
- Swordtails care
Want every plan in one printable? Stocking Plans by Tank Size has 41 checked setups for 5 to 75 gallon tanks, 32 fish care cards and a plan-your-own worksheet. Get the plans for $7
Reading the table
- Smallest tank is the minimum for that fish in its proper group, not for one fish alone.
- Temperature: pick fish whose ranges overlap. Most community tanks sit at 76–78°F. See the aquarium temperature guide.
- Keep is the smallest group that keeps schooling fish calm. Bigger groups look and behave better.
- To check a whole mix of fish, use the free stocking calculator.
New to fishkeeping? Your First Aquarium includes printable care cards for 15 beginner fish, plus setup and cycling step by step. Get the guide for $12
Related: Best fish for beginners · Stocking ideas by tank size · Fish finder · Fish compatibility checker · Shell dweller care · Celestial pearl danio care · How to breed jewel cichlids