What Fish Can Go In A 3 Gallon Tank

Fish may be a lovely addition to anyone's species tank, but choosing the correct fish for the proper tank size is critical.

Fish are living animals who deserve their special environment to develop and express themselves! They also need to be cared for regularly by their owners.

There are certain rules on which fish species may be kept in a 3-gallon tank and how many fish you should have before you go out and buy the best fish for a 3-gallon tank - this will help your fish live a long and happy life!

 

How many fish can I keep in a 3-gallon tank?

Compared to conventional 10-gallon fish tanks, 3-gallon fish tanks are tiny. Because of the small size, the amount of stock you can have is severely limited.

"One inch of fish per gallon of water" is a standard rule of thumb followed by all aquarists. This rule is simply a guideline and should not be followed entirely.

Some fish may not follow the "one-inch" guideline because they have distinct behavioral patterns or care instructions. Because there isn't enough room for more, most aquarists keep only one kind of fish in each tank.

Schooling fish (Tetras, Guppies, etc.) require at least 3 of their kind to stay happy and healthy. Bettas, for example, can survive in a 3-gallon tank if they don't mind being alone and don't mind sharing their tank with others.

 

The most appropriate fish for a 3-gallon fish tank

When it comes to the best fish for a 3-gallon tank, you have more options than when it comes to fish for a 1-gallon tank. This group includes a wide range of species, but little schooling fish are best. We'll go through all of them and additional species that can be kept alone in a 3-gallon tank.

 

1. Neon Tetras

Neon tetras are brightly colored fish with a bright red line running from snout to tail and a sharp blue line extending into the fins.

They usually appear in groups of 3 to 7. They may be maintained in bigger groups, but they must have lots of room to swim around. You may maintain up to 3 neon tetras in your 3-gallon tank. Consider upgrading to a 10-gallon fish tank if you fall in love with them.

Neon tetras require subtropical water in nature, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and a temperature of 75℉. They may reach a length of 1.5 inches and have a lifetspan of 2–3 years. They're the best fish for a 3-gallon tank because of this.

 

2. Guppies

For micro aquariums, guppies are a popular choice. They come in various colors and patterns, so there's something for every fish owner. Male guppies are slightly more aggressive than females. However, this varies from person to person.

In a 3-gallon tank, you can maintain 3 guppies. But bear in mind that they can grow 4 inches long (10 cm). A fish of this size may struggle to thrive in a tiny aquarium.

Guppies enjoy the water that is neutral to slightly acidic (pH 7-8). Water conditions should be consistent since rapid changes can create stress in your fish, resulting in disease or death. Guppies are tropical fish that should be kept at a 72-82℉ temperature.

 

3. Betta

Betta fish are among the greatest fish for a 3-gallon tank since they are inexpensive and simple to maintain. Betta fish can live for 2-5 years in the right conditions, and they're only around 2 inches long so they won't take up much room in a 3-gallon tank.

Betta fish enjoy the somewhat acidic water and has a pH of 6.5-8. Bettas need warm water between 75 and 80℉. Thus a 3-gallon tank would require a heater. To keep the water clean for this fish, you'll need an aquarium filter.

Because Bettas are hostile against one another, you can only maintain one in a 3-gallon tank. Adding real plants and aquarium decorations to your tank might provide your Betta with extra hiding and swimming.

 

4. Cherry Shrimp

Converting your 3-gallon tank into a shrimp tank is one of the finest methods to populate it. Cherry shrimp is one of the greatest shrimp to have in your tank. Red Cherry Shrimp and Sakura Shrimp are other names for this species.

The hue of this shrimp is red with white stripes. This species can grow 1 inch long, although most are between 0.5 and 0.8 inches long. If properly cared for, cherry shrimp can live for 2 years. They're a wonderful choice for novices because they don't need much effort and are simple to maintain.

The water temperature for cherry shrimp should be between 57 and 84℉, and the pH level should be between 6 and 8. They love tiny spaces with some dark locations for hiding so that you may fill your tank with plants and aquarium ornaments.

You can keep approximately 6-10 cherry shrimp. Therefore, it is the ideal option if you want various species in your tank. It's feasible to pair it with other fish for a 3-gallon tank, such as neon tetras or guppies.

 

5. Chili Rasboras

Chilli Rasboras are the tiniest fish you can acquire for your 3-gallon tank. They are simple to care for and provide a soothing environment. If properly maintained, they may survive up to 5 years and range in color from dark red to light orange.

Please make sure their water temperature is between 75 and 78℉. The pH should be close to neutral. Because they are little, you can keep many of them in a 3-gallon fish tank.

They eat insects, small worms, and planktons, just like the rest of the fish. Flake food or tubifex worms work well for them. They will consume nearly everything that falls to the bottom of the tank while they are there.

 

6. Zebra Danio

Zebra Danios are hardy fish that are commonly seen in community aquariums. This is due to the tranquillity of the area and the high activity level. They are commonly bought for their beauty, but they are also quite beneficial in the aquarium since they help maintain the bottom clean by eating up leftover food.

They are quite easy to care for when given the right tank size and conditions. Because zebra danios tend to congregate, you'll need to ensure adequate room and hiding spots.

A 3-4 zebra danio group may be kept in a 3-gallon tank. You may also pair it with other little fish that will fit in a 3-gallon tank. The zebra danios has a 4-5 years lifetime, making it one of the aquarium's longest-living species. Maintaining the health of your zebra danio will ensure that they live to their full potential and keep you entertained along the way!

 

7. Least Killifish

The Least Killifish is a calm bottom feeder that thrives in groups of 6 or more. It lives for around 3-5 years and grows to about 1.25 inches in length. The Least Killifish lives at a temperature range of 72 to 79℉, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.8.

Because of its modest size, this fish is one of the greatest fish for a 3-gallon tank. It is feasible to keep 6 Least Killifish in a 3-gallon tank if sufficient care is given.

Providing a bottom cover, such as Dwarf Baby Tears, will offer them a sense of security and should keep them occupied all day. Because these fish, like other livebearers, are capable of leaping out of their tank if startled or frightened, the tank must be firmly covered.

 

8. Otocinclus

Otocinclus are excellent fish for a 3-gallon tank. They're recognized for being tough and quiet, and they won't outgrow your tank. Fish like Otocinclus will help keep your aquarium clean by eating algae and other leftovers that might create problems.

The average lifespan of an Otocinclus is 3–4 years. However, they can live a little longer if properly cared for. Because these fish have such a tiny body, they should be kept in a modest 3-gallon or 5-gallon fish tank with plenty of plants to give a hiding location, as they are timid.

 

9. Ghost Shrimp

When filling a 3-gallon tank as a shrimp tank, Ghost Shrimp (also known as Sakura Shrimp or Glass Shrimp) are the finest option. Why? They are inexpensive and can withstand a variety of water conditions. This makes them ideal for any fish-keeper wishing to give their 3-gallon tank a distinctive flair while keeping costs down.

They're also really tranquil shrimps who get along with any fish that can fit in a 3-gallon tank. They may also be kept in groups, making them one of the greatest 3-gallon tank stocking alternatives for keeping many species.

Up to 7 Ghost shrimps may normally be kept in a 3-gallon fish aquarium. They only grow to be 1.5-2 inches long, so if you add additional shrimp later, their footprint will not enlarge.

Ghost shrimp are bottom feeders who perform a fantastic job cleaning your 3-gallon tank of residual food particles after your other fish have been fed. They may feed on algae and biofilm growths if there are no other fish in the tank.

 

Conclusion

Fish for 3-gallon tanks should only be little fish that will stay small for months. You must verify that the water parameters of your aquarium are within an acceptable range, just like any other aquarium. More demanding species, such as Bettas, may require specialist equipment.

Even though the 3-gallon tank is modest, we have supplied you with plenty of stocking options to bring life to your nano tank, from maintaining only one fish, such as a Betta, to keeping schooling fish, such as Neon Tetras, Guppies, and others.

One of the finest stocking alternatives for you is to turn your 3-gallon tank into a shrimp tank. Shrimps like Cherry Shrimp and Ghost Shrimp may be maintained with other little fish such as Least Killifish, Guppies, and Neon Tetras.