A nano aquarium is a beautiful focal point in any room. You see them more and more often lately. It does require frequent water changes and regular maintenance.
These are important components in maintaining optimal water quality of your nano aquarium. Due to the small size and small volume, you are of course more limited in your choice of plants and fish.
The very smallest fish for nano aquarium
Here is a short list of the smallest fish you can put in your nano aquarium:
- Boraras brigittae
- Boraras maculatus
- Boraras merah
- Danio margaritatus
- Dario darioGobiopterus species cf. panayensis
- Heterandria Formosa
- Oryzias minutillus
- Pandaka pygmaea
Let’s review each of them in details.
Boraras brigittae
Length: 2 to 3 centimeters
This tropical fish has beautiful colors and grows up to 3 centimeters, usually it stays at 2 centimeters. The Boras brigittae originates from Borneo and is family of the Cyprinidae. Best kept together in a shoal. Singles live a hidden existence and do not show their beautiful colors.
These fish like slightly more acidic water with a pH of 6.5 – 7. The water should be soft, a Gh between 3-6 is fine. Boraras brigittae is heat sensitive, a suitable temperature is between 25 and 28 degrees. It is an egg robber that eats eggs of their own species and co-inhabitants. It is very similar to the Boraras urophthalmoides, the difference is visible in the color intensity, that of the Boraras brigittae more red in color.
Boraras maculatus
Length: 2.5 centimeters
An agile peaceful schooling fish measuring only 2.5 centimeters. The Boraras maculatus originates from Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra. Family Cyprinidae. Suitable for the small nano aquarium. They need a free swimming area.
The free swimming area should be surrounded by dense vegetation for hiding places. Provide some floating plants and a dark bottom. In subdued light, its colors come out more beautifully. Stagnant and slow-flowing waters only provide soft and slightly acidic water. Boraras maculatus mainly inhabit the lower and middle water layers.
Boraras merah
Length: 2 centimeters
A very peaceful shoal fish that can be kept in aquariums as small as 40 centimeters. This fish is fromfamily of the Cyprinidae originating in Southeast Asia. Little to no current is good for these small fish. An open swimming area with border plantings for proper decoration.
The desired temperature is between 24 and 28 degrees. They are omnivores, in nature they eat small insects and larvae. Boraras merah mainly keep themselves in the upper and middle water layer.
Danio margaritatus
Length: 2.5 centimeters
This very beautiful small (2.5cm) permanent tropical freshwater fish is the ideal inhabitant of a smaller aquarium. Although the fish is commonly offered under the scientific name Celestichthys Margaritatus, this is actually incorrect. Genetic research revealed that this fish does not belong to the Rasbora family as originally thought.
The correct scientific name is Danio margaritatus. This little fish prefers shallow, dense, stagnant water. It should always be kept in a shoal. In a group of at least 5 conspecifics the Rasbora galaxy feels perfectly at ease. pH 7 to 7.5 with temperature between 21 to 23 degrees.
Dario Dario
Length: 3 centimeters
The name Dario dario is fairly new. An older name of this little fish is Badis badis bengalensis. The Dario dario is a small tropical freshwater fish of about 2 to 2.5 centimeters. The males have territorial behavior. For a small harem consisting of one male with two or three females, an aquarium from 40 centimeters is already suitable.
Multiple males in nano aquariums do not go well together, the weakest male will eventually wither away. A pH between 6.0 and 7.5 with weak current is recommended. Temperature of 22-26 degrees. Dario dario is quite sensitive to pollution, regular water changes are recommended.
Gobiopterus species cf. panayensis
Length: 1.5 centimeters
This peaceful little fish is suitable for a very small aquarium. The Gobiopterus species cf. panayensis grows to only one and a half centimeters. It is one of the smallest fish for nano aquariums.
In nature, they live in quiet waters of mangrove areas with soft muddy bottoms surrounded by aquatic plants. They like soft water with a substrate of fine sand. Loose edge planting with hiding places is appreciated.
Heterandria Formosa
Length: 3.5 centimeters
This small fish is excellent for nano aquarium. Origin South Carolina, Florida (USA). The area where the Heterandria Formosa is caught is a swampy area which is densely planted. Family Poeciliidae. Best to keep these fish in a harem, more females than males. They are not fast swimmers but roam the aquarium as almost every viviparous toothcarp does.
Therefore, the length of the aquarium is not important. The females are clearly larger and fuller in this species than the males. The aquarium should be densely planted. Heterandria formosa do not get very old, about 2 years. Small live foods should be given as food. Dry food is also accepted.
Oryzias minutillus
Length: 2 centimeters
A beautiful little fish with beautifully colored blue eyes. These fish have a peaceful nature. Best kept in a heavily planted aquarium with free swimming space. Make sure the bottom is dark so they are more likely to show their best colors. Water value pH 6.0 to 7.5 with temperature 23 to 30 degrees.
In nature they eat small insects, worms, crustaceans. In aquarium the Oryzias minutillus will accept dry food, this interspersed with occasional live and frozen food.
Pandaka pygmaea
Length: 1.5 centimeters
It is one of the smallest freshwater fish in the world, both in terms of mass and length. A brilliantly beautifully shaped little fish. Family Gobiidae. Pandaka pygmaea is found in brackish water and mangrove areas of Indonesia. In areas with soft muddy bottom surrounded by aquatic plants. The dwarf gondola has a moderately elongated, robust size. It is nearly colorless, almost transparent with dark spots forming four transverse bands across the side of the body. Water value pH 7 to 8.4 with temperature between 24 and 30 degrees.
The small fish for tropical freshwater nano aquarium. These are perfect for keeping in small aquariums. However, keep in mind that each fish species has different requirements for water quality and environment. The setup of the nano aquarium must meet certain requirements to keep them alive. Not all small fish are suitable for a nano tank, some need sufficient swimming space to feel comfortable. Before purchasing nano fish, educate yourself well.
Aquarium stores usually sell the somewhat larger fish species. The smaller fish are often more difficult to obtain. Fortunately, some aquarium stores are willing to order small fish separately.
In addition to the smallest fish for nano aquarium, there are also invertebrates. Virtually every dwarf shrimp and snail can go in a nano aquarium. Some combine well with smaller fish. The invertebrates are often very active and have fun behaviors.
I’m Benjamin, an aquarium, and fish hobbyist for more than three decades now.
My passion for aquarium fish never wavered after so many years. I keep consuming everything about fish tank, aquariums and alike.
As a result of my experience with aquariums and fish, I have decided to build this blog.
My goal is to answer all your questions – and even those you haven’t asked yourself yet – so you can take care of your fish and aquariums. From one passionate to another passionate!
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