Many species of fish are suitable to keep in the artificial environment. However, certain measures should be taken to provide them with the best survival habitat. Their food, tank mate, the surrounding environment, everything should be optimal. The most important factor is the size of the tank – the ideal size for an aquarium is a 6-gallon tank. So, let’s see, which species lives comfortably in a 6-gallon tank.
What Fish Are Best Suited For A 6 Gallon Tank?
Though a 6-gallon tank looks small there is enough space to build an aquarium. Several fishes live happily in a 6-gallon tank, these are:
1: Guppy Fish (Poecilia reticulata)
In a natural habitat, the Guppy fish is found living in the tropical regions of South America. However, these species have been considered the best suited for the aquarium because they are easy to care for and are only 0.6 to 2 inches long. They have a very peaceful temperament and live approximately 2 years in an artificial habitat.
2: Betta Fish (Betta splendens)
The size of Bette fish is around 2 to 4 inches, making them ideal for a 6-gallon tank. These species are omnivorous and have an expected lifetime of 2 to 5 years. Further, they prefer a water temperature of 78°-80°F and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. As they are highly aggressive species which is why probably one Betta fish lives in one tank.
3: Harlequin Rasbora Fish (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
The Harlequin Rasbora is the next in the row to be the ideal species for a 6-gallon tank because they can just reach a size of 2 inches. In a tank, there are 3 to 5 species of Harlequin that live quite comfortably. These species prefer a water temperature of 73-82°F with 6.0 to 7.8 pH.
4: Cardinal Tetra Fish (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
These species are called by other names like red neon, or large neon tetra, and exhibit very peaceful behavior when in captivity. The preferable water temperature for the survival of these species ranges from 72 to 76°F with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is best.
5: Celestial Pearl Danio Fish (Danio margaritatus)
These remarkable creatures are the most ideal to be kept in the tank because they can only reach a length of 0.75 inches. Further, these are omnivorous species that live a peaceful life in the aquarium. Approximately, 3 to 5 species are ideal for a 6-gallon tank. The Danio prefers a water temperature of 68°-78°F and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is suitable.
6: Neon Tetra Fish (Paracheirodon innesi)
The next on the list is the Neon Tetra, displaying a vivid neon coloration. In the aquarium, they prefer to eat micro pellets, flake food, or baby shrimps. These species are also ideal because they have a maximum size of 1.5 inches and have a very calm or peaceful temperament. The suitable pH is in a range of 6.0 to 7.0 and the water temperature of 72°-76°F is ideal.
7: Endler’s Livebearers Fish (Poecilia wingei)
A very peaceful species that can grow maximally to a size of 1 or 1.8 inches, best for aquariums of 6-gallon capacity. These species prefer a water temperature of 75° to 80°F and a 7.0 to 8.0 pH range. This fish is reported to live for 2 to 3 years maximum.
8: Bluefin Notho Fish (Nothobranchius rachovii)
Bluefin fish requires good care when kept in an artificial tank because they are quite aggressive and predatory species. They are suitable because they have a maximum length of 2.4 inches and live for 1 or 2 years approximately. The water temperature perfect for them is 68 to 75°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is considered ideal.
9: White Cloud Mountain Minnow Fish (Tanichthys albonubes)
The Minnow has a very peaceful temperament which makes them ideal to be kept in a tank. These creatures have a maximum size of 2 inches and a life span of 3 to 5 years approximately. The suitable temperature for them to thrive in a tank is 45° to 70°F and a pH of 6.0 to 8.0.
10: Sparkling Gourami Fish (Pygmy gourami)
This fish has a maximum size of 1.5 inches and a life span of 3 years. They are omnivorous and a bit aggressive which is why only 2 to 3 species of Gourami are best to keep. The best suitable temperature for them is in a range of 76 to 82°F with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0 is ideal.
Final Verdict
Certain species of fish such as Guppy Fish, Betta Fish, Harlequin Rasbora Fish, Celestial Pearl Danio Fish, Neon Tetra Fish, Endler’s Livebearers Fish, and Bluefin Notho Fish are best suited for a 6-gallon tank and live happily there as well. The oceans and seas are equipped with millions of creatures that can thrive comfortably in the natural as well as in the artificial environment. However, the captive condition is determined by the size and the survival strategies of the species.
