A community fish tank includes peaceful fish that can cohabitate with each other. It is one of the best set-ups for beginners and experts. Community tanks are suitable for those who enjoy watching fish interact with each other without the risk of aggression. Most fish on this list school or shoal together, so you’ll frequently see various colors darting about the tank.
Here are 19 of the best freshwater fish for a peaceful community fish tank:
- Zebra danios
- Celestial pearl danios
- Rosaline torpedo shark
- Tetras
- Harlequin rasboras
- Guppies
- Endlers
- Platys
- Swordtails
- Mollies
- A betta
- Glass catfish
- White cloud mountain minnow
- Pygmy hatchetfish
- Peacock gudgeon
- Threadfin rainbowfish
- Gouramis
- Rams
- Cherry barbs
Any combination of peaceful community fish works well if you do your research first and provide your fish with a suitable home.
The Best Freshwater Community Fish For a Peaceful Tank
Tropical community fish are trendy in the aquarium hobby, so they’ll make up the majority of this list.
1. Zebra Danios (Danio rerio)
Zebra danios are small fish perfect for most freshwater community tanks. They are peaceful and will get along with any fish that doesn’t try to prey on them. They aren’t colorful, but they have unique striping along their body and they are entertaining to watch. Zebra danios are also hardy, making them perfect for first-time aquarium keepers.
- Adult Size: 2 in
- Life Expectancy: 5 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Schooling: Keep in groups of 5+
2. Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus)
Celestial pearl danios are more colorful than zebras, with white or yellow spotting covering a dark blue body. Males are more colorful than females, with a red stripe running down the middle of their dorsal fin. Their bellies are red, and dominant males have a red line down their backs. Like zebra danios, celestial pearls are peaceful but active fish, making them an excellent choice for community tanks.
- Adult Size: 0.75-1 in
- Life Expectancy: 3-5 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Schooling: Keep in groups of 5+
3. Rosaline Torpedo Shark (Sahyadria denisonii)
Rosaline torpedo sharks aren’t really sharks; they are a kind of barb. We sometimes call them sharks because of their long, streamlined bodies that resemble that of sharks.
They are one of the most colorful fish you can keep in your aquarium. Their bodies are sparkling silver with a vibrant red line running down the side. Their heads are green, and their caudal fins have black and yellow stripes.
Unlike real sharks and many barb species, rosaline torpedo sharks are peaceful and get along with most community fish.
- Adult Size: 6 in
- Life Expectancy: 5 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
- Schooling: Keep in groups of 5+
4. Tetras
Tetras are one of the most popular fish for community tanks because they stay small, are vibrantly colorful, and make good companions for most community fish.
There are over 150 types of tetras varying in size and temperament. Most are hardy fish, perfect for beginners, but some are more sensitive than others.
Most tetras are active and peaceful, but some species are more prone to fin-nipping, especially if you don’t keep large enough schools. Some of the best tetras for community tanks include:
- Emperor tetras
- Neon tetras
- Cardinal tetras
- Diamond tetras
- Glowlight tetras
- Congo tetras
- Black or White Skirt tetras
- Ember tetras
- Lemon tetras
- Rummy Nose tetras
- Penguin tetras
- Bloodfin tetras
- Adult Size: 0.8-5 in
- Life Expectancy: 5-10 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Schooling: Keep in groups of 5+
5. Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
Harlequin rasboras are another small, colorful, peaceful fish. Their bodies are bright reddish orange with a black triangular spot on the tail-end of their body. Harlequin rasboras are active but somewhat shy and enjoy having many aquatic plants to hide. They are more sensitive to light and prefer darker substrates with subdued lighting.
- Adult Size: 1.75 in
- Life Expectancy: 6 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Schooling: Keep in groups of 5+
6. Guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
Guppies are one of the most colorful fish you can choose for your community tank, and they have long, flowing fins that help their bodies genuinely stand out. They are peaceful, but their vibrant bodies and long fins sometimes make them a target to fin nippers like tetras and bettas.
Another thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that guppies are live bearers who reproduce often. Many people choose to house only females to prevent offspring. Otherwise, keep them in a ratio of one male to at least three females. Having an even number of males and females causes the females a lot of stress.
- Adult Size: 2 in
- Life Expectancy: 2-3 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Shoaling: Keep in groups of 3-4+
7. Endlers (Poecilia wingei)
Endlers are the same as guppies, but their populations are under threat, so researchers gave them their own classification for conservation purposes. In the wild, endlers only live in Laguna de Patos in Venezuela.
They also tend to be slightly smaller than traditional guppies, their colors vary, and males, particularly, are incredibly vibrant. Endlers display metallic and neon shades of silver, blue, green, and red, among others.
Like guppies, endlers are livebearers who are easy to breed. Keep them in a ratio of one male to at least three females.
- Adult Size: 1.8 in
- Life Expectancy: 2-3 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Shoaling: Keep in groups of 3-4+
8. Platys (Xiphophorus Sp.)
Platys are another type of livebearer, but they are larger and more robust than guppies. Their bodies are shorter, and they have larger bellies. They are not as vibrant as guppies but come in various colors and patterns, like red, black, green, and blue. Platys are great for community tanks because they are not aggressive and are quite playful. Males may become territorial with each other, but you can prevent this by keeping one male to at least three females.
- Adult Size: 2.5 in
- Life Expectancy: 3-5 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Shoaling: Keep in groups of 3-4+
9. Swordtails (Xiphophorous hellerii)
Swordtails are an excellent choice for aquariums looking for larger fish with a unique appearance. They are livebearers and exhibit many of the same colorations as platys. The lower lobe of the caudal fin stretches further than the upper lobe, long and pointed like a sword. The sword-like caudal fin only occurs in mature males, not females or juvenile males.
Swordtails are fun because they are active and enjoy darting across the tank. They are peaceful, making them perfect for community tanks, and they are hardy, so they are a good choice for beginners.
- Adult Size: 6.5 in
- Life Expectancy: 3-5 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Shoaling Keep in groups of 3-4+
10. Mollies (Poecilia sp.)
Mollies are also livebearers, but their colors and body shapes differ from the other livebearers. Some mollies have similar streamlined body shapes as swordtails, but others are more stout and robust, like platies. Balloon mollies are stout but also have a large, bulbous belly. Mollies are peaceful, making them good for community tanks, but they are more sensitive to water quality than the other livebearers, so that they may be more difficult for beginners.
- Adult Size: 5.5 in
- Life Expectancy: 5 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Shoaling: Keep in groups of 3-4+
11. A Single Betta Fish (Betta splendens)
Betta fish are excellent for beginners because they are hardy and colorful; with their vibrant colors and long, flowy fins, bettas are one of the most popular fish in the freshwater aquarium trade. Don’t let their hardiness fool you, though; they CANNOT thrive in a small bowl without filtration or a heater.
Bettafish.org explains why your betta needs a larger tank with a heater and filter:
“While the betta can survive at room temperature water, it may impair their immune system or lead to inactivity if the water becomes too cold. Since they thrive at around 79 degrees, it’s important to remember that the air around the tank is always at least a few degrees higher than the actual water temperature.
The average room temperature in a home is 68 degrees, so it’s crucial that you have a heater in colder months if the water temperature drops too low. Failure to do so could lead to health concerns.
Another misconception is that the betta fish does not need a filter because it is used to living in stagnant and dirty water (e.g. large puddles). Ammonia however builds up in the tank from defecation and can hurt the fish over time through fin rot and other diseases.”
It’s also a misconception that you can’t keep a betta with other fish. You cannot keep males with other BETTAS, and you should only keep female betta together under certain circumstances.
Bettas have their own personality, and some are more territorial than others, so keep an eye on your betta and be prepared to move them to a new tank if they act too aggressively toward the other fish. Veiltail, half-moons, round tails, spade-tails, and elephant ears tend to be less aggressive. Crowntails, deltas, double-tails, rose tails, plakats, and feather-tails tend to be more aggressive.
Avoid fish with long, flowy fins like swordtails and guppies. Bettas see these fins as a threat because they look like other bettas. Bettas do very well with fish like tetras, danios, platies, and rasboras.
- Adult Size: 2 in
- Life Expectancy: 2-5 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
12. Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus)
Most catfish live at the bottom of the tank, but glass catfish prefer the middle of the water column. They have barbels like all catfish, but their bodies are thin and streamlined. They are unique in that their bodies are transparent so you can see their bones and organs. Glass catfish are the perfect choice for community tanks because of their calm and gentle nature. They are very timid, so you should provide them with many plants to hide.
- Adult Size: 5 in
- Life Expectancy: 7-8 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Schooling: Keep in groups of 5+
13. White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys Sp.)
White cloud mountain minnows are a good choice for coldwater community tanks because they can thrive without a heater. Their colors resemble neon tetras, but their reds and blues are more subdued. White clouds are peaceful but sociable; they enjoy swimming with other fish. Keep them in large schools if you want to see them active; they become timid on their own.
- Adult Size: 1.5 in
- Life Expectancy: 3-5 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Schooling: Keep in groups of 5+
14. Pygmy Hatchetfish (Carnegiella myersi)
Pygmy hatchetfish are transparent and are mostly colorless, but they are unique in that they have a large, bulging abdomen resembling a hatchet. They are peaceful but timid, so keep them with other community fish that are less active.
- Adult Size: 1 in
- Life Expectancy: 3-5 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Schooling: Keep in groups of 5+
15. Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda)
Peacock gudgeons have unique body shapes, making them increasingly popular in the aquarium industry. Their bodies are long and streamlined, but their heads are blunt and round. They’re silvery blue interspersed with vibrant stripes and specks of reddish-orange. Bright yellow outlines the edges of each of their fins.
- Adult Size: 3 in
- Life Expectancy: 4-5 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Schooling: Keep in groups of 6-8+
16. Threadfin Rainbowfish (Iriatherina werneri)
Threadfin rainbowfish are a nice choice if you enjoy fish with long, flowy fins but enjoy subtle colors. Their bodies are silvery, and the males have long, sleek threads extending from their dorsal fins. Those long threads are where the fish are most colorful, exhibiting subtle metallic reds, greens, and blues. Threadfin rainbowfish are more sensitive to changes in water than others on this list, so they are best for keepers with experience. They are peaceful and timid, so avoid housing them with fin-nippers and aggressive eaters.
- Adult Size: 2 in
- Life Expectancy: 3-5 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
- Schooling: Keep in groups of 5+
17. Gouramis (Colisa sp. & Trichogaster sp. Most Common)
Gouramis are popular because of their wide, flat bodies and beautiful vibrant colors. There are many kinds of gouramis ranging in color from sun-yellow to neon blues and reds. Gouramis are peaceful, hardy fish that do well in community tanks with other fish similar in size. Males are territorial with other male gouramis, so you should only keep a single male in a tank.
- Adult Size: 1.5-28 in
- Life Expectancy: 3-5 years
- Minimum Tank Size: dependant on the species
18. Rams (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)
Rams are a type of cichlid. Cichlids tend to be aggressive and are not generally suitable for community tanks, but rams are uniquely peaceful. Rams are smaller than most cichlids and have vibrant colors of yellow, blue, red, and green. Along with the bright colors, rams have spiny rays topping their dorsal fins that help them stand out.
Rams are more sensitive than most of the fish on this list and have more specific care requirements, so they are best suited to experienced aquarium keepers.
- Adult Size: 2-3 in
- Life Expectancy: 2-4 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
19. Cherry Barb
Many barb species tend to be semi-aggressive to aggressive and don’t do well in community tanks. Cherry barbs are an exception — they are peaceful and active and enjoy swimming with other fish.
People enjoy keeping cherry barbs because of their bright red colors and the distinctive stripe that runs the length of their bodies.
- Adult Size: 2 in
- Life Expectancy: 4-6 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons
- Schooling: Keep in groups of 5+
What Is The Best Freshwater Aquarium Fish Combination?
No combination of fish is “best”; it all depends on your preferences and what tank size you have. Whenever choosing fish for your aquarium, ensure they all have similar water parameter requirements and that you can provide each species with the same level of care. Also, ensure that your tank is large enough and that you’re not overcrowding it.
FAQs
A “dither” fish is a type of fish that is more active and bold when swimming around the aquarium. Dither fish swim a lot, so they reassure the frightened and timid fish that it’s safe to come out. Aquarists often buy dither fish to lure their shy fish out of hiding. Dither fish include tetras, danios, hatchetfish, guppies, and barbs.
Column fish tanks are not generally suitable for community tanks. Most community fish prefer swimming laterally rather than vertically, so a longer fish tank is better than a taller one.
You’ve likely heard the terms “schooling” and “shoaling,” but what are they, and how do they differ?
Saint Joseph’s University explains the difference between the two:
“A school is a group of fish that swim together in a synchronized fashion, moving in the same direction, at the same speed and turning simultaneously. To be called a school, a group of fish must demonstrate all of these rather complex behavioral patterns.
The word shoal, on the other hand, is the term for any simple social grouping of fish. In short, any group of fish is a shoal, but not all shoals demonstrate the properties of a school.”
Mollies, and other livebearers, exhibit shoaling behavior but not schooling behavior.
Yes, goldfish are bottom feeders and prefer to scavenge their food at the bottom of the tank. Before feeding them, it’s best to soak the food so it sinks. Otherwise, the goldfish must eat at the surface and risk gulping air which can cause swimblader problems.
