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The Six Best Fish for a 5 Gallon Aquarium

The Six Best Fish for a 5 Gallon Aquarium

Not all pets have to be furry and high maintenance like a dog or cat. When you're looking for a new pet for your apartment in Saint Cloud, you should consider fish. A five-gallon aquarium is an ideal size for an apartment, and you'll find that there are many types of fish ideal for an apartment aquarium. So, what are the best five-gallon aquarium fish? Here are a few to get you started. 

How Many Fish per Gallon in an Aquarium?

There are many factors that go into determining how many fish per gallon in an aquarium. You need to consider the size and temperament of the fish. For example, beta fish almost always need to be in an aquarium by themselves, whereas guppies can thrive together. You probably don't want more than two or three fish in your five-gallon tank. The general rule for fish in an aquarium is one inch of fish for every gallon of water. You want your fish to thrive and not struggle for space. 

1. Betta Fish

Also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish, the Betta fish is a colorful addition to a five-gallon aquarium. As a general rule, beta fish need to be kept in an aquarium by themselves. They have a reputation for fighting and killing each other. However, their gorgeous coloring makes up for their lack of friendliness. These fish come in a rainbow hue of colors, from electric pink to bright blue. You can add shrimp and snails to a Betta tank without fear of fights, and there are a few smaller fish types that can thrive with a Betta fish. 
A blue fish is swimming in a glass container with rocks.

2. Clown Killifish

These aren't the clown fish from the Disney movie, but they will bring you lots of joy. These tiny fish are known for having boundless energy as they zoom around the tank. These fish are hardy, making them an ideal option for first-time fish owners. You can recognize these tiny fish by their distinct stripes, and many times, they appear to have a blue or green hue to them. You should plan to add water plants to your aquarium if you're adding a clown killifish to it. 

3. Guppies

Guppies are small, colorful fish that can add to the beauty of a five-gallon aquarium. However, these little fish have live births, so if you have males and females in the same tank, you're apt to wind up with more guppies than the tank can handle. You need to purchase your guppies from a knowledgeable and reputable breeder to ensure this doesn't happen. Guppies are easy to care for, and if you're new to caring for fish, they're a great choice. 

A fish with orange fins and a red eye is swimming in the water.

4. Least Killifish

The least killifish is a hardy fish that minds its own business and gets along with other types of fish. They require minimal care, so they're great for someone who's never had an aquarium before. They might be an ideal addition to an aquarium with a Betta fish. While they don't come in bright colors, they are smaller fish, making them one of the best five-gallon aquarium fish for your apartment. 

5. White Cloud Mountain Minnows

These small fish are peaceful and hardy, making them another option if you want to have a Betta fish in your aquarium. These fish survive in all water temperatures, so if you don't have a temperature control for your tank, they are a smart choice. They come in a variety of colors, and they're a member of the carp family. They enjoy an environment with aquatic plants, so you should consider adding some if you opt for these minnows. 

6. Scarlet Bodice

Also known as the Dario Dario, the scarlet bodice can enliven the look of any aquarium with their beautiful red-toned fines. Some of these fish are a brighter red, while others are more of an orange-red color. As with most animal species, the males are more vibrant and often have an added splash of blue than their female counterparts. 

A group of orange fish swimming in a green body of water.

Bonus: African Dwarf Frog

These tiny frogs are fully aquatic and thrive in an aquarium. They add an interesting dynamic to a smaller tank. You want to ensure that they have plenty of aquatic plants to explore and hide among. 

Upper Town Apartments in Saint Cloud Welcomes You and Your Fish

Whether you've decided a Betta fish or a clown killifish is the best option as a five-gallon aquarium fish, you need to find the perfect apartment to call home. Upper Town Apartments in Saint Cloud is ready to welcome you and your 5-gallon aquarium. Our team can help you find a floor plan that meets your needs and provide a tour of the grounds. Schedule a visit today.