Top 5 Aquarium Fish for Nano Aquariums 

What is a nano aquarium?

At Horizon Aquatics, we define a nano aquarium as having 60 liters of water or less. These smaller aquariums are specifically designed to sit on a worktop or counter top and are ideal for those who are looking for a budget-friendly and low-maintenance way to enjoy a piece of nature in their home. They are perfect for individuals with busy lifestyles, as they require less time and effort to maintain while still providing the joy of having an aquarium in the home.

Chilli rasbora Boraras brigittae

Meet the delightful chilli rasbora - a gorgeous little red gem that brings so much life to a nano aquarium. These vibrant fish have a beautiful dark navy/green line running through their bodies, setting them apart from the similar-looking Dwarf Rasboras (boraras maculatus) commonly mistaken for chillis due to their different markings.

Fish Size 1.5-2cm

Origin: Borneo, Indonesian 

Temperature 20-28

PH 4-7

Ideal aquarium size 25 litres and above

Least rasbora Boraras urophthalmoides

A sad name for a beautiful fish, not last on our list! Similar to the chilli rasbora the least rasbora have an orange body but also deep navy/black line through the body, they actually stay a little smaller than the chilli rasbora too!

Fish size 1.2-1.6cm

Origin: South east Asia

Temperature 20-28

PH 6-7

Ideal aquarium size 25 litres and above

Green neon rasbora Microdevario kubotai

Photo credit: Peter Ali

The green neon rasbora is truly a sight to behold with its vivid green coloration. Unlike many other tropical fish which predominantly showcase blue hues, this species stands out with its striking green pigmentation. It is important to note that the green neon rasbora is particularly sensitive to low oxygen levels, making it crucial to ensure adequate water flow within its environment.

Fish size 1.5 - 2cm

Origin: South east Asia 

Temperature 20-27

PH 6-7

Ideal aquarium size 50 litres and above

Galaxy Rasbora AKA CPD's (celestial pearl danio) Celestichthys margaritatus 

A small yet vibrant species. This dark-colored fish boasts intricate details, such as tiny white dots that cover its body and stunning red fins that make it a sight to behold. Due to the intriguing display of dominance among males, it is recommended to maintain a ratio of two females to one male and house them in groups of 6-10 for a harmonious environment. Notably, in their natural habitat, these captivating fish coexist alongside rosy loaches, highlighting their adaptable and sociable nature.

Fish size 1.5 - 2cm

Origin: Myanmar and North Thailand 

Temperature 20-26

PH 6.5 - 7

Ideal aquarium size 30 litres and above

Strawberry Rasbora Boraras naevus

The Strawberry Rasbora is a small, beautiful fish found in the heavily planted swampy areas of southern peninsular Thailand. Unfortunately, much of its natural habitat has been turned into rice paddies. These fish are best suited for small, heavily planted softwater aquariums. The tank should be mature with plenty of hiding places among driftwood and a dense amount of aquarium plants. Good filtration and gentle water movement are important. These peaceful shoaling fish can be shy, so it's best to keep them in a group of 12 or more to help them feel secure.

Fish size 1.5 - 2cm

Origin: Thailand 

Temperature 20-28

PH 5 - 7

Ideal aquarium size 25 litres and above

What food to feed tropical nano fish?

Small live foods or a small powder food (we use NT Labs micro crumb and Ocean nutrition baby brine)

What Tank mates are Suitable for Nano Fish?

Nano fish species, like the ones mentioned above, are compatible with a variety of tank mates. These include other small rasbora species, otocinclus catfish, pygmy corydoras, betta splendens (also known as betta fish), as well as shrimp. When stocking a tank with nano fish, it's important to consider the specific needs and behaviors of each species to ensure a harmonious and thriving aquatic ecosystem.

Aquarium Plants and Nano Fish 

Adding live aquarium plants to your nano tank can significantly enhance the overall environment. Not only do these plants provide a natural and aesthetically pleasing look, they also offer shelter and coverage for small fish, creating a more natural and comfortable habitat. Additionally, live plants help to maintain water quality by absorbing nitrates and providing oxygen, contributing to the overall health of the aquarium ecosystem.