Top 15 Peaceful Community Fish

What are Neon Tetras?

Neon Tetras are definitely one of the most popular fish, and it’s easy to see why. These small, vibrant fish are famous for their bright blue and red stripes that seem to glow under the right lighting. They’re peaceful, which makes them ideal for a community tank. Neon Tetras love to swim in groups, so I recommend keeping at least 6-8 together. This will help them feel safe and help them show off their natural schooling behavior.

• Tank Size: At least 10 gallons.
• Group Size: 6-8 Neon Tetras.
• Care Tips: Keep the water clean and stable. They are pretty hardy and can handle most water conditions, as long as they are acclimated well. They also prefer a live planted tank with lots of hiding spots.
• Tank Mates: Great with other small, peaceful fish like guppies, Corydoras, and rasboras.

What are Guppies?

Guppies are another fantastic choice, especially if you’re new to the hobby. These hardy, colorful livebearers are known for their adaptability and endless variety of colors and patterns. I always love watching them swim around, like little puppies. They breed easily, so if you’re interested in raising fry, guppies are a great option. However, it’s best to keep more females than males to prevent harassment, like 3 or times as many females. Or, keep an all female or all male tank to avoid the issue entirely, and to avoid over-production of fry (which they can do in a heartbeat).

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons.
• Group Size: 3-5 Guppies, with double the females to males.
• Care Tips: Guppies aren’t very picky about water parameters, but they do best in slightly hard water with a neutral pH (7.0ish or above). Provide plenty of plants for hiding, especially if you have fry.
• Tank Mates: They get along well with tetras, mollies, platies, and Corydoras.

What are Platies?

Platies are another livebearer that I’ve always found to be easy-going and full of personality. These fish come in a variety of colors like red, orange, and blue. They are very adaptable to different water conditions and get along well with almost all peaceful tank mates. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, fun fish that adds a lot of visual interest, Platies are a really great choice. Like guppies, they also breed easily, so be prepared for fry if you keep males and females together, or avoid it by getting only one sex.

• Tank Size: At least 10 gallons.
• Group Size: A group of 3-5.
• Care Tips: Platies are considered hardy and can tolerate most water conditions, but they prefer slightly alkaline water, so keep that in mind. Provide them with a balanced diet, including high-quality flake food and occasional treats like brine shrimp.
• Tank Mates: They do well with guppies, mollies, swordtails, and other peaceful fish.

What are Corydoras Catfish?

Corydoras Catfish are some of the most endearing fish you’ll ever keep. These small, peaceful bottom-dwellers have a unique way of shuffling around the tank, always on the lookout for leftover food. They’re social fish, so it’s important to keep them in groups of at least 5-6. I’ve found that Corydoras are happiest in a well-planted tank with soft substrate, where they can explore and rest without damaging their delicate barbels.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons.
• Group Size: 6 or more.
• Care Tips: Cory’s like substrate to be soft and smooth to protect their barbels. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH and if possible, cooler water temperatures. But Cory’s are also very hardy and can adapt very well to most tank conditions. Make sure to feed them sinking pellets or wafers that are designed for bottom-dwellers.
• Tank Mates: Excellent with tetras, rasboras, livebearers, and other peaceful species.

What are Harlequin Rasboras?

Harlequin Rasboras are small, peaceful fish with a distinctive black triangular patch on their bodies. I’ve always loved their active swimming and how they school together so gracefully. They thrive in planted tanks, where they feel secure and can display their best colors. Harlequin Rasboras are perfect for a community tank because they’re non-aggressive and get along with most other peaceful fish.

• Tank Size: You’ll need at least 10 gallons.
• Group Size: 6-8 Harlequin Rasboras.
• Care Tips: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH and soft to moderately hard water. Provide plenty of plants and open swimming space.
• Tank Mates: They’re compatible with tetras, guppies, dwarf gouramis, and Corydoras.

What are Dwarf Gouramis?

Dwarf Gouramis are beautiful, and usually peaceful fish that bring a ton of character to your tank. Our Guarami is also staring at us, giving us sassy attitude and trying to play. And with their vibrant colors and calm demeanor, they make a great centerpiece fish. However, keep in mind, males can be territorial, so it’s best to keep them either singly or in pairs, or just get a female. We always had a single male, and he ruled the tank. He was a little edgy at times, but was a fair king. I’ve found that they love a well-planted tank with lots of hiding spots and open areas for swimming.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons.
• Group Size: 1-2 Dwarf Gouramis (males can be territorial).
• Care Tips: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH and soft to moderately hard water. Make sure to provide plenty of plants and avoid strong currents, as they prefer calm water.
• Tank Mates: They’re suitable with tetras, rasboras, and other non-aggressive species.

What are Mollies?

Mollies are versatile, hardy livebearers that I’ve always enjoyed keeping in my tanks. They come in a whole range of colors, including black, white, and dalmatian, and can thrive in most water conditions with good acclimation. Mollies are very active and very social, so like most of these fish, I would keep them in a small group.

• Tank Size: You need at least 20 gallons.
• Group Size: 3-5 Mollies.
• Care Tips: Mollies prefer slightly alkaline water but do well almost anywhere. Make sure to provide a varied diet, to include algae-based foods and occasionally live or frozen foods.
• Tank Mates: Mollies can be kept with guppies, platies, swordtails, and peaceful tetras.

What are Zebra Danios?

Zebra Danios are some of the most active and hardy fish you’ll ever keep. With their distinctive horizontal black and white stripes, they add a lot of energy to your tank. I’ve found that Zebra Danios are perfect for beginners because they’re incredibly forgiving of different water conditions. They love to swim in schools, so it’s best to keep them in groups of 5-6. These fish are also great for cycling new tanks due to their hardiness.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons.
• Group Size: 5-6 Zebra Danios.
• Care Tips: Zebra Danios aren’t picky about water conditions but prefer slightly cooler water. They are fast swimmers, so provide plenty of open space and a secure lid, as they are known to jump.
• Tank Mates: They’re compatible with tetras, Corydoras, barbs, and livebearers.

What are Cherry Barbs?

Cherry Barbs are some of the most peaceful barbs out there. With their bright red color, they add a striking contrast to your tank. Unlike some other barbs, Cherry Barbs are more laid-back and get along well with other peaceful fish. They thrive in planted tanks, where their color really pops against the greenery. I always recommend keeping them in groups to see their best behavior.

• Tank Size: You need at least 20 gallons.
• Group Size: 6-8 Cherry Barbs.
• Care Tips: Cherry Barbs prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH and soft to moderately hard water. Provide a planted tank with hiding spots and open swimming areas.
• Tank Mates: They’re suitable with tetras, rasboras, dwarf gouramis, and Corydoras.

What are Swordtails?

Swordtails are lively and colorful livebearers that have always been a favorite of mine. The males have a distinctive elongated lower tail fin that gives them their name. Swordtails are hardy and adaptable, making them a great choice for community tanks. They do well in groups and are particularly striking when kept with other livebearers like platies and mollies.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended.
• Group Size: 3-5 Swordtails.
• Care Tips: Swordtails prefer slightly alkaline water and a varied diet. Provide plenty of swimming space and some hiding spots for females to escape from males if needed.
• Tank Mates: They do well with platies, mollies, tetras, and Corydoras.

What are White Cloud Mountain Minnows?

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are small, hardy fish with a delicate beauty. They have a silver body with a faint golden stripe and red fins, making them quite eye-catching. These fish prefer cooler water temperatures, so they’re a great choice if you have an unheated tank. I’ve found that they do best in groups, where they can school together and display their natural behaviors.

• Tank Size: You’ll need at least 10 gallons.
• Group Size: 6-8 White Cloud Mountain Minnows.
• Care Tips: They prefer cooler water and can thrive in unheated tanks. Provide plenty of plants and open swimming space.
• Tank Mates: They’re compatible with danios, Corydoras, and guppies.

What are Otocinclus Catfish?

Otocinclus Catfish, or “Otos,” are small, peaceful algae eaters that I’ve always kept in my tanks. They do a fantastic job of keeping algae under control and are incredibly gentle, making them perfect for a community tank. Otos are happiest in well-planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots, where they can forage for algae. Because they’re social, it’s important to keep them in groups.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is needed.
• Group Size: 4-6 Otocinclus Catfish.
• Care Tips: Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of algae or supplement their diet with algae wafers. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH and soft water.
• Tank Mates: They’re suitable with tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and other non-aggressive species.

What are Bristlenose Plecos?

Bristlenose Plecos are some of the most effective algae eaters you can add to your tank. These hardy catfish are known for their bristly noses and their ability to keep tanks clean. I’ve always appreciated how low-maintenance they are, making them a great choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Bristlenose Plecos are peaceful and can be kept with a wide variety of tank mates.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended.
• Group Size: 1-2 Bristlenose Plecos.
• Care Tips: Provide plenty of hiding spots and driftwood, which they like to graze on. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH and soft to moderately hard water.
• Tank Mates: They’re compatible with tetras, Corydoras, livebearers, and peaceful cichlids.

What are Rummy Nose Tetras?

Rummy Nose Tetras are small fish that bring a lot of charm to a community tank. They have a distinctive red nose and a black-and-white striped tail, which makes them easy to recognize. These fish are peaceful and do well in groups, where they can school together and show off their best colors. I’ve always found them to be a joy to watch as they move in unison across the tank.

• Tank Size: You’ll need at least 15 gallons.
• Group Size: 6-8 Rummy Nose Tetras.
• Care Tips: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH and soft to moderately hard water. Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of swimming space.
• Tank Mates: They’re best kept with other tetras, Corydoras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids.

What are Kuhli Loaches?

Kuhli Loaches are eel-like fish that bring a unique look to your tank. These peaceful fish are nocturnal and often hide during the day, but when they come out, they’re fascinating to watch. Kuhli Loaches love to burrow in the substrate, so a soft, sandy bottom is ideal. I recommend keeping them in groups, as they are social creatures that enjoy the company of their own kind.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is needed.
• Group Size: 5-6 Kuhli Loaches.
• Care Tips: Provide a soft, sandy substrate and plenty of hiding spots. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH and soft to moderately hard water.
• Tank Mates: They’re suitable with tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and small gouramis.

General Care Tips for Peaceful Community Fish

• Tank Size: Consider the adult size of the fish and their activity levels. A larger tank provides more swimming space and reduces stress and aggression.
• Group Size: Many of these species are schooling or shoaling fish, meaning they thrive in groups. Larger groups often lead to healthier and more natural behavior.
• Water Parameters: Ensure all species in the tank have compatible water requirements, including temperature, pH, and hardness.
• Aquascaping: Provide plenty of hiding places, plants, and decorations to create a comfortable environment for your fish. This helps reduce stress and allows more timid species to find refuge when needed.

By carefully selecting and combining these peaceful species, you can create a vibrant, harmonious community aquarium that is both beautiful and enjoyable to watch. Feel free to ask any questions or share your experiences in the comments below!