20 Best Community Fish for Freshwater Tanks - Aquarium Guide

Many fish keepers dream of having a peaceful and colorful freshwater aquarium. A community fish tank filled with different species of fish can be relaxing, exciting, and full of personality.

But choosing the right fish for your aquarium isn’t always easy.

With so many species out there, how do you know which ones will live peacefully together? Picking the wrong mix of fish can lead to stress, injuries, or worse.

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

This guide will walk you through the best freshwater community fish and help you understand what makes them great tank mates. Whether you’re setting up your first tank or adding new fish to an existing one, this list will help you build a thriving community aquarium.

What Are Community Fish?

Community fish are peaceful species that get along well with other fish in the same tank. They don’t fight, bite fins, or bully their tank mates. A good community fish is:

Peaceful by nature
Visually appealing
Hardy and easy to care for
Happy living with different species

Now that you know what makes a fish “community-friendly,” let’s explore the best options available.

Top Freshwater Community Fish

1. Corydoras Catfish

Cory catfish are gentle bottom-dwellers that help keep your tank clean by eating leftover food. These small, active fish love to explore and do best in groups of six or more. With over 160 species, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Corydoras spp.
Difficulty Level	Easy
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	20 gallons
Origin	South America
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.0–7.8
Water Temperature	72–78°F (22–26°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Excellent
Swimming Level	Bottom

2. Rasboras

Rasboras are colorful schooling fish that bring lots of life to a tank. From the tiny Chili Rasbora to the larger Scissortail, they’re peaceful, easy to care for, and perfect for nano tanks.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Trigonostigma spp., Boraras spp.
Difficulty Level	Easy
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	0.5–2 inches (1.3–5 cm), species dependent
Minimum Tank Size	10–20 gallons
Origin	Southeast Asia
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.0–7.5
Water Temperature	72–79°F (22–26°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Excellent
Swimming Level	Mid to top

3. Guppies

Known as “rainbow fish” for their bright colors, guppies are great for beginners. They’re small, friendly, and breed easily. Keep males and females together, and you’ll soon see baby guppies in your tank.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Poecilia reticulata
Difficulty Level	Easy
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	1.5–2.5 inches (4–6.5 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	10 gallons
Origin	South America (native), now global
Diet	Omnivore
pH	7.0–8.5
Water Temperature	72–82°F (22–28°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Excellent
Swimming Level	Top to mid

4. Platies

Platies are peaceful livebearers that come in many colors. They’re low-maintenance and even help control algae. These small fish are ideal for planted tanks and beginner-friendly setups.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Xiphophorus maculatus
Difficulty Level	Easy
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	10 gallons
Origin	Central America
Diet	Omnivore
pH	7.0–8.2
Water Temperature	70–78°F (21–26°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Excellent
Swimming Level	Mid to top

5. Mollies

Mollies are slightly larger livebearers with a love for hard water. They’re available in a variety of colors and fin types. These curious fish enjoy exploring plants, caves, and driftwood.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Poecilia sphenops
Difficulty Level	Easy to Moderate
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	3–4.5 inches (7.5–11.5 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	20 gallons
Origin	Central and South America
Diet	Omnivore (likes algae and plant matter)
pH	7.5–8.5
Water Temperature	72–82°F (22–28°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Good (prefers hard water and plants)
Swimming Level	Mid to top

6. Swordtails

These fish are known for their long, sword-like tails. Swordtails are peaceful, hardy, and do well in groups with more females than males.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Xiphophorus hellerii
Difficulty Level	Easy
Temperament	Peaceful (males can be mildly territorial)
Adult Size	4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	20 gallons
Origin	Central America
Diet	Omnivore
pH	7.0–8.4
Water Temperature	72–82°F (22–28°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Excellent
Swimming Level	Mid to top

7. Cherry Barbs

Cherry barbs are peaceful schooling fish with striking red-orange colors. They love swimming in groups of six or more and are a popular choice for planted tanks.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Puntius titteya
Difficulty Level	Easy
Temperament	Peaceful (best in groups)
Adult Size	1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	15 gallons
Origin	Sri Lanka
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.0–7.5
Water Temperature	73–81°F (23–27°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Excellent
Swimming Level	Mid

8. Dwarf Gouramis

Dwarf gouramis are beautiful, slow-moving fish that come in many color types like Flame, Neon Blue, and Honey. They’re great for calm community setups and should be kept in pairs.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Trichogaster lalius
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Temperament	Peaceful (males may be territorial)
Adult Size	2–3.5 inches (5–9 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	15 gallons
Origin	South Asia (India, Bangladesh)
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.0–7.5
Water Temperature	72–82°F (22–28°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Excellent
Swimming Level	Mid to top

9. Zebra Danios

Zebra Danios are active, playful fish that dart around the tank. They’re very hardy and can live in cooler water, making them perfect for unheated aquariums.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Danio rerio
Difficulty Level	Easy
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	10 gallons
Origin	South Asia
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.5–7.5
Water Temperature	64–75°F (18–24°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Excellent
Swimming Level	Mid to top

10. Celestial Pearl Danios (Galaxy Rasboras)

These stunning nano fish are peaceful and perfect for planted tanks. Males may show off to each other, but they’re not aggressive.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Danio margaritatus
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Temperament	Peaceful (males may spar)
Adult Size	1 inch (2.5 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	10 gallons
Origin	Myanmar (Southeast Asia)
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.5–7.5
Water Temperature	73–79°F (23–26°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Excellent
Swimming Level	Mid to top

11. Bristlenose Plecos

These odd-looking suckerfish are great for controlling algae. They prefer being alone and love grazing on driftwood. Keep just one in a tank to avoid territorial behavior.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Ancistrus spp.
Difficulty Level	Easy
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	20 gallons
Origin	South America
Diet	Herbivore/Algae eater
pH	6.5–7.5
Water Temperature	73–81°F (23–27°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Good
Swimming Level	Bottom

12. Neon Tetras

Neon tetras are small, glowing fish with bright blue and red stripes. They are one of the most popular community fish due to their beauty and peaceful behavior.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Paracheirodon innesi
Difficulty Level	Easy
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	1.5 inches (4 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	10 gallons
Origin	South America
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.0–7.0
Water Temperature	70–81°F (21–27°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Excellent
Swimming Level	Mid to top

13. Cardinal Tetras

Similar to neons but with a full-length red stripe, Cardinal tetras are slightly larger and even more vibrant. They love schooling and thrive in soft, warm water.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Paracheirodon axelrodi
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	2 inches (5 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	20 gallons
Origin	South America
Diet	Omnivore
pH	4.6–6.2
Water Temperature	73–81°F (23–27°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Excellent
Swimming Level	Mid to top

14. Congo Tetras

Congo tetras are one of the most striking freshwater fish. Native to Africa, they are peaceful but a bit shy. They enjoy tanks with lots of plants and open swimming space.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Phenacogrammus interruptus
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Temperament	Peaceful (can be shy)
Adult Size	3 inches (7.5 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	30 gallons
Origin	Africa
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.0–7.5
Water Temperature	73–81°F (23–27°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Excellent
Swimming Level	Mid to top

15. Black Skirt Tetras

These tetras have bold black markings and a unique body shape. Though not colorful, they stand out in a group of six or more. Peaceful and playful, they’re easy to keep.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Difficulty Level	Easy
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	15 gallons
Origin	South America
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.0–7.5
Water Temperature	70–82°F (21–28°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Good
Swimming Level	Mid to top

16. Otocinclus Catfish

Often called “Otos,” these tiny algae eaters are perfect for planted tanks. They’re peaceful and fun to watch, especially when kept in a school of six or more.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Otocinclus spp.
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	15 gallons
Origin	South America
Diet	Herbivore (algae eater)
pH	6.8–7.5
Water Temperature	72–79°F (22–26°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Excellent
Swimming Level	Bottom to mid

17. Ram Cichlids

Not all cichlids are aggressive! Rams are small, colorful, and calm—great for peaceful tanks. Keep a bonded pair in warm water with gentle tank mates.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Temperament	Peaceful but territorial during breeding
Adult Size	2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	20 gallons
Origin	South America (Venezuela, Colombia)
Diet	Omnivore
pH	5.5–7.0
Water Temperature	78–85°F (26–29°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Excellent
Swimming Level	Mid

18. Glass Catfish

These see-through fish are calm, peaceful, and love swimming in groups. Keep at least five together in a tank with plants to mimic their natural home.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Kryptopterus vitreolus
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Temperament	Peaceful, schooling
Adult Size	4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	20 gallons
Origin	Southeast Asia
Diet	Carnivore (prefers live/frozen foods)
pH	6.5–7.5
Water Temperature	74–80°F (23–27°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Excellent
Swimming Level	Mid

19. Dojo Loaches

Also called weather loaches, these eel-like fish are full of personality. They’re hardy, peaceful bottom-feeders that enjoy cooler water temperatures.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Difficulty Level	Easy
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	8–12 inches (20–30 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	30 gallons
Origin	East Asia
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.5–8.0
Water Temperature	64–75°F (18–24°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Good
Swimming Level	Bottom

20. GloFish Tetras and Danios

GloFish are genetically modified for bright colors that glow under LED lights. While not all GloFish are peaceful, the GloFish tetras and Danios are perfect for community tanks. Avoid GloFish barbs or sharks—they tend to be aggressive.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Gymnocorymbus ternetzi (modified)
Difficulty Level	Easy
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	15 gallons
Origin	South America (wild species)
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.0–7.5
Water Temperature	70–82°F (21–28°C)
Planted Tank Suitability	Good
Swimming Level	Mid to top

Tips for Building a Peaceful Community Tank

Research each fish’s needs before adding them to your tank.
Avoid mixing aggressive fish with peaceful ones.
Provide plenty of hiding spots using plants, caves, and decorations.
Keep schooling fish in groups of 6 or more for their well-being.
Match water parameters like temperature, pH, and hardness.
Don’t overcrowd the tank. Give your fish space to swim freely.

Final Thoughts

Creating a community aquarium is one of the most rewarding parts of the fishkeeping hobby. With the right mix of peaceful fish, your tank will become a lively, colorful underwater world that brings joy every day.

Take your time, do your research, and choose from this list of tried-and-true species. Whether you love tiny tetras or playful catfish, there’s a perfect community fish for your tank.

Do you already have a favorite community fish? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear about your setup!