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I have a ten gallon tank that I'm still trying to decide how to populate it. I'm looking for a fish that doesn't get too big (around three inches) and I'd like only around two or three in the tank. Does anyone have any ideas on what would be a suitable fish? Thanks.

What about sailfin mollys ? They can grow to around 5 inches so it is a little bigger than you were thinking but you would only need two.

I have two dalmation sailfin mollys - one is more white with black flecks of colour and he boasts a lyretail. The other is more black with white flecks of colour. He doesn't have the lyretail but his tail has flecks of blue.

My boys are spectacular

It's funny you mentioned Mollies because were were going to get some but decided because they breed so easily we didn't want to risk it. We were going to get all males but the store didn't have any and they don't order many brackish fish, so we'd have to wait a while before they could order some. I think we're going to stick to freshwater for now.

Ahh... let the controversy begin.

I, too, was originally told that mollys need salt to "thrive". I was told that my molly was "shimmying" because she needed brackish water. So I added salt which I then found out was harmful to my corys. :%)

I've had some wonderful advice from some on this board and have since done some research of my own and this is what I found out.

The theory that mollys need brackish water is a myth. While mollys are highly adaptable and therefore can handle varying levels of salinity, most if not all the mollys that inhabit the streams and rivers of Central America live out their lives without ever venturing into brackish water.

The most important thing for mollys is clean water. If water changes are frequent enough and if the water is well circulated and aerated, mollys will do just fine without the addition of salt. If these conditions are not met, or if the fish are too crowded, that when troubles appear.

"Shimmying" is actually one of the first signs of distress - usually brought on by poor tank maintainance. Changing 50% or more of the aquarium water is far more beneficial and will normally restore the fish to its former glory. Thus the addition of salt actually enables you to continue one or more poor tank management practices that are harmful even though the fish may survive them in the presence of salt.


Another benefit of not adding salt is that you can keep a variety of live plants, these will in turn help to control water quality by taking up carbon and nitrogenous waste (not that I have any live plants - I can keep fish alive but not plants ).

I personally have now attempted to remove all salt from my tanks. My mollys are thriving and my corys are much happier.

You could keep all male live bearers. Maybe a molly, guppy, and a platie. An oto would do well there too.

I'll do graffiti,
If you sing to me in French.

Umm... ottos are schooling fish that demand good water quality without the fluctuations that water changes cause in such a small tank. Plus, I think a tank like that would look a bit... misfit-ish. *shrugs*

You CAN keep just male livebearers. A group of male guppies would be stunning, or mollies or platties. The last two are quite fun. Sailfin mollies get to be quite large, as stated, but you can go with smaller varieties (non-sailfin) that only get to be 2-3 inches, I believe. Oh, and mollies really aren't brackish... they can be happy with or without salt in their water.

I think a fun, colorful tank would be half a dozen male guppies... red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple. Against a monotone-ish background. Very spiff. Of course, you said three fish, right? Hmm...

Could go with platties, they're a bit bigger than guppies. They also come in some fun color patterns, like the sunset platties or mickey mouse variety. I love dalmation mollies, too.

Or, since I just adore my female bettas, if you can get your hands on two or three non-aggressive betta girls, you could have a lovely setup for them. They're wonderfully fun and playful, and smart too. At least, mine are!

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~

Without adding fuel to a debate, which is not the point of your thread, I too keep Mollies without salt. They are my oldest fish ! Always on the go, breed like rabbits(but my Angel takes care of the fry).

Anyway to your question. Sounds like the fish you are looking for is either a trio of Rams. Blue or Bolivian. 2F/1M. Get to 2-3inches.Although in a 10g a pair may be better.

Trio of Dwarf Gourami. Again 2F/1M. Again 2-3".

Or 2 or 3 FEMALE Bettas.Not males.

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Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

I like the idea of rams...a pair of apistogrammas would be nice too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is water at the bottom of the ocean

I'd go for a collection of guppies. They only reach 1.5" maximum and this would increase the numbers you could have. Mixing males is considered 'risky' as they tend to nip each others fins but as long as you plant it fully (plastic plants to cater for the bioload), you could have a mix of males and females. When they breed, there should be enough fish to eat the fry for you or you could 'sell them' to the LFS for food.

go for some bettas they are easy to keep and they only get to about 3" so they will be okey for your and but if you go for crown tails then you cant get all males as they will kill each other!

go with the female bettas (3) they are an awsome fish. Mine will come up to the top of the tank and i hold a flake about an inch above the water and she jumps and grabs it right out my hand.