Peaceful community tank fish

Schooling fish

Neon tetras, cardinal tetras, harlequin rasboras, and zebra danios are classic community fish. Keep them in groups of six or more so they feel secure and show natural behaviour. They suit 20-gallon and larger tanks with stable water parameters.

Livebearers

Guppies, platies, and mollies are peaceful, colourful, and easy to feed. They breed readily, so expect fry unless you keep single-sex groups. They get along with tetras, rasboras, and bottom dwellers in a well-maintained tank.

Bottom dwellers

Corydoras and otocinclus are peaceful and useful for cleaning up. Keep corydoras in groups; otos do best in small groups too. They don’t bother mid- or top-water fish and help round out a stocking plan. Use our free stocking calculator to test combinations.

What to avoid in a community

Skip aggressive or fin-nipping species (e.g. tiger barbs, some cichlids) unless the tank is large and carefully planned. Avoid mixing very timid fish with boisterous ones. Always quarantine new fish and acclimate them properly to reduce stress and disease.

Quick takeaways

• Schooling fish: tetras, rasboras, danios — groups of 6+.
• Livebearers: guppies, platies, mollies — peaceful and easy.
• Bottom: corydoras, otos — keep in groups; compatible with most.
• Avoid fin-nippers and aggressive species in a general community.