10 Unique, Rare Fish for A 10 Gallon Fish Tank
By Eddie Waithaka @aquariawise
There are plenty of stunning fish with vibrant colors, interesting behaviors, and unusual features that can add a touch of excitement and variety to your aquarium.
So, if you a looking to add interest to your 10-gallon, you will not miss several species with unique features and rare (you probably won’t find them in any of your aquarist friend tanks.)
Fish species, such as Kerri Tetras, peacock gudgeon, glassfish, and hatchet fish, are some of the unique and rare choices ideal for your 10-gallon leaders.
See more insight on these fish (and more) in this post.
1— Kerri Tetras
Kerri Tetras are a relatively rare and unique fish species that are highly sought after by many aquarist with small tanks for schooling fish. They are known for their distinctive bright purple and blue coloration and orange fin tips, with iridescent scales that shine in the light. They also have a black patch on their dorsal fin, which makes them stand out even more.
Kerri Tetras are a rare species, which can make them difficult to find in pet stores.
They are native to Indonesia and primarily found in streams and small rivers.
Due to their unique and striking appearance, you can add them as centerpiece fish for your 10-gallon aquarium. Additionally, they are known for their unique feeding behavior. They often nibble at the surface to feed on insects and other tiny organisms.
Kerri Tetras are active and social fish that do best when kept in a school. They are peaceful and can be maintained with other small, non-aggressive fish species.
However, while Kerri Tetras are small fish, with an adult size of around 1.5 inches, they still require a minimum tank size of 10 gallons because they are active schooling fish and need plenty of swimming space to thrive.
Kerri tetras prefer a water temperature range between 75-80°F, which can be maintained using a reliable aquarium heater. Soft to moderately hard water with a general hardness (GH) between 4-10 dGH and slightly acidic water with a pH range of 6.0-7.0 is also recommended.
2— Peacock Gudgeons (Goby)
Peacock Gudgeon is a unique and rare fish that can add a splash of color to a 10-gallon fish tank. This fish is native to Australia and is known for its bright and vibrant colors, ranging from red, orange and red with green, blue and gold splashes.
As with most colorful tropical fish, the males are particularly striking, with long and flowing fins that are often brightly colored. The females are generally smaller and less bright but still beautiful in their own right.
Peacock Gudgeons are relatively easy to care for but have specific tank requirements. They prefer a planted aquarium with lots of hiding places, so add plenty of plants, caves, and other decorations in your 10 gallon.
A sandy substrate is recommended, as this fish likes to dig and sift through the substrate in search of food. Your peacock gudgeons tank water should be slightly acidic, with a pH of around 6.5-7.0, and the temperature should be kept between 75-80°F.
One of the challenges of keeping Peacock Gudgeons is that they can be territorial and aggressive towards other fish, especially during breeding season. So, add them in a species-only tank or with other peaceful fish that won’t compete for territory.
Males can also be quite aggressive towards each other, so it’s necesarry to provide plenty of hiding places and territories for them to establish.
Overall, Peacock Gudgeons are a beautiful and unique fish that can make a colorful addition to a 10-gallon fish tank. Their stunning colors and patterns, and interesting behavior make them a popular choice among fish enthusiasts.
3— Peacock Gudgeons (Goby)
Dwarf puffer fish, is another rare and unique freshwater species, can be kept in a 10-gallon aquarium with specific water requirements. They have an oddish appearance, with a round, compact body shape and distinctive spotted or striped markings.
Their small size (usually under an inch in length) allows them to be kept in smaller aquariums, making them a popular choice for hobbyists who don’t have space for larger tanks.
Dwarf puffers also have curious and active personalities, often interacting with their owners and exploring their environment.
However, pea puffers have a reputation for being somewhat challenging to care for due to their specific water requirements, and aggression towards each other also adds to their unique status in the aquarium hobby.
The water temperature in your pea puffer tank should be between 75-82°F, with a pH level of 7.0-8.5 and a hardness level of 5-15 dGH. Efficient filtration is necessary to maintain good water quality.
Pea puffer fish are a carnivorous species and requires a diet high in protein. They enjoy small live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and tiny snails but may also accept high-quality pellets or flakes.
