1. Asian Stone Mini Catfish (Hera Jeradoni)
The smallest shyest lil catfish available in the freshwater world. Featuring a rather spiny scaly back it is recommended to be very gentle if you have to net these fish as they are prone to getting stuck. However these are small, relatively peaceful, and unique fish to keep. They prefer sand substrate and tolerate cold water temperatures of 54F to 75F and lower pHs of 6-7. Its best to keep them as your only bottom feeder/scavenger because they might find it difficult to compete for food.
2. Sulawesi shrimp (Caridina Dennerli)
If you like caridinas you should look into the unique care and coloring for the sulawesi shrimp. This gorgeous shrimp prefers slightly harder water than its normal caridina relatives, coming in at around the 7.7-8.5 range. These shrimp may also take longer to breed and produce a colony. Besides these factors, the sulawesi shrimp is quite similar to normal dwarf shrimp care. They prefer water temperatures of 77-86F. In addition to their bright red coloring, another unique feature of this shrimp is their wispy antennas giving them the appearance of a salt water fish.
3. Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius doriae)
Featuring yellow and black stripes similar to that of a bumblebee, bumblebee gobies are an interesting addition to any freshwater or brackish tank. That's right, these gobies are a primarily brackish water fish. Don't let this deter you from trying them out in freshwater aquariums though. Other have experienced success in both environments. These gobies are particularly interesting, due to their small body and large heads. They differ from their other goby cousins who are much more elongated and tadpole-like. What people find particularly difficult about this fish is their compatibility with other tank-mates. The bumblebee goby is notorious for eating anything it can fit its mouth in. Despite being only 4.2cm at its max size, many still consider it a risk. On the other hand, some users find them to be picky eaters. Be sure to provide harder water in the 7.5-8 pH range as well as plants and caves to hide in. Other than that these gobies thrive in a wide temperature range, 73-82F. Definitely consider adding these to your list if you like a challenge!
4. Dwarf Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus)
Another fish that looks very similar to its salt water cousins, the dwarf puffer fish is an ideal choice for nano aquarium enthusiasts. The dwarf puffer fish only reaches up to 1 inch. Despite being small, its advised not to keep more than 1 puffer per 5 gallons. This is because they are rather territorial. The puffer fish leans on the low size of the pH scale clocking in at a 6.5-7.5 range. Some users have once again struggled to feed the dwarf puffer, but live foods or frozen foods are the best bets. Dwarf puffers are also excellent snail killers. While this fish accepts a wide range of temperatures (76-82F), it is still recommended to be very cautious when stocking other species. It has been said that ottos do well them but shrimp are definitely a toss up depending on the set up.
5. Scarlet Badis (Dario dario)
Scarlet Badis is the romantic twilight story that those people who buy a male and female betta can only dream of achieving. Scarlet Badis males sport a very bright iridescent color and the females are much duller in appearance. These fish are small, peaceful, and generally more timid. They should be kept 1 male to multiple females in a 10 gallon tank. More males may be added if they are given space for their own territory in a larger tank, but until that point, its best to keep 1 male to about 3 females. These gem like fish may struggle to compete for food, so its best to keep them species only. Despite being the smallest fish on the list. getting just under an 1 inch when full size, Scarlet Badis accept a wide pH range (6.5-8) and a just as wide temperature range (68-75). If you're looking for a colorful fish that's similar to German blue rams, give the scarlet badis a try.
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