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Nano Fish

(35 items)

Small tanks deserve big personality, and our Nano Saltwater Fish collection delivers just that. Specially curated for tanks under 40 gallons, these species stay small, thrive in confined spaces, and add vivid color and energy to any nano reef or compact marine setup.

From tiny gobies and peaceful firefish to shrimp gobies with fascinating behaviors, these nano-sized fish are ideal for aquarists working with limited space. Whether you’re building your first nano reef or adding finishing touches to a pico tank, you’ll find hardy, reef-safe options that make a big impact.

Top Saltwater Nano Fish Picks

Longnose Hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus)
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Algae Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)
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Six Line Wrasse Fish (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia)
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Chalk Basslet Fish (Serranus tortugarum)
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Price
Price
$10499
From $3999
From $4500
$4999
Description
Description
Easily recognized by its elongated snout and patterned body, the Longnose Hawkfish is full of personality. It perches on rockwork and is reef-safe with caution—may prey on small shrimp.
A peaceful herbivore that constantly grazes on algae, the Algae Blenny is a valuable cleanup crew member. Full of quirky behavior and well-suited for reef tanks with plenty of rockwork.
The Six Line Wrasse is small, colorful, and highly active, known for darting through rockwork and eating pests like flatworms. Best kept solo in tanks with a lid due to its jumpy nature.
The Chalk Basslet is a durable, reef-safe nano fish with shimmering lavender tones. Peaceful and social in groups, it’s a great choice for both small and large reef tanks.

Dive Deeper: Info & Tips for Nano Saltwater Fish

Great saltwater nano fish also tend to make use of the entire tank, from sand sifters to midwater swimmers and rock perchers. Their behavior, ease of care, and compatibility with reef setups make them perfect for aquarists working with smaller volumes of water.

Top Nano Saltwater Fish

Many nano-friendly fish bring beauty, activity, and personality to the smallest setups:

  • Blennies are quirky, rock-perching fish with big personalities and plenty of charm. They stay small, are generally reef safe, and help keep algae under control.
  • Yasha Gobies are prized for their vivid coloration and unique symbiotic behavior with pistol shrimp. They stay small and do best in sand-bottom nano tanks with hiding spots.
  • Six Line Wrasses are active swimmers that help with pest control. They do well in established nano tanks with rockwork and can help keep flatworms and bristleworms in check.
  • Hawkfish like the Longnose or Falco Hawkfish are bold, curious fish that perch on rocks and keep a watchful eye on the tank. While not suited for tanks with small shrimp, they do well in many nano setups.
  • Cleaner Wrasses are fascinating, active fish that interact with other tankmates by picking off parasites. They’re best kept in tanks with multiple fish and regular feeding.
  • Cardinalfish such as the Bangaii are peaceful and visually striking, often hovering calmly in the water column. They’re ideal for nano community tanks.
  • Basslets offer bright colors and shy personalities. Many, like the royal gramma, are well-suited for nano tanks thanks to their compact size and compatibility with reef environments.
  • Chromis are small, schooling fish that add constant motion and color to the upper levels of a nano aquarium. They do best in peaceful setups and can be kept singly or in groups depending on space.

Setting Up the Right Aquarium for Nano Fish

Ideal Parameter Range

  • Salinity: 1.023–1.026
  • Temperature: 74–80°F
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: Less than 20 ppm

Setting Up a Nano Tank

Nano tanks can be rewarding but require attention to detail. Because of the smaller water volume, even small changes in temperature, salinity, or waste levels can have a bigger impact. A stable setup with quality equipment and consistent maintenance is key.

Always match your fish choices to your tank size and aquascape. Use live rock to create hiding spaces and break up territories, and avoid overstocking. One or two well-chosen fish can do more for a nano tank than a crowded community.

Feeding Nano Saltwater Fish

Feeding in nano tanks is all about control. Overfeeding leads to nutrient spikes, algae blooms, and stressed fish. Fortunately, most nano saltwater fish accept small, frequent meals of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and micro pellets.

For bottom dwellers like gobies or blennies, make sure food reaches the substrate. Feed slowly, once or twice a day, and remove uneaten food when possible to keep the water quality stable.

Why Buy Nano Fish from Top Shelf Aquatics?

At Top Shelf Aquatics, we focus on offering nano saltwater fish that are healthy, vibrant, and suited for smaller aquariums. All fish are treated with copper to eliminate common parasites and are carefully monitored to ensure they’re eating well and showing normal behavior.

Whether you're starting a desktop reef or upgrading a nano cube, our selection is designed to give you the best livestock options for success in small spaces.

Saltwater Nano Fish FAQs

What size tank qualifies as a nano reef?

Nano tanks are typically defined as aquariums 40 gallons or smaller. Common sizes include 10, 15, and 20 gallons.

Can I keep clownfish in a nano tank?

Yes, most ocellaris and percula clownfish can thrive in tanks as small as 20 gallons, especially when kept solo or as a bonded pair. Check out our clownfish for sale to get started.

Are nano fish reef safe?

Most nano-friendly species like gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, and cleaner wrasses are fully reef safe and coexist well with corals and invertebrates.

How many nano fish can I keep in a small tank?

That depends on the tank size, filtration, and aquascape. In general, it’s best to understock nano tanks to reduce stress and maintain water quality.

What are the easiest nano fish to care for?

Blennies, cardinalfish, and gobies are among the easiest nano fish thanks to their hardiness and willingness to eat prepared foods.