Enclosure checker

Is my enclosure big enough?

Enter an animal and the space you have. You get a verdict on welfare grounds — floor area and height for land animals, volume and swimming length for fish — not a gallons number that treats a hamster like a goldfish.

Where the recognised standards disagree, you will see all of them. For a Syrian hamster they range from a large retailer's stated minimum to more than five times that figure, and pretending otherwise would be the dishonest part.

Minimum enclosure sizes, every species we cover

These are the figures the checker compares your enclosure against. Where the recognised standards disagree — and for the popular small mammals they disagree by a factor of five — the tool shows all of them rather than quietly picking one. A species whose minimum we have not recorded says exactly that; it is never filled in with a plausible number.

Small Pets — 36 species
Abyssinian Guinea PigMinimum 10,000 cm² of floor (1,550 sq in) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
African Pygmy HedgehogMinimum 5,000 cm² of floor (775 sq in) · 120 × 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary; house alone
American Guinea PigMinimum 10,000 cm² of floor (1,550 sq in) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Californian RabbitMinimum 60,000 cm² of floor (9,300 sq in) — for the pair · 300 × 200 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Campbell's Dwarf HamsterMinimum 5,000 cm² of floor (775 sq in) · 100 × 50 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary
ChinchillaMinimum 5,000 cm² of floor (775 sq in) — for the pair · 100 × 50 × 100 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Chinese HamsterMinimum 5,000 cm² of floor (775 sq in) · 100 × 50 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary
DeguMinimum 5,400 cm² of floor (837 sq in) — for the pair · 90 × 60 × 60 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Dumbo Fancy RatMinimum 4,030 cm² of floor (625 sq in) — for the pair · 79 × 51 × 79 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Dutch RabbitMinimum 30,000 cm² of floor (4,650 sq in) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
English Angora RabbitMinimum 30,000 cm² of floor (4,650 sq in) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
English Lop RabbitMinimum 55,740 cm² of floor (8,640 sq in) — for the pair · 300 × 200 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Fancy MouseMinimum 50 litres (13 US gallons) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Fancy RatMinimum 4,000 cm² of floor (620 sq in) — for the pair · 80 × 50 × 80 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Fat-tailed GerbilMinimum 76 litres (20 US gallons) · 76 × 30 cm · Fine alone or with company. Happy alone (no cage mate needed); a compatible same-sex pair or littermate group is also possible. Mixed sexes breed; mismatched adults fight.
FerretMinimum 5,400 cm² of floor (837 sq in) — for the pair · 90 × 60 × 60 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Flemish Giant RabbitMinimum 50,000 cm² of floor (7,750 sq in) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
French Lop RabbitMinimum 60,000 cm² of floor (9,300 sq in) — for the pair · 300 × 200 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Himalayan RabbitMinimum 30,000 cm² of floor (4,650 sq in) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Holland Lop RabbitMinimum 30,000 cm² of floor (4,650 sq in) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Lionhead RabbitMinimum 30,000 cm² of floor (4,650 sq in) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Mini Lop RabbitMinimum 60,000 cm² of floor (9,300 sq in) — for the pair · 300 × 200 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Mini Rex RabbitMinimum 55,740 cm² of floor (8,640 sq in) — for the pair · 300 × 200 × 100 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Mongolian GerbilMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Netherland Dwarf RabbitMinimum 30,000 cm² of floor (4,650 sq in) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Peruvian Guinea PigMinimum 10,000 cm² of floor (1,550 sq in) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Rex RabbitMinimum 30,000 cm² of floor (4,650 sq in) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Roborovski Dwarf HamsterMinimum 5,000 cm² of floor (775 sq in) · 100 × 50 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary
Short-tailed OpossumMinimum 4,050 cm² of floor (628 sq in) · 90 × 45 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary
Silkie Guinea PigMinimum 10,000 cm² of floor (1,550 sq in) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Skinny Pig (Hairless Guinea Pig)Minimum 7,000 cm² of floor (1,085 sq in) — for the pair · 120 × 60 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Sugar GliderMinimum 5,400 cm² of floor (837 sq in) — for the pair · 90 × 60 × 90 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Syrian HamsterMinimum 5,000 cm² of floor (775 sq in) · 100 × 50 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary
Teddy Guinea PigMinimum 10,000 cm² of floor (1,550 sq in) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Texel Guinea PigMinimum 10,000 cm² of floor (1,550 sq in) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Winter White Dwarf HamsterMinimum 5,000 cm² of floor (775 sq in) · 100 × 50 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary
Reptiles — 41 species
Ackie MonitorMinimum 16,200 cm² of floor (2,511 sq in) · 180 × 90 × 90 cm · Fine alone or with company. Solitary or carefully managed pairs
African Fat-tailed GeckoMinimum 4,050 cm² of floor (628 sq in) · 90 × 45 × 45 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
African House SnakeMinimum 4,050 cm² of floor (628 sq in) · 90 × 45 × 45 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Ball PythonMinimum 7,200 cm² of floor (1,116 sq in) · 120 × 60 × 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Bearded DragonMinimum 7,200 cm² of floor (1,116 sq in) · 120 × 60 × 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Blue-tongue SkinkMinimum 7,200 cm² of floor (1,116 sq in) · 120 × 60 × 45 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary
California KingsnakeMinimum 5,400 cm² of floor (837 sq in) · 120 × 45 × 45 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary - cannibalistic
Carpet PythonMinimum 7,200 cm² of floor (1,116 sq in) · 120 × 60 × 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Chahoua GeckoMinimum 2,030 cm² of floor (315 sq in) · 45 × 45 × 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Children's PythonMinimum 4,050 cm² of floor (628 sq in) · 90 × 45 × 45 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary
Chinese Water DragonMinimum 7,200 cm² of floor (1,116 sq in) · 120 × 60 × 180 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary safest; never two males
Common BoaMinimum 11,160 cm² of floor (1,730 sq in) · 183 × 61 × 61 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Common Garter SnakeMinimum 4,050 cm² of floor (628 sq in) · 90 × 45 × 45 cm · Fine alone or with company. Solitary or grouped with care
Common Musk TurtleMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. Solitary; males fight and harass tank-mates
Corn SnakeMinimum 7,200 cm² of floor (1,116 sq in) · 120 × 60 × 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Crested GeckoMinimum 2,030 cm² of floor (315 sq in) · 45 × 45 × 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Eastern Box TurtleMinimum 7,200 cm² of floor (1,116 sq in) · 120 × 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Fire SkinkMinimum 4,190 cm² of floor (649 sq in) · 91 × 46 × 46 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; never house two males
Gargoyle GeckoMinimum 2,030 cm² of floor (315 sq in) · 45 × 45 × 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Greek TortoiseMinimum 7,200 cm² of floor (1,116 sq in) · 120 × 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Best housed singly; not social
Green AnoleMinimum 2,030 cm² of floor (315 sq in) · 45 × 45 × 60 cm · Must be housed alone. One male only; small female group possible
Hermann's TortoiseMinimum 7,200 cm² of floor (1,116 sq in) · 120 × 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Best housed singly; not social
Jackson's ChameleonMinimum 3,600 cm² of floor (558 sq in) · 60 × 60 × 120 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary; house singly
Kenyan Sand BoaMinimum 3,380 cm² of floor (524 sq in) · 75 × 45 × 30 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary
Leopard GeckoMinimum 4,050 cm² of floor (628 sq in) · 90 × 45 × 45 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Leopard TortoiseMinimum 93,030 cm² of floor (14,420 sq in) · 305 × 305 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; never mix with other tortoise species
Madagascar Giant Day GeckoMinimum 2,030 cm² of floor (315 sq in) · 45 × 45 × 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Mali UromastyxMinimum 7,200 cm² of floor (1,116 sq in) · 120 × 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Milk SnakeMinimum 4,050 cm² of floor (628 sq in) · 90 × 45 × 45 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary - cannibalistic
Mourning GeckoMinimum 900 cm² of floor (140 sq in) — for a group of 3 · 30 × 30 × 45 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 3, and the space above is for that group.
Ornate UromastyxMinimum 7,440 cm² of floor (1,153 sq in) · 122 × 61 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Painted TurtleMinimum 285 litres (75 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. Solitary; best kept one per tank
Panther ChameleonMinimum 3,720 cm² of floor (577 sq in) · 61 × 61 × 122 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary; no cohabitation and no visual contact with other chameleons
Red-eared SliderMinimum 280 litres (74 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Can live singly; not dependent on company
Red-footed TortoiseMinimum 29,770 cm² of floor (4,614 sq in) · 244 × 122 cm · Fine alone or with company. More group-tolerant than most tortoises, but company is not a requirement. House males apart.
Rosy BoaMinimum 4,050 cm² of floor (628 sq in) · 90 × 45 × 45 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary
Russian TortoiseMinimum 7,200 cm² of floor (1,116 sq in) · 120 × 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Best housed singly; not social
Sulcata TortoiseMinimum size: not yet recorded · Must be housed alone. Best housed singly; not social
Tokay GeckoMinimum 2,700 cm² of floor (419 sq in) · 60 × 45 × 90 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Veiled ChameleonMinimum 3,600 cm² of floor (558 sq in) · 60 × 60 × 120 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary; house singly
Western Hognose SnakeMinimum 4,050 cm² of floor (628 sq in) · 90 × 45 × 45 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary
Freshwater Fish — 47 species
Amano ShrimpMinimum 38 litres (10 US gallons) — for a group of 5 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 5, and the space above is for that group.
AngelfishMinimum 200 litres (53 US gallons) — for a group of 5 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 5, and the space above is for that group.
Bamboo ShrimpMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Fine alone; peaceful in groups of 3+
BettaMinimum 19 litres (5 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. Solitary (males); kept without tankmates
Black Skirt TetraMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) — for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Boeseman's RainbowfishMinimum 200 litres (53 US gallons) — for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Bolivian RamMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) — for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Bristlenose PlecoMinimum 100 litres (26 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Can live solo; males territorial
Bronze CorydorasMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) — for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Cardinal TetraMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) — for a group of 10 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 10, and the space above is for that group.
Celestial Pearl DanioMinimum 40 litres (11 US gallons) — for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Cherry BarbMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) — for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Cherry ShrimpMinimum 20 litres (5 US gallons) — for a group of 10 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 10, and the space above is for that group.
Chili RasboraMinimum 20 litres (5 US gallons) — for a group of 10 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 10, and the space above is for that group.
Clown PlecoMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) · 76 × 30 cm · Fine alone or with company. Fine solo; males territorial over caves and wood
Cockatoo Dwarf CichlidMinimum 60 litres (16 US gallons) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Common GoldfishMinimum 280 litres (74 US gallons) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
DiscusMinimum 250 litres (66 US gallons) — for a group of 5 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 5, and the space above is for that group.
Dojo LoachMinimum 280 litres (74 US gallons) — for a group of 3 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 3, and the space above is for that group.
Dwarf GouramiMinimum 60 litres (16 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Best singly or as a true pair; males clash
Electric Blue AcaraMinimum 200 litres (53 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Singly or as a bonded pair; community-safe with medium fish
Ember TetraMinimum 40 litres (11 US gallons) — for a group of 8 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 8, and the space above is for that group.
Endler's LivebearerMinimum 38 litres (10 US gallons) — for a group of 3 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 3, and the space above is for that group.
Fancy GoldfishMinimum 150 litres (40 US gallons) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
German Blue RamMinimum 80 litres (21 US gallons) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Golden Wonder KillifishMinimum 76 litres (20 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. One male with several females; eats small tankmates
GuppyMinimum 38 litres (10 US gallons) — for a group of 3 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 3, and the space above is for that group.
Harlequin RasboraMinimum 60 litres (16 US gallons) — for a group of 8 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 8, and the space above is for that group.
Honey GouramiMinimum 45 litres (12 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Peaceful; fine singly, in pairs or small groups
Kuhli LoachMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) — for a group of 5 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 5, and the space above is for that group.
MollyMinimum 113 litres (30 US gallons) — for a group of 3 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 3, and the space above is for that group.
Mystery SnailMinimum 19 litres (5 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Happy alone or in groups
Neon TetraMinimum 57 litres (15 US gallons) — for a group of 8 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 8, and the space above is for that group.
OtocinclusMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) — for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Panda CorydorasMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) — for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Paradise FishMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. One male alone, or one male with 2-3 females in 30gal+; never two males
Pea PufferMinimum 38 litres (10 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Solo, or one male with two or more females; species-only tank
Pearl GouramiMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Group of 4-6 with one male; or a single fish
PlatyMinimum 57 litres (15 US gallons) — for a group of 3 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 3, and the space above is for that group.
Rummy-nose TetraMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) — for a group of 10 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 10, and the space above is for that group.
Sparkling GouramiMinimum 40 litres (11 US gallons) — for a group of 5 · 45 × 30 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 5, and the space above is for that group.
Sterba's CorydorasMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) — for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
SwordtailMinimum 95 litres (25 US gallons) — for a group of 3 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 3, and the space above is for that group.
Tiger BarbMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) — for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
White Cloud Mountain MinnowMinimum 40 litres (11 US gallons) — for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Zebra DanioMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) — for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Zebra Nerite SnailMinimum 19 litres (5 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Not social; keep roughly one per 5-10gal of algae-growing surface
Saltwater Fish — 34 species
Azure DamselfishMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. Territorial; best as the only damsel
Banggai CardinalfishMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) — for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Bicolor BlennyMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. One per tank unless a bonded pair
Blackcap BassletMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. One per tank (groups only in large systems added together); fights its own kind and lookalikes
Blood Red Fire ShrimpMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Singly; bonded pairs only in larger tanks
Chalk BassMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Singly, or a group of 3-5 added together
Clarkii ClownfishMinimum 150 litres (40 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Solitary or one bonded pair only
Coral Beauty AngelfishMinimum 200 litres (53 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. Usually one dwarf angel per tank
Diamond Watchman GobyMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Solitary or a bonded pair
Firefish GobyMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Singly or bonded pair; nervous in groups
Flame AngelfishMinimum 200 litres (53 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. Usually one dwarf angel per tank
Flame HawkfishMinimum 115 litres (30 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. One per tank (bonded pair only in a large system)
Foxface RabbitfishMinimum 450 litres (119 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. One per tank; peaceful with dissimilar fish
Green ChromisMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) — for a group of 3 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 3, and the space above is for that group.
Green Clown GobyMinimum 38 litres (10 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. One per tank or a bonded pair; any two can pair up
Lawnmower BlennyMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. One per tank unless the system is large
Longnose HawkfishMinimum 150 litres (40 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. One hawkfish per tank
Mandarin DragonetMinimum 200 litres (53 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. One male per tank; a female may be added
Maroon ClownfishMinimum 210 litres (55 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Solitary or one bonded pair only
Mexican Turbo SnailMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Solitary; one per 110-190L / 30-50gal
Midas BlennyMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. One per tank unless a bonded pair
Neon GobyMinimum 38 litres (10 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Singly or a mated pair; fights other cleaner gobies
Ocellaris ClownfishMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Solitary or bonded pair; not a shoaling fish
Orchid DottybackMinimum 100 litres (26 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. One per tank; territorial with similar shapes
Pajama CardinalfishMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) — for a group of 3 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 3, and the space above is for that group.
Peppermint ShrimpMinimum 40 litres (11 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Singly or in small groups of 2-3
Regal Blue TangMinimum 1,100 litres (291 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. Best kept one per tank unless the system is very large
Royal GrammaMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. Best kept singly; territorial with own kind
Sixline WrasseMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. One per tank in most systems
Skunk Cleaner ShrimpMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Singly or as a pair
Tailspot BlennyMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. One blenny per tank in smaller systems
True Percula ClownfishMinimum 75 litres (20 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Single fish or one bonded pair; never unbonded clowns
Yellow TangMinimum 280 litres (74 US gallons) · Must be housed alone. Best kept singly; territorial with tangs
Yellow Watchman GobyMinimum 110 litres (29 US gallons) · Fine alone or with company. Singly or pair; pairs with a pistol shrimp
Keep going

158 care guides, same data

Every number these tools use comes from the species guides — read the one for your animal.

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