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 run from a US dealer regulation of 10-19 sq in65-123 cm² per animal to the 5.5 sq ft0.5 m² most welfare bodies print as a minimum and the 11 sq ft1 m² that German and Swiss welfare guidance recommends, which is the figure this site uses. Pretending they agree would be the dishonest part.
Minimum enclosure sizes, every species we cover
These are the figures the checker compares your enclosure against: for each species, the smallest space that welfare and husbandry sources say gives it good conditions, not the legal minimum. Where the recognised standards disagree (and for the popular small mammals they can disagree several-fold), 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: 28 species
Abyssinian Guinea PigMinimum 22 sq ft2 m² of floor, for the pair · 6.5 x 3.3 ft2 x 1 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
African Pygmy HedgehogMinimum 22 sq ft2 m² of floor · 6.5 x 3.3 ft2 x 1 m · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary; house alone
American Guinea PigMinimum 22 sq ft2 m² of floor, for the pair · 6.5 x 3.3 ft2 x 1 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Campbell's Dwarf HamsterMinimum 5.5 sq ft0.5 m² of floor · 39 x 20 in100 x 50 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary
ChinchillaMinimum 22 sq ft2 m² of floor, for the pair · 6.5 x 3.3 x 5 ft2 x 1 x 1.5 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Chinese HamsterMinimum 5.5 sq ft0.5 m² of floor · 39 x 20 in100 x 50 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary
DeguMinimum 22 sq ft2 m² of floor, for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Dumbo Fancy RatMinimum 5.5 sq ft0.5 m² of floor, for a group of 3 · 39 x 20 x 39 in100 x 50 x 99 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 3, and the space above is for that group.
Dutch RabbitMinimum 65 sq ft6 m² of floor, for the pair · 10 x 6.5 x 3.3 ft3 x 2 x 1 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Fancy MouseMinimum 4.5 sq ft0.4 m² of floor, for the pair · 31 x 20 x 31 in80 x 50 x 80 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Fancy RatMinimum 5.5 sq ft0.5 m² of floor, for a group of 3 · 39 x 20 x 39 in100 x 50 x 99 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 3, and the space above is for that group.
FerretMinimum 65 sq ft6 m² of floor, for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Flemish Giant RabbitMinimum 140 sq ft12.96 m² of floor, for the pair · 12 x 12 x 4 ft3.6 x 3.6 x 1.2 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
French Lop RabbitMinimum 140 sq ft12.96 m² of floor, for the pair · 12 x 12 x 4 ft3.6 x 3.6 x 1.2 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Holland Lop RabbitMinimum 65 sq ft6 m² of floor, for the pair · 10 x 6.5 x 3.3 ft3 x 2 x 1 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Lionhead RabbitMinimum 65 sq ft6 m² of floor, for the pair · 10 x 6.5 x 3.3 ft3 x 2 x 1 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Mini Lop RabbitMinimum 65 sq ft6 m² of floor, for the pair · 10 x 6.5 x 3.3 ft3 x 2 x 1 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Mini Rex RabbitMinimum 65 sq ft6 m² of floor, for the pair · 10 x 6.5 x 3.3 ft3 x 2 x 1 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Mongolian GerbilMinimum 5.5 sq ft0.5 m² of floor, for the pair · 39 x 20 x 31 in100 x 50 x 80 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Netherland Dwarf RabbitMinimum 65 sq ft6 m² of floor, for the pair · 10 x 6.5 x 3.3 ft3 x 2 x 1 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Rex RabbitMinimum 65 sq ft6 m² of floor, for the pair · 10 x 6.5 x 3.3 ft3 x 2 x 1 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Roborovski Dwarf HamsterMinimum 5.5 sq ft0.5 m² of floor · 39 x 20 in100 x 50 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary
Silkie Guinea PigMinimum 22 sq ft2 m² of floor, for the pair · 6.5 x 3.3 ft2 x 1 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Skinny Pig (Hairless Guinea Pig)Minimum 22 sq ft2 m² of floor, for the pair · 6.5 x 3.3 ft2 x 1 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Sugar GliderMinimum 43 sq ft4 m² of floor, for the pair · 6.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 ft2 x 2 x 2 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Syrian HamsterMinimum 11 sq ft1 m² of floor · 49 x 31 in125 x 80 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary
Teddy Guinea PigMinimum 22 sq ft2 m² of floor, for the pair · 6.5 x 3.3 ft2 x 1 m · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Winter White Dwarf HamsterMinimum 5.5 sq ft0.5 m² of floor · 39 x 20 in100 x 50 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary
Reptiles: 33 species
Ackie MonitorMinimum 17 sq ft1.62 m² of floor · 6 x 3 x 4 ft1.8 x 0.9 x 1.2 m · Usually kept alone. Best kept singly; pairs only in a much larger enclosure
African Fat-tailed GeckoMinimum 6 sq ft0.54 m² of floor · 35 x 24 x 18 in90 x 60 x 45 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Ball PythonMinimum 17 sq ft1.62 m² of floor · 6 x 3 x 4 ft1.8 x 0.9 x 1.2 m · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Bearded DragonMinimum 17 sq ft1.62 m² of floor · 6 x 3 x 3 ft1.8 x 0.9 x 0.9 m · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Blue-tongue SkinkMinimum 27 sq ft2.52 m² of floor · 7 x 4 x 3 ft2.1 x 1.2 x 0.9 m · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary
California KingsnakeMinimum 12 sq ft1.08 m² of floor · 6 x 2 x 2 ft1.8 x 0.6 x 0.6 m · Must be housed alone. Solitary - cannibalistic
Carpet PythonMinimum 22 sq ft2 m² of floor · 6.5 x 3.3 x 6.5 ft2 x 1 x 2 m · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Children's PythonMinimum 5.5 sq ft0.5 m² of floor · 39 x 20 x 30 in100 x 50 x 75 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary
Chinese Water DragonMinimum 27 sq ft2.52 m² of floor · 7 x 4 x 6 ft2.1 x 1.2 x 1.8 m · Must be housed alone. Solitary safest; never two males
Common BoaMinimum 31 sq ft2.88 m² of floor · 8 x 4 x 6 ft2.4 x 1.2 x 1.8 m · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Common Garter SnakeMinimum 8 sq ft0.72 m² of floor · 47 x 24 x 24 in120 x 60 x 60 cm · Usually kept alone. Best kept singly; prone to cannibalism at feeding time
Common Musk TurtleMinimum 79 gallons300 litres · Must be housed alone. Solitary; males fight and harass tank-mates
Corn SnakeMinimum 12 sq ft1.08 m² of floor · 6 x 2 x 4 ft1.8 x 0.6 x 1.2 m · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Crested GeckoMinimum 2.2 sq ft0.2 m² of floor · 18 x 18 x 35 in45 x 45 x 90 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Fire SkinkMinimum 6 sq ft0.54 m² of floor · 35 x 24 x 18 in90 x 60 x 45 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; never house two males
Gargoyle GeckoMinimum 2.2 sq ft0.2 m² of floor · 18 x 18 x 35 in45 x 45 x 90 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Greek TortoiseMinimum 23 sq ft2.16 m² of floor · 6 x 4 ft1.8 x 1.2 m · Usually kept alone. Best housed singly; not social
Green AnoleMinimum 4 sq ft0.36 m² of floor · 24 x 24 x 24 in60 x 60 x 60 cm · Usually kept alone. Best kept singly; never two males
Hermann's TortoiseMinimum 23 sq ft2.16 m² of floor · 6 x 4 ft1.8 x 1.2 m · Usually kept alone. Best housed singly; not social
Kenyan Sand BoaMinimum 6 sq ft0.54 m² of floor · 35 x 24 x 30 in90 x 60 x 75 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary
Leopard GeckoMinimum 7.5 sq ft0.7 m² of floor · 35 x 30 x 24 in90 x 75 x 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Madagascar Giant Day GeckoMinimum 11 sq ft1 m² of floor · 39 x 39 x 59 in1 x 1 x 1.5 m · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Mali UromastyxMinimum 12 sq ft1.08 m² of floor · 47 x 35 x 24 in120 x 90 x 60 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Milk SnakeMinimum 12 sq ft1.08 m² of floor · 6 x 2 x 2 ft1.8 x 0.6 x 0.6 m · Must be housed alone. Solitary - cannibalistic
Panther ChameleonMinimum 8 sq ft0.72 m² of floor · 47 x 24 x 47 in120 x 60 x 120 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary; no cohabitation and no visual contact with other chameleons
Red-eared SliderMinimum 265 gallons1,000 litres · Fine alone or with company. Can live singly; not dependent on company
Red-footed TortoiseMinimum 55 sq ft5.12 m² of floor · 10.5 x 5 ft3.2 x 1.6 m · Fine alone or with company. More group-tolerant than most tortoises, but company is not a requirement. House males apart.
Rosy BoaMinimum 8 sq ft0.72 m² of floor · 47 x 24 x 35 in120 x 60 x 90 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary
Russian TortoiseMinimum 24 sq ft2.3 m² of floor · 7 x 3.5 ft2.13 x 1.07 m · Usually kept alone. Best housed singly; not social
Sulcata TortoiseMinimum size: not yet recorded · Must be housed alone. Solitary; males fight and harass other tortoises
Tokay GeckoMinimum 4 sq ft0.36 m² of floor · 24 x 24 x 47 in60 x 60 x 120 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary; house singly
Veiled ChameleonMinimum 9.5 sq ft0.9 m² of floor · 47 x 30 x 47 in120 x 75 x 120 cm · Must be housed alone. Strictly solitary; house singly
Western Hognose SnakeMinimum 6 sq ft0.54 m² of floor · 35 x 24 x 18 in90 x 60 x 45 cm · Must be housed alone. Solitary
Freshwater Fish: 46 species
Amano ShrimpMinimum 10 gallons38 litres, for a group of 5 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 5, and the space above is for that group.
AngelfishMinimum 63 gallons240 litres, for a group of 5 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 5, and the space above is for that group.
Bamboo ShrimpMinimum 20 gallons75 litres · Fine alone or with company. Fine alone; peaceful in groups of 3+
Black Skirt TetraMinimum 20 gallons75 litres, for a group of 12 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 12, and the space above is for that group.
Boeseman's RainbowfishMinimum 53 gallons200 litres, for a group of 8 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 8, and the space above is for that group.
Bolivian RamMinimum 48 gallons180 litres, for the pair · 35 x 18 in90 x 45 cm · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
Bristlenose PlecoMinimum 30 gallons112 litres · Fine alone or with company. Can live solo; males territorial
Bronze CorydorasMinimum 20 gallons75 litres, for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Cardinal TetraMinimum 20 gallons75 litres, for a group of 10 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 10, and the space above is for that group.
Celestial Pearl DanioMinimum 20 gallons75 litres, for a group of 12 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 12, and the space above is for that group.
Cherry BarbMinimum 20 gallons75 litres, for a group of 10 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 10, and the space above is for that group.
Cherry ShrimpMinimum 10 gallons38 litres, for a group of 10 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 10, and the space above is for that group.
Chili RasboraMinimum 15 gallons57 litres, for a group of 10 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 10, and the space above is for that group.
Comet GoldfishMinimum 680 gallons2,572 litres, for a group of 5 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 5, and the space above is for that group.
Common GoldfishMinimum 430 gallons1,620 litres, for a group of 5 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 5, and the space above is for that group.
DiscusMinimum 75 gallons284 litres, for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Dwarf GouramiMinimum 15 gallons57 litres · Fine alone or with company. Best singly or as a true pair; males clash
Electric Blue AcaraMinimum 53 gallons200 litres · Fine alone or with company. Singly or as a bonded pair; community-safe with medium fish
Ember TetraMinimum 15 gallons57 litres, for a group of 10 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 10, and the space above is for that group.
Endler's LivebearerMinimum 15 gallons57 litres, for a group of 3 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 3, and the space above is for that group.
Fancy GoldfishMinimum 125 gallons480 litres, for a group of 5 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 5, and the space above is for that group.
German Blue RamMinimum 20 gallons76 litres, for the pair · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 2, and the space above is for that group.
GuppyMinimum 15 gallons57 litres, for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Harlequin RasboraMinimum 16 gallons60 litres, for a group of 12 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 12, and the space above is for that group.
Honey GouramiMinimum 14 gallons54 litres, for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Kuhli LoachMinimum 20 gallons75 litres, for a group of 10 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 10, and the space above is for that group.
Long-finned BettaMinimum 15 gallons57 litres · Must be housed alone. Solitary (males); kept without tankmates
MollyMinimum 30 gallons113 litres, for a group of 4 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 4, and the space above is for that group.
Mystery SnailMinimum 10 gallons38 litres · Fine alone or with company. Happy alone or in groups
Neon TetraMinimum 15 gallons57 litres, for a group of 10 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 10, and the space above is for that group.
OtocinclusMinimum 24 gallons90 litres, for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Panda CorydorasMinimum 20 gallons75 litres, for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Pea PufferMinimum 14 gallons54 litres · Fine alone or with company. Solo, or one male with two or more females; species-only tank
Pearl GouramiMinimum 63 gallons240 litres · Fine alone or with company. Group of 4-6 with one male; or a single fish
PlatyMinimum 17 gallons64 litres, for a group of 5 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 5, and the space above is for that group.
Ranchu GoldfishMinimum 125 gallons480 litres, for a group of 5 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 5, and the space above is for that group.
Rummy-nose TetraMinimum 30 gallons113 litres, for a group of 10 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 10, and the space above is for that group.
Short-finned BettaMinimum 15 gallons57 litres · Must be housed alone. Solitary (males); kept without tankmates
Sparkling GouramiMinimum 15 gallons57 litres, for a group of 5 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 5, and the space above is for that group.
Sterba's CorydorasMinimum 20 gallons75 litres, for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
SwordtailMinimum 30 gallons113 litres, for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Tiger BarbMinimum 29 gallons110 litres, for a group of 10 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 10, and the space above is for that group.
Veiltail GoldfishMinimum 250 gallons937 litres, for a group of 5 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 5, and the space above is for that group.
White Cloud Mountain MinnowMinimum 15 gallons57 litres, for a group of 10 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 10, and the space above is for that group.
Zebra DanioMinimum 21 gallons79 litres, for a group of 10 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 10, and the space above is for that group.
Zebra Nerite SnailMinimum 5 gallons19 litres · Fine alone or with company. Not social; keep roughly one per 5-10 gal19-38 L of algae-growing surface
Saltwater Fish: 27 species
Banggai CardinalfishMinimum 130 gallons500 litres · Fine alone or with company. A single fish, or a male-female pair that has already formed. Adults in a small group pair off and drive the rest away, so do not buy two unsexed fish and hope.
Bicolor BlennyMinimum 79 gallons300 litres · One of its kind per tank; other compatible species can share it. One per tank unless a bonded pair
Clarkii ClownfishMinimum 79 gallons300 litres · Fine alone or with company. Solitary or one bonded pair only
Coral Beauty AngelfishMinimum 145 gallons550 litres · One of its kind per tank; other compatible species can share it. Usually one dwarf angel per tank
Diamond Watchman GobyMinimum 265 gallons1,000 litres · Fine alone or with company. One fish, or better a bonded male-female pair: these gobies live and forage in pairs, and single fish are often reported to die early. Two unpaired fish may fight.
Firefish GobyMinimum 79 gallons300 litres · Fine alone or with company. Singly or bonded pair; nervous in groups
Flame AngelfishMinimum 130 gallons500 litres · One of its kind per tank; other compatible species can share it. Usually one dwarf angel per tank
Flame HawkfishMinimum 79 gallons300 litres · One of its kind per tank; other compatible species can share it. One per tank (bonded pair only in a large system)
Foxface RabbitfishMinimum 265 gallons1,000 litres · One of its kind per tank; other compatible species can share it. One per tank; peaceful with dissimilar fish
Green ChromisMinimum 79 gallons300 litres, for a group of 6 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 6, and the space above is for that group.
Lawnmower BlennyMinimum 79 gallons300 litres · One of its kind per tank; other compatible species can share it. One per tank unless the system is large
Mandarin DragonetMinimum 100 gallons379 litres · Fine alone or with company. One male per tank; a female may be added
Maroon ClownfishMinimum 79 gallons300 litres · Fine alone or with company. Solitary or one bonded pair only
Mexican Turbo SnailMinimum 29 gallons110 litres · Fine alone or with company. No social needs; stock about one per 29-50 gal110-190 L
Midas BlennyMinimum 79 gallons300 litres · One of its kind per tank; other compatible species can share it. One per tank unless a bonded pair
Neon GobyMinimum 79 gallons300 litres · Fine alone or with company. Singly or a mated pair; fights other cleaner gobies
Ocellaris ClownfishMinimum 79 gallons300 litres · Fine alone or with company. Solitary or bonded pair; not a shoaling fish
Orchid DottybackMinimum 53 gallons200 litres · One of its kind per tank; other compatible species can share it. One per tank; territorial with similar shapes
Pajama CardinalfishMinimum 160 gallons600 litres, for a group of 3 · Cannot be kept alone. The minimum is 3, and the space above is for that group.
Peppermint ShrimpMinimum 15 gallons57 litres · Fine alone or with company. Singly or in small groups of 2-3
Regal Blue TangMinimum 1,320 gallons5,000 litres · One of its kind per tank; other compatible species can share it. Best kept one per tank unless the system is very large
Royal GrammaMinimum 53 gallons200 litres · One of its kind per tank; other compatible species can share it. Best kept singly; territorial with own kind
Sixline WrasseMinimum 130 gallons500 litres · One of its kind per tank; other compatible species can share it. One per tank in most systems
Skunk Cleaner ShrimpMinimum 30 gallons114 litres · Fine alone or with company. Singly or as a pair
True Percula ClownfishMinimum 79 gallons300 litres · Fine alone or with company. Single fish or one bonded pair; never unbonded clowns
Yellow TangMinimum 265 gallons1,000 litres · One of its kind per tank; other compatible species can share it. Best kept singly; territorial with tangs
Yellow Watchman GobyMinimum 79 gallons300 litres · Fine alone or with company. Singly or pair; pairs with a pistol shrimp
More tools
The other five
Can it eat that?
Staple, occasional, rare treat or never, with the reason. An unlisted food comes back "not on our list", never a guess.
Open tool →What does it really cost?
Setup, monthly, first year and lifetime, itemised, with electricity worked out from real wattage.
Open tool →Which of these two is easier?
Two species on identical axes: space, company, cost, lifespan and daily time.
Open tool →Is this ammonia reading dangerous?
Free ammonia from your kit's total, the pH and the temperature: the number that actually harms fish.
Open tool →Is this bedding safe?
Safe, caution or avoid for the animal you keep, and why.
Open tool →
Keep going
134 care guides, same data
Every number these tools use comes from the species guides. Read the one for your animal.
Browse the care guides →