what fish can you have in a tropical tank

Best Tropical Fish For Beginners

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Full Answer

How do you set up a tropical fish tank?

• African cichlids and neon tetras make for great first fish in your tropical aquarium. ...
• Whichever fish you buy, make sure you research the elements they require from a tank to check that you can keep them happy and healthy.
• It's easiest to start with 2 fish of the same species if you're setting up an aquarium for the first time.

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What is the best fish for a small tank?

Cute Little Fish for Small Tanks

• Dwarf Puffer. Fish enthusiasts are attracted to this fish because of its bright yellowish or brown color and shiny blue eyes.
• Betta Fish. Color: Dark Blue, Copper, Red, Brown, Green, Orange, etc. ...
• Celestial Pearl Danios. ...
• Sparkling Gourami. ...
• Bumblebee Goby. ...
• Endler’s Livebearers. ...
• Norman’s Lampeye Killifish. ...
• Ember Tetra. ...
• Least Killifish. ...
• Endler’s Guppy. ...

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How many fish should you put in a fish tank?

That said, you should be able to fit about 10-15 small fish in your tank at first and as the tank matures and you get better at fish keeping. You can maybe keep 15-25 if you don’t mind some work. However, this is what most beginners do, they buy a 15-gallon tank and fill it with a few fish without doing a little bit of research.

What is the best tropical fish for beginners?

The Best Tropical Aquarium Fish for Beginners

• Bettas. Betta fish, formerly called "Siamese Fighting Fish," (For those interested in random facts, like me, the country once called Siam by Europeans is now known as Thailand,) is a ...
• Kuhli Loach. ...
• Danios. ...
• Tetras. ...
• Swordtails. ...
• Guppies. ...
• Platies. ...
• White Cloud Mountain Minnows. ...
• Catfish/Corys/Plecos. ...
• Goldfish. ...

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What tropical fish dont get along?

Cichlids, certain species of sharks, loaches, knife fish, mormyrids and other territorial fish do not share space well with members of their own kind or closely related species.

What tropical fish should I get first?

If you're planning to have a community tropical fish tank, your best bet would to begin with some “starter fish” such as mollies, platies, danios, swordtails or minnows.

What is the best tropical fish?

In this Swell Guide we recommend some of the most popular tropical fish species to get you started.Zebra danio. Zebra danios, Danio rerio, are just about the hardiest tropical fish you'll ever keep. ... Rosy barb. ... Platy. ... Corydoras catfish. ... Bristlenose catfish. ... Kribensis. ... Harlequin rasbora. ... Cherry barb.More items...

Can all tropical fish live together?

Many species of freshwater tropical fish can work well together in the same tank. Popular choices often labeled as "community fish" or with "peaceful" attitudes include… Within these fish species, some breeds are better adapted to group living than others.

What is the easiest tropical fish to keep?

The 15 Best tropical fish for beginners are:Guppy.Molly.Zebra danios.Dwarf Gouramis.Bettas.Catfish.Swordtails.Firemouth Cichlid.More items...•

How often should tropical fish be fed?

We recommend feeding fish two or three times a day rather than just once a day. Fish will learn the routine, if you usually feed them around 7am, 12pm and 6pm every day, you'll find them waiting for you at those times!

What tropical fish can you mix together?

There are plenty of freshwater fish types that can co-exist with other different species in the same tank. Guppies, Tetras, Swordtails, and Danios are just some of the most peaceful tropical species that happily swim around and easily adjust to newer groups.

What fish can go together in a tank?

Recommended Freshwater Aquarium Fish Combinations: 1) Apistogramma Dwarf Cichlid and Green Neon Tetra. 2) African Cichlids and Synodontis Catfish. 3) Rainbow Shark and Tiger Barbs.

What are the easiest fish to keep in a tank?

10 Best Aquarium Fish for BeginnersRasboras. There are many types of rasboras, but our favorite ones are the harlequin rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) and lambchop rasbora (Trigonostigma espei). ... Common Goldfish. ... Tetras. ... Corydoras. ... Platies. ... Betta Fish. ... Barbs. ... Bolivian Cichlids.More items...

How long should you leave a tropical tank before adding fish?

Let your aquarium "settle" for at least 48 hours before buying your first fish. This will give you time to make sure the temperature is set and make adjustments to decorations, etc.

What fish is easiest to take care of?

In particular, guppies, zebrafish, goldfish, mollies, neon tetras, betta fish, and suckerfish are just some of the easiest fish to take care of in a community aquarium. Make sure to create a tank with plenty of rocks, caves, small toys, and plants to provide enrichment for the fish.

Can I put goldfish with angelfish?

It no surprise that keepers would want to keep them together. But can goldfish survive with angelfish? The short answer is no. Goldfish and angelfish come from fundamentally different regions with rather drastic differences in water parameters, therefore they are usually not kept together.

What's the best fish to start of with in aquarium?

10 Best Aquarium Fish for BeginnersRasboras. There are many types of rasboras, but our favorite ones are the harlequin rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) and lambchop rasbora (Trigonostigma espei). ... Common Goldfish. ... Tetras. ... Corydoras. ... Platies. ... Betta Fish. ... Barbs. ... Bolivian Cichlids.More items...

What is a good first fish to get?

Five tough fish — Siamese fighting fish, goldfish, gourami, danios and tetras — that are good choices for a first fish tank.

How do you pick a tropical fish?

Questions to ask before choosing fishHow big is the fish going to get?If the fish gets large will it prey on or frighten smaller fish in the aquarium?Is the fish too small to fit in with the other fish in the aquarium?Is the fish territorial and will it require a large space of its own?Does the fish eat other fish?More items...

What is a good combination of fish for an aquarium?

Recommended Freshwater Aquarium Fish Combinations: 1) Apistogramma Dwarf Cichlid and Green Neon Tetra. 2) African Cichlids and Synodontis Catfish. 3) Rainbow Shark and Tiger Barbs.

What fish are good for a small tank?

Catfish (some varieties): Bronze or Gold Corys, Spotted Cory, Bandit Cory, and Panda Cory, are good. Avoid Plecos unless you have a large tank or have a local pet shop that will take them back when they get too large for your tank. Rainbowfish: Boesmans, Neon, and Celebes are all good. White Cloud Mountain Minnows.

What is a good beginner fish?

Pretty fish are sometimes acceptable beginner choices, but there are other more important factors to consider. A beginner fish should have these qualities: Tolerates a variety of water conditions, particularly the conditions during startup. Accepts a variety of foods, and are easy to feed.

How Many Fish?

When you are considering the many beautiful fish at the pet shop, remember one word—moderation. In most cases, only two or three fish should be introduced to a tank initially. Once the nitrogen cycle is established and the tank is stable, additional fish can slowly be added. However, the same rule applies when adding the next round of fish. Moderation: you must add only a few at a time.

What are the best barbs to eat?

Barbs: Cherry, Gold, Rosy, Ruby, Purple, and Tico Barbs are good. Avoid Tinfoil and Spanner Barbs due to size, and avoid Tiger Barbs because they tend to nip and be quarrelsome.

What are the two biggest mistakes made when stocking a new aquarium?

The two biggest errors made when stocking a new aquarium are adding too many fish at a time and choosing the wrong species. Tip the scales in your favor by following these basic, but important, steps.

What are the characteristics of a fish?

Fish owners tend to opt for fish with the most physical appeal. Pretty fish are sometimes acceptable beginner choices, but there are other more important factors to consider. A beginner fish should have these qualities: 1 Tolerates a variety of water conditions, particularly the conditions during startup 2 Accepts a variety of foods, and are easy to feed 3 Does not grow to be overly large 4 Not aggressive 5 Compatible with a variety of other fish (unless you're creating a single species tank)

Why are my fish's eyes cloudy?

Check the eyes; cloudy eyes are a sign of poor water conditions and or disease. Also avoid fish with sunken bellies, as they have been chronically underfed and may be suffering from a disease. Read More.

What is the most popular fish in a tropical aquarium?

The freshwater angelfish is one of the most popular. While they are typically listed as semi-aggressive and may even eat small fish, kept correctly they can be amazing centerpiece fish in a tropical tank.

What fish can take gulps of air?

Anabantids, or labyrinth fish, are able to take gulps of air at the water surface in addition to breathing through their gills. If you’re thinking you’ve never seen one before, I bet you’re wrong!

What is a tetra fish?

Tetras. Tetras are small, colorful fish that typically should be kept in groups of six or more. They are shoaling fish in the wild, as a large group helps to reduce stress. The most common tetra found in pet stores is the neon tetra.

What is the most colorful freshwater fish?

African Cichlids. African cichlids are at the top of the list of the most colorful freshwater fish you are going to find. If you have always wanted a beautiful reef setup but don't think you can deal with managing a marine tank, these guys may be the right choice for you.

How big do tetra fish grow?

They only grow to an inch or two in length as adults and have a vibrant blue and red coloring. They are among the best fish for a 10-gallon tank but kept in large schools in a big, planted tank they look truly spectacular. Other tetras you may see include: Black neon. Cardinal tetra.

How many fish species are there in the aquarium industry?

Stepping into any live-fish store tells you this is a daunting process. There are hundreds if not thousands of fish species available in the aquarium industry. How are you supposed to remember their names, let alone their traits, and the best ways to keep them happy and healthy?

How big do bala sharks get?

Some related species may surprise you. Bala sharks are in this family. These fish are sold in pet stores as cute two-inch-long juveniles, but they grow to around a foot and need to be kept in schools.

What is a good beginner fish?

A good beginner fish is a fish that: 1 Is easy to care for and feed 2 Not too aggressive 3 Does not grow too big

What is a platy fish?

4. Platy – Xiphophorus maculatus. Also known as the southern platyfish, platys are live-bearing fish which, like the guppy has been a popular fish in the aquarium trade for a long time. The platy originates from Southern Mexico and grows to an average length of 2-2.5 inches.

What is neon tetra?

Neon Tetras – Paracheirodon innesi. The neon tetra is also another easy to care for and widely popular tropical aquarium fish for beginners. This species of fish is a small, schooling variety that is native to the Amazon basin in South America.

What is the difference between neon and cardinal tetra?

The cardinal tetra is a fish that is very similar to the neon tetra. In terms of care and dietary requirements, they are identical. The cardinal tetra originates from South America as well and is a schooling fish that is just a tad larger than the neon tetra, growing to an average size of about 2 inches.

How long do goldfish live?

If cared for properly, the common goldfish can grow up to 12 inches and live up to 10 years of age. 8. Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare. The freshwater angelfish is also another very popular fish in the aquarium trade due to its graceful appearance and ease of care make them great fishes to keep.

How big do squid fish get?

They are a small fish that grow up to a maximum of 1.7 inches and are very easy to keep. Their small size, vibrant colors and easy care make them one of the best picks for new hobbyists today. In the wild, they usually feed on small insects that fall on the surface of the water.

Where did the betta fish originate?

The betta, or more commonly referred to as Siamese fighting fish, is a beautiful species of fish that originate from stagnant pools of water in Southeast Asia.

What is the best fish to keep in a multi-species tank?

This fish is one of the most prevalent in the fish-keeping community. Great for beginners and collectors alike, the guppy fish is a good choice for peaceful multi-species tanks. Guppies are small fish. However, they have expansive fan-like tails.

What is the most popular community fish?

The blue gourami is one of the most popular community fish. Available at pet stores and fish shops around the world, they are very affordable and easy to come by. From an appearance standpoint, these fish are very beautiful. They have the signature gourami profile complete with a long ventral fin.

How big is a squid?

But, these fish do best in a peaceful community tank. Size: 3 to 5 inches.

Where do black skirt tetra live?

The black skirt tetra is a fish that thrives in rich bodies of water. In its natural habitat in South America, waters are rife with different forms of life and vegetation. As a result, they do exceptionally well in community tanks.

Where do threadfin rainbow fish live?

Here’s a species that stands out! The threadfin rainbowfish is an eye-catching fish that’s native to New Guinea.

Do pencilfish live with boisterous fish?

Dwarf pencilfish prefer well-decorated tanks with plants, submerged driftwood, and plenty of hiding spots. While peaceful, these fish are very timid. They cannot live with boisterous or aggressive fish. Tank mates have to be docile and relatively mellow.

Can catfish eat smaller fish?

While peaceful, they can mistake smaller fish for food if they’re unlucky enough to venture to the bottom of the tank. As a result, it’s best to keep similar-sized fish or species that are far too large for the catfish to consume. With the right tank mates, you shouldn’t encounter any issues with aggression.

What is the easiest fish to care for in a 5 gallon tank?

White Cloud Minnows (Easiest Fish To Care For In A Bowl) Native to Chinese mountain streams, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is an ideal fish for a 5 gallon tank. This is a peaceful and easy-to-care-for fish that won’t nip at the fins of other fish.

What is the best fish for a small bowl?

2. Endler Guppies (Best Fish For A Small Bowl)

What temperature do you need to have a betta fish?

If you don’t have a heater, you don’t want to have fish that requires a steady temperature of 78F like a Betta Fish if you can’t heat the water.

How many gallons of fish bowls are there?

The most typical size of fishbowl is 1-3 gallons. However, many brands offer fish bowls from 5-10 gallons in size.

What is the color of Brazilian freshwater fish?

These small Brazilian freshwater fish make for great community fish. Their beauty is striking, being mostly red and orange with slightly translucent bodies.

Where do pea puffer fish live?

The Pea Pufferfish, also known as Pygmy Pufferfish, is a small puffer fish native to Southwest India. In recent years, many pet stores and aquariums have seen the addition of these fish. They fit into bowl environments smaller than a 5 gallon because of how small they are. 9.

Can fish be kept in bowls?

Fish that are aggressive, dirty, and grow large should not be kept in bowls. The biology of a bowl can’t support the needs of these types of fish.