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Your aquarium is set up
and you've tested the water to be sure it is safe. Now, you are ready
to run to the store and buy ten or fifteen colorful fish, right?
Actually, if you want to have a happy, healthy environment for your
fish, there's a bit more to it than that.
Monthly Aquarium Discounts
Before deciding which
fish to add to your aquarium, there are certain things you should
consider. You can't add a predatory fish to a tank that already
contains weak fish. Fish should be about the same size, otherwise, a
larger one may end up eating a smaller one. Make sure you consider what
the fish will be like when it is fully mature. You want the environment
to be stress-free, so it's best to only select fish that can dwell in
an aquarium together peacefully.
The best way to avoid any
problems is by taking the time to learn about the needs and attitudes of the fish you want
to get so that you will definitely know if they are compatible. You
will need to make sure the fish are community fish, which means that
they like to be around other fish. You will also need to find out if
the fish have about the same water quality preferences and needs in
terms of temperature and hardness. They are also much easier to care
for if they like the same foods and plants.
A territorial fish, such
as a toadfish or a damselfish, will want to be alone. For this reason, it will try to
scare off other fish that may be somewhat similar to it, perhaps in
species, shape or color. On the other hand, peaceful fish, such as a guppy or a
swordtail, is least likely to disturb others, while a spirited fish, such as
a blue damsel or a goatfish, may go after slower fish.
A mildly aggressive fish
won't live well with slow or shy fish, as it will tend to bully them.
The same thing applies to an aggressive fish, so this type of fish
should only be with active and large fish. A vulnerable fish, such as
an angler or a green chromis damsel, will be picked on by other fish,
even if they are normally peaceful fish. A fish that may start off
being peaceful then grow to become aggressive, should not be added with
smaller or vulnerable fish.
A hardy fish, such as a
harlequin basslet or a blennyfish, is resistant to many diseases and
can live in many different kinds of water conditions or quality. A fish
that is moderately hardy is ideal to for a healthy aquarium. A touchy
fish such as a flagfin angel or a regal angel, is more likely to obtain
a disease since it is really sensitive to the quality of the water.
Of course, you should
also consider the fish's eating habits. A carnivorous fish, such as an
angler or an anthias, will eat other fish if they are small enough and
is not the best choice for a community tank. Herbivorous fish, such as
a tangfish or an angelfish, will need to be fed vegetables for the most
part and can be difficult to maintain in a mixed tank.
So, before you start
adding fish to the tank, be sure you discuss whether they are suited to
a community environment with your local pet store employee. This way,
you'll be able to enjoy your tank without constantly having to rescue
fish that are being bullied.
Caring for Pet Tropical Fish
Koi Care Guide
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