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If you’re new to the fishkeeping hobby, your best starting place is most likely a community tank. Community aquariums feature several different fish species that live harmoniously together, creating a vibrant display that’s both beautiful and relaxing to look at.

Building a community aquarium is rather an art form that demands careful selection of compatible fish species. To do that, you must focus on the social dynamics within the tank, not just the aesthetics.

With that in mind, here are twelve friendly fish species that are known for their social behavior, making them perfect inhabitants for a lively and interactive community aquarium.

Key Takeaways

• For newcomers to fishkeeping, a community aquarium combining different social fish species is a great starting point, offering a beautiful and harmonious aquatic display.
• The article introduces 12 peaceful and social fish species suitable for community tanks, with six each from saltwater and freshwater environments, highlighting their behaviors and compatibility.
• When setting up a community aquarium, it’s crucial to prioritize the social dynamics and compatibility of the fish to ensure a stress-free environment, thereby preventing disease and promoting health.

Summary Table

Here’s an at-a-glance summary of the fabulous community fish species featured in this guide!

Saltwater Fish Species

Saltwater fish are among the most interesting and colorful aquarium inhabitants out there. Of course, if your marine tank contains invertebrates, corals, sponges, and other ocean dwellers, you need reef-safe fish that won’t hassle them.

So, if you’re considering setting up a marine or reef community tank, here are six potential candidates that might be a good fit.

Clownfish (Amphiprioninae)

Originating from the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Clownfish are probably one of the most popular and recognizable saltwater fish species you’ll see in a home marine tank. That’s largely due to the species’ starring role in the movie Finding Nemo.

There are around 30 known species of Clownfish, most of which live around coral reefs and shallow lagoons, where some species form symbiotic relationships with sea anemones. Clownfish are known for their vibrant colors, playful behavior, and fascinating social structure.

These fish live in groups with a hierarchical social system with one dominant female, a breeding male, and several non-breeding males. Interestingly, all Clownfish are born males, and the group’s dominant female can transform into a male if the breeding male dies.

Blue/Green Chromis (Chromis viridis/Chromis atripectoralis)

Blue/Green Chromis are a group of small, peaceful fish found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. These schooling fish gravitate to the upper and middle levels of the water column, where you’ll see them swimming in large groups shimmering through the coral reefs.

These fish are incredibly social and thrive in groups of six or more. That not only provides a visually stunning display but also gives the fish a sense of security and comfort.

Blue/Green Chromis are easy to care for and make an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists in the marine hobby.

Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)

The Banggai Cardinalfish is a visually striking yet peaceful fish native to the warm waters around the Banggai Islands of Indonesia, from which the species takes its common name. The fish prefer calm, shallow waters with plenty of hiding spots, like dense seagrass beds and piles of coral rubble.

Banggai Cardinalfish are known for their distinct black-and-white striped pattern and unique mouthbrooding reproduction method. In mouthbrooding fish species, the males carry fertilized eggs in their mouths until the fry hatch. The proud fathers then provide parental care to their offspring.

In an aquarium setting, Banggai Cardinalfish form strong bonds with their own kind and can often be seen swimming together in pairs or small groups.

Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto)

The Royal Gramma, also known as the Fairy Basslet, is native to the Caribbean Sea and the western Atlantic Ocean.

These striking fish feature vibrant purple and yellow coloring, making them a popular standout addition to any community saltwater aquarium. Royal Grammas are relatively peaceful fish that prefer to inhabit caves or crevices within the rockwork of the reef, keeping themselves to themselves and not hassling other tank residents.

Despite their small size, these fish can be quite territorial and will defend their chosen hiding spot. However, they generally get along well with other non-aggressive fish species and are known to form loose social groups within the aquarium setting.

Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica)

The Firefish goby is native to the Indo-Pacific region. This slender, elegant fish species adds both beauty and activity to a community saltwater aquarium.

As you might guess from their common name, Firefish gobies are characterized by their vibrant, bright red bodies and striking white dorsal fins. They are peaceful characters who prefer to swim in the open water column, usually near the water’s surface. These pretty little fish are known for their shy nature and often seek refuge in rock crevices or burrows if they feel threatened.

However, in a well-established aquarium with plenty of hiding spots, Firefish gobies become more confident and sociable, often forming small, loose groups with their own kind.

Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)

Yellow Watchman gobies are a hardy, peaceful fish species native to the tropical Indo-Pacific region.

Known for their bright yellow bodies and intricate patterns that give the fish its common name, Yellow Watchman gobies make an excellent addition to a community aquarium. These strange little fish are burrowers by nature, often digging elaborate shelters in the substrate.

They are also known for their fascinating symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp. In the wild, these two species share a burrow, with the Goby serving as a lookout and the shrimp doing the excavation work. The two species often display similar behavior in an aquarium setting, forming a unique and entertaining partnership.

Freshwater Fish Species

Saltwater fish tend to be quite expensive to buy, and keeping a marine or reef aquarium environment healthy can be challenging for beginners. For that reason, most newbies to the hobby typically choose to keep freshwater fish. I began my 40-year fishkeeping journey with a simple freshwater setup and have enjoyed creating many community tanks since then.

Plenty of gorgeous freshwater fish live in a community tank! Here are my six favorites.

Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

Neon tetras come from streams and tributaries in South America.

These brightly colored, small, peaceful fish are known for their stunning iridescent blue and red stripes and have become a staple of many tropical home tanks worldwide. Neons are schooling fish and must be kept in groups of six or more to feel secure and prevent stress.

Neon Tetras are incredibly social and will often swim together in perfect unison, creating a mesmerizing display in the aquarium. They are compatible with a wide range of other peaceful freshwater fish species and are an excellent choice for your community tank.

Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras sp.)

Corydoras catfish are a group of small, peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish native to the warm waters of South America. There are currently 172 known species of Corys, many of which are suitable for aquarium life.

These cute little guys are characterized by their armored bodies and distinctive barbels around their mouths, which they use to search for food in the substrate. Corys are social creatures and should be kept in groups of at least six individuals.

Corys spend much of their time resting on the substrate with their own kind, occasionally darting up to the water’s surface to snatch a gulp of air. With their gentle nature and interesting behavior, Corydoras catfish make a valuable addition to any community aquarium.

Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)

The Harlequin rasbora is a small, peaceful fish species native to the streams and rivers of Southeast Asia. These fish are named for their vibrant, striking coloration, having iridescent silver bodies and vibrant orange-red markings.

Harlequin rasboras are sociable, schooling fish that should be kept in groups of six or more for security. They become more confident in a well-established aquarium with plenty of plants and hiding spots and are charming to watch with their engaging social behavior.

These lovely fish are compatible with a wide range of other peaceful freshwater fish species and are an excellent choice for community tanks. I’ve always found a place for a small group of these deceptively hardy beauties in my tanks!

Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)

Originating from Sri Lanka, Cherry barbs are another one of my personal favorites. These striking little fish are named for their brilliant red colors, which are especially vibrant in male fish during the spawning season.

Unlike some other barb species, Cherry barbs are schooling fish that are happiest when living in groups of at least six individuals. When kept in large groups, these fish are amazing to watch, often swimming together in perfect unison, creating a shimmering, sparkling crimson curtain.

Cherry barbs are compatible with many other peaceful freshwater fish species and are an excellent choice for community tanks.

Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii)

The Pearl Gourami is a stunning, peaceful fish species from Southeast Asia’s tropical inland waters.

The fish get their common name from their iridescent pearl-like scales and graceful finnage. Pearl Gouramis are labyrinth fish, meaning they have a specialized breathing organ that allows them to breathe air from the surface to supplement the oxygen they get from the water.

These relatively peaceful fish can be kept with a wide variety of other freshwater fish species, especially those of a similar size and temperament. Pearl Gouramis display captivating social behavior in a community aquarium and are a joy to observe.

Zebra Danio (Danio rerio)

The Zebra danio is a small, peaceful fish species native to South Asia’s streams and rice paddies.

The species is named for its distinctive blue and silver striped pattern, which is thought to resemble a zebra. Zebra danios are exceptionally active and social fish, often seen swimming together in schools throughout the aquarium. They are hardy and easy to care for, making these fish an excellent choice for beginner aquarists. Zebra Danios are compatible with many other peaceful freshwater fish species and are an excellent choice for community tanks.

Final Thoughts

Creating a vibrant and interactive community aquarium needs careful thought.

Of course, you want your tank to look great and be full of bright colors and interesting fish behavior. However, don’t compromise peace and harmony for aesthetics! If your fish don’t get along, they will get stressed, which quickly leads to disease outbreaks and even mass fish kills.

Whether saltwater or freshwater, the 12 fish species we’ve featured in this guide are known for their peaceful nature, engaging social behavior, and ability to live with a variety of other fish species, making them perfect inhabitants for a community aquarium.

The post Fin-tastic Friends: 10 Social Fish That Thrive in Community Tanks appeared first on Aquariadise.

The underwater world is packed with incredible creatures with amazing behaviors few people ever see. Nest-building is one of the most fascinating behaviors seen among fish and other aquatic animals. From intricate designs to impressive engineering, many fish species showcase remarkable skills in constructing nests.

Keep reading, and prepare to be amazed by the ingenuity of ten remarkable fish species that construct extraordinary nests and structures, revealing the complexity and creativity of aquatic life!

Key Takeaways

• Nest-building is a common behavior among many fish species, showcasing their unique capabilities and creativity in creating structures for mating, shelter, and protection of their offspring.
• Fish like Betta splendens (Betta fish) and Gasterosteidae (Sticklebacks) utilize materials such as air bubbles and sticky secretions to construct their nests, while others like the Pterophyllum scalare (Freshwater Angelfish) prepare flat surfaces for egg-laying.
• The diversity of nesting habits, from the intricate sand patterns of the Japanese pufferfish to the mouthbrooding of the Banggai cardinalfish, reveals the complex and fascinating adaptations fish have developed to survive and reproduce in aquatic environments.

Summary Table

Here’s an at-a-glance summary of the fish species we’ve featured in this guide. Check it out, then dive into the full article!

Betta Fish (Betta splendens)

Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are native to Southeast Asia and are commonly found in rice paddies, shallow ponds, and slow-moving streams.

In addition to their aggressive nature and territoriality, male bettas create bubble nests by blowing air bubbles at the water’s surface and using saliva as an adhesive to hold the bubbles together. When I bought my first betta many years ago, I was unaware of this intriguing behavior, but if your tank-kept betta builds a bubble nest, that’s a sign he’s happy and healthy.

The nest-building process is a crucial part of betta courtship. Male bettas build nests to attract females for spawning. That said, a betta will still instinctively start building nests in his aquarium even if no females are living there.

In an ideal betta world, once a female shows interest, her suitor will perform a series of courtship behaviors, such as flaring his fins and displaying his most vibrant colors, in an attempt to entice the female to mate with him. After mating, the female betta fish deposits her eggs underneath the bubble nest. The male collects each egg in his mouth, carries it to the safety of his nest, and places it inside.

After a few days, the eggs hatch, and you’ll notice a whole bunch of tiny fry dangling down from the nest. The fry feeds on the egg sacs for a couple of days until they become free-swimming. Throughout that time, the male fish guards his offspring, protecting them from predators. The female takes no part in raising her young.

Perciformes – Cichlids

Cichlids are a family of freshwater fish found in habitats across the world. These fish are well-known for their unique and diverse behaviors and adaptations, including their nest construction and mating behaviors.

One of the most fascinating aspects of cichlid behavior is their nest building. Some species of cichlids, such as Astatotilapia burtoni, construct intricate sandcastle-like structures called bowers.

Bowers are elaborate, intricate structures created by the male fish using a combination of sand and pebbles that he carries to the nest site in his mouth. Essentially, the male tries to impress passing females with his nest-building skills and physical strength! Some male cichlids try to tempt females by showing their creative side and decorating their bowers with brightly colored objects like pebbles, plant material, and shells to make them more attractive. The females inspect the bowers closely. Research suggests the size and complexity of the bower are directly related to the male’s fitness and quality as a mate.

Interestingly, some cichlid species, like the Tanganyikan cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher, are known to construct communal nesting sites, with multiple pairs sharing a single location. In some cases, these communes are highly complex structures featuring multiple interconnected chambers and passages. Communes are usually excavated and maintained by both males and females, and both sexes care for their young.

Sticklebacks (Gasterosteidae)

Eight species of Sticklebacks are found in freshwater and marine habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere, where they inhabit ponds, streams, rock pools, ditches, and estuaries.

The male Sticklebacks construct nests from pieces of algae and general debris, which they bind together using a sticky secretion from their kidneys. These nests are often built in shallow waters close to the shoreline. Once the nest is complete, the male Stickleback tempts multiple females to deposit their eggs inside it.

Each female fish deposits her eggs in the nest, where the male fertilizes them. He then stands guard over his nest and the eggs, defending them against predators, until the fry hatches after a week or a month, depending on the water temperature.

Interestingly, Stickleback nests are not only used for spawning but also act as shelters for the male and his offspring. This unique behavior has fascinated scientists for many years, and researchers continue to study the intricacies of their nest-building and breeding behaviors today.

The Stickleback’s ability to create such complex structures and care for their young has led to them being used as a model organism in many studies of animal behavior and evolution. That’s quite an accolade for such a tiny, unremarkable-looking fish!

Pufferfish (Tetraodontidae)

There are 447 different species of pufferfish in ten families. These weird fish mostly live in marine habitats, from reefs and coasts to the deep ocean and open pelagic waters. However, some freshwater pufferfishes are found in the rivers of South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

One species of marine pufferfish, the Japanese pufferfish (Takifugu niphobles), is known for its unique nesting behavior. During the breeding season, males flap their fins to create intricate circular patterns, often referred to as crop circles, in the sand on the ocean floor. These amazing designs are meticulously crafted and can be several feet in diameter. Although their purpose is not entirely clear, scientists believe that they might play an important role in attracting females for spawning.

The construction of these nests is not simple and can take several days to complete. It involves a complex process of carefully selecting and arranging sand and shells to create meticulously designed circular patterns, hoping that the incredible structure will attract a mate for the male pufferfish!

Once a suitably impressive crop circle has tempted a female, she lays her eggs in the center. The male then fertilizes the eggs and guards them until they hatch.

Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Freshwater angelfish originate from South America and are typically found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and flooded forests.

One unique aspect of this species’ behavior is its method of nest-building and spawning. When a mated pair of angelfish is ready to breed, the couple sets up a home, cleaning a flat surface such as a leaf or the aquarium glass, where the female deposits her eggs in a single layer.

Both parents take turns guarding and fanning the eggs to keep them well-oxygenated and prevent them from being eaten by other aquarium residents. Freshwater angelfish don’t generally eat their fry, but you’ll need to keep the babies separate from other tank residents who might fancy them for a light snack!

Clownfish (Amphiprioninae)

Clownfish are found in the warm waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, primarily inhabiting coral reefs.

There are eight species of Clownfish, and some are known for their unique nesting habits. Rather than building traditional nests, some Clownfish form a symbiotic relationship with certain types of anemones. The fish live within the protection of the anemones’ stinging tentacles to which they are immune, out of reach of predators. The anemones benefit from the arrangement since they receive nutrition from the fish waste, and the Clownfish provide a degree of protection from predatory fish and remove dead tentacles.

Clownfish form monogamous pairs and maintain and defend their chosen anemone from all comers. The couple clears a small area near the anemone’s base where they lay their eggs. The idea is that the anemone’s stinging tentacles will protect the eggs and deter would-be predators that might eat them. Also, the anemone protects the eggs, as it feeds on parasites that would otherwise harm the eggs.

Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)

Bluegills are a freshwater fish native to North America. They are commonly found in lakes, ponds, and rivers rather than in your home aquarium. Nonetheless, this species is worthy of a place in our feature because of its remarkable nest-building behavior.

During the spawning season, male Bluegills construct circular nests on the lake or pond bottom, commonly called beds. These remarkable fishy engineers do this by fanning away sediment with their tails, creating a shallow depression near the shoreline. Amazingly, these nests can be so numerous that they appear to cover the entire lake or pond bottom!

After building his nest, the male Bluegill guards it and courts females, leading them to the nest to lay their eggs. The male then fertilizes the eggs and guards them until they hatch. It is interesting to note that Bluegills are monogamous and often stay with the same mate for several breeding seasons.

The eggs develop and hatch inside the safety of the nest, which the male guards constantly, protecting his brood from predators.

Stingrays (Dasyatidae)

Stingrays are intriguing creatures that live in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, including freshwater rivers and lakes. Some species, such as the freshwater stingray (Potamotrygonidae), have fascinating, unique nesting habits.

During the spawning season, female stingrays search for suitable nesting sites in the riverbed. Once they find a suitable location, both sexes excavate burrows using their mouths and fins, which provide shelter during gestation.

Multiple individuals often reuse stingray burrows, which can be several feet deep. The female stingray lays her eggs inside the burrow, and the male then fertilizes them. The eggs hatch after a few months, and the tiny baby stingrays emerge from the burrow into the open water.

Stingrays have a slow reproductive rate, with most species only producing only one or two offspring per year. Unfortunately, this makes them vulnerable to overfishing and habitat destruction. However, these enchanting, graceful creatures can continue to thrive in their natural habitats, provided proper conservation efforts are made.

Cardinalfish (Apogonidae)

Cardinalfish are a group of tropical fish found on coral reefs around the world. One interesting aspect of their behavior is their unique approach to nest construction and parental care.

For example, the Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) carries the eggs in its mouth until they hatch. After spawning, it’s the male fish who collects the fertilized eggs and incubates them in his mouth. Of course, that means he can’t eat and must be extremely careful not to dislodge the eggs and accidentally drop one or swallow any.

Remarkably, the male Banggai cardinalfish can carry up to 20 eggs at a time and might hold them for up to a month before they hatch! Once the eggs hatch, the male releases his newly hatched fry near the safety of branching corals or other hardscape structures, where the babies can hide from predators. This approach to parental care is unique to cardinalfish and has evolved as a way to protect the young from danger in the wild.

Stargazers (Uranoscopidae)

Stargazers are unique fish found in shallow coastal waters and deep ocean habitats around the world. There are around 51 species of these strange fish, all of which have their eyes located on top of their heads, hence their common name. They also boast an impressive array of vicious upturned teeth.

These scary-looking fish are well-known for their ambush predator behavior, which involves hiding in the sand and using their camouflage to ambush prey as it swims by. What’s even more interesting is the way they construct their nests.

Some species, such as the Atlantic stargazer (Astroscopus guttatus), use their mouths and fins to excavate depressions in the sand to create a deep nest. Both sexes help build the nest, and the female fish uses the nest as shelter for herself and her eggs.

These weird fish lay buried in the sand with only their mouth and eyes exposed, which makes them extremely difficult to spot. They also have a specialized organ located just above their eyes that produces an electric shock, which the fish use to stun prey.

Final Thoughts

From bubble nests to sandcastle-like structures, these ten amazing underwater construction engineers showcase the remarkable diversity of nest-building behaviors found in the aquatic world.

Whether constructing elaborate designs to attract mates or excavating burrows to provide shelter for their young, these fish are true aquatic architects!

The post Aquatic Architects: 10 Fish Known for Extraordinary Nest-Building appeared first on Aquariadise.

As with any other hobby, the aquarium scene is full of myths and misconceptions that mislead people into making unfortunate mistakes or missing out on many opportunities.

Here, we’ll debunk 7 common aquarium myths so that you won’t have to learn the hard way. Let’s quash the fallacies and reveal the facts!

Live Plants Are Hard To Keep

Our first myth is unsurprisingly one we’d love to debunk the most! One of the saddest things about the aquarium hobby is how many people start out imagining or hearing that live plants are difficult to keep, only to miss out on one of the most fulfilling elements of keeping an aquarium.

While it’s true that certain species of aquatic plants should only be attempted by experts, there are also endless plants that are incredibly easy, beautiful, and fun to keep. Take Java moss and Java fern for example, virtually indestructible plants that can even be tied to rocks and pieces of driftwood.

Another classic choice for beginners is the Amazon sword, whose elegant pointed leaves are a joy to watch swaying in the aquarium’s gentle current. Then there are floating plants such as frogbit and water sprite that create a lovely dappled shade and a natural aesthetic to the tank without fuss or worry.

Not only are plants beautiful and fun, but they also provide hiding places for your aquarium fish and filter the water to improve water quality. To find out more about plants that are a doddle to keep, check out our guide to 8 of the best beginner plants, here.

Almost All Fish Require a Heater

Another myth that even experienced fish keepers often believe is that almost all fish species require an aquarium heater.

In most people’s minds, cold water aquariums are confined to goldfish and guppies, and little more. Yet as long as your aquarium is in a reasonably warm room that remains above 65°F, you might be amazed at the options you have.

Buenos Aires tetra, bloodfin tetra, zebra danios, celestial pearl danios, peppered cories, Japanese rice fish, and rainbow mountain minnows are but a few of the small schooling fish that can be kept in coldwater setups. As well as guppies, Endler’s livebearers and mosquito fish are good examples of hardy livebearers.

Slightly larger species that can be kept without a heater include rosy barbs, golden barbs, and paradise fish. Advanced aquarists could also consider rainbow shiners (Notropis chrosomus), and pumpkin seeds (Lepomis gibbosus). As for invertebrates, most freshwater shrimp and many snails can live in unheated aquaria.

Not only do coldwater tanks offer a novelty that saves energy, but they also naturally have higher oxygen levels, with many species living longer lives than they would in tropical tanks.

Filters Are Not Essential

While some aquariums can go without a heater, none should be left without a filter. Aquarium filters perform so many vital roles that attempting to go without one only puts your fish in danger, and yourself under a lot of stress.

Firstly, filters are the primary home of beneficial bacteria in the tank that convert deadly ammonia into relatively harmless nitrates. Even going a day without a filter could see your fish wind up with ammonia poisoning.

Then there are the cleaning and aerating roles that filters fulfill. Without these, you’ll need to clean the tank and change the aquarium water daily just to keep it clean and oxygenated. Since filters are so affordable and easy to maintain, why take the risk?

Okay, okay, there is one very small caveat. The ‘Diana Walstad method’ is an innovative yet complex method of filtering and aerating water with plants alone, but to avoid disaster, it should never be attempted by anyone but the most advanced fish keepers!

Fish Can Live Happily in Bowls

Oh no, they can’t! If you’ve been following our discussion on why goldfish bowls should be banned, you’ll know why.

First of all, fish bowls normally don’t have filters, and we’ve already discussed why that’s a non-starter. Secondly, the curved glass of a fish bowl distorts the fish’s vision, causing it constant stress as it struggles to identify the reflections and warped appearances from outside the tank.

The small water capacity of goldfish bowls also often means constant fluctuations in water chemistry that can severely shock, if not kill fish outright. Sadly, many people believe that goldfish are only supposed to live for a few years, when kept in the right way, they can exceed twenty!

When hobbyists begin to understand how smart fish are, they will resolve not to keep fish in such cruel conditions.

Fish Are Not Smart

Following on from the cruelty of keeping fish in bowls, it’s time to debunk the notion that fish are stupid, unaware, and don’t suffer.

At Aquariadise, we’ve written plenty about the remarkable feats of fish intelligence. Not only can pet fish learn tricks and recognize their owners, but they can also complete tasks that are normally associated with highly evolved animals.

By shooting insects from foliage above the water, archerfish are included in the list of animals that use tools. By using an electromagnetic field, elephant nose fish can navigate in the dark. And by remembering skills taught to them years ago, goldfish are fast dispelling the misnomer about their ‘5-second memory’!

By observing your fish with an open mind, you’ll begin to discover just how complex and advanced their behavior and interactions are. It’ll give you a new appreciation of a fish’s inner world, and cause you to treat them with a new level of admiration and respect.

Small Tanks Are Easier To Maintain

A rather dangerous myth or misconception among newbie fish keepers is that small tanks must be easier to manage and maintain. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

Firstly, we need to understand that no fish, no matter how small, should be kept in a tank of less than 5 gallons. Doing so is extremely cruel, and such small tanks should be reserved for plants, shrimp, and snails only.

But managing stable water parameters in any tank that’s under 20 gallons in capacity isn’t easy either. Because there is less water volume to buffer fluctuations, water chemistry, and temperature can change extremely quickly, putting their inhabitants at great risk.

For a first aquarium, we’d thoroughly recommend a medium-sized 20- to 55-gallon tank that will have much more stable water parameters and also provide more room for fish (especially schooling fish) to enjoy their lives thoroughly.

Fish Can Live on Dried Food Alone

Man cannot live on bread alone. If he did, he’d get malnourished very quickly. Likewise, fish that live solely on flake food or fish pellets are highly unlikely to reach optimum health or appearance due to a dull, monotonous diet.

Because fish species have evolved over millions of years to eat natural food items like algae, insects, worms, and crustaceans, they do best when given similar types of food in captivity, too.

While it might feel like a hassle to stock live foods, or thaw out frozen foods every day for your fish to eat, even offering your fish these healthy snacks twice a week will make a big difference.

You’ll notice immediately how excited and feisty your fish become as you offer them their favorite foods, and how their eyes, scales, fins, and colors all begin to glow more brightly as a result of the extra nourishment.

Proper feeding may even get some fish in the mood for breeding! Now there’s a bonus worth shooting for. To read more about live and frozen foods, as well as vegetables to feed fish, check out our dedicated guide, here.

The post Clearing Up 7 Common Aquarium Myths: Fish Tales or Facts? appeared first on Aquariadise.

Catfish are an amazing type of aquarium fish because of their special, cat-like whiskers and useful clean-up abilities. However, many catfish are known for having bottomless appetites that will swallow anything that can fit inside their big mouths. If you like community fish tanks as much as we do, you may want to avoid ginormous species like the redtail catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) or striped Raphael catfish (Platydoras armatulus). Instead, check out these popular (and much smaller) catfish that can be commonly found at pet stores.

1. Cory Catfish

Corydoras splendens (emerald cory catfish)

The quintessential, community-friendly catfish has to be Corydoras catfish. With more than 160 species in this genus, they come in all kinds of patterns and colors, but most of them have armored scales, a wider head, and barbels or whiskers on their face. The usual varieties you can find at pet stores include the bronze cory and albino cory (Corydoras aeneus), panda cory (C. panda), emerald green cory (C. splendens), and peppered cory (C. paleatus).

Cory catfish are well-loved because of their derpy personalities, constant shuffling on the ground while they look for food, and habit of randomly “winking” at you. The corydoras sold in the aquarium hobby stay between 1–3 inches (3–8 cm) and can easily live in a 20-gallon aquarium. Preferred water parameters will depend on the species, but in general, they can live in temperatures of 72–82°F (22–28°C) and pH levels from 6.5–7.8. As a bottom-dwelling schooling fish, get a group of at least six fish of the same species, and feed them lots of different meaty foods, like sinking wafers, frozen bloodworms, and freeze-dried tubifex worms. For more details, see our full care guide and a list of our top 10 favorite corydoras.

2. Otocinclus Catfish

Otocinclus sitting on a plant leaf

While corydoras catfish are excellent at slurping up food scraps and other leftovers in the substrate, otocinclus (or “otos”) are your go-to fish for dealing with algae growth. The 20 or so species in the Otocinclus genus are excellent algae eaters for cleaning up smooth surfaces covered in soft green algae, brown diatoms, and biofilm. They enjoy living in a mature, seasoned aquarium with pH between 6.0–7.5, 70-79°F (21-26°C), and soft to hard GH. Because of their passive temperaments, keep these 1.5- to 2-inch (4–5 cm) catfish with other similar sized tank mates (e.g., chili rasboras, celestial pearl danios, kuhli loaches, and adult cherry shrimp) that won’t outcompete them for food.

Otocinclus sometimes get a bad reputation for being weak, but they are actually quite hardy as long as you (a) pick only the fattest, healthiest otos from the fish store and (b) get them eating as soon as possible. Not all otos like eating the same thing, so try feeding them Repashy Soilent Green, canned green beans, and blanched (or slightly boiled) slices of zucchini. For more info on how to pamper your otocinclus, check out this blog article.

3. Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus

The Asian glass catfish or ghost catfish is a 2.5-inch (6.5 cm), midwater schooling fish with an unusual appearance. Its common names come from its clear, slightly iridescent body that allow you to see the skeleton and internal organs. As a shyer oddball fish, make sure to get a group of six or more to bolster their confidence, and house them in a 20-gallon or larger tank with lots of aquarium plants and driftwood to provide hiding spots. They do fine in temperatures of 72–82°F (22–28°C), mildly acidic to neutral water, and moderate hardness. Because they have smaller mouths, feed them little foods like fish flakes, nano pellets, baby brine shrimp, and daphnia. Glass catfish get along with many other community fish, such as tetras, danios, corydoras, and smaller gouramis.

4. Upside-Down Catfish

Synodontis nigriventris

Another unique fish on our list is the upside-down catfish from west Africa. This splotchy, brown-colored fish has the special ability to swim upside-down, allowing it to scavenge for food on the undersides of rocks and branches. It has a bushy face of barbels, a high, rounded back, and a dark-colored belly to help with camouflage while inverted. This 3- to 4-inch (7.5–10 cm) oddball would thrive in a 30-gallon aquarium or bigger with plenty of hardscape and broad plant leaves where they can perch upside-down. They prefer water parameters between 72–82°F (22–28°C), pH from 6–8, and moderate to hard GH. Because of their size, they go well with many peaceful and semi-aggressive animals that are too large to be swallowed, such as Congo tetras and kribensis cichlids. With their ability to feed both from the ground and the water surface, you can feed them almost any fish food, including krill flakes, freeze-dried brine shrimp, pellets, and frozen foods.

5. Pictus Catfish

Pimelodus pictus

If you’re looking to stock a larger tank, consider the lovely pictus catfish. Growing up to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in captivity, this species is recognized for its long, trailing whiskers and beautiful, silvery body covered in black spots. Their fin spines can sometimes get caught in fish nets, so it may be better to use a plastic container if you need to transport them to another tank.

This energetic swimmer needs a 4-foot aquarium or longer with dimmer lighting, some hardy, low light plants (e.g. anubias and java fern), and areas to take shelter. They are quite hardy and can thrive in pH levels of 6–8, moderate to hard GH, and 72–78°F (22–26°C). They will happily gorge themselves to the point of obesity, so feed them a wide variety of meaty foods and adjust their portion size until they have a slightly rounded abdomen. Good tank mates include similar-sized, active fish that won’t nibble on their whiskers or get eaten by the catfish — such as medium-sized gouramis, barbs, loaches, and mollies.

Bonus: Plecostomus

Female bristlenose pleco

Plecostomus catfish (also known as plecos or suckermouth catfish) are a group of more than 500 species. They typically have a wide head, armored body, and large suckermouth for grazing on surfaces. However, be careful not to accidentally buy a giant-sized pleco that is best suited for monster tanks. The common pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) is still often sold at pet stores as a 3-inch (7.6 cm) magical cure for getting rid of algae, but they can grow up to nearly 2 feet long and create large amounts of waste.

Instead, look for the much smaller bristlenose pleco (Ancistrus spp.) and rubber nose pleco (Chaetostoma spp.), which stay between 4–6 inches (10–15 cm). They can be kept in a 20- to 29-gallon fish tank or larger, and most can live in typical tropical temperatures between 74–80°F (23–27°C) and a pH range of 6.5–7.5. As nocturnal fish, they appreciate dimmer lighting and plenty of caves and hides to choose from. These two types of plecos are omnivores and enjoy a well-balanced mix of sinking fish foods such as Repashy gel food, wafers, frozen foods, and canned green beans. Read more about them in our plecostomus article.

We hope you get a chance to try some of these fascinating catfish. While Aquarium Co-Op does not ship live fish, we encourage you to peruse our preferred online retailers to order high-quality fish with excellent shipping.