Big Fish Ideas

[Pennie08]

Hi. I'm sort of new to fish keeping (7 years, but still not very sure of myself) and now have a new larger tank.
I like having schooling fish and mostly peaceful, calm fish.... but I was thinking it would be fun to have a larger fish. One who doesn't mind being one of a kind in the tank and who won't eat or bother my other, smaller friends.

I have neons and platys and am interested in other small tetras or barbs. Maybe a new betta.

Are there any bigger fish that are pretty to look at, won't pick on or eat the neons and are content to be the only one of its kind?

Suggestions anyone?

Thanks!!

 

[Caprichoso]

Hi,

You could try a couple of pearl gourami. They are very peaceful and live near the top of the tank. If you get a male and female, you will get to see them build a bubble nest on the surface of the water. They are great with tetras (I've never had a problem). You also said you want some other smaller tetras as well? I personally like cardinals and don't find them to be difficult to keep. The rummynose are also really nice. Emperor tetras get bigger too. They don't move around as much as they other types but their purplish hues are beautiful.
Have fun with your new fish

 

[symon_say]

Hi fin Lyretail swordtail is a beautiful fish, but not many seen to like then.

 

[Pennie08]

Hi fin Lyretail swordtail is a beautiful fish, but not many seen to like then.

Thanks. I'll look into them. I do like their coloring.
Beautiful tank!

Hi,

You could try a couple of pearl gourami. They are very peaceful and live near the top of the tank. If you get a male and female, you will get to see them build a bubble nest on the surface of the water. They are great with tetras (I've never had a problem). You also said you want some other smaller tetras as well? I personally like cardinals and don't find them to be difficult to keep. The rummynose are also really nice. Emperor tetras get bigger too. They don't move around as much as they other types but their purplish hues are beautiful.
Have fun with your new fish

Hi,
Thanks for the suggestions. Don't gourami like to be in a larger group than two?

 

[Caprichoso]

The Pearls are fine with only having two, but would recommend male and female (not 2 males).

 

[frankie2]

rainbows i have four they shoal pretty well and are starting to colour up , am realy happy with them lfs talked me in to them ! they wer small and little colour after a few months have doubled in sixe and the colours look cool !! especialy in diffrent lights , go for it !!!! :hyper
http/www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http/www.fishdeals.com/misc/gallery/rainbow_fish.gif&imgrefurl=http/www.fishdeals.com/misc/rainbowfish/&usg=__TuD2KW2Oe44Bk0TdFrZ_Z_dHqrc=&h=347&w=550&sz=64&hl=en&start=22&zoom=1&tbnid=TzeR09a2enZzJM:&tbnh=122&tbnw=166&ei=X19MTdyDOI2ShAf49qjADg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dimages%2Bof%2Brainbow%2Bfish%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26rlz%3D1W1GZAZ_en%26biw%3D1259%26bih%3D551%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=281&oei=Tl9MTeCsKIiahQe_wYmiDg&esq=2&page=2&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:22&tx=88&ty=49

 

[Gvilleguy]

Dwarf cichlids such as Apistos or Bolivian Rams are peaceful and can be kept in singles. Gouramis are also great choices.

 

[lilfishie]

how big is the tank, will help when suggesting tankmates,

also if you plan on getting a betta i'd suggest female

 

[Gilli]

I agree with FRANKI2 rainbow fish are gorgeous! If you have a smaller tank go for the dwarfs but if you have a larger go for the bigger ones. They are really dull and colourless when small but they are magnificent when they mature and add lively movement to the tank too! I have Boeseman's and red rainbow fish and I wouldnt be without them!

 

[Pennie08]

Thanks for all the great advice!
The tank is 37 gallons, it's 33" wide by 13"d x 24" tall. So much nicer than 12 gallons.
I wish I had the space for something bigger.

I have looked at rainbow fish and their coloring hasn't appealed to me at the store. But, besides Frankie2 and Gilli saying so, I have read internet articles about how colorful they become. So, I will give them a try!

I also looked into a pearl gourami and read that they are not always reliable with neons. And, I decided not to get a betta.

I was interested in bala sharks, but, with only 33" in length, it's just not enough for a shoal of them. They are BEAUTIFUL, though.

 

[Aqua Tom]

Thanks for all the great advice!
The tank is 37 gallons, it's 33" wide by 13"d x 24" tall. So much nicer than 12 gallons.
I wish I had the space for something bigger.

I have looked at rainbow fish and their coloring hasn't appealed to me at the store. But, besides Frankie2 and Gilli saying so, I have read internet articles about how colorful they become. So, I will give them a try!

I also looked into a pearl gourami and read that they are not always reliable with neons. And, I decided not to get a betta.

I was interested in bala sharks, but, with only 33" in length, it's just not enough for a shoal of them. They are BEAUTIFUL, though.

Rainbowfish do not show their fulll colours untill they have been in the tank a year or so. Then they get stunning.

 

[OldMan47]

How about some nice rainbow tetras, Herotilapia multispinosa? I love mine and until they start breeding they are nice community members. Once they start breeding they are less tolerant of other fish so you do not want a breeding pair in a community tank. This a couple of my own rainbows.

This is a picture of one in breeding colors with its fry, something you do not want to see in a peaceful community tank.