Big-ish Fish For A 12 Gallon

[Loony Fish]

Hi all,
what is a big cool fish for a 12 gallon?
i have a cycled one that's empty.
thanks

 

[umlaut31]

Betta...
Figure of eight puffer (1 though)...

or maybe some gouramis?


oh what about a Red Tailed Black shark? I think that would fit!

 

[bronzecat]

A betta would look good

Although a Red tailed black shark grows to around 6", i believe they require a tank a lot larger than 10g.

 

[rdd1952]

There really isn't anything big that would work in a 12 gallon tank. It's not so much the size of the fish as it s the amount of space they require. A RTBS for instance, would always have room to turn aound and would never technically outgrow the tank but would not have room to swim and be as active as it should be. It would "exist" in the tank rather than thrive.

For 12 gallon, you are really looking at smaller community fish. Check out the thread here for suggestions for a 10 gallon tank. the same fish would apply for a 12 gallon tank.

 

[Loony Fish]

okay,
are there any oscar like fish in terms of smartness and personality?

 

[rdd1952]

Bettas definitely have personality in my opinion. That may be little larger tank than you want do devote to a single male betta though. Not certain about dwarf puffers though as I've never kept them.

 

[bronzecat]

Puffers are pretty friendly and have great characters But you would have to check up on what type could go in.

Oh forgot, in a 10 gallon you would be looking at 2 dwarf puffers maximum.

 

[Loony Fish]

yeah, i have a betta in my 7 gallon.

 

[Bert]

you could have a little group of female bettas.

 

[bronzecat]

you could have a little group of female bettas.

IMO, 12 gallons is too small for a group of female bettas To spread out bullying, you would need at least 4/5 females minimum, and in 10 gals there wont be be enough space for any of them to get away from any bullys. I know, been there got the t-shirt