General Question About Tropical Fish

[Squigs]

Are there any tropical fish that engage with owners apart from Bettas?

To put into context: I currently have 2 fancy goldies in a 160L tank so I'm fairly understocked and I'm unsure whether to get more fancies or just let them be and switch to tropical once they die.

I love my goldies because they engage with the owners, e.g. come to the front of the tank when they see me, hide from strangers, eat from hands, etc. and they have their own personalities, so if I was to switch to tropicals, I'd like them to be like that as well.

I hope it all makes sense.

Thanks.

 

[ZoddyZod]

Cichlids!

 

[This Old Spouse]

My tiger barbs interact with me lots. So do my long fin black skirt tetras

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I've always felt that livebearers actually have great personalities like that - although their "interactions" with me have always been more related to begging for food at the top whenever they see me come near the tank.



And recently, I've been kind of surprised that my pleco has figured out the feeding schedule and is always waiting for me at 3pm-4pm when I return from work in the spot that I usually drop his food. Is that an interaction? But I think it is funny.

 

[Squigs]

Thank you all for your suggestions.

I've just checked briefly into the suggestions.

Cichlids!

I'm not sure cichlids are suitable as I only have 40US gallons. Is this right? (My ph is 8.5)

My tiger barbs interact with me lots. So do my long fin black skirt tetras

I quite like both so they're definitely on my list

I've always felt that livebearers actually have great personalities like that - although their "interactions" with me have always been more related to begging for food at the top whenever they see me come near the tank.

And recently, I've been kind of surprised that my pleco has figured out the feeding schedule and is always waiting for me at 3pm-4pm when I return from work in the spot that I usually drop his food. Is that an interaction? But I think it is funny.

That sounds cool but I'm not too keen on plecos (sorry!). Maybe some mollies or guppies.

This may sound like a dumb thing to say but here it goes anyway, I thought that shooling fish couldn't really have personalities as they're part of a group. Is this not true then? I'm confused how fish can interact with owners and follow the others...

 

[Paradise3]

Puffers... They interact really well. At least my 2 DP's(Dwarf Puffer's) do. They come to the front all the time and they take bloodworm from my fingers.

 

[ZoddyZod]

hmmmm, your pH is rather high for many of the South American cichlids. There may be some Central American cichlids that would work in that size tank and water, but I'm not familiar with them....sorry.

 

[Squigs]

Puffers... They interact really well. At least my 2 DP's(Dwarf Puffer's) do. They come to the front all the time and they take bloodworm from my fingers.

And they're cute too! Another one on my list! Looks like the end of the goldies era for me already. Bless them!

hmmmm, your pH is rather high for many of the South American cichlids. There may be some Central American cichlids that would work in that size tank and water, but I'm not familiar with them....sorry.

Thanks. Let's see if anyone else can help me out with them.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

That sounds cool but I'm not too keen on plecos (sorry!). Maybe some mollies or guppies.

This may sound like a dumb thing to say but here it goes anyway, I thought that shooling fish couldn't really have personalities as they're part of a group. Is this not true then? I'm confused how fish can interact with owners and follow the others...

No worries regarding the pleco. I didn't like them for years. My 5 year old, however, is crazy about watching them on the glass. So, I now have a small pleco! The joys of parenthood.




Secondly, you obviously misunderstand the nature of the little buggers known as tiger barbs. They are far less "shoaling" fish, than fish that hang around together and try to tolerate each other's existence (and other inhabitants). They swim together but are VERY unique individuals. There are very dominant ones and very submissive ones. Watch them in the stores for the "head down" posture. It is a sign of submission. I would say that they are the equivalent of wolves in the fish world. They are "pack" animals too, highly intelligent and responsive to people, but don't always get along with each other as they continually reestablish (reaffirm) their position in the hierarchy of the group.

 

[ZoddyZod]

what about Old World (African) cichlids? I think the minimum for Mbuna is 55g, but the smaller shell dwelling species might be a possibility.

Have a post in the Old Wolrd section and see what the experts recommend for a 40g

 

[Squigs]

That sounds cool but I'm not too keen on plecos (sorry!). Maybe some mollies or guppies.

This may sound like a dumb thing to say but here it goes anyway, I thought that shooling fish couldn't really have personalities as they're part of a group. Is this not true then? I'm confused how fish can interact with owners and follow the others...

No worries regarding the pleco. I didn't like them for years. My 5 year old, however, is crazy about watching them on the glass. So, I now have a small pleco! The joys of parenthood.




Secondly, you obviously misunderstand the nature of the little buggers known as tiger barbs. They are far less "shoaling" fish, than fish that hang around together and try to tolerate each other's existence (and other inhabitants). They swim together but are VERY unique individuals. There are very dominant ones and very submissive ones. Watch them in the stores for the "head down" posture. It is a sign of submission. I would say that they are the equivalent of wolves in the fish world. They are "pack" animals too, highly intelligent and responsive to people, but don't always get along with each other as they continually reestablish (reaffirm) their position in the hierarchy of the group.

I see! I'll have to watch out for when I have kids and never introduce them to plecos then lol

Thanks for the explanation. What other fish could you have with the tiger barbs? I've been reading around and it looks like having them limits what else you can have as they can be aggressive. Is this right?

what about Old World (African) cichlids? I think the minimum for Mbuna is 55g, but the smaller shell dwelling species might be a possibility.

Have a post in the Old Wolrd section and see what the experts recommend for a 40g

I will do! Thank you!

 

[Ruskull]

Gouramis! From my limited experience every Gourami has it's own personality. If you put your finger to the glass slowly they will usually try to feel your finger with their feelers. Some of mine will actually feel your finger if you put it into the water. I had a large Blue Gourami that would nibble on your finger tip. She had absolutely no fear of humans.

 

[three-fingers]

To put into context: I currently have 2 fancy goldies in a 160L tank so I'm fairly understocked and I'm unsure whether to get more fancies or just let them be and switch to tropical once they die.

Thanks.

Your not understocked at all! Goldfish are just carp - very big, messy fish - so you will still have to upgrade in the future if you want them to have a happy life, or donate them to a large goldfish pond.

And goldies easily live 20-40years+ so you will be waiting a long time if they are in good health!

Check out these guys, the first is just 2 years old and already 11". This isn't rare either, it's just that most people never see this as they stunt the fish in small tanks for too long .

And this oranda is 17"!

If you think 2 of them is understocked in a 160L - think again . If it was 2 large tinfoil barbs in there instead of goldfish, you would be getting all sorts of abuse for the tank being too small lol - it's no different for goldfish, they are just big cyprinids.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Thanks for the explanation. What other fish could you have with the tiger barbs? I've been reading around and it looks like having them limits what else you can have as they can be aggressive. Is this right?

That is correct. I've heard that Kribs do well with barbs, but you will want a confirmation on that as I've never kept them together. Others have their tigers in a species only tank.

 

[james_fish]

I've heard Oscar's make good aquatic companions, it's just having a large suitable tank that restricts people to keep them.

James.