Gift Fish For Beginner?

[kimchi]

I'm giving my old 10-gallon tank to my sister and I told her that I'd buy her choice of fish for Christmas. Problem is, she doesn't know what she wants, and she's never kept fish before.

She likes kuhli loaches, so I was going to get a couple for the bottom, but I don't know what else to get. She wants something with long fins and bright colours. I wanted to get her something like guppies or tetras since she's a beginner and the tank is small, but she wants something less "common".

Is there anything more exotic-looking (but hardy!!!) that I could put in this tank?

 

[nukeonekitty]

I don't know for sure, but I think a pair of Kribs might fit in well. I think Kuhli loaches get huge if I'm not mistaken so I would say no on those.

 

[dwarfgourami]

I don't know for sure, but I think a pair of Kribs might fit in well. I think Kuhli loaches get huge if I'm not mistaken so I would say no on those.

Tank is small for kribs, but khuulie loaches stay nice and small. I'd say the khuulies (make them 3) and maybe a honey or sparkling gourami.

 

[Creature Seeker]

Khuli loaches arn't very active though, they may just hide all the time.

...

 

[timmystood]

It's true what Creature_Seeker says. Khuli loaches do vanish most of the time. Also, you must let the tank establish a little before you add any fish and trust me, fish bags are a bummer to wrap! Seriosuly though, wait a little before adding any fish and get her to RESEARCH!

 

[catxx]

get her a big book on fish instead hehe. then she can look through and get an idea of what she wants while the tank gets set up and running.

10 gals are tricky to stock though. i mean "bright colours and long fins" immediately makes me think of "betta" but if she wants something more unusual that may not be the way to go. (unless you find an unusual betta of course)

 

[Miss Wiggle]

get her a subscription to Practical Fish Keeping magazine

that's a truly useful present for a beginner!