Looking For A Bigger, Peaceful Fish

[onidrase]

I've decided to take a turn from all my aggressive and semi aggressive communities, and for my newest tank (37 US G 30" W12" L24"H) I'm gonna aim for more peaceful fish instead.

For my stocking I'm gonna aim for some less active active species

right now the tank has 2 ceramic driftwood ornaments and a medium sized cave, a decent amount of natural colored plastic plants, black sand, and a 75 gallon filter, so the filtration is nearly twice the requirement (And I cycled it via mature filter media) and there is plenty of places to use as cover

My stocking plan is going to have as following:

6 red eye tetras (already in quarantine)
2 Bolivian rams (owned, just going to be moved in)
6 Black Phantom tetras OR Black Skirt tetras (not yet owned)
1 Raphael Catfish (owned and moved in)

What I'm looking for is a "centerpiece" fish of sorts, that will grow to be around 6 inches in length, which can be kept in the peaceful setting

An obvious choices I was going to aim for were either an angelfish or an opaline gourami, but I heard opaline gouramis can become very territorial once they mature, and angelfish in my area have honestly been dropping like flies left and right since I started the hobby, not only in my own tanks during the time I wanted them, but also in the fish stores and with my friends and family members who are also in the hobby, so they're both a little discouraging for me.

So what I'm gonna aim for here, is either 1 or a pair (preferably not a pair) of a fish around 6 inches, that will fit in this setting, I'm also avoiding a bottom feeder for this slot, to keep plenty of room for the catfish when he makes his rounds at night

Suggestions and advice appreciated, thanks much <3

 

[Ruskull]

I would look into Pearl Gouramis. They are probably the most docile and they only get about 4 inches so maybe you can get a pair. I've never had them but they're beautiful. Unfortunately I haven't found them available here in Raleigh North Carolina, yet anyway.

 

[mrp3]

I like oscars but not sure about they're requirements

 

[onidrase]

I like oscars but not sure about they're requirements

Oscars are waaaaaaay too big for a 37 gallon aquarium, and it would bully my bolivian rams like no other, if not all the fish I plan on owning. I couldn't even keep the rams with a young firemouth without them getting nipped at chewed, none the less an oscar.

I wouldn't mind having another cichlid species in the community, but the only one that will fit and not be aggressive to my knowledge would be a keyhole, and I'd have to order those online and pay a hefty shipping fee, and buy some fish I don't need as the websites I know of that sell them require a minimum charge much higher than the price of a few keyholes

 

[phishyphil]

Oscars Definately Out. 1 x Angelfish would work in here, bear in mind to get a smaller one to allow your tetras to grow to a decent size. Your Raphael Cat will eventually need to go to a 4' tank by the way

 

[This Old Spouse]

As Ruskull said, gouramis would be worth researching to find the right ones. Some can get to quite a large size.

 

[raptorrex]

I'd avoid Angle fish your tank is/will be too small. it would need to be 2 foot deep, at least.
+ another for Gourami

 

[nurglespuss]

I'd avoid Angle fish your tank is/will be too small. it would need to be 2 foot deep, at least.
+ another for Gourami

his tank IS 2 foot deep ;p (I think - hard to tell from this! (37 US G/30'W12'L24'H) )

I would avoid angels as they can also become aggressive, i think pearl gouramis are an excellent choice.

 

[Dieses Madchen]

+1 for gouramis, thumbs down to the oscar. WAAAAAYYYYY to big.

 

[phishyphil]

I'd avoid Angle fish your tank is/will be too small. it would need to be 2 foot deep, at least.
+ another for Gourami

Tank was quoted at 2ft Deep pal

 

[creeker]

Another vote for Pearl Gourami here.

 

[onidrase]

I'd avoid Angle fish your tank is/will be too small. it would need to be 2 foot deep, at least.
+ another for Gourami

It is 2 feet deep, without the thin layer of sand, anyway.

I was more worried with angelfish about how none of them have been able to live long in the area, at all. Some angelfish disease, I guess. Clamped fins, noise pointing upwards, instant death. Every angelfish I've tried and all the ones at the LFS have been dying similarly.

Oscars Definately Out. 1 x Angelfish would work in here, bear in mind to get a smaller one to allow your tetras to grow to a decent size. Your Raphael Cat will eventually need to go to a 4' tank by the way

Yeah, I'll likely be moving him to my 55 once he grows a bit, but I've already got a couple biggish fish in there and he's tiny tiny. It's also easier to keep track in him in this tank with the moon light LEDs.

+1 for gouramis, thumbs down to the oscar. WAAAAAYYYYY to big.

Would a female opaline gourami be less aggressive than a male one? Or is that one of those results may vary deals?

Another vote for Pearl Gourami here.

I'd love a pearl gourami, but I've never seen one in my area, I'd likely have to order it online, in which I'm a little worried about due to heavy snow this time of year and high shipping costs

 

[Ruskull]

I'm glad to see the Pearl Gourami is getting a lot of love here. They are the most timid of all the larger Gouramis & they are quite beautiful.

I would try asking one of the local fish stores order one for you. You might even request a pair. When my new tank is ready that's what I plan to do. These stores have connections....................

..............and no, I wouldn't get a female Opaline Gourami unless you're prepared to return her if she's too aggressive to the other tank mates.

 

[raptorrex]

I'd avoid Angle fish your tank is/will be too small. it would need to be 2 foot deep, at least.
+ another for Gourami

his tank IS 2 foot deep ;p (I think - hard to tell from this! (37 US G/30'W12'L24'H) )

yep, I guess it is.

 

[onidrase]

I'd avoid Angle fish your tank is/will be too small. it would need to be 2 foot deep, at least.
+ another for Gourami

his tank IS 2 foot deep ;p (I think - hard to tell from this! (37 US G/30'W12'L24'H) )

yep, I guess it is.

Yeah, sorry, I was really tired when I made this thread I fixed it tomake it more readable and. well. with an inches mark instead of a feet mark.