Shifty1303 said:
My familiarity with the rainbowfish is limited. There are several species profiled here
http
/www.seriouslyfish.com/species/search/rainbowfishjust be aware of water parameters (some are different), temperament, size.
Lemon tetras are one of the most active tetras, and when I had to shift my group I found they fit in with the barbs very well. I also have a group of Congo Tetra, and this was something I hadn't thought would work, but surprisingly it has. Barbs can sometimes get a bit nippy, and even though the Black Ruby is one of the most peaceful species, I had doubts that they would stay that way with the more sedate Congos, especially given their flowing caudal fins. But they have been together well over two years now, and nothing has even looked at the Congos. The males like to run relay races the full length of the tank.
I also have pencilfish in this tank, and this was another experiment. Fortunately with a dedicated fish room with several tanks I can always re-home problem fish, so "experimenting" is a not the risk it is when one only has one or two tanks. The species is Nannostomus beckfordi, the more common one available (it is being bred commercially now). This is a bit of a nippy fish, and Ihave had to move my group a couple times, as they get very inhospitable to fish that enter their space, which is the upper third of the tank. Hatchetfish are not good with this species, and otos get snapped at too. But they have managed very well with the Congos, Black Rubys, and Lemons, all of which remain lower down.
