After eight years in the 'fish biz' in both salt and fresh, I thought I would post what I thought were really cool and fun fish to own (or utilitarian). Now, I'm just putting FW down and I'm NOT suggesting you buy these. By observation, these guys (?gals) just seem to be fascinating to watch. If you agree with me and you go out to get a few, please, always remember compatibility issues, tank size, eating requirements, etc. Hereforth:
1) Boesmani rainbowfish
These fish are just a great swimmers. Mid tank. Most FW fish are bland in color. This guy has beautiful colors and iridescence. Quick swimmer. Best in schools. The blue/turqoise is cheaper in general.
2) Congo tetras
In schools, this fish is another great mid tank swimmer. When grown, it has large beautiful golden scales and flowing attractive fins. Great swimmer. Easy to feed
3) Angels
I think I love these fish because, inherently, they are cichlids. They seem very bright and will feed out of your hand. They CAN grow large and sometimes they seem to die suddenly without warning.
4) Kribensis
These are one of a few species of cichlids that can be compatible with a community FW aquarium. Fun to watch. They are territorial. Great colors. Hoverers and darters.
5) Danios
Adding small active fish adds dynamic to the tank. Two I've had experience with are the blue danio (although directly under the lights they appear pinkish) and the celestial pearl (the latter is more mid tank and also slightly shyer). The blue swim within a few cms of the surface. The pearls are beautiful in coloration. Both should be kept in schools
6) Otocinclus
This is NOT an easy fish to keep. Most die after bringing them home. HOWEVER, if you have an established aquarium with low nitrates and plenty of algae in the tank, these guys are the Stanley Steemers of the aquarium tank. Fun to search for where they are hiding...great darters...and...they look weird.
7) Botia sp.
Here is another fun fish to own. Many have great colors and are funky swimmers. Angelicus is unusual and fun to watch swimming. Be aware that, although the clown loach is frequently sold (and not cheaply if I might say), the fish can grow very large if maintained. They also seem to die from a wasting disease. Choose carefully. The clown loach is sought after for it's colors but may not be the best fish for a beginner with a small tank.
8) Cory cats
I'm sure Inchworm would agree with me on this one. Corys are solid. Good bottom dwellers. Good bottom cleaners. Interesting swimmers when they decide to dart up the wall. Although not a HUGE variation in color, you certainly can pick out almost any pattern you want: from peppered...to panda...etc.
9) Siamese algae eater
NB: Do not confuse this suggestion with the Chinese algae eater. This one is Crossocheilus siamensis. The other one, Gyrinocheilos sp. can get nasty when older. This fish looks pretty cool when perched on it's pectorals on a leaf or gravel bed. It has an interesting blue color near the base of it's fins. Cool darter. FYI...mine DID get a little bit nippy at times but overall was a peaceful inhabitant.
10) Other various tetras
Penguins, emperor's, white skirts. Good basic mid tank schoolers and relatively easy to keep.
JMO.
SH
1) Boesmani rainbowfish
These fish are just a great swimmers. Mid tank. Most FW fish are bland in color. This guy has beautiful colors and iridescence. Quick swimmer. Best in schools. The blue/turqoise is cheaper in general.
2) Congo tetras
In schools, this fish is another great mid tank swimmer. When grown, it has large beautiful golden scales and flowing attractive fins. Great swimmer. Easy to feed
3) Angels
I think I love these fish because, inherently, they are cichlids. They seem very bright and will feed out of your hand. They CAN grow large and sometimes they seem to die suddenly without warning.
4) Kribensis
These are one of a few species of cichlids that can be compatible with a community FW aquarium. Fun to watch. They are territorial. Great colors. Hoverers and darters.
5) Danios
Adding small active fish adds dynamic to the tank. Two I've had experience with are the blue danio (although directly under the lights they appear pinkish) and the celestial pearl (the latter is more mid tank and also slightly shyer). The blue swim within a few cms of the surface. The pearls are beautiful in coloration. Both should be kept in schools
6) Otocinclus
This is NOT an easy fish to keep. Most die after bringing them home. HOWEVER, if you have an established aquarium with low nitrates and plenty of algae in the tank, these guys are the Stanley Steemers of the aquarium tank. Fun to search for where they are hiding...great darters...and...they look weird.
7) Botia sp.
Here is another fun fish to own. Many have great colors and are funky swimmers. Angelicus is unusual and fun to watch swimming. Be aware that, although the clown loach is frequently sold (and not cheaply if I might say), the fish can grow very large if maintained. They also seem to die from a wasting disease. Choose carefully. The clown loach is sought after for it's colors but may not be the best fish for a beginner with a small tank.
8) Cory cats
I'm sure Inchworm would agree with me on this one. Corys are solid. Good bottom dwellers. Good bottom cleaners. Interesting swimmers when they decide to dart up the wall. Although not a HUGE variation in color, you certainly can pick out almost any pattern you want: from peppered...to panda...etc.
9) Siamese algae eater
NB: Do not confuse this suggestion with the Chinese algae eater. This one is Crossocheilus siamensis. The other one, Gyrinocheilos sp. can get nasty when older. This fish looks pretty cool when perched on it's pectorals on a leaf or gravel bed. It has an interesting blue color near the base of it's fins. Cool darter. FYI...mine DID get a little bit nippy at times but overall was a peaceful inhabitant.
10) Other various tetras
Penguins, emperor's, white skirts. Good basic mid tank schoolers and relatively easy to keep.
JMO.
SH
