Underrated Fish

[rich]

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are underated. Their very active, the only ones that don't disappear behind plants during cleaning and are very hardy. I bought 5 over 3 years ago and have still got 4 of them (and he jumped out of the tank). I think they must now be in the autumn of little fish lives.

 

[Ethos]

Goldfish
Especially buble eye.
I think those are so cool....yet if you say to someone "Hey, I've got a goldfish" they'll be lik...oh...I had one of those is like...first grade, it died though..."
Thats what I hear the most when I talk to my friends about fish.. "Oh yeah, I had a fish once, it died though"

 

[Dragonscales]

Killifish
Ghost shrimp (I know, not really a fish but underrated nonetheless)
Peacock Gudgeons
Lamprologus Occelatus
Mantis shrimp (not really a fish either, but again, underrated)

Killifish are overlooked alot by the mainstream fishkeeping population because of a short lifespan and the hassle involved with breeding (not much a a hassle in my eyes but some people look at it as such) but they are some of the most attractive freshwater fish you are likely to lay eyes on and their colours rival even saltwater fish in some species.

Ghost shrimp are a great addition to tanks, do a good job of cleaning up and are interesting to watch but alot of fishkeepers think of them as nothing more but a source of livefood. They offer so much more in a community tank filled with peaceful fish small enough not to harrass them. Heck, they won't even harm fry in most cases (there are reports of them taking very small fry such as bettas but I doubt this is a regular or en mass thing).

Peacock gudgeons are very colourful, don't need a big tank, fairly peaceful and breed quite easily. I think they should be seen alot more in the hobby and it's a waste that they aren't.

Lamprologus Occelatus is the best shelldweller out there in my opinion, they are colourful, feisty and great to watch. They come in a couple of different colour morphs as well which adds to their variety. They breed fairly easily and look after their fry which is another bonus. I would literally kill for a colony of the black variety as they are super rare over here and cost an arm and a leg.

Mantis shrimp often cop the raw end of the deal in marine tanks. It is absolutely disgusting how some marine keepers treat these shrimp simply because they are far better suited to a species only tank. They are very colourful, smart and become quite bold when comfortable with their surroundings. Once they become used to their owner they can be very fun to watch and a rewarding pet.

I could probably think of a few more but that will do for now.

 

[BigC]

Well whats my answer going to be .Hmmmm let me think. Killifish.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I think mollys are underated, they are not actually very suitable as beginner fish but because they are often considered beginner fish they often get over looked by experienced fish keepers- but in reality they are full of personality and energy and the male sailfins are gorgeous and need alot of care(mainly in their diet) to live happily.
I think common and sailfin plecs often get over looked, i do wish there were alot less sold of them in general as they often end up in tanks far too small for them, but i think their patterning and shape is beautiful and the sailfin on adult sailfin plecs is stunning to see as it folds open when the fish dash's across the tank. They are also supposed to be very intelligent fish, my big plecs actually tell me when they ar hungry by waiting at a certain area in the tank, they have never been overfed once so i believe they do understand its good to moniter their own food intake .

 

[bunjiweb]

I think that alot of loaches are vastly under-rated, as previously mentioned polka-dot loaches, also dwarf chain loaches.

I think alot of synodontis catfish are underated but especially plecs. People say they are ugly because they are ususally looking at commons or bristlenose (which both have their own appeal). But you can get some BEAUTIFUL "ornamental" plecs.. I have 15, but then i'm sad. My favourites have to be the Queen Arabesque and Blue/Green phantom plecs.

Ben