Tag: Freshwater Fish Profiles

  • Buenos Aires Tetra Care Guide: The Hardy Plant-Eating Tetra Nobody Warns You About

    Buenos Aires Tetra Care Guide: The Hardy Plant-Eating Tetra Nobody Warns You About

    Table of Contents

    The Buenos Aires tetra is one of those fish that doesn’t get nearly enough credit. It’s big for a tetra, incredibly hardy, and has this gorgeous flash of red-orange in its fins that really pops under good lighting. But here’s the thing most care guides don’t tell you upfront โ€” these guys will absolutely demolish a planted tank if you’re not prepared. They’re one of the most notorious plant-eaters in the tetra world, and that catches a lot of hobbyists off guard.

    I’ve worked with Buenos Aires tetras at the fish stores I managed over the years, and they were always a fish I had a love-hate relationship with. Beautiful, tough as nails, and full of personality โ€” but you had to know what you were getting into. Let me walk you through everything you need to know so you can keep them successfully without any surprises.

    Key Takeaways

    • Minimum 30-gallon tank for a school of 8 or more โ€” these are active, larger-bodied tetras that need swimming room
    • One of the hardiest tetras available โ€” tolerates temperatures as low as 64ยฐF (18ยฐC), making them suitable for unheated setups
    • Notorious plant eaters โ€” they will destroy soft-leaved plants; stick with Java fern, Anubias, or artificial plants
    • Semi-aggressive fin nippers โ€” avoid housing with long-finned or slow-moving tank mates like bettas or angelfish
    • Easy to breed โ€” one of the simplest tetras to spawn in home aquaria, with females producing up to 2,000 eggs per spawn
    • Captive-bred specimens are widely available and very affordable

    Species Overview

    FieldDetails
    Scientific NameHyphessobrycon anisitsi
    Common NamesBuenos Aires Tetra, Diamond Spot Characin, Red Cross Fish
    FamilyCharacidae
    OriginArgentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, southeastern Brazil โ€” Paranรก and Uruguay River basins
    Care LevelEasy
    TemperamentSemi-aggressive (fin nipper)
    DietOmnivore (strong herbivorous tendencies)
    Tank LevelMid
    Minimum Tank Size30 gallons (114 liters)
    Temperature64โ€“82ยฐF (18โ€“28ยฐC)
    pH6.0โ€“7.5
    Hardness2โ€“20 dGH
    Lifespan5โ€“7 years in captivity
    BreedingEgg scatterer
    Maximum Size2.8 inches (7 cm)
    Breeding DifficultyEasy
    CompatibilitySemi-aggressive community (robust tank mates only)
    OK for Planted Tanks?No (will eat most plants)

    Classification

    Taxonomic LevelClassification
    OrderCharaciformes
    FamilyCharacidae (reclassified to Acestrorhamphidae by some authors, 2020)
    GenusHyphessobrycon (syn. Psalidodon)
    SpeciesH. anisitsi (Eigenmann, 1907)

    Origin & Natural Habitat

    The Buenos Aires tetra hails from the Paranรก and Uruguay river basins across Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southeastern Brazil. Despite the name, some of the Buenos Aires province records may actually belong to the closely related H. togoi, so the common name is a bit misleading geographically.

    Map of the Rio de la Plata drainage basin in South America showing the Parana and Uruguay river systems - native range of the Buenos Aires tetra
    Rio de la Plata drainage basin โ€” native range of the Buenos Aires tetra. Map by Kmusser, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

    In the wild, you’ll find these fish in smaller streams, tributaries, floodplain lakes, and backwaters rather than the main river channels. The Paranรก basin is massive โ€” nearly 4,880 km long โ€” and the climate ranges from tropical in the upper stretches to subtropical and even temperate further south. This explains why Buenos Aires tetras tolerate such a wide temperature range compared to most tropical tetras. Their natural habitat features sandy to muddy substrates, seasonal flooding, and moderate vegetation. They share their waters with other characins, catfish, and cichlids in these subtropical South American waterways.

    Appearance & Identification

    Buenos Aires tetras have a robust, slightly elongated body shape that’s noticeably larger than most common community tetras. The body is predominantly silver with a subtle blue-green iridescent sheen along the flanks. Their signature feature is the bright red-orange coloring on the caudal, anal, and pelvic fins โ€” it really stands out against the silver body. There’s also a distinctive diamond-shaped black spot at the base of the tail fin that serves as a quick identification marker.

    Buenos Aires tetras swimming in an aquarium

    You’ll also see albino and gold variants in the trade โ€” these selectively bred forms have a peach-orange body with light orange fins and red eyes. They’re the same species with the same care requirements.

    Male vs. Female

    Males are slimmer and display more intense red coloring in the fins, sometimes with yellowish tones. Females are larger overall with a deeper, rounder body โ€” especially when carrying eggs. The color difference is most obvious when the fish are in breeding condition, but even day-to-day, males tend to show more vivid finnage than females.

    Average Size & Lifespan

    Buenos Aires tetras reach about 2.8 inches (7 cm) in aquariums, making them one of the larger commonly available tetras. They’re noticeably bigger than neons, embers, or glowlights. In terms of lifespan, expect 5 to 7 years with proper care. These are hardy fish that tend to live longer than many smaller tetra species, so you’re making a reasonable commitment when you bring a school home.

    Care Guide

    Tank Size

    A 30-gallon (114-liter) tank is the minimum for a school of 8 Buenos Aires tetras. These are active swimmers that need horizontal space to move, and their larger body size means they produce more waste than your typical small tetra. If you’re planning a community setup with other robust species, bumping up to a 40- or 55-gallon tank gives everyone more breathing room and helps diffuse any fin-nipping behavior.

    Water Parameters

    ParameterIdeal Range
    Temperature68โ€“78ยฐF (20โ€“26ยฐC)
    pH6.0โ€“7.5
    Hardness2โ€“20 dGH
    KH3โ€“12 dKH

    One of the most adaptable tetras you’ll find. Buenos Aires tetras can handle a remarkably wide range of water conditions, which makes sense given their subtropical origin. They tolerate temperatures down to 64ยฐF (18ยฐC), which is unusual for a “tropical” fish and means they can even work in unheated tanks in mild climates. That said, for everyday keeping, 68โ€“78ยฐF (20โ€“26ยฐC) is the sweet spot. Captive-bred specimens are especially forgiving with water chemistry โ€” most tap water in the US will work just fine.

    Filtration & Water Flow

    A good hang-on-back or canister filter rated for your tank size will do the job. These fish aren’t picky about flow โ€” moderate current is fine. Aim for a turnover rate of 4โ€“5 times your tank volume per hour. Weekly water changes of 25โ€“30% will keep nitrate levels in check. Buenos Aires tetras are hardy, but they still appreciate clean, well-oxygenated water.

    Lighting

    Standard aquarium lighting works well. Moderate lighting brings out the best iridescence on their flanks and highlights the red in their fins. They’re not light-sensitive like some tetras, so you have plenty of flexibility here.

    Plants & Decorations

    Here’s where Buenos Aires tetras earn their reputation. These fish are voracious plant eaters. Soft-leaved plants like Cabomba, Hygrophila, Vallisneria, and baby tears will be reduced to stems within weeks. Even a small group of three can destroy a bunch of Vallisneria in under a month.

    If you want live plants, stick with tough, bitter-leaved species they tend to leave alone: Java fern, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne are your safest bets. Otherwise, artificial plants and driftwood make excellent alternatives that give your tank structure without becoming an expensive salad bar. Provide some open swimming space in the center โ€” these are active fish that need room to cruise.

    Substrate

    Sand or fine gravel both work well. A darker substrate will make their silver bodies and red fins pop more dramatically. Since planted tanks aren’t really an option with these guys, your substrate choice is mostly aesthetic.

    Tank Mates

    Best Tank Mates

    • Tiger Barbs โ€” similarly active and robust, can hold their own
    • Rosy Barbs โ€” hardy, similar size, won’t be bullied
    • Giant Danios โ€” fast swimmers that match the energy level
    • Rainbow Fish โ€” tough enough to coexist peacefully
    • Corydoras Catfish โ€” peaceful bottom dwellers that stay out of the way
    • Bristlenose Plecos โ€” armored and unbothered by nipping
    • Serpae Tetras โ€” similarly semi-aggressive, matched temperament
    • Black Skirt Tetras โ€” robust tetras that can handle the pace
    • Swordtails โ€” active livebearers that are tough enough
    • Keyhole Cichlids โ€” peaceful cichlids with a sturdy build

    Tank Mates to Avoid

    • Bettas โ€” long fins make them a prime nipping target
    • Angelfish โ€” flowing fins will be shredded; angelfish are also too slow
    • Fancy Guppies โ€” long-finned and too small to coexist safely
    • Dwarf Shrimp โ€” will be eaten
    • Small tetras (Neons, Embers) โ€” may be bullied or outcompeted for food
    • Slow-moving or shy species โ€” will be stressed by the activity level

    Food & Diet

    Buenos Aires tetras are true omnivores with a strong lean toward herbivory. A quality flake or pellet food should be the staple โ€” something with spirulina or vegetable content works great. Supplement with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia a few times a week for variety and protein.

    Here’s a pro tip: offering regular vegetable foods like blanched spinach, zucchini slices, or spirulina wafers can help reduce plant-nipping behavior. It won’t eliminate it entirely, but keeping their herbivorous appetite satisfied makes a noticeable difference. Feed small portions twice daily โ€” only what they can finish in about 2 minutes per feeding.

    Breeding & Reproduction

    Breeding Difficulty

    Easy. Buenos Aires tetras are one of the simplest tetras to breed in home aquaria. They’re prolific egg scatterers that require minimal intervention once conditions are right.

    Spawning Tank Setup

    Set up a separate 10- to 20-gallon (38- to 75-liter) breeding tank with dim lighting. Cover the bottom with marbles or a mesh grate to protect falling eggs from being eaten. Add clumps of Java moss or spawning mops as egg-catching surfaces. Use a gentle sponge filter โ€” strong flow will scatter eggs and stress the fish.

    Water Conditions for Breeding

    Slightly acidic water around pH 6.5โ€“7.0, soft to moderately soft (4โ€“8 dGH), and temperatures bumped up slightly to 75โ€“79ยฐF (24โ€“26ยฐC). If your regular tank water is already in this range, you may not need to adjust much at all.

    Conditioning & Spawning

    Condition a breeding group with protein-rich live and frozen foods โ€” daphnia and brine shrimp work well โ€” for about a week. Females will visibly plump up with eggs. You can spawn them in pairs or small groups. Spawning typically happens at dawn, with males chasing females through the plants. The process lasts 2โ€“4 hours, and a single female can scatter up to 2,000 eggs per session.

    Egg & Fry Care

    Remove the adults immediately after spawning โ€” they will eat every egg they can find. Eggs hatch in approximately 24 hours, and fry become free-swimming 3โ€“4 days later. Start feeding infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week, then transition to baby brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii) as they grow. The fry aren’t particularly light-sensitive, but keep lighting subdued for the first few days. Buenos Aires tetras are widely captive-bred in the trade, so this is a species where home breeding actually produces results.

    Common Health Issues

    Ich (White Spot Disease)

    The most common issue you’ll encounter. Watch for white salt-grain spots on the body and fins, along with flashing behavior (rubbing against objects). Raise the temperature to 86ยฐF (30ยฐC) gradually and treat with a quality ich medication. Buenos Aires tetras handle treatment well due to their overall hardiness.

    Fin Rot

    Bacterial fin rot can show up in tanks with poor water quality. You’ll notice frayed or disintegrating fin edges, sometimes with redness at the base. Improve water quality with more frequent changes and treat with an antibacterial medication if it doesn’t resolve on its own.

    Neon Tetra Disease

    While named for neon tetras, this microsporidian parasite (Pleistophora hyphessobryconis) can affect any tetra species. Symptoms include loss of coloration, cysts on the body, and erratic swimming. Unfortunately there’s no cure โ€” affected fish should be removed immediately to prevent spread. Quarantining new arrivals is your best prevention.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    • Putting them in a planted tank without research โ€” This is the number one mistake. Buenos Aires tetras will eat virtually every soft-leaved plant in your tank. Use tough species like Java fern and Anubias, or go with artificial plants.
    • Keeping too few โ€” A school of fewer than 8 leads to increased fin-nipping and aggression. Larger groups spread the harassment and let you see more natural schooling behavior.
    • Housing with long-finned fish โ€” Bettas, angelfish, and fancy guppies are all poor choices. Buenos Aires tetras will nip flowing fins relentlessly.
    • Underestimating their size โ€” At nearly 3 inches, these are bigger than most hobby tetras. Don’t try to keep a school in a 10-gallon tank โ€” they need space.

    Where to Buy

    Buenos Aires tetras are one of the most widely available tetras in the hobby. You’ll find them at most chain pet stores (Petco, PetSmart) and local fish stores, usually for just a few dollars per fish. For healthy, captive-bred specimens shipped directly to your door, check out Flip Aquatics โ€” they’re a reliable source for quality freshwater fish. Wild-caught specimens are uncommon in the trade since captive breeding is so well established.

    FAQ

    How many Buenos Aires tetras should be kept together?

    A minimum of 8, but 10โ€“12 is better. Larger schools reduce fin-nipping behavior and create a more natural dynamic where the fish feel secure and show better coloration.

    What size tank does a Buenos Aires tetra need?

    A 30-gallon (114-liter) tank is the minimum for a school. These are active, larger-bodied tetras that need horizontal swimming space. A 40-gallon or larger is ideal for a community setup.

    Are Buenos Aires tetras easy to care for?

    Very easy. They’re one of the hardiest freshwater fish available, tolerating a wide range of temperatures and water chemistry. The main challenge is their plant-eating habit and tendency to nip fins on slow-moving tank mates.

    Will Buenos Aires tetras eat my plants?

    Almost certainly, yes. They’re notorious plant destroyers and will eat most soft-leaved species. Java fern, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne are generally safe because of their tough, bitter leaves. Supplementing their diet with vegetable foods can reduce the behavior but won’t stop it entirely.

    Can Buenos Aires tetras live with bettas?

    No. Buenos Aires tetras are active fin nippers and will harass bettas relentlessly. The betta’s long, flowing fins make it an irresistible target. Choose robust, short-finned tank mates instead.

    Are Buenos Aires tetras fin nippers?

    Yes, they can be. They’re semi-aggressive and known for nipping long-finned or slow-moving tank mates. Keeping them in a large enough school (8+) and choosing robust tank mates significantly reduces this behavior.

    Can Buenos Aires tetras live in cold water?

    They can tolerate temperatures down to 64ยฐF (18ยฐC), which is unusually low for a tropical tetra. This makes them one of the few tetra species suitable for unheated tanks in mild climates. However, their ideal range is 68โ€“78ยฐF (20โ€“26ยฐC).

    Closing Thoughts

    The Buenos Aires tetra is a fantastic fish for hobbyists who want something bigger, bolder, and tougher than the typical small community tetra. They bring real energy to a tank, their colors are underrated, and they’re practically bulletproof when it comes to water conditions. Just skip the delicate planted setup and pair them with robust tank mates, and you’ll have a school that thrives for years. If you’ve kept Buenos Aires tetras, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.

    Check out our tetra tier list video where we rank the most popular tetras in the hobby, including the Buenos Aires tetra:

    References

  • Lemon Tetra Care Guide: What I Wish I Knew Before My First School

    Lemon Tetra Care Guide: What I Wish I Knew Before My First School

    Table of Contents

    The lemon tetra is one of the most underappreciated tetras in the hobby, and I honestly think that’s because most people only see them in pet store tanks under harsh lighting. They look washed out and bland sitting in a bare dealer tank. But put them in a planted aquarium with dark substrate and subdued lighting, and they transform into something truly stunning โ€” a warm, translucent lemon-yellow body with striking red eyes and bold black-edged fins.

    I worked with lemon tetras extensively at the local fish stores I managed over the years, and they’re one of those fish I always recommend to hobbyists who want something a little different from the usual neon tetra crowd. They’re hardy, peaceful, and they color up beautifully once they settle into a well-maintained tank. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to keep them thriving.

    Key Takeaways

    • Lemon tetras are hardy, peaceful community fish that thrive in groups of 8 or more
    • They need a minimum 20-gallon (76-liter) tank with plenty of plants and subdued lighting to show their best colors
    • Water parameters are flexible: temperature 73โ€“82ยฐF (23โ€“28ยฐC), pH 5.5โ€“7.5, hardness 2โ€“15 dGH
    • Males display thicker black borders on their anal fins โ€” the easiest way to tell them apart from females
    • They’re omnivores that do best on a varied diet of quality flakes, frozen foods, and occasional live foods
    • Breeding is possible but challenging โ€” they need very soft, acidic water and dim conditions

    Species Overview

    FieldDetails
    Scientific NameHyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
    Common NamesLemon Tetra, Citron Tetra
    FamilyAcestrorhamphidae
    OriginTapajรณs River basin, Brazil
    Care LevelEasy
    TemperamentPeaceful
    DietOmnivore
    Tank LevelMid
    Maximum Size2 inches (5 cm)
    Minimum Tank Size20 gallons (76 liters)
    Temperature73โ€“82ยฐF (23โ€“28ยฐC)
    pH5.5โ€“7.5
    Hardness2โ€“15 dGH
    Lifespan4โ€“8 years

    Classification

    Taxonomic LevelClassification
    OrderCharaciformes
    FamilyAcestrorhamphidae (reclassified from Characidae, Melo et al. 2024)
    SubfamilyHyphessobryconinae
    GenusHyphessobrycon
    SpeciesH. pulchripinnis (Ahl, 1937)

    The genus Hyphessobrycon is one of the largest in the family and contains dozens of popular aquarium species including serpae, ember, and bleeding heart tetras. The lemon tetra was originally described by Ernst Ahl in 1937 from aquarium specimens, with its wild origin only later confirmed to be the Tapajรณs River basin in Brazil.

    Note on reclassification: In 2024, a major phylogenomic study (Melo et al.) split the traditional family Characidae into four separate families. The genus Hyphessobrycon was moved into the family Acestrorhamphidae under the subfamily Hyphessobryconinae. Some older references still list this species under Characidae.

    Origin & Natural Habitat

    The lemon tetra is native to the Tapajรณs River basin in Parรก and Mato Grosso states of central Brazil. Most confirmed wild populations come from the middle and lower reaches of the Tapajรณs, between the municipalities of Belterra and Jacareacanga. Additional records exist from the lower Xingu River basin near Senador Josรฉ Porfรญrio, and a single collection from the rio Kaiapรก, a tributary of the Teles Pires in Mato Grosso.

    In the wild, lemon tetras inhabit slow-moving tributaries and streams with soft, slightly acidic water. These environments are typically shaded by overhanging vegetation, with substrates of sand, leaf litter, and fallen branches. The tannin-stained water creates the dim conditions that bring out the species’ best coloration โ€” something worth replicating in your aquarium.

    Map of the Tapajรณs River drainage basin in Brazil, South America โ€” native habitat of the lemon tetra
    Map of the Tapajรณs River basin in Brazil. Map by Kmusser, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

    Appearance & Identification

    The lemon tetra has a laterally compressed, diamond-shaped body that’s deeper than many other tetra species. When healthy and well-conditioned, the body takes on a warm, translucent lemon-yellow hue โ€” though this can range from pale yellow to almost golden depending on diet, mood, and water conditions.

    Lemon tetra swimming in a planted aquarium
    Lemon tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis). Photo courtesy of Dan’s Fish.

    The most striking feature is the eye โ€” a brilliant ruby red with a thin gold ring. The dorsal and anal fins are edged in bold black with yellow highlights, and the front rays of the anal fin are bright lemon-yellow. Under good conditions, the entire fish seems to glow with a warm, buttery light that looks fantastic against green plants and dark substrate.

    A selectively-bred albino variant exists in the trade, though it’s less commonly seen than the standard wild-type coloration.

    Male vs. Female

    Sexing lemon tetras becomes straightforward once you know what to look for:

    • Males: Slimmer body profile, more intensely colored fins, and a noticeably thicker black border on the anal fin that covers most of the fin’s surface
    • Females: Deeper-bodied (especially when carrying eggs), broader when viewed from above, and a finer, thinner black line on the anal fin

    The anal fin difference is the most reliable indicator and can even be spotted in juvenile fish once they reach about an inch in size.

    Average Size & Lifespan

    Lemon tetras reach a maximum size of about 2 inches (5 cm) in aquarium conditions. Wild specimens occasionally measure slightly smaller. They’re a medium-sized tetra โ€” larger than neons or embers, but smaller than congos or diamonds.

    With proper care, lemon tetras typically live 4โ€“8 years in captivity. Hobbyists regularly report individuals pushing past 6 years in well-maintained planted tanks. Diet quality, stable water parameters, and keeping them in proper shoals all contribute to their longevity.

    Care Guide

    Tank Size

    I recommend a minimum of 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of lemon tetras. While some sources suggest 15 gallons, these are active mid-level swimmers that benefit from extra horizontal swimming space. A 20-gallon long is ideal for a group of 8โ€“10 fish. If you’re building a community tank with other species, aim for 30 gallons (114 liters) or larger.

    Water Parameters

    ParameterIdeal Range
    Temperature73โ€“82ยฐF (23โ€“28ยฐC)
    pH5.5โ€“7.5
    Hardness2โ€“15 dGH
    KH1โ€“10 dKH

    Lemon tetras are remarkably adaptable fish. They tolerate a wider range of water conditions than many other tetra species, making them a great choice for beginners. That said, they show their best coloration in slightly acidic, softer water โ€” think pH 6.0โ€“6.8 with moderate hardness. If your tap water is on the harder side, they’ll still do fine as long as parameters are stable.

    Filtration & Water Flow

    A standard hang-on-back filter or canister filter rated for your tank size works well. Aim for a turnover rate of about 4โ€“5 times the tank volume per hour. Lemon tetras come from slow-moving waters, so avoid creating strong currents. If your filter output is too powerful, baffle it with a sponge or spray bar to diffuse the flow.

    Lighting

    This is where lemon tetras differ from many community fish โ€” they genuinely look better under subdued lighting. Bright, harsh lights wash out their color and make them appear pale and skittish. Use moderate to low lighting, or provide plenty of floating plants to create dappled shade. The contrast between dark and light areas in the tank will encourage them to display their best colors.

    Plants & Decorations

    A well-planted tank is ideal for lemon tetras. They appreciate a mix of background plants for cover and open swimming space in the middle. Good plant choices include:

    • Java fern and Anubias (low light, easy care)
    • Amazon swords for background structure
    • Floating plants like Amazon frogbit or red root floaters to dim the lighting naturally
    • Driftwood and leaf litter to create tannin-stained water and additional hiding spots

    Substrate

    Dark substrate is strongly recommended. It makes a dramatic difference in how lemon tetras display their color. On light-colored gravel, they tend to look pale and washed out. On dark sand or fine gravel, their yellow body and red eyes really pop. I prefer a fine dark sand or aqua soil for planted tank setups.

    Tank Mates

    Lemon tetras are peaceful community fish that get along with a wide range of similarly-sized species. Their slightly larger size compared to neons means they’re a bit more versatile in community setups.

    Best Tank Mates

    • Corydoras catfish โ€” Bottom dwellers that won’t compete for space. Panda cories and sterbai cories are great options.
    • Other tetras โ€” Neons, cardinals, embers, and glowlights all mix well. The color contrast is beautiful.
    • Rasboras โ€” Harlequin rasboras and chili rasboras are excellent companions.
    • Small gouramis โ€” Honey gouramis and sparkling gouramis are peaceful top-dwellers.
    • Otocinclus โ€” Gentle algae eaters that share similar water preferences.
    • Dwarf cichlids โ€” Apistogramma species and German blue rams work well in larger tanks.
    • Shrimp โ€” Amano shrimp and cherry shrimp coexist peacefully with lemon tetras.

    Tank Mates to Avoid

    • Large cichlids โ€” Oscars, Jack Dempseys, and other predatory cichlids will eat them.
    • Aggressive fish โ€” Tiger barbs and some larger barb species can harass and nip at lemon tetras.
    • Large catfish โ€” Anything big enough to swallow a 2-inch fish should be avoided.

    Food & Diet

    Lemon tetras are omnivores that aren’t picky eaters. A varied diet is the key to bringing out their best coloration โ€” especially that warm yellow glow and the intensity of their red eyes.

    • Staple: High-quality micro flakes or small pellets (look for formulas with color-enhancing ingredients like astaxanthin or spirulina)
    • Frozen foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and cyclops 2โ€“3 times per week
    • Live foods: Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae are excellent treats that trigger natural foraging behavior
    • Plant matter: Blanched spinach or zucchini occasionally โ€” they do graze on algae and plant matter in the wild

    Feeding frequency: Feed small portions 1โ€“2 times per day. Only offer what they can consume in about 2 minutes to avoid overfeeding and water quality issues.

    Pro tip: If your lemon tetras look pale and washed out despite good water parameters, diet is usually the culprit. Increasing the variety and frequency of frozen and live foods almost always brings the color back within a couple of weeks.

    Breeding & Reproduction

    Breeding Difficulty

    Lemon tetras are egg scatterers that can be bred in captivity, though it’s moderately challenging. They don’t provide any parental care and will readily eat their own eggs, so a dedicated breeding setup is essential.

    Spawning Tank Setup

    • A separate breeding tank of 10โ€“15 gallons (38โ€“57 liters) works well
    • Keep lighting very dim โ€” eggs and fry are light-sensitive
    • Use fine-leaved plants like Java moss, Cabomba, or spawning mops as egg deposition sites
    • A mesh or marble substrate helps protect fallen eggs from being eaten
    • A small, gentle sponge filter provides filtration without endangering eggs or fry

    Water Conditions for Breeding

    • pH: 5.5โ€“6.5
    • Hardness: 1โ€“5 dGH (very soft water is important)
    • Temperature: 78โ€“82ยฐF (26โ€“28ยฐC)
    • Use RO water or peat-filtered water to achieve the required softness

    Conditioning & Spawning

    Condition breeding pairs or small groups with frequent feedings of live and frozen foods for 1โ€“2 weeks before introducing them to the breeding tank. Spawning typically occurs in the early morning hours. Males will display to females, showing off their bold fin markings. The female scatters eggs among fine-leaved plants, and the male fertilizes them externally.

    Males are territorial during spawning and will actively court females. You can breed them in pairs or in small groups with a 2:3 male-to-female ratio.

    Egg & Fry Care

    Remove the adults immediately after spawning to prevent egg predation. The eggs are small, semi-transparent, and will hatch in approximately 24โ€“36 hours. Fry become free-swimming about 3โ€“4 days after hatching.

    Initial fry food should be infusoria or a liquid fry food in the 5โ€“50 micron range. After about a week, they can graduate to microworms and newly hatched brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii). Keep the tank dark during the first few days โ€” both eggs and newly hatched fry are photosensitive.

    Common Health Issues

    Neon Tetra Disease (NTD)

    Despite the name, neon tetra disease affects many tetra species including lemon tetras. It’s caused by the microsporidian parasite Pleistophora hyphessobryconis, which attacks the muscle tissue.

    Symptoms: Loss of color, restlessness, curved spine, cysts or lumps in the muscle tissue, difficulty swimming, and progressive wasting. Affected fish often separate from the school.

    Treatment: There is no known cure. Infected fish should be removed immediately to prevent the parasite from spreading to other tank inhabitants.

    Ich (White Spot Disease)

    Ich is caused by the protozoan Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and appears as small white spots on the body and fins. Lemon tetras are susceptible when stressed or when introduced to a new tank.

    Treatment: Gradually raise the temperature to 82โ€“86ยฐF (28โ€“30ยฐC) and treat with a copper-based or malachite green medication. Lemon tetras respond well to heat treatment combined with medication.

    General Prevention

    • Quarantine all new fish for at least 2 weeks before adding them to your main tank
    • Maintain stable water parameters with regular 20โ€“25% weekly water changes
    • Avoid overcrowding and keep stress levels low
    • Feed a varied, high-quality diet to support the immune system

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    • Keeping too few: Lemon tetras need to be in groups of at least 6, ideally 8โ€“10. In smaller groups they become stressed, pale, and hide constantly.
    • Too much light: Bright lighting washes out their color. Use floating plants or moderate lighting to keep them looking their best.
    • Light-colored substrate: This is probably the single biggest mistake I see. Dark substrate makes a night-and-day difference in their appearance.
    • Judging them in the store: Don’t write them off based on how they look in a bare dealer tank. They need a settled, planted environment to show their true colors.
    • Skipping the quarantine: Commercially bred lemon tetras can carry diseases. Always quarantine before adding to an established community.

    Where to Buy

    Lemon tetras are sometimes available at local fish stores, though they’re not as commonly stocked as neons or cardinals. Online retailers are often the most reliable source for healthy specimens:

    • Flip Aquatics โ€” A great source for quality freshwater fish with careful shipping practices.
    • Dan’s Fish โ€” Known for healthy, well-acclimated fish and transparent livestock sourcing.

    When purchasing online, try to buy groups of 8 or more. This not only gives them the social group they need, but most retailers offer better per-fish pricing on larger orders.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many lemon tetras should be kept together?

    A minimum of 6, but I strongly recommend 8โ€“10 or more. Larger groups feel more secure, display more natural schooling behavior, and show dramatically better coloration. In groups under 6, they tend to be shy, pale, and stressed.

    Are lemon tetras good for beginners?

    Yes, absolutely. They’re hardy, adaptable to a wide range of water conditions, and peaceful with virtually any community fish. The only thing beginners need to watch is providing appropriate lighting and substrate to bring out their color.

    Why do my lemon tetras look pale?

    Pale coloration is usually caused by one or more of: bright lighting, light-colored substrate, stress from being kept in too-small groups, poor diet, or recent introduction to a new tank. Address these factors and you should see improvement within 1โ€“2 weeks.

    Can lemon tetras live with bettas?

    Yes, lemon tetras can generally coexist with bettas in tanks of 20 gallons (76 liters) or larger. Their coloration is muted enough that most bettas don’t see them as rivals. As always with bettas, monitor the first few days for signs of aggression and have a backup plan.

    Do lemon tetras nip fins?

    Lemon tetras are not known as fin nippers. They’re one of the more peaceful tetra species. In rare cases, individual fish may nip at slow-moving tankmates with flowing fins, but this is uncommon and usually a sign of being kept in too-small groups.

    What is the difference between lemon tetras and ember tetras?

    Lemon tetras are significantly larger (2 inches vs. 0.8 inches) and have a diamond-shaped body compared to the ember tetra’s slender profile. Lemon tetras are pale yellow with black-edged fins and red eyes, while ember tetras are a solid fiery orange-red. Both are peaceful and make great community fish, but they have very different visual impacts in a tank.

    Closing Thoughts

    The lemon tetra is one of those fish that rewards patience and attention to detail. They’re not the flashiest fish in the store display, but give them the right environment โ€” dark substrate, subdued lighting, a planted tank, and a good-sized group โ€” and they become one of the most elegant and eye-catching species you can keep. Their warm yellow glow, ruby-red eyes, and bold fin markings are genuinely beautiful once they feel at home.

    If you’re looking for a hardy, peaceful tetra that’s a little different from the usual suspects, give lemon tetras a try. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

    Check out our tetra tier list video where we rank the most popular tetras in the hobby, including the lemon tetra:

    References

    1. Seriously Fish โ€” Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis species profile. seriouslyfish.com
    2. FishBase โ€” Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis (Ahl, 1937). fishbase.se
    3. The Aquarium Wiki โ€” Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis. theaquariumwiki.com
    4. Melo, B.F. et al. (2024). Phylogenomics of Characidae, a hyper-diverse Neotropical freshwater fish lineage, with a phylogenetic classification including four families. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution.
  • Glowlight Tetra Care Guide: What Makes This Underrated Tetra Shine

    Glowlight Tetra Care Guide: What Makes This Underrated Tetra Shine

    Table of Contents

    The glowlight tetra is one of those fish that doesn’t get nearly enough credit. It’s been overshadowed by the neon tetra for decades, but honestly? In the right setup, a school of glowlights is just as stunning โ€” maybe even more so. That fiery orange-red stripe running the length of their body looks like a neon sign in a dimly lit planted tank.

    I’ve kept glowlights on and off for years, and what I appreciate most about them is how forgiving they are. They’re hardier than neons, less prone to disease, and they do well in a broader range of water conditions. If you want that classic tetra schooling look without the headaches that sometimes come with neons, the glowlight tetra is your fish. Let me walk you through everything you need to know.

    Key Takeaways

    • Minimum tank size is 15 gallons (57 liters) for a school of 6, but 20+ gallons with 10 fish looks incredible
    • One of the most peaceful tetras โ€” safe even with long-finned species like bettas
    • Omnivore โ€” eats virtually anything, from flake food to frozen bloodworms
    • Great beginner fish โ€” hardy, inexpensive, and widely available
    • Best colors show under dim lighting with a dark substrate

    Species Overview

    FieldDetails
    Scientific NameHemigrammus erythrozonus
    Common NamesGlowlight Tetra, Glo-Lite Tetra, Fire Neon
    FamilyAcestrorhamphidae
    OriginEssequibo River basin, Guyana
    Care LevelEasy
    TemperamentPeaceful
    DietOmnivore
    Tank LevelMid to Bottom
    Maximum Size1.6 inches (4 cm)
    Minimum Tank Size15 gallons (57 liters)
    Temperature75โ€“82ยฐF (24โ€“28ยฐC)
    pH5.5โ€“7.5
    Hardness2โ€“15 dGH
    Lifespan3โ€“5 years in captivity
    BreedingEgg scatterer
    Breeding DifficultyEasy to Moderate
    CompatibilityCommunity
    OK for Planted Tanks?Yes

    Classification

    Taxonomic LevelClassification
    OrderCharaciformes
    FamilyAcestrorhamphidae (reclassified from Characidae, Melo et al. 2024)
    SubfamilyPristellinae
    GenusHemigrammus
    SpeciesH. erythrozonus (Durbin, 1909)

    The genus Hemigrammus currently contains over 70 species of small characins, and its taxonomy is considered Incertae Sedis (uncertain placement). Most experts agree a full revision is needed, which may result in many species being moved to new or different genera. For now, the glowlight tetra remains firmly in Hemigrammus alongside other popular aquarium species.

    Note on reclassification: In 2024, a major phylogenomic study (Melo et al.) split the traditional family Characidae into four separate families. The genus Hemigrammus was moved into the newly erected family Acestrorhamphidae under the subfamily Pristellinae. Some older references still list this species under Characidae.

    Origin & Natural Habitat

    Map of the Essequibo River drainage basin in Guyana, South America โ€” native habitat of the glowlight tetra
    Map of the Essequibo River basin, Guyana โ€” native range of the glowlight tetra. Image by Kmusser, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

    The glowlight tetra comes from a single river system โ€” the Essequibo River in Guyana, the longest river in the country. They were first exported to Europe in the 1930s and quickly became a staple in the hobby.

    In the wild, glowlights stick to forested tributaries rather than the main river channel. These small streams flow through dense jungle, where the canopy blocks most sunlight. The water is stained dark brown by tannins from decomposing leaves and wood โ€” classic blackwater conditions. It’s soft, acidic, and low in dissolved minerals.

    The bottom of these streams is littered with fallen branches, tree roots, and layers of leaf litter. There isn’t much aquatic vegetation in the deepest blackwater areas, but the structure from all that wood and debris provides plenty of cover. Understanding this habitat explains why glowlights look their best in dimly lit tanks with dark substrates and tannin-stained water โ€” that’s their home.

    It’s worth noting that virtually every glowlight tetra you’ll find for sale is commercially bred. Wild-caught specimens are essentially nonexistent in the trade, with most stock coming from farms in Eastern Europe and Asia.

    Appearance & Identification

    Glowlight tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus) showing the glowing orange-red lateral stripe
    Glowlight tetra. Photo: Dan’s Fish

    The glowlight tetra has a slender, torpedo-shaped body with a translucent silver-peach base color. The star of the show is the brilliant iridescent stripe that runs the entire length of the body from snout to tail. This stripe starts as a soft pinkish tone near the head and intensifies to a vivid neon orange-red toward the tail โ€” the effect is genuinely striking under the right lighting.

    The leading edge of the dorsal fin carries the same glowing orange-red as the body stripe, which is a nice detail that catches your eye when the fish swims. All other fins are mostly transparent with a slight silvery sheen. The belly area has a subtle silver coloring.

    Interestingly, the red-orange iridescence in glowlights is fairly unusual among fish. Most iridescent species reflect blue or green light, so the warm tones in the glowlight make it genuinely unique. Under dim lighting against a dark background, the stripe appears to glow from within โ€” hence the name.

    There is a selectively bred albino variety that lacks the dark body pigment but retains the orange stripe. It’s becoming more common in stores and requires identical care.

    Male vs. Female

    Sexing glowlights isn’t easy until they’re fully mature, but there are a couple of reliable tells. Females grow slightly larger and develop a noticeably rounder belly, especially when carrying eggs. Males are slimmer with a slightly more streamlined profile and may show marginally more intense coloration along the lateral stripe. There are no dramatic color differences between the sexes like you’d see in some other fish.

    Average Size & Lifespan

    Adult glowlight tetras reach about 1.5 inches (3.5โ€“4 cm) in total length. They’re a small species, which makes them well suited for tanks in the 15โ€“30 gallon (57โ€“114 liter) range.

    In captivity, you can expect a lifespan of 3 to 5 years with proper care. Some aquarists report them living longer in ideal conditions, but that 3โ€“5 year range is realistic for most setups. Because all commercial stock is captive bred, genetic quality is generally consistent, though buying from reputable sellers always helps.

    Care Guide

    Tank Size

    A 15-gallon tank is the minimum for a school of 6 glowlight tetras, but I’d strongly recommend going with a 20-gallon long if you can. The extra swimming length lets them school naturally, and the visual effect of 10 or more glowlights moving together in a longer tank is something a smaller setup just can’t replicate.

    These fish spend most of their time in the lower to middle water column, so a tank with more horizontal footprint matters more than height.

    Water Parameters

    ParameterIdeal Range
    Temperature75โ€“82ยฐF (24โ€“28ยฐC)
    pH6.0โ€“7.5
    Hardness2โ€“12 dGH
    KH1โ€“8 dKH

    One of the best things about glowlight tetras is their adaptability. While they come from soft, acidic blackwater in the wild, commercially bred specimens handle a much wider range of conditions than their wild ancestors would tolerate. They’ll do fine in moderately hard water around neutral pH โ€” something neon tetras are less forgiving about.

    That said, they show their best coloration in softer, slightly acidic water. If you want that stripe to really pop, aim for the lower end of the pH and hardness ranges. And as always, consistency matters more than perfection โ€” stable parameters beat “ideal” numbers that fluctuate.

    Filtration & Water Flow

    Gentle flow is the key here. Glowlights come from slow-moving forest streams, and strong currents will stress them out. A sponge filter is ideal for smaller setups โ€” it provides biological filtration without creating much current, and it’s safe for fry if you ever try breeding. For larger tanks, a hang-on-back or canister filter with a spray bar works well as long as you keep the output diffused.

    Weekly water changes of 20โ€“25% will keep things stable. These fish aren’t particularly messy, but they are sensitive to sudden shifts in water chemistry, so regular small changes are better than infrequent large ones.

    Lighting

    This is a fish that genuinely transforms depending on your lighting. Under bright, harsh lights, glowlights look washed out and unimpressive โ€” you’ll wonder what the fuss is about. Dial the lighting down or add floating plants to create shaded areas, and that orange-red stripe starts glowing like a hot ember. The difference is night and day.

    If you’re running a planted tank with stronger lighting, floating plants like Amazon frogbit, salvinia, or red root floaters will create the dappled shade glowlights prefer. They’ll naturally gravitate to the shaded zones.

    Plants & Decorations

    A planted tank is where glowlight tetras really shine โ€” literally. Java fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne species, and Java moss all work well and thrive in the same lower-light conditions glowlights prefer. Dense planting along the back and sides with open swimming space in the center is the classic layout that works beautifully.

    Driftwood is a must in my opinion. It provides structure, releases tannins that soften the water, and creates the dark backdrop that makes the glowlight stripe pop. Add some dried oak or Indian almond leaves on the substrate for a natural blackwater look โ€” the leaves will slowly decompose and release beneficial tannins while providing microfauna for the fish to pick at.

    Substrate

    Dark substrate is non-negotiable if you want to see these fish at their best. Fine dark sand or a dark planted tank substrate makes the glowlight stripe appear significantly more vivid. On a light-colored gravel, these fish look plain and pale โ€” you’d barely notice them. It’s one of the biggest visual differences I’ve seen substrate color make on any fish.

    Tank Mates

    Best Tank Mates

    Glowlight tetras are among the most peaceful tetras in the hobby. They’re not fin nippers, which makes them safe with a surprisingly wide range of tank mates โ€” even long-finned species that most tetras would harass:

    • Corydoras catfish โ€” ideal bottom-dwelling companions that stay out of the glowlights’ space
    • Neon tetras โ€” similar size and temperament, beautiful contrast of blue and orange
    • Harlequin rasboras โ€” peaceful mid-level schoolers that complement glowlights perfectly
    • Ember tetras โ€” another warm-toned tetra that pairs well visually and temperamentally
    • Dwarf gouramis โ€” a colorful centerpiece fish that won’t bother glowlights
    • Otocinclus catfish โ€” gentle algae eaters that are completely non-threatening
    • Cherry shrimp โ€” glowlights are one of the safer tetras to keep with adult shrimp
    • Kuhli loaches โ€” peaceful bottom dwellers that add interest to the lower tank zone
    • Apistogramma dwarf cichlids โ€” a natural pairing if you’re doing a South American biotope
    • Pencilfish โ€” gentle, slender fish from similar habitats

    Tank Mates to Avoid

    • Angelfish โ€” they’ll eat glowlights once they grow large enough
    • Tiger barbs โ€” too nippy and boisterous for peaceful glowlights
    • Large cichlids โ€” any fish big enough to view a glowlight as food
    • Red tail sharks โ€” territorial and prone to chasing small tetras
    • Aggressive or fast-moving species โ€” anything that will outcompete glowlights for food or stress them out

    Food & Diet

    Glowlight tetras are some of the easiest fish to feed. They’re true omnivores that will accept virtually anything you offer โ€” flake food, micro pellets, freeze-dried options, you name it. In the wild, they eat small worms, crustaceans, and plant matter.

    A high-quality flake or micro pellet makes a good daily staple. To bring out the best color and keep them in peak health, supplement with frozen or live foods a few times per week. Daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and cyclops are all eagerly accepted and make a real difference in how vibrant that glowlight stripe looks.

    Feeding frequency: Once or twice daily, only what they can finish in about 2 minutes. These are small fish with small stomachs.

    Pro tip: Glowlights are reluctant to chase food that sinks to the bottom. They prefer to eat in the water column, so use slow-sinking foods or feed small pinches at the surface that they can grab on the way down. If you’re keeping them with bottom feeders like corydoras, the cories will happily clean up whatever the glowlights miss.

    Breeding & Reproduction

    Glowlight tetras are one of the easier tetras to breed at home, making them a solid choice if youโ€™re getting into breeding egg scatterers for the first time.

    Breeding Difficulty

    Easy to moderate. Theyโ€™ll breed readily once the conditions are right, and theyโ€™re more forgiving of imperfect setups than many other tetras.

    Spawning Tank Setup

    Youโ€™ll need a separate breeding tank โ€” a 10โ€“15 gallon (38โ€“57 liter) tank works well. Keep the lighting very dim or cover the sides of the tank, as both eggs and fry are light-sensitive in the early stages. Add clumps of fine-leaved plants like Java moss or spawning mops to give the fish somewhere to scatter their eggs. Alternatively, cover the bottom with mesh large enough for eggs to fall through but small enough to keep the adults from reaching them โ€” glowlights will eat their own eggs if given the chance.

    Water Conditions for Breeding

    Soft, acidic water is key. Aim for pH 5.5โ€“6.5, hardness of 1โ€“5 dGH, and a temperature around 80โ€“84ยฐF (27โ€“29ยฐC). Filtering the water through peat or using RO water helps achieve these conditions. A small air-powered sponge filter bubbling gently is all the filtration you need.

    Conditioning & Spawning

    You can spawn them in a group (6 males and 6 females works well) or in pairs. For pair spawning, condition males and females separately for 1โ€“2 weeks with plenty of small live foods like daphnia and brine shrimp. When females are visibly plump with eggs and males are showing their brightest colors, transfer the best pair to the spawning tank in the evening. Theyโ€™ll typically spawn the following morning. Interestingly, during the act itself, the pair often turns completely upside down โ€” itโ€™s a unique behavior among tetras.

    Egg & Fry Care

    Remove the adults immediately after spawning โ€” they will eat every egg they can find. Eggs hatch in 24โ€“36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming 3โ€“4 days after that. Feed infusoria or liquid fry food for the first few days, then graduate to microworms and freshly hatched baby brine shrimp (BBS) once theyโ€™re large enough. Keep the tank dark during the early stages, as the eggs and fry are light-sensitive. A healthy female can produce 120โ€“150 eggs per spawn.

    Glowlight tetras are almost exclusively captive-bred in the hobby. All commercial stock comes from farms in Eastern Europe and Asia โ€” wild-caught specimens are essentially nonexistent in the trade.

    Common Health Issues

    Glowlight tetras are generally hardier than many other popular tetras, but they’re not bulletproof. Here are the main health concerns to watch for:

    Neon Tetra Disease (NTD)

    Despite the name, neon tetra disease doesn’t only affect neons โ€” glowlight tetras are also susceptible. It’s caused by the microsporidian parasite Pleistophora hyphessobryconis, which invades the fish’s muscles. Symptoms include pale patches on the body, loss of color, lethargy, and eventually a curved spine. There is no effective cure. Infected fish should be removed immediately to prevent spreading.

    Ich (White Spot Disease)

    Like most tropical fish, glowlights can pick up ich when stressed โ€” usually from temperature swings or being added to a new tank. The telltale white spots are easy to identify. Gradually raise the temperature to 82ยฐF (28ยฐC) and treat with a standard ich medication. Glowlights generally tolerate treatment well.

    General Prevention

    The best defense is prevention. Quarantine all new fish for at least two weeks before adding them to your main tank. Maintain stable water parameters and keep up with your water change schedule. Glowlights are particularly sensitive to sudden swings in water chemistry, so consistency is key.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    • Bright lighting with no shade โ€” This is the biggest mistake people make with glowlights. Under intense lighting, they look pale and boring. Add floating plants or dim the lights, and they transform into a completely different fish.
    • Light-colored substrate โ€” A white or beige gravel washes out their colors dramatically. Dark sand or substrate is essential for the full glowlight effect.
    • Keeping too few โ€” Groups under 6 lead to stressed, shy fish that hide constantly. Get at least 6, ideally 10+. In small groups, they can even become nippy โ€” which is out of character for this otherwise gentle species.
    • Sudden parameter changes โ€” Glowlights are adaptable to a wide range of conditions, but they don’t handle rapid shifts well. Acclimate new fish slowly and keep your maintenance routine consistent.

    Where to Buy

    Glowlight tetras are widely available at most local fish stores and chain pet retailers. They’re one of the more common tetras in the trade, typically priced at $2โ€“4 per fish. You’ll often find discounts on schools of 6 or more.

    For better quality stock, I recommend ordering from Flip Aquatics or Dan’s Fish. Both carry healthy, well-acclimated captive-bred glowlights that tend to arrive in better condition than big box store fish. All glowlights in the trade are captive bred โ€” wild-caught specimens from Guyana are essentially nonexistent commercially.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many glowlight tetras should be kept together?

    A minimum of 6, but 10 or more is strongly recommended. Glowlight tetras are a shoaling species that become stressed, shy, and can even turn nippy in small groups. In larger schools, they feel secure and display their best behavior and coloration.

    What size tank does a glowlight tetra need?

    A 15-gallon tank is the minimum for a small school of 6. A 20-gallon long is the sweet spot for a proper school of 10+, giving them enough horizontal swimming space to school naturally.

    Are glowlight tetras good for beginners?

    Absolutely. Glowlight tetras are one of the best beginner tetras available. They’re hardier and more adaptable than neon tetras, accept any food, and are peaceful with virtually all community tank mates. Just make sure your tank is cycled before adding them.

    Can glowlight tetras live with bettas?

    Yes โ€” glowlight tetras are actually one of the safer tetra choices for a betta tank. Unlike some tetras, glowlights are not fin nippers, so they won’t harass a long-finned betta. Use at least a 20-gallon tank with plenty of plants, and monitor the betta’s temperament since some individuals are more aggressive than others.

    How long do glowlight tetras live?

    Glowlight tetras typically live 3 to 5 years in a well-maintained aquarium. Some hobbyists report them reaching the upper end of that range or slightly beyond with optimal water quality and diet.

    Why do my glowlight tetras look pale?

    The most common cause is lighting and substrate. Glowlights look dramatically washed out under bright lights or over light-colored gravel. Switch to a dark substrate, add floating plants to dim the lighting, and you should see a major improvement. Other causes include stress from too few tank mates, poor water quality, or recent introduction to a new tank.

    Are glowlight tetras and neon tetras the same thing?

    No โ€” they’re completely different species from different genera. Neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) have a blue and red stripe, while glowlight tetras (Hemigrammus erythrozonus) have a single orange-red stripe. They come from different parts of South America (neons from the Amazon basin, glowlights from Guyana). They do make excellent tank mates, though โ€” the blue and orange complement each other beautifully.

    Closing Thoughts

    The glowlight tetra is an underrated gem in the freshwater hobby. It’s hardy, peaceful, affordable, and absolutely gorgeous in the right setup. Give them a dark substrate, some dim lighting, a few pieces of driftwood, and a proper school, and you’ll have one of the most eye-catching displays in a community tank.

    If you’re looking for other small tetras to keep alongside your glowlights, check out our care guides for ember tetras, cardinal tetras, and black neon tetras.

    Have you kept glowlight tetras? I’d love to hear about your setup โ€” drop a comment below!

    Check out our tetra tier list video where we rank the most popular tetras in the hobby, including the glowlight tetra:

    References

  • Community Fish: My 21 Best Picks for a Peaceful Freshwater Tank

    Community Fish: My 21 Best Picks for a Peaceful Freshwater Tank

    Building a community tank is one of the most rewarding things you can do in this hobby โ€” and also where beginners make the most mistakes. After 25 years keeping and working with freshwater fish, Iโ€™ve found that a great community tank always comes down to one thing: doing your homework before you buy. This list covers 21 of my go-to community fish, with honest takes on which ones are truly peaceful, which ones come with caveats, and how to think about compatibility before you stock your tank.

    Iโ€™ve also included a matching guide covering water parameters, size, swimming level, and temperament โ€” read it before you head to the fish store.

    What Are Community Fish?

    Good community fish are species that can live peacefully with other types of fish. They are not aggressive or dangerous to their fish tank mates in any way. The ideal community tank fish species are:

    • Peaceful fish
    • Compatible with other species
    • Interesting and attractive to observe
    • Hardy and adaptable

    How To Match

    The first rule when matching fish for your community tank is to stock them together with other peaceful aquarium fish. You can check out the fish compatibility chart I have posted for an easy-to-reference guide.

    There are also a few less obvious factors to consider, however. Here’s what you need to know:

    Water Parameters

    All the species in your freshwater tank should be comfortable in the same water parameters. That means they should be comfortable with the same, water temperature, pH, and water hardness. As a rule of thumb, many tropical aquarium fish will prefer softer and slightly acidic water. It’s really easy to buffer your system with natural decorations like driftwood.

    Size

    In most cases, you should aim to stock your aquarium with similarly sized fish. This is useful for planning how many fish you can keep in your tank and for preventing predation.

    Remember, almost all carnivorous or omnivorous species will eat other fish that are small enough to fit in their mouths!

    Swimming Level

    A healthy mix of bottom dwellers, mid-water, and top-water swimming species will prevent overcrowding in the aquarium. Having fish that swim on all levels of the tank will also create a busier, more lively display tank.

    Biotopes

    Mixing fish breeds from different parts of the world can be very in interesting, but you can also keep things more natural. Many aquarists enjoy matching species that live together naturally in the same region or natural habitat to create biotope tanks.

    For example, a South American river biotope could include species like corydoras catfish, neon tetras, and blue rams. An Asian stream biotope would be another great option and could include fish like the honey gourami and cherry barb.

    Beyond biotopes, the two most important compatibility rules Iโ€™d give any beginner: first, match sizes โ€” donโ€™t put fish small enough to fit in another fishโ€™s mouth. It sounds obvious, but itโ€™s the most common stocking mistake I see. Second, understand aggression across the full life cycle. A fish thatโ€™s peaceful as a juvenile can become territorial when it breeds โ€” angelfish are the perfect example. Research behavior at maturity, not just how they look in the store tank.

    21 Of The Best Community Fish Species

    Now that you know what community species are and how to match them, it’s time to get to know some of the best species of fish for your freshwater aquarium. Pay attention to the following information when considering each species:

    • Scientific Name
    • Difficulty Level
    • Temperament
    • Adult Size
    • Minimum Tank Size
    • Origin
    • Diet
    • pH
    • Temperature
    • Planted Tank Suitability
    • Difficulty to breed

    Here’s a video from our YouTube Channel for those who are visual learners. I’ll go into further detail in our blog post. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel if you find our content helpful.

    Let’s get started!

    1. Cory Catfish

    Corydoras trilineatus
    • Scientific Name: Corydoras spp.
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 1-4 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10-30 gallons (depending on species)
    • Origin: South American
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • pH: 5.5-7.8 (depending on species)
    • Water Temperature: 72-82ยฐF (depending on species)
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Simming Level: Bottom

    There are more than 160 known species of these wonderful aquarium fish. Although Corydoras catfish spend most of their time on the bottom, these funny little fish will shoot up to the surface every now and then to take a breath of air. Corydoras catfish should be kept in groups of 6 or more to see them at their most playful and comfortable.

    Cory catfish are genuinely one of my favorite community fish. Theyโ€™re endlessly entertaining โ€” always busy sifting through the substrate, and theyโ€™ll make you laugh when they dart up to the surface for a breath of air. With 160+ species, thereโ€™s a cory for almost any tank size, and theyโ€™re incredibly peaceful. Iโ€™d include them in almost any freshwater community setup.

    2. Rasboras

    School of Rasboras
    • Scientific Name: Rasbora spp., Boraras spp., etc
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 0.75-6 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 5-55 gallons (depending on species)
    • Origin: Asia
    • Diet: Omnivorous/carnivorous
    • pH: 4-8 (depending on species)
    • Water Temperature: 68-82ยฐF (depending on species)
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: Midwater, topwater

    There are many different rasbora species in the hobby, ranging from tiny fish like the chili rasbora up to the much larger scissortail species. These Asian schooling fish tend to be very peaceful and make wonderful peaceful community fish. Rasboras are some of the smallest fish in the hobby too, so they are a great choice for nano fish community setups.

    3. Guppy

    Guppy Fish
    Guppy Fish

    An undemanding fish that is a livebearer. Many varieties available

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    • Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 2 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Origin: South American
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • pH: 7-8
    • Water Temperature: 72-82ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: All

    Guppy fish are the perfect community species for tropical aquariums with a water pH of over 7. These popular fish come in a wide range of different colors and often have big flowing fins.

    Guppies are great beginners fish because they are very adaptable and easy to care for. They are livebearers, so if you keep males and females together you can expect to see loads of little fry in your tank!

    4. Platies

    Platies in Aquarium
    • Scientific Name: Xiphophorus spp.
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 2-3 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
    • Origin: North & South America
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • pH: 6.8-8.5
    • Water Temperature: 70-82ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: Midwater, topwater

    Like guppies, platy fish are peaceful livebearers that are available in some awesome breeds. They will make an ideal small community fish for your freshwater aquarium and have the added benefit of helping out with algae control.

    5. Molly

    Black Molly
    • Scientific Name: Poecilia sphenops & P. latipinna
    • Difficulty Level: Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 3-5 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
    • Origin: North & South American
    • Diet: Omnivore
    • pH: 7-7.8
    • Water Temperature: 68-82ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: Midwater, top

    Molly fish are excellent peaceful aquarium fish for fish keepers with naturally hard water. Like other livebearers, these fish breed freely in the aquarium. These larger livebearers are available in many different colors and fin shapes.

    6. Sword Tails

    Swordtail Fish in Planted Tank
    • Scientific Name: Xiphophorus helleri
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size:3-6 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
    • Origin: Central America
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • pH: 7-8.5
    • Water Temperature: 64-82ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: Midwater, top

    Swordtails are yet another highly popular livebearer that is available in a huge variety of colors and breeds. What sets swordtails apart is their distinctive long tail fins! They are great community fish for beginners and will do best if kept in a group of one male and a few females.

    7. Cherry Barbs

    Cherry Barb
    Cherry Barb

    A popular freshwater fish from the barb family. One of the most peaceful barb fish

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    • Scientific Name: Puntius titteya
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 1.75- 2 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
    • Origin: Asia
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • pH: 6-8
    • Water Temperature: 68-80ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: All levels

    Cherry barbs are beautiful and peaceful aquarium fish from the goldfish family. These active and colorful fish add rich orange-red color to your aquarium. The cherry barb fish is a social species that should be kept in groups of 6 or more fish to see them at their best.

    8. Dwarf Gouramis

    Dwarf Gourami in Aquarium
    • Scientific Name: Trichogaster lalius
    • Difficulty Level: Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 3 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Origin: South Asia
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • pH: 6-7.5
    • Water Temperature:72-82ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: Midwater, top

    A pair of dwarf gouramis make a wonderful addition to a peaceful community aquarium. These graceful labyrinth fish are both beautiful and peaceful. Dwarf gouramis are available in many different breeds such as the flame,neon blue dwarf, and honey gouramis for example.

    โš ๏ธ Honest warning: dwarf gouramis have become increasingly fragile in recent years due to Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus (DGIV), which is widespread in the hobby and notoriously difficult to treat. Theyโ€™re still beautiful community fish when healthy โ€” just buy from a reputable source, quarantine new arrivals, and watch them closely.

    9. Zebra Danio

    What Does A Zebra Danio Look Like
    • Scientific Name: Danio rerio
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 3 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Origin: India
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • pH: 6.5-7.5
    • Water Temperature: 64-75ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Possible
    • Swimming Level: All levels

    Zebra danios are active fish that love darting around the aquarium. These peaceful freshwater community fish can thrive in relatively low water temperatures, making them a great choice for unheated aquariums, and they also get along with lots of fish. These hardy fish are available in long-finned, golden, and Glofish varieties.

    10. Celestial Pearl Danio

    Celestial Pearl Danio
    Celestial Pearl Danio

    A great-looking danio fish. Males are more colorful than females. A midway dwelling fish

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    • Scientific Name: Celestichthys margaritatus
    • Difficulty Level: Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 0.75 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Origin: Myanmar & Thailand
    • Diet: omnivorous
    • pH: 6.5-7.5
    • Water Temperature: 68-79ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: All levels

    These colorful little danio fish are also known as the galaxy rasbora. They are an excellent choice for planted nano community tanks.

    Celestial pearl danios are very peaceful creatures although males may display and spar with each other. These shy little fish will do best if kept with other peaceful nano fish.

    11. Bristle Nose Pleco

    Bristlenose Pleco
    Bristlenose Pleco

    The Bristlenose Pleco is a smaller Pleco that does a great job of eating algae. Peaceful and gets along with most fish

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    • Scientific Name: Ancistrus spp.
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 5 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
    • Origin: South American
    • Diet: Herbivorous
    • pH: 5.5-7.5
    • Water Temperature: 70-79ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: Bottom

    The bristlenose pleco is a very strange and interesting-looking suckerfish. These bottom-dwelling catfish are very peaceful towards their tankmates, but should not be kept in groups with their own species. Bristle nose plecos love grazing on driftwood and they are very helpful in cleaning some kinds of soft algae.

    12. Neon Tetras

    Neon Tetra
    Neon Tetra

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    One of the most popular freshwater community schooling fish available in the aquarium trade. Great neon blue colors!

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    • Scientific Name: Paracheirodon innesi
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 1 inch
    • Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
    • Origin: South American
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • pH: 4-7.5
    • Water Temperature: 70-77ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: Mid-water

    Neon tetras are a stunning fish! These south American beauties are one of the most popular community species in the hobby because of their great color and easy care. Neon tetras are peaceful schooling fish that are perfect for everyone from beginners to experts.

    13. Cardinal Tetra

    Cardinal Tetra
    Cardinal Tetra

    A very popular schooling fish. Looks like the Neon Tetra, but with longer blue and red stripes. Grows larger than a neon tetra as well

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    • Scientific Name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 1-1.25 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
    • Origin: South American
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • pH: 3.5-7.5
    • Water Temperature: 73-84ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: Midwater

    The cardinal tetra is very similar to the neon tetra but is even more colorful! The main difference between the two species of tetras is the red stripe on the cardinal tetra which extends the whole length of the fish’s body. Cardinals are also slightly larger than neons, but at just over an inch long, they’re still very small fish.

    14. Congo Tetra

    Congo-Tetra
    • Scientific Name: Phenacogrammus interruptus
    • Difficulty Level: Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 3 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
    • Origin: Central Africa
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • pH: 4-8
    • Water Temperature: 75-81ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: Midwater, top

    The Congo tetra is one of the most beautiful tetras in the hobby. Congo tetras are native to Africa, unlike most other species which occur in South America. They are very peaceful but can be pretty shy if kept with larger or very active fish.

    Worth noting: Congo tetras do best in larger tanks. Theyโ€™re on the bigger side for tetras and can get stressed or outcompeted in smaller, busier setups. Iโ€™d give them at minimum a 40-gallon โ€” they really shine in a 55 or 75-gallon where they can school properly and their colors fully develop.

    15. Black Skirt Tetra

    What Does Black Shirt Tetra Look Like
    • Scientific Name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 2.4 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
    • Origin: South American
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • pH: 6-7.5
    • Water Temperature: 70-82ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Possible
    • Swimming Level: Midwater, top

    The black skirt or black widow tetra is a really cool schooling tetra for community tanks. They might not be the most colorful tetras but their bold black markings and curios fin and body shape make up for that. These interesting-looking fish are very peaceful if kept in schools of at least 6 fish or so.

    โš ๏ธ Honest note: black skirt tetras are hit or miss as community fish. They can be nippy โ€” especially in smaller, more crowded tanks. They do much better with plenty of space. Green Aqua has a fantastic YouTube video showing angelfish and black skirts coexisting peacefully in a 4-foot tank โ€” it can absolutely work, but tank size matters a lot here.

    16. Otocinclus

    Otocinclus Catfish
    Otocinclus Catfish

    A small algae-eating fish. Also great with freshwater shrimp.

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    • Scientific Name: Otocinclus spp.
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 2 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Origin: South America
    • Diet: Algae
    • pH: 6-7.5
    • Water Temperature: 74-79ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: All levels

    These tiny sucker fish feed on algae, which helps to keep the glass, plants, and other surfaces in your tank clean. It’s fascinating to watch them feed as they stick to the glass, but they will also swim around in the midwater of the tank if kept in a school of at least 6 fish or so. Otos are great fish for the planted aquarium but should not be added to tanks that do not produce any algae.

    17. Ram Cichlids

    • Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi & M. altispinosa
    • Difficulty Level: Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 1.5 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
    • Origin: South America
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • pH: 4-7
    • Water Temperature: 81-86ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: Midwater, bottom

    If you thought all cichlids were big and mean, think again! Rams are small, shy fish that can be kept in community tanks with the right tankmates. It is best to keep just a pair of these stunning cichlids unless you have a tank of 40 gallons or more. Ram cichlids (video source) are tropical fish that need high water temperatures, so make sure their tank mates are compatible.

    18. Glass Catfish

    Glass Catfish in Aquarium
    • Scientific Name: Kryptopterus vitreolus
    • Difficulty Level: Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 2.5 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • pH: 4-7
    • Water Temperature: 68-79ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: Midwater, top

    The glass catfish is perfect for aquarists who want something a little more unusual in their tank. These Asian catfish are translucent, and you can see practically every bone in their bodies! They are very calm fish that prefer to school together, so make sure you keep at least 5 of them in the same tank.

    19. Dojo Loach

    Dojo Loach
    Dojo Loach

    A bottom-dwelling fish that is very adaptable. Compatible in both tropical and coldwater environments

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    • Scientific Name: Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
    • Difficulty Level: Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 6-10 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
    • Origin: Asia
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • pH: 6.5-8
    • Water Temperature: 50-82ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: Bottom

    Dojo loaches are an awesome addition to a larger peaceful community tank. They are also known as weather loaches because they seem to know when the weather will change! These eel-like bottom feeders are very hardy and make a great choice for unheated aquariums. If this loach is too large for your aquarium, you can look at these other loaches in this post.

    20. White Cloud Mountain Minnows

    White Cloud Mountain Minnow
    White Cloud Mountain Minnow

    A very peaceful fish that does well in coldwater fish. Other minnow varieties are also available

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    • Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 1.5 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Origin: China
    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • pH: 6-8.5
    • Water Temperature: 57-72ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
    • Swimming Level: Midwater, top

    White cloud mountain minnows are another beautiful fish that can be kept in unheated aquariums. These colorful schoolers prefer cooler water than most tropical fish. They are available in beautiful golden and long-finned forms, although the wild type looks just as good if you ask me!

    21. Glofish Tetras & Danios

    Glofish in Aquarium
    • Scientific Name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi & Danio rerio
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Adult Size: 2.4-3 inches
    • Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
    • Origin: Captive
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • pH: 6.5-7.5
    • Water Temperature: 70-75ยฐF
    • Planted Tank Suitability: Possible
    • Swimming Level: Midwater, top

    The Glofish are a collection of several genetically modified fish species that just burst with color! For a really amazing display, try keeping these fish in a tank with blue LED lighting.

    Not all of the Glofish species are peaceful aquarium fish, but the glofish tetras and zebra danios are perfect! The glofish barbs, betta fish, and sharks are more aggressive fish that should not be added to a community.

    Freshwater Tank Setup

    When choosing a freshwater tank for a community, bigger is generally better. Most of the species in this list will be happiest if kept in a group of 6 or more individuals, so the numbers add up quickly as you introduce new species to the tank.

    Luckily, that doesn’t mean you need a huge aquarium to put together an awesome community! A 30-gallon tank or larger would be an awesome place to start, but you can have great success with a tank of half this size too.

    Once you’ve chosen your tank size, it’s time to get it set up for your fish. Read on to learn how.

    Substrate & Decorations

    Adding substrate and decorations to your aquarium can do more than just make it look pretty.

    The substrate also provides a place for your fish to forage and for plants to root themselves. Decorations and hardscape features like lava rock and driftwood also create structure and hiding places where your fish can explore and relax.

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    You can get creative with your choice of substrate color, although fish tend to be most comfortable over darker natural colors. Make sure your substrate, hardscape, and ornaments are aquarium-safe and thoroughly washed before adding them to the tank.

    Filtration

    Apart from the tank itself, there are a few important pieces of hardware that you will need to put together a great fish community. The most important of these is the filter. We run into several filter types in freshwater aquariums. From easiest to most high end they are:

    Your choice will depend on factors like your budget and stocking rate, but be sure to select a model that is designed for your aquarium size or larger. Canister filters are often considered the pinnacle in filtration systems with freshwater tanks. A model like the OASE Biomaster will get you professional level filtration that will last for years.

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    Lighting

    Lighting is one of the pieces of gear we run into if we are looking into planted tanks. You want a light that is full spectrum and will support plant growth. An easy to use moderately powered light like the Current USA Serene RGB is great for someone who want to venture into keeping many plants. Plants are great for your community fish as it makes them feel safer.

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    Providing a natural period of daylight is important for your fish’s health. Run your freshwater aquarium lighting on a timer so that it switches on and off automatically at the same time each day. 8 hours of lighting per day is recommended.

    Heating

    Most of the popular freshwater aquarium fish are tropical species that require consistently warm water temperatures. For most of us, that means an aquarium heater is an essential piece of equipment. Choose a model designed for your tank size that has an adjustable temperature range.

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    If you do not want to run a heater, you can opt to house coldwater fish. There are many peaceful community fish that will tolerate room temperature or lower water

    Live Plants

    A planted aquarium has many amazing benefits for your fish. Aquarium plants help to clean and oxygenate the water, and floating plants can help your fish feel safer and more confident.

    You don’t need to rush into growing a high-tech, heavily planted tank, however. Low light and beginner plants are great to try. Here would be a few examples:

    How to Care For Your Pets

    Now that you know how to set up a great environment for your freshwater aquarium community, it’s time to learn about care and maintenance!

    Maintaining beautiful fish tanks and healthy fish is all about consistency. Once you settle into the right routine and habits, your tank will really thrive.

    Community Tank Maintenance

    Cleaning and maintaining your freshwater community aquarium regularly will keep your fish healthy and your tank looking great. You’ll need an aquarium test kit to monitor your water quality. This will help you determine your water parameters and whether you’re performing enough maintenance on your tank.

    Set aside a little time every week or two to perform a partial water change. This will reduce the concentrations of nitrate (a by-product of fish waste, decaying plant matter, and uneaten fish food) to keep the water safe and healthy.

    This is the perfect time to suck up any dirt that has collected on the substrate and to clean algae off the glass. Inspect your filter media and rinse it out with the water you have removed from the tank. The new water you put in should be treated with a water conditioner and brought up to the same temperature as the rest of your tank before being added.

    Feeding

    Feeding aquarium fish a healthy, balanced diet is essential for their long-term care. Different fish have different diets, but most freshwater community species will thrive on a high-quality pellet or flake food as their regular food source. Frozen food is great to try if you can get your fish to eat it. Bottom dwellers can miss out on fish flakes and floating foods, so provide them with sinking tablets or pellets.

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    SF Bay FW Mult-Pack

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    Supplementing their diet with unprocessed food sources will help to bring out the best in their colors and behaviors. The following supplementary treats are recommended:

    • Brine shrimp
    • Insect larvae like bloodworms
    • Vegetables

    Algae eaters like otocinclus catfish need a healthy source of algae to feed on. They should not be introduced to new, algae-free tanks for this reason. If your algae eaters have depleted the algae in your tank, their diet should be supplemented with blanched vegetables, algae wafers, and gel foods.

    Overfeeding fish is one of the biggest causes of poor water quality and ammonia spikes in home aquariums. To prevent this, feed your fish once or twice a day and provide only as much food as they can finish in a minute or two. It’s also a good idea to observe your fish and make sure that all of them can access enough food.

    Breeding

    Different species of fish have different breeding strategies. As a general rule, however, the community aquarium is not a good place for breeding fish.

    This is because most fish love eating the eggs and fry of their tank mates! If you plan on breeding your fish, your best bet is to set up a small, dedicated breeding tank and carefully research the best method for your specific species.

    Where To Buy

    All of the species in this list are common and easy to find. Your local fish store is usually a great place to shop for community species, and they will usually have most (or even all) of these fish in stock.

    If you’re looking for a safe and convenient alternative, consider buying from a reputable online dealer!

    FAQs

    What varieties can live together?

    With enough space and compatible water parameters, just about any similarly sized and peaceful fish can live together. Remember to keep each species in a big enough group to keep them peaceful and confident.

    What big fish can live in a community tank?

    Although the species in this list are all relatively small fish, there’s nothing to stop you from putting together a large fish community tank. The same rules apply, only you’ll need a much bigger tank! The rubber lip pleco, angelfish, and clown loaches are all great examples of larger freshwater fish for a community tank.

    What is the most peaceful fish?

    Otocinclus catfish are probably the most peaceful community fish in the hobby. These tiny algae eaters are great for the established planted community tank and they’re even safe to keep with shrimp and most snails.

    What tropical fish are like these?

    There is a large number of tropical community fish in the hobby. Most of the tetras, rasboras, and livebearers are great examples. It is very important to research the needs and behavior of any fish breed before adding it to a community tank.

    What fish are generally known as this type?

    Fish species that are calm and peaceful with other fish are generally referred to as community species. These fish can live together in harmony without causing their other tank mates any harm. Most tend to be small and won’t display aggression to other fish or attempt to eat them.

    Final Thoughts

    Setting up your first freshwater community tank is an awesome experience that we aquarists never forget. Choosing the right fish for your freshwater aquarium can be a little daunting at first, but if you choose from this list, you’ll have nothing to worry about. Just remember to take your time, do your research, and have fun!

    Do you have your own aquarium with community fish? Let us know about your favorite community species in the comments below!

    ๐Ÿ“˜ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

    ๐ŸŸ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Aquarium Care Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for water chemistry, maintenance, feeding, disease prevention, and everything you need for a healthy tank.

  • Cichlid Tank Mates: My Guide to What Actually Works After 25 Years

    Cichlid Tank Mates: My Guide to What Actually Works After 25 Years

    I’ve kept Mbunas alongside tiger barbs, rainbow sharks, and pictus catfishโ€”and made it work. But that required a properly sized tank, deliberate stocking order, and plenty of territory. Cichlid tank mates aren’t something you pick at random; success comes down to space, water parameters, and knowing your specific cichlid’s temperament. In this guide I break down the best tank mate options for African, Central American, and South American cichlids based on real experience.

    Key Takeaways

    • Contrary to popular belief, cichlids can have tank mates!
    • There are three main types of cichlid: African cichlids, Central American cichlids, and South American cichlids.
    • Aggression varies from species to species and tank mate pairings will greatly depend upon compatibility with other fish, along with water parameters and tank setup.
    • African cichlids have the least flexibility in terms of tank mates while South American species have some of the greatest.

    Understanding What Type You Have

    First, you need to determine what type of cichlid you have. All cichlids are capable of being aggressive, but some can be kept in community tank setups while others can only be kept with members of their own kind.

    Luckily, most aquarium stores accurately name their cichlids so you don’t need to wonder what kind you’re taking home. Here are some of the most common cichlids you’ll find.

    African Cichlids

    Yellow Lab

    African cichlids mainly originate from two freshwater lakes in Africa: Lake Malawi1 and Lake Tanganyika. Lake Malawi cichlids, including Mbuna cichlids, tend to be more colorful but more aggressive than Lake Tanganyika species.

    Lake Malawi cichlids include:

    • Electric yellow cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus). These fish grow to 5-7 inches and are bright yellow with black-trimmed fins.
    • Demasoni cichlid (Pseudotropheus demasoni). Demasoni cichlids reach mature sizes between 3-5 inches and thrive in groups. They have alternating black and blue stripes.
    • Aulonocara spp. Commonly known as the Lake Malawi peacock cichlids, members of the Aulonocara genus come in reds, blues, and yellows, and grow to about 4-6 inches.

    Lake Tanganyika cichlids include:

    • Frontosa (Cyphotilapia frontosa). Frontosa cichlids are easily recognized by their alternating black and blue stripes and prominent foreheads. They grow to about 8-10 inches.
    • Lemon cichlid (Neolamprologus leleupi). These fish are bright yellow and grow to about 5 inches in length.
    • Golden Julie cichlid (Julidochromis ornatus). The golden Julie stays between 3-4 inches at mature size and features a mottled black, yellow, and white pattern.

    Other popular African cichlids include:

    • Kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher)
    • Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis bimaculatus)
    • African Butterfly Cichlid (Anomalochromis thomasi)

    Central and South American Cichlids

    Cichlids are found throughout Central and South America, with many species originating from the Amazon River. Central American species are considered to be more aggressive than their South American counterparts, but this will vary from species to species.

    Convict-Cichlid

    In comparison to African cichlids, these fish are much less aggressive. In fact, some can be kept in a community tank setup given the right environment.

    Here are some of the most popular Central American cichlids:

    • Red devil (Amphilophus labiatus). The red devil is named after its pale-red coloration and aggressive temperament. These fish reach a maximum size of about a foot.
    • Convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata). Growing to 3-5 inches, the convict cichlid is named after its alternating black and white stripes.
    • Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata). The Jack Dempsey reaches mature size at about 10 inches in length. These fish have bluish-green coloration with iridescent spots.

    South American cichlids are some of the recognizable fish in the aquarium hobby, like the freshwater angelfish, though most keepers don’t even know that they’re cichlids! Here’s a list of a few you might recognize:

    • Green terror (Andinoacara rivulatus). A beautiful fish, the green terror is a very aggressive cichlid. These fish are electric blue, yellow, and orange, and can grow up to a foot in length.
    • Ram cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi). One of the most community-friendly cichlids, the ram cichlid can be easily bred in the home aquarium. These blue, yellow, and red fish stay relatively small, usually under 4 inches.
    • Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare). An odd-looking cichlid, the freshwater angelfish is a type of South American cichlid! Angels come in a variety of natural blacks, browns, and silvers, and can reach a height of 12 inches.
    • Discus (Symphysodon spp.). Considered to be one of the most challenging cichlid tank setups to maintain, discus come in all colors. They grow to be about 6-10 inches and can be bred in the home aquarium.
    • Severum (Heros severus/Heros efasciatus). Another relatively peaceful fish, the severum comes in a variety of colors, ranging from very bright to dull. They reach mature size between 6-8 inches.

    Best Tank Mates

    As you can see, there are many different species of cichlid! Even though they’re all related to the Cichlidae family, most of these fish cannot be kept with one another. Instead, cichlid tank mates are very limited. In most cases, species can only be kept with their own species. In some of the more niche African cichlid communities, fish can only be kept with other fish from their exact natural habitat.

    When picking cichlid tank mates, aggression needs to be considered first, but tank size and setup need to be considered as well. For example, African cichlids originate from much more basic and harder water parameters than the low acidity and softness found throughout South America. While cichlids aren’t overly active fish, they need a lot of space to create territories.

    This is the single most important rule for cichlid tank mates: don’t attempt it in a small tank. A 55-gallon is the minimum for most African cichlid setups, and even then stocking order is critical. The bigger the tank, the more territory gets distributed and the less any one fish dominates. Combinations that fall apart in a 55-gallon often work fine in a 75 or 90-gallon.

    The biggest mistake I see is hobbyists ignoring water parameter differences. African cichlids need hard, alkaline water. South American community fish like tetras and corydoras prefer soft, acidic conditions. Mix those together and even if the aggression doesn’t kill anything, the wrong parameters will stress every fish in the tank. Know your cichlid’s water chemistry requirements before picking any tank mate.

    With all this considered, here are some of the best tank mates for African, Central American, and South American cichlids.

    African Cichlids

    There are many species of cichlid across the continent of Africa. In most cases, fish that originate from the same region can be kept together. Even then, there is room for aggression.

    Let’s first consider the best tank mates for Lake Malawi species.

    Lake Malawi tank mates

    Lake Malawi African cichlids are considered to be more aggressive than Lake Tanganyika species, so tank mate pairing and ordering are especially important.

    Mbuna

    Mbuna species. Members of the Labidochromis, Pseudotropheus, and Melanochromis genera do best when kept together. These are colorful fish that can be mixed and matched in a 55 gallon aquarium. It is recommended to keep about 10 individuals per 55 gallon, paying extra attention to the stocking order.

    Mbuna cichlids need plenty of rock in their aquarium to set up territories. The most aggressive species should be added last to prevent competition.

    From personal experience: tiger barbs, rainbow sharks, and pictus catfish can all hold their own in a well-set-up Mbuna tank. Tiger barbs are fast and assertive enough to avoid becoming targets. Rainbow sharks are naturally territorialโ€”they stake out their own section and cichlids tend to respect it. Pictus catfish are quick, nocturnal, and generally left alone. None of these are guaranteed, but with a large tank and plenty of rockwork, these combinations can work.

    Aulonocara species. Peacocks are considered to be less aggressive than Mbuna species, but they’re still aggressive cichlids. In most cases, they can’t withstand the aggression of Mbunas, making these two species incompatible tank mates. Instead, peacock cichlids can be kept with each other, and more docile haps (Haplochormis spp.).

    These fish also depend on the rockwork to form territories, so it’s important to incorporate plenty of caves and hiding spots for the fish. Aulonocara and Haplochormis have comparable aggression levels, but this may vary between specific species. Fish may be added together if they’re the same size, or be added later on according to size.

    Lake Tanganyika tank mates

    While Lake Tanganyika African cichlids are generally less aggressive than those from Lake Malawi, special attention is still needed to create successful tank mate pairings.

    Shell-dwellers. There are a few different species of shell-dweller, including those from the Neolamprologus and Lamprologus genera. These freshwater fish defend their shell territories at the bottom of the tank, so tank mates should stay in the upper portions of the tank. Aggression can vary from species to species, but some tank mate options include:

    • Sardine cichlid (Cyprichromis leptosoma)
    • Julidochromis spp.
    • Neolamprologus brichardi
    Frontosa-Cichlid

    Frontosas. These are some of the more peaceful fish on this African cichlid list, but they’re still capable of harassing and eating other fish. Frontosas do well in a species-only aquarium but can be kept with a few other Lake Tanganyika species, like the lemon cichlid or Judiochromis transcriptus. Some cichlid enthusiasts have even had luck keeping frontosas with shell-dwellers if the tank is set up with both species in mind.

    Julidochromis spp.. Species from this genera can be kept with a few different African cichlids. Along with shell-dwellers and frontosas, Julidochromis could potentially be paired with sardine cichlids and Neolamprologus species.

    Other African cichlid tank mates

    In general, African cichlids should only be kept with related species. These are some of the most aggressive fish available in the hobby, and any fish tank mate pairing can fail. Because of this, hobbyists usually only recommend Synodontis catfish for these aggressive cichlid species.

    Synodontis catfish (Synodontis spp.).These are nocturnal fish, which can help decrease the possibility of aggression. Some species only grow to be 4 inches, so they should not be kept with larger cichlids. They originate from Lake Tanganyika and do best with other endemic species, like frontosas and members of both Neolamprologus and Julidochromis. Popular species include S. lucipinnis, S. angelicus, and S. eupterus.

    Synodontis-Catfish

    Given a large tank with plenty of hiding spots, Syndontis have also been successfully kept with Mbunas and Aulonocara peacocks.

    Synodontis and pictus catfish are two of my personal top picks for African cichlid tanks. Both are fast, tough, and occupy different parts of the water column than most cichlidsโ€”exactly what you want. They’re not pushovers, and that matters in an African cichlid setup.

    Rainbowfish (Melanotaeniidae family). Some hobbyists add rainbowfish, like Boesemani (Melanotaenia boesemani), to their African cichlid tank setups. These smaller, fast-moving fish act as dither fish which can help diffuse overall aggression.

    Central and South American Cichlids

    If you want a little more wiggle room for cichlid tank mates, Central and South American species are generally much more peaceful than their African counterparts. For some of these cichlids, it’s still recommended to only keep other species from Central and South America.

    Aggressive tank mates

    Central and South American cichlids can greatly vary in size and aggression. Species like red devils and green terrors are large freshwater fish. Even if a given species is not aggressive, they will readily eat smaller fish.

    Here are some of the best tank mates for large and/or aggressive Central and South American cichlids:

    Giant gouramis (Osphronemus goramy). Giant gouramis need a giant tank. They reach impressive sizes and can become increasingly aggressive as they grow. While native to Southeast Asia, these fish can be kept in a cichlid tank with oscars, severums, and geophagus.

    Catfish. Most species of catfish can be kept with both peaceful and aggressive cichlids. An aggressive Central and South American cichlid tank can house Synodontis catfish, Raphael catfish (Platydoras armatulus), Redtail catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus), and Pictus catfish (Pimelodus pictus).

    Keep in mind that some catfish, like the redtail catfish, can grow to extreme sizes.

    Arowana (Osteoglossidae family). Arowanas are one of the largest fish available in the aquarium trade, but they’re relatively delicate. It is not unheard of for especially aggressive species to chase after and attack arowana. Unfortunately, arowanas can quickly succumb to injury. In return, large arowanas also have the potential to eat smaller, calmer cichlids. In some cases, this pairing can work.

    Arowana-Fish

    Other cichlids. The best cichlid pairings are ones that stay true to what you would find in their natural environment. Pick species that naturally occur in the same regions as your desired cichlid. Set up the tank so that each fish has its niche within that space. While this still isn’t guaranteed to work, it’s one of the best ways to approach any cichlid aquarium setup.

    Community tank mates

    It’s always risky adding more peaceful fish to a cichlid tank, but some hobbyists have made it work. These pairings will largely depend on the temperament of your freshwater fish, but success can be increased by providing plenty of hiding spots and paying close attention to interactions. Luckily, these species are usually much more peaceful than African cichlids, so there are some choices!

    Rainbowfish

    Here are some common community tank species that might fit in a Central or South American cichlid setup. Note any cichlid larger than 8 inches may consume them:

    Giant danios (Devario aequipinnatus). Giant danios are possible tank mates for cichlids: they’re big, fast, and stay at the top of the water, away from predators. This doesn’t make them an instant success, however. Many hobbyists have found that their giant danio numbers start to dwindle the longer they stay in the tank. Make sure to watch out for aggression and be ready to rehome fish if necessary.

    Rainbowfish. Species like the Boesemani rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani), millennium rainbowfish (Glossolepis pseudoincisus), and the turquoise rainbowfish (Melanotaenia lacustris) have been known to make good tank mates for certain cichlids. Rainbows need to be kept in groups of at least 6 or more but are generally capable of escaping an attacking cichlid.

    Swordtails (Xiphophorus hellerii). If you have cichlids that mind their own business, then swordtails could help bring some color and movement to the top of the aquarium. These fish are colorful and busy, but most importantly, they’re prolific. This is especially helpful as even if a cichlid goes after adults or eats the majority of fry, chances are that a swordtail population will be able to sustain itself.

    Congo tetras (Phenacogrammus interruptus). Another similar option is the Congo tetra. These are moderately-sized schooling fish, just big enough to hold their own against a more territorial cichlid. Congo tetras are one of the few species of tetra that can be housed with cichlids, as anything smaller could be bullied or eaten.

    Peaceful Cichlid Tank Mates

    Some cichlids simply get along with fish while others are actually peaceful species. So much so that some hobbyists don’t even realize they’re cichlids, like freshwater angelfish! While African cichlids are still too aggressive to make this list, there are plenty of other Central and South American species that can successfully be added to a community tank.

    Rams

    The ram cichlid is a small South American species that can be kept and bred within a community tank setup. These fish only grow to about 4 inches, which means that they can be kept with both bigger and smaller species.

    Some compatible ram cichlid tank mates include:

    It’s important to note that ram cichlids prefer slightly higher water temperatures than normal, in the 78 to 85ยฐ F range. Tank mates should be able to adapt to these conditions without any ill effects.

    Angelfish

    Zebra-Angelfish

    Freshwater angelfish are arguably the most popular species of cichlid, though many hobbyists don’t even realize that they’re cichlids. These fish require some special care when choosing tank mates as they prefer slow-moving water conditions and cannot tolerate having their fins nipped.

    These are some options to consider:

    • Other angelfish
    • Mollies
    • Rainbowfish
    • Corydoras catfish
    • Molly Fish
    • Certain tetras (Cardinal tetras, Rummynose tetras)

    Discus

    Red-Turquoise-Discus

    Discus are one of the more challenging species of aquarium fish to keep due to their need for near-pristine water parameters and higher water temperature ranges. Because of this, many hobbyists choose to keep discus in setups by themselves, but some have also had luck keeping them in community tanks.

    Some suitable tank mates might be:

    Oscars

    Albino-Oscar

    Oscars can be aggressive, but they don’t mean to be. Instead, these are gentle giants that need plenty of space for themselves and might mistake smaller fish for a meal. Given the right setup, they are very easy to care for and can be kept with a variety of species, including:

    • Silver dollars
    • Clown loaches
    • Arowanas
    • Other cichlids (Green terror, Jack Dempsey, Severums)
    • Other oscars

    Severums

    Severum-Cichlid-Fish

    Severums are another relatively peaceful species of cichlid. These are large fish, growing to nearly 10 inches at adult size, but they can bring a lot of color and interest to a semi-aggressive community tank. They need a large tank, but can be kept with an assortment of:

    • Silver dollars
    • Denison barbs
    • Pearl gouramis
    • Oscars
    • Other severums

    FAQS

    What kind of fish can be put with cichlids?

    African cichlids have limited tank mates while Central and South American species can be kept with a bigger assortment. In general, African cichlids should only be kept with species that originate from the same regions. Central and South American species have greater flexibility for being mixed with each other and with other aquarium species.

    Can you put a cichlid in a community tank?

    Yes! Some cichlids can be kept in a community aquarium setting, like rams, angelfish, and discus. This means that they can be kept with more familiar tetras, cory catfish, and livebearers. However, more aggressive types, like African cichlids, should only be kept with each other.

    Do cichlids eat other fish?

    Yes, cichlids, especially large ones, can eat other fish. This isn’t entirely on purpose for some species, like the oscar, where curiosity gets the best of them. It is always safe to assume that if a fish can fit in another fish’s mouth, they could potentially become lunch.

    African cichlids and more aggressive South American cichlids are more likely to chase and attack fish than they are to mistakingly eat them.

    Can cichlids live with goldfish?

    No! Cichlids can never live with goldfish. Goldfish are coldwater fish while cichlids prefer tropical and above tropical water temperature conditions. Many African cichlid species also prefer harder and more basic water conditions, which is incompatible with goldfish. Lastly, goldfish are gentle and relaxed while cichlids are active and territorial!

    Conclusion

    When setting up a cichlid tank, you need a plan. These are aggressive fish that have special considerations regarding water parameters, tank setup, and aggression. Tank mates will largely revolve around the type of cichlid you choose to keep. An African cichlid tank might only leave room for related species but an angelfish aquarium might allow space for a variety of community species.

    Keep in mind that while one pairing works for another hobbyist it might not always work for you. Always be ready to rehome fish if necessary.

    ๐Ÿ“˜ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

  • Severum Tank Mates: My 15 Picks After Years in the Aquarium Trade

    Severum Tank Mates: My 15 Picks After Years in the Aquarium Trade

    Severums have a well-earned reputation as gentle giants in the cichlid world โ€” and having cared for them at local fish stores over the years, Iโ€™d say thatโ€™s accurate. Theyโ€™re surprisingly peaceful for a cichlid of their size, which opens up a lot of stocking options. But you still need to choose carefully: the wrong tank mate can stress them out or end up as a meal. Here are my picks for the best severum tank mates, plus the ones Iโ€™d steer clear of.

    Key Takeaways

    • Severums are fairly peaceful cichlids that can be kept with a variety of other tropical fish species.
    • The best severum cichlid tank mates are other medium to large fish that prefer a similar water temperature and parameters.
    • The severum cichlid is omnivorous, so they are not safe to keep with nano fish like neon tetras.
    • Severums will also eat live plants and invertebrates like shrimp.

    The Top 15 Severum Tank Mates

    Are you ready to meet 15 suitable tank mates for your severum cichlid? Read on to find the perfect match for your severum community! Here’s a video from our official YouTube Channel. If you like our videos, subscribe to our channel.

    1. Other Severums

    Severums-Fish

    Before we start getting into other species, let’s discuss the option of keeping multiple severums together in the same tank. Now, these fish don’t need to be kept in schools, and you can keep just a single fish, but many aquarists have kept them together without trouble.

    Of course, severums are large fish, so you’ll probably need a tank that holds a few hundred gallons to keep a group into adulthood. Housing four or more fish together may also help to limit aggression.

    They can be semi-aggressive toward each other, so it’s a good idea to buy them young and add them to the tank at the same time. Choosing individuals of different breeds may also help to prevent aggression, although you’ll probably want to prevent them from hybridizing if you are considering breeding them.

    2. Silver Dollars

    Spotted Silver Dollar
    • Scientific name: Metynnis argenteus
    • Origin: South America
    • Adult size: 6 inches
    • Minimum tank size: 75 gallons
    • pH: 6-7
    • Temperature: 75-82ยฐF
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    The silver dollar is a peaceful South American schooling fish with an accurate name. These rounded fish are mostly silvery in color, although they may have some orange color on their anal fins.

    Silver dollars tend to hang out in the middle and upper layers of the tank where their high activity levels add a lot of movement. However, these fish do best in groups of about 5 or more, so you’ll need a large aquarium to house them with your severums.

    3. Oscars

    Albino Oscar
    • Scientific name: Astronotus ocellatus
    • Origin: South America
    • Adult size: 10-14 inches
    • Minimum tank size: 75+ gallons
    • pH: 6-7.5
    • Temperature: 68-82ยฐF
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive

    Oscars can make great severum tank mates, although a lot depends on their individual personalities. Like the severum cichlid, these large South American cichlids are available in several awesome color patterns, and they generally get along well with tank mates that are too large to fit in their mouths!

    Oscars are pretty easy to care for, although they are carnivorous fish that need a balanced diet that includes some meaty foods like earthworms. These fish also grow even larger than the severum cichlid, so this pairing will not work in anything less than a 75-gallon tank.

    4. Dension Barbs

    Dennison Barb
    • Scientific name: Sahyadria denisonii
    • Origin: India
    • Adult size: 4 inches
    • Minimum tank size: 55 gallons
    • pH: 6.8-7.8
    • Temperature: 60-77ยฐF
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    The denison barb (also known as the roseline shark) is a great choice for aquarists who want a colorful active tank mate for their severum cichlid.

    However, these fish prefer cooler water temperatures than many other tropical species, so you’d need to maintain your water temperatures around the mid-70s Fahrenheit to keep everyone comfortable. Denison barbs do best in a large school, so buy a group of at least 6 individuals.

    5. Pearl Gourami

    Pearl Gourami Fish
    • Scientific name: Trichpodus leerii
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • Adult size: 4-5 inches
    • Minimum tank size: 30-40 gallons
    • pH: 6-7
    • Temperature: 75-82ยฐF
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    The pearl gourami is a peaceful, docile fish that enjoys similar water conditions to the severum cichlid. These tropical fish do well in community tanks, although you should keep four or more in the same tank.

    These gouramis have a reddish body covered in beautiful pearly spots and a dark horizontal line from their eye to their tail. There pelvic fins are modified into interesting feelers that they move around to explore their environment, making this a fascinating fish to watch.

    6. Medium to large plecos

    Bristle Nose Pleco
    • Scientific name: Hypostomus spp., Parancistrus spp., Ancistrus sp. etc.
    • Origin: South America
    • Adult size: 4 – 12 inches
    • Minimum tank size: Species-dependent, medium-sized species will thrive in a 55-gallon+ aquarium
    • pH: Neutral to slightly basic conditions are suitable for many species
    • Temperature: 75-80ยฐF is suitable for many species
    • Temperament: Generally peaceful but can be territorial toward their own kind

    Plecostomus catfish are laid-back bottom feeders that spend most of their time hanging out on the bottom of the tank or sucking onto rocks and driftwood. These cleaner fish are not aggressive, although they can hold their own against more boisterous tank mates.

    Many species will make excellent tank mates for severums, although it’s important to research their needs carefully before you buy. Some pleco species grow surprisingly large, while others require strong water flow or high temperatures

    Check out my guide to 15 pleco fish species to learn about some of the best types in the hobby!

    7. Angelfish

    Platinum Angelfish
    • Scientific name: Pterophyllum spp.
    • Origin: South America
    • Adult size: 6 inches
    • Minimum tank size: 40 gallons
    • pH: 6-7
    • Temperature: 75-82 ยฐF
    • Temperament: Generally peaceful

    Known for their distinctive body shape, freshwater angelfish are incredibly popular in the aquarium hobby. These medium-sized South American cichlids are good tank mates for severums and many other peaceful community fish.

    Angelfish are available in a few different species, including the larger altum angelfish (Pterophyllum altum) and the rarer Leopold’s angelfish (P. leopoldi). The regular freshwater angelfish (P. scalare) is also available in many stunning color morphs.

    8. Blue Gourami

    Blue Gourami Fish
    • Scientific name: Trichopodus trichopterus
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • Adult size: 5-6 inches
    • Minimum tank size: 35 gallons
    • pH: 6-8
    • Temperature: 75-86ยฐF
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive

    The blue gourami (also known as the three-spot gourami) is one of the most beautiful gourami species in the hobby, and it can make a good tank mate for severum cichlids.

    However, blue gouramis are also one of the more aggressive gouramis, so you’ll need to consider the safety of any other tank mates you might want to keep.

    9. Geophagus

    Geophagus
    • Scientific name: Geophagus spp.
    • Origin: Amazon River Basin, South America
    • Adult size: 5-12 inches
    • Minimum tank size: Species dependent, 55 gallons for smaller species
    • pH: Species dependent, slightly acidic to slightly basic
    • Temperature: Species dependent, generally upper 70s and lower 80s Fahrenheit
    • Temperament: Peaceful and social

    Geophagus cichlids are also known as earth-eaters for their habit of searching for sucking in sand in search of food. This diverse group of South American cichlids includes many species that will work with severums, although it’s important to research the specific water parameter and tank size needs of each type before adding it to your tank.

    It’s also important to house these fish in an aquarium with a sandy substrate to allow for natural foraging behaviors. The various geophagus cichlids inhabit diverse habitats, including still waters and fast-flowing rivers, so select species that will enjoy the same conditions as your severum cichlid.

    10. Larger Rainbowfish

    Red-Irian-Fish
    • Scientific name: Melanotaenia spp., Glossolepis etc.
    • Origin: Southeast Asia and Australasia
    • Adult size: 4-6 inches
    • Minimum tank size: 55 gallons
    • pH: 7-8
    • Temperature: 74-78ยฐF
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    Larger rainbowfish species, like the boesemani and red rainbowfish, can make excellent tank mates for severum cichlids, especially if you are looking for large and colorful species that swim actively in the open water.

    However, it’s important to consider their water chemistry preferences when housing them with severum cichlids and South American species. These peaceful fish prefer temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit and neutral to slightly basic water chemistry, so they have a fairly narrow parameter overlap with severums.

    11. Uaru Cichlid

    Uaru Cichlid
    • Scientific name: Uaru amphiacanthoides
    • Origin: South America
    • Adult size: 10-12 inches
    • Minimum tank size: 75 gallons
    • pH: 6-7
    • Temperature: 82-86ยฐF
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    The Uaru is a large South American cichlid with attractive but neutral body colors. They are identified by the large black blotch on either side of their body and by their bright red or yellow eyes.

    Uaru cichlids are very peaceful and make excellent severum cichlid tank mates, although they require pretty warm water. A tropical aquarium with temperatures in the lower 80s Fahrenheit will be ideal for this tank mate combination.

    12. Kissing Gourami

    Kissing Gourami
    • Scientific name: Helostoma temminkii
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • Adult size: 8-10 inches
    • Minimum tank size: 50 gallons
    • pH: 6-8
    • Temperature: 72-86ยฐF
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive

    The kissing gourami is a fascinating freshwater species known for its habit of locking lips with its own kind. These filter-feeding fish are fairly peaceful, and their specialized diet means they can be kept with much smaller tank mates.

    13. Electric Blue Acara

    Electric Blue Acara
    • Scientific name: Most likely to be a hybrid
    • Origin: South American ancestry
    • Adult size: 6-7 inches
    • Minimum tank size: 40 gallons
    • pH: 6-7
    • Temperature: 74-82ยฐF
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive

    The electric blue acara is a stunning South American cichlid that is most likely to be a hybrid of two or more wild species. These medium-sized freshwater fish are excellent tankmates for severums because they show little aggression and thrive in the same water conditions.

    ๐Ÿ† My top pick: Out of all 15 options on this list, the Electric Blue Acara is the one Iโ€™d recommend first. The temperament match with severums is excellent โ€” neither fish is looking for a fight โ€” and their water parameter requirements line up well. A great pairing.

    14. Salvini Cichlid

    • Scientific name: Cichlasoma salvini
    • Origin: Central America from Mexico to Belize
    • Adult size: Up to 6 inches
    • Minimum tank size: 55 gallons
    • pH: 6.5-8
    • Temperature: 72-79ยฐF
    • Temperament: Aggressive

    The Salvini cichlid is one of the most gorgeous cichlid species in the aquarium world. Unfortunately, they tend to show aggressive breeding behavior, although large severums can generally hold their own against these stunning fish if you provide a suitable environment.

    You can minimize aggressive behavior by keeping a single fish (salvini cichlid pairs can be highly aggressive), providing plenty of space in a large aquarium, and by providing plenty of caves and other hiding spots. Keep an eye on their behavior and be prepared to rehome them if you notice serious aggressive behavior.

    15. Bolivian Rams

    Bolivan Ram Cichlid
    • Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
    • Origin: South America
    • Adult size: 3 inches
    • Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
    • pH: 6-7.5
    • Temperature: 75-82ยฐF
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    Bolivian rams are beautiful severum cichlid companions for more experienced fishkeepers. Just keep in mind that rams are dwarf cichlids, so it may be risky to add young specimens to a tank with full-grown severums that are large enough to swallow them!

    Bolivian rams are generally very peaceful and tend to hang out at the bottom of the tank. These fish can also be kept in aquariums as small as 30 gallons, so it is possible to house several individuals in a larger tank.

    Fish To Avoid

    While severums get along with many other freshwater fish species, there are a few species that you should definitely avoid. Here are four tank mates that are not recommended for adult severum cichlids:

    โš ๏ธ The two mistakes I see most often: choosing fish that are too small (severums will bully or eat them once theyโ€™re fully grown) or too aggressive (severums are peaceful by cichlid standards and will get stressed by constant harassment). Size and temperament matching is everything with this species.

    1. Dwarf Gourami

    Dwarf Gourami in Aquarium

    Large gouramis, like the pearl and kissing gouramis, are appropriate tank mates for severums, but smaller species, like honey and dwarf gouramis, are riskier. I would avoid keeping dwarf gouramis with larger cichlid species.

    2. Smaller Tetras

    Black Neon Tetra

    Some fish keepers have success keeping severums with larger-bodied species like the black skirt tetra, although small schooling fish are generally not a good idea. You should definitely avoid small species like neon and ember tetras.

    3. Highly aggressive fish

    Wolf-Cichlid

    Despite their size, severum cichlids can be vulnerable to attacks from aggressive fish. It’s best to avoid highly aggressive species like wolf cichlids, although some fishkeepers have success with aggressive species like Jack Dempseys and the blood parrot cichlid.

    Be prepared to rehome any fish that don’t get along with your severums as fights and aggressive behaviors can result in serious injuries for one or both fish.

    4. African Cichlids

    Mbuna Cichlids

    It’s generally a bad idea to mix African cichlids with severums. Rift Valley cichlids from East Africa require really hard, basic water to survive, while severums prefer neutral or even slightly acidic conditions.

    Aggression and compatibility can also be a problem, so if you do try this pairing, stick to more peaceful species like electric yellow labs.

    Care Basics

    Also known as banded cichlids or ‘poor man’s discus,’ the severum cichlid (Heros sp.) is a large but peaceful South American fish from the cichlid family. There are many different varieties in the aquarium trade, including the green severum, the gold severum, and various other species in the Heros genus.

    Severums can grow to about a foot long out in the wild, but they usually max out at less than ten inches in the home aquarium. They are easy to care for, although they require a large aquarium of at least 55 gallons.

    Diet

    Severums are omnivorous fish that require a varied diet. High-quality pellets are a good staple diet but you should include frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and plant matter like blanched vegetables to keep your fish healthy and encourage breeding behavior.

    Recommended Water Parameters

    • Temperature: 75-84ยฐF
    • pH: 6-7.5
    • Water hardness: 4-6dH

    There’s much more to learn about severum cichlid care! Go ahead and check out my in-depth severum cichlid care guide for much more on these awesome fish.

    Community Aquarium Setup Tips

    Aquarium Size

    A 55-gallon tank is suitable for growing out young fish or keeping a single severum cichlid. However, larger fish will do better in a 75-gallon tank, and you’ll need even more space if you’re adding a few tank mates.

    Great Beginner SW Tank
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    A 125+ gallon setup should provide adequate space for a severum cichlid community with a few other medium/large fish, although a bigger tank is always better!

    Decor and Planting

    The ideal layout for the severum cichlid includes plenty of driftwood over a sandy substrate. Unfortunately, these omnivorous cichlids will eat live plants, so it’s generally not a good idea to keep these partly vegetarian fish in planted tanks. However, you could try some tough species like Java fern if you’re not too worried about them getting chewed on.

    Characteristics of Suitable Companion species

    This species can be housed with many other medium to large freshwater aquarium fish. However, it’s important to select tank mates that thrive in the same water conditions as the severum cichlid.

    Severums are not particularly aggressive, although they can hold their own with slightly more aggressive and boisterous species. Small, slow-moving fish are a risky choice because severums are omnivorous.

    How big of a tank do Severums need?

    The minimum tank size for severum cichlids is 55 gallons. However, breeding pairs will require a 75-gallon tank, and you may need to go even larger when keeping multiple fish or adding a few medium to large tank mates.

    Are Severums aggressive?

    Severums are relatively peaceful cichlids, making them an excellent choice for a larger community tank. However, some species are more aggressive than others and each specimen has its own personality.

    They may also become aggressive when breeding, so these fish are generally classified as semi-aggressive.

    Will Severums eat neon tetras?

    Severums are omnivorous and generally feed on plant material and invertebrates. However, a larger specimen will feed on other fish if they are slow enough to catch and small enough to swallow. Keeping the severum cichlid with neon tetras and other small schooling species is not recommended.

    Can you keep a single Severum?

    Severums can be kept on their own or in small groups. Some sources indicate that single fish may become more aggressive without the company of their own kind, although many aquarists have no problems keeping these fish on their own.

    Can a severum live with African cichlids?

    Severums are not ideal tank mates for African cichlids from Lake Malawi, Victoria, and Tanganyika. Those fish are adapted to water with high pH and mineral content, whereas severums prefer soft water with a pH closer to neutral.

    South and Central American cichlid species or West African cichlids like the kribensis are usually a better match on water parameters.

    Final Thoughts

    Careful consideration is necessary when choosing tank mates for freshwater fish – especially when cichlids are involved. Fortunately, the severum cichlid is a gentle giant of the fish keeping world, suitable for many different freshwater tank mates. I hope this guide to the 15 best severum cichlid tank mates has helped you narrow down your options and find the perfect companions for your severum!

    Do you keep severums? Share your favorite tank mates in the comments below!

    ๐Ÿ“˜ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

  • The 21 Smallest Aquarium Fish in the Trade: My Picks After 25 Years

    The 21 Smallest Aquarium Fish in the Trade: My Picks After 25 Years

    Iโ€™ve personally kept several fish from this list โ€” chili rasboras, pea puffers, and zebra danios โ€” and cared for virtually all of them during my years working at local fish stores. The single most important thing I tell people getting into nano fish: donโ€™t let the small size fool you into thinking a small tank will do. Every fish on this list needs to be kept in a group, and a group still needs space. I always push people toward a 10-gallon minimum, with bigger being better. Hereโ€™s my full breakdown of the 21 smallest aquarium fish in the trade.

    Key Takeaways

    • One of the smallest fish in the aquarium trade is the dwarf pygmy goby.
    • The world’s smallest fish is believed to be Paedocypris progenetica, an unnamed fish from Sumatra.
    • Small aquarium fish don’t require any additional consideration, but tank mates should have a similar temperament.
    • Popular small fish include zebra danios, chili rasboras, dwarf pea puffers, and white cloud minnows.

    The 21 Smallest Aquarium Fish In The Trade

    Some of the smallest fish in the world can be brought into the home aquarium. What they lack in size they bring in color, movement, and excitement. Check out the video from our YouTube Channel.

    It should be noted that just because these fish are small does not necessarily make them the most affordable or hardy species. Some may also be limited in availability or difficult to find.

    1. Dwarf Pygmy Goby

    • Scientific Name: Pandaka pygmaea
    • Adult Size: 0.35-.0.45 inches
    • Tank Size: 5 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful, bottom-dwelling

    To begin this list, we start with one of, if not, the world’s smallest fish species: the dwarf pygmy goby. Also known as the Philippine goby, these incredibly tiny fish max out at just under a half-inch long. They have mottled black, brown, and white colors with a typical elongated goby body.

    The dwarf pygmy goby originates from muddy bottoms throughout Southeast Asia. They regularly move between freshwater and brackish conditions; many hobbyists prefer keeping them in medium salinity, but they can also be kept in purely fresh conditions.

    Unfortunately, the dwarf pygmy goby is a critically endangered species and distribution is highly limited. Hobbyists are most likely to find these fish available for purchase near their natural habitats.

    2. Exclamation Point Rasbora

    Exclamation Point Rasbora
    • Scientific Name: Boraras urophthalmoides
    • Adult Size: 0.50-0.65
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful, shy

    The exclamation point rasbora is colorful and aptly named for the black-and-orange-outlined ‘!’ on the sides of its body. These fish are native to Thailand but can be found for sale throughout the aquarium industry relatively easily.

    The exclamation point rasbora needs to be kept in larger groups, with most hobbyists recommending a school of at least 10 or more. This is because these fish are very shy and skittish and will find comfort in a larger school. For the same reasons, the aquarium should be densely planted with plenty of floating plants. Tank mate compatibility is also limited.

    3. Chili Rasbora

    Chili Rasboras
    Chili Rasboras

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    A great nano schooling fish. Males display brighter colors. Best in groups of 6 or more

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    • Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae
    • Adult Size: 0.75-1.0 inches
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    The chili rasbora has gained popularity over the past few years as being one of the best freshwater species that only grow to an inch. These fish are firey-orange and will bring tons of color and movement to the aquarium.

    Like most other small fish, chili rasboras are shy schooling fish that excel in a large group with plenty of vegetation. If keeping no other fish, a 10 gallon aquarium can comfortably keep a school of 20 individuals.

    ๐Ÿ† My top pick from this entire list: Chili rasboras are my #1 recommendation for nano tanks. Iโ€™ve kept them personally and theyโ€™re absolutely stunning in a large group against a planted background. The color payoff in a well-planted 10-gallon is hard to beat โ€” they look like living embers.

    The chili rasbora is a relatively hardy fish that can adapt to some changes in water parameters, but good tank husbandry is a must. With excellent care, these fish can live to be 8 years old!

    4. Fire Ember Tetra

    • Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon amandae
    • Adult Size: 0.75-1.0 inches
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    Similar in appearance to the chili rasbora, the fire ember is bright orange. However, fire embers are hardier, less skittish, and much more affordable than chili rasboras.

    Fire ember tetras originate from the Amazon River in South America. They prefer a heavily planted aquarium and a school of at least 6 or more. These small fish have been captive-bred and can be kept in a wide range of aquarium conditions.

    5. Least Killifish

    • Scientific Name: Heterandria formosa
    • Adult Size: 0.75-1.50 inches
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    Though they’re named killifish, least killifish are not true killifish and are a type of minnow instead. This means that they are small, hardy fish that can complete a natural biotope setup or densely planted aquarium. They are also one of the few aquarium species available that is native to the southeast United States.

    Least killifish are one of the smallest species of minnow available, making them a perfect addition to the nano aquarium. These are not schooling fish, but they greatly enjoy the company of others.

    6. Pygmy Sunfish

    • Scientific Name: Elassoma spp.
    • Adult Size: 1.0-1.5 inches
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Shy, live-feeders

    Pygmy sunfish are sure to make a big splash in the aquarium hobby in the near future. These electric black and blue fish almost resemble a small species of cichlid, without the aggression. Instead, these fish are native to the southeast United States and display paired mating behaviors.

    Pygmy sunfish are currently difficult to find for sale, though demand is growing. There is one major challenge that comes with keeping these fish though, and this is that they require a live food diet. They are ambush predators and need to hunt for prey that wiggles and moves.

    The best home for a pygmy sunfish will have a live food system up and running.

    7. Pygmy Corydoras

    Pygmy Cory
    Pygmy Cory

    A smaller variety of Cory Catfish. Grows to less than 1.5 inches in length. A peaceful bottom dwelling fish

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    • Scientific Name: Corydoras pygmaeus
    • Adult Size: 0.75-1.5 inches
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful, bottom-dwellers

    Though some of the other tiny fish on this list might be hard to find at your local fish store, the pygmy corydoras is luckily easy to find.

    These small bottom-dwellers are native to Brazil and appreciate a soft substrate with plenty of live plants. They have natural brown and white colors and are easy to tell apart as females are almost double the size of males! They are very difficult to breed in the home aquarium but have been done so successfully at a commercial scale.

    Pygmy corydoras are one of the few species on this list that can be safely housed with larger tropical fish. As long as they are kept in schools of at least 6 or more and are given plenty of coverage, they will do well in a traditional community tank setup.

    8. Dwarf Pea Puffer

    Freshwater Pea Puffers
    Freshwater Pea Puffers

    At only an inch in length, this is the smallest pufferfish you can purchase in the aquarium hobby

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    • Scientific Name: Carinotetraodon travancoricus
    • Adult Size: 1 inch
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive

    Maybe not the smallest fish on this list, the dwarf pea puffer is certainly the most adorable. These plump little fish are one of the only true freshwater species of puffer; most other species prefer brackish waters. Instead, these fish do best in a heavily planted freshwater aquarium.

    ๐Ÿก From my experience: Pea puffers have enormous personalities for such a tiny fish โ€” Iโ€™ve kept them and always enjoyed them, but they can be nippy with tank mates. They do best in a species-only setup or with very carefully chosen companions. Rewarding fish, just go in with the right expectations.

    The dwarf pea puffer might be small, but they can be aggressive. The problem is that males and females look the same to us, but males can tell each other apart. Male pea puffers can be territorial towards other males in the tank, especially during breeding periods. Because of this, it might take some time to work out a compatible male-to-female ratio.

    9. Clown Killifish

    Clown Killifish
    Clown Killifish

    A colorful nano killifish. Best in low flow tanks

    Click For Best Price
    • Scientific Name: Epiplatys annulatus
    • Adult Size: 1.0-1.5 inches
    • Tank Size: 5 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful, predatory

    Also known as the banded panchax, the clown killifish is a very interesting fish to keep. These might not be the smallest fish on the list, but they’re one of the smallest and most effective predators. The clown killifish stays just below the surface of the water, waiting for insects and other small organisms to land. When ready, they use their upturned mouths to quickly catch their prey!

    In the aquarium setting, this can be replicated by offering small insects, such as fruit flies and mosquito larvae. While predators, clown killifish can be kept alongside a variety of community tank species, like tetras and corydoras. However, they are rather solitary and enjoy the company of one or two others.

    10. Spotted Blue Eye Rainbowfish

    • Scientific Name: Pseudomugil gertrudae
    • Adult Size: 1 inch
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful, shy

    Possibly the most beautiful fish on this list, the spotted blue eye rainbowfish is a shimmering bluish-yellow with elongated speckled fins. Because of their appearance, these are also some of the most expensive fish listed.

    The spotted blue eye rainbowfish only grows to be about an inch at mature size. They originate from shallow, slow-moving waterways throughout Southeast Asia as well as Australia. Spotted blue eye rainbows can withstand low pH levels, making them a good candidate for blackwater or biotope setups.

    These fish do best in groups of at least 6 or more and as one of the only species in the aquarium. They are often kept with peaceful bottom-dwellers, including snails and shrimp.

    11. Green Neon Tetra

    Green Neon Tetra School
    • Scientific Name: Paracheirodon simulans
    • Adult Size: 0.75-1.0 inches
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    The green neon tetra isn’t seen in the aquarium as often as the more recognizable neon tetra, but these tiny fish do well in a school in most tank setups. A few considerations are needed to keep them, though.

    While tetras are seen as some of the hardiest fish in the aquarium hobby, green neon tetras are a little more sensitive to imperfect water conditions. These fish originate from exclusively blackwater conditions in South America. This means that blackwater conditions with soft, acidic water parameters need to be matched in the home aquarium. They also need heavy plant coverage, preferably with leaf litter that sustains a natural population of small foods.

    12. Kubotai Rasbora

    • Scientific Name: Microdevario kubotai
    • Adult Size: 0.50-1.0 inches
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    One of the less common species of rasbora, the Kubotai rasbora is hard to miss! These fish are naturally neon green from Southeast Asia.

    For their size, these rasboras originate from moderately-flowering waterways. This, in addition to plant life, makes the water highly oxygenated, which should be recreated in the aquarium setting with plants and air bubblers. Surface water may also be agitated as long as it’s not overpowering the rasboras.

    Otherwise, Kubotai rasboras are relatively straightforward to keep as long as water parameters are maintained. They are a schooling fish that need to be kept in a group of at least 6 or more. Tank mate pairing may be difficult as other inhabitants must also be a similar size and be able to withstand a moderate water flow.

    13. White Cloud Minnow

    White Cloud Minnow in Planted Tank
    • Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
    • Adult Size: 1.5 inches
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful, active

    While many of the smallest aquarium fish are fun and cute to look at, many are shy and reclusive. If you’re looking for something small and active, the white cloud minnow might fit your next coldwater aquarium setup!

    The white cloud minnow is a bold fish with a silver body, bright white horizontal stripe, and unmistakable red fins. They originate from China but have been found in other regions of Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, they are nearly considered extinct in their natural habitat.

    Luckily, these are some of the easiest fish to keep in the aquarium hobby and are highly prolific! They will naturally mate when kept in a school of 6 or more. White cloud minnows are a coldwater species, which means that tank mate pairing can be tricky. They also require some water flow and are relatively active in the top and middle portions of the aquarium.

    14. Glowlight Tetra

    Glowlight Tetra
    • Scientific Name: Hemigrammus erythrozonus
    • Adult Size: 1.5-2.0 inches
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    You might think that glowlight tetras are artificially dyed, but these bright orange fish are all natural! These tetras are a little bigger than the other species on this list, but they’re a perfect addition to a more active community tank.

    Glowlight tetras originate from South America and do best in a heavily planted aquarium with a dark substrate that lets their natural colors show. These fish are a loose schooling species and need to be kept in groups of at least 6 or more. If they’re swimmingly together in a tight school, then they might be overwhelmed by the other tank mates in the aquarium and a larger school may be necessary.

    15. Dwarf Emerald Rasbora

    Dwarf Emerald Rasbora
    Dwarf Emerald Rasbora

    A colorful Rasbora fish that needs large numbers for its personality to really show. Needs at least a group of 10.

    Click For Best Price
    • Scientific Name: Danio erythromicron
    • Adult Size: 1.0-1.5 inches
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    The dwarf emerald rasbora is not a common species to see at your local fish store, but these fish complement the colors and behaviors of celestial pearl danios and other small tetras. They may also be advertised as a thick band purple zebra danio.

    Dwarf emerald rasboras have a very limited range in Inle Lake, Myanmar. They are shoaling fish and the male-to-female ratio needs to be balanced. Males are slightly smaller but more colorful than their female counterparts. Because they’re so small, these fish do best in groups of at least 10 or more.

    Another concern surrounding the dwarf emerald rasbora is during feeding time. Though these fish are confident in numbers, they can be outcompeted during feeding times by other more active species. They also have small mouths, which means that they might have difficulty eating some foods.

    16. Borneo Sucker Loach

    • Scientific Name: Gastromyzon punctulatus
    • Adult Size: 1.5-2.0 inches
    • Tank Size: 20 gallons
    • Temperament: Active, social

    Another species not commonly found for sale in the hobby is the Borneo sucker loach, also known as the spotted borneo sucker. These fish are named after the country they originate from and the small yellow spots that cover their dark body.

    The Borneo sucker loach is a relatively challenging fish to keep. These loaches need high water flow, and social groups of at least 4 or more. They should have a healthy supply of natural algae available, but will also need high-quality algae wafers and flakes.

    Other tank mates should be able to tolerate a more active and outgoing species. Though these loaches aren’t aggressive, other small and timid fish might be overwhelmed.

    17. Zebra Danio

    Zebra-Danio
    • Scientific Name: Danio rerio
    • Adult Size: 1.0-2.0 inches
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Active

    The zebra danio is a staple fish in the aquarium hobby. While they’re not the world’s smallest fish, they’re one of the most recognizable.

    The zebra danio originates from parts of Southeast Asia and especially prefers cold water temperatures. However, they have been successfully bred and adapted to the aquarium hobby for years and can now be kept in nearly every temperature range.

    These fish are extremely hardy and can be paired with most fish that fit inside their preferred temperature zone. Zebra danios prefer the upper portions of the water column, where they’ll zoom back and forth across the tank in their school. Smaller, less active tank mates should be avoided.

    ๐ŸŸ From my experience: Zebra danios were one of the first fish I kept and they remain one of the best starter fish in the hobby. Theyโ€™re incredibly hardy, active schoolers, and nearly bulletproof โ€” a great choice if youโ€™re new to nano tanks and want something forgiving.

    19. Gardneri Panchax Killifish

    • Scientific Name: Fundulopanchax gardneri
    • Adult Size: 2.0-2.5 inches
    • Tank Size: 20 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    One of the most colorful fish on this list, the Gardneri Panchax killifish grows well over one inch but can fill a small aquarium all on their own. Males are brighter in color, but both males and females feature bright green, orange, red, and blue coloration. These fish originate from unique marsh habitats that experience seasonal droughts throughout areas of Africa, like Nigeria and Cameroon.

    Because of their changing environment, these killifish are very hardy and do well in most aquarium setups. A tight aquarium hood is necessary.

    20. Scarlet Badis

    Scarlet Badis
    Scarlet Badis

    A great colorful nano fish. They are known for being semi-aggressive. Best if keep solo or in pairs

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    • Scientific Name: Dario dario
    • Adult Size: 1 inch
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Generally peaceful

    The scarlet badis is a perfect freshwater nano fish for hobbyists who prefer cichlid behavior. Badis are like mini-cichlids, just without the aggression!

    The scarlet badis is a colorful red and blue fish that originates from India and Bhutan. When ready, males and females form mating pairs. Males can become aggressive towards each other during these times, so it’s recommended to only keep one male and female per tank.

    Otherwise, scarlet badis are timid fish that will shy away from more active and overbearing species. They need plenty of plants and hiding spots to spawn and to feel safe. These fish also need a high-quality diet mixed with flake food and live food, but should not be overfed as they’re prone to obesity.

    21. Emerald Eye Rasbora

    • Scientific Name: Rasbora dorsiocellata
    • Adult Size: 1.0 inch
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    Another less commonly known rasbora, the emerald eye rasbora is simple in color with a greenish-grey body and highlighted dorsal fin. These fish originate mainly from Thailand but can be found throughout flowing streams across Southeast Asia.

    Emerald eye rasboras have peaceful schooling behaviors. They do well as a background fish in a school of 6 or more but may be timid around more active species.

    Other Species

    There are two species listed below that are not available for aquariums and the others are often mentioned, but we ran out of space. Let me know in the comments if we missed any fish and I’ll add them to the list.

    • Midget dwarf goby
    • Corfu dwarf goby
    • Celestial pearl danio (AKA Galaxy Rasboras)
    • Mosquito rasboras
    • Bettas (AKA Siamese Fighting Fish) – They can live in small tanks but aren’t small themselves)
    • Harlequin Rasbora – popular, but too big to be considered for this list

    Conclusion

    Wanting to keep the smallest fish in the world in the smallest aquarium possible? Many species of fish stay under an inch long, and even more stay under 2 inches long. Most species of small fish don’t require any special considerations in terms of aquarium requirements, but some may be more easily intimidated by larger and more active species than others.

    It’s also important to keep in mind that many small fish are jumpers, so a tight aquarium lid is necessary!

    ๐Ÿ“˜ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

  • Zebra Danio Tank Mates: My 21 Picks After Years in the Hobby

    Zebra Danio Tank Mates: My 21 Picks After Years in the Hobby

    Iโ€™ve kept zebra danios and theyโ€™re about as bulletproof as freshwater fish get โ€” hardy, active, and incredibly easy to care for. But that high energy level is exactly what trips people up when selecting tank mates. These fish need space to zoom around, and I wouldnโ€™t attempt a community setup in anything smaller than a 20-gallon tank. Add in their preference for cooler water and you have two things most people donโ€™t think about until itโ€™s too late. In this guide Iโ€™ll walk you through my 21 top picks โ€” and the combinations to avoid.

    Key Takeaways

    • The zebra danio is a hardy, active fish that can be kept with a variety of species.
    • These fish do best in a coldwater setup but can be acclimated to warmer conditions.
    • Some of the best zebra danio tank mates are tetras, rasboras, and corydoras.
    • Tank mate species to avoid include bettas, aggressive cichlids, and fish with large mouths.

    Intro

    Before we can talk about tank mates, we need to understand zebra danio care.

    Zebra danios, scientifically known as Danio rerio, are highly adaptable freshwater fish native to many regions throughout Asia. These fish can be found in cold to hot fast-moving or stagnant conditions across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan; they have been introduced to many other regions of the world, including South America and North America. They usually live alongside vegetation but don’t rely on it for survival1.

    Zebra-Danio

    These freshwater fish grow to be about 1 to 2 inches on average and are named after the alternating silver and bluish-black horizontal stripes along the sides of their body. They have a torpedo-shaped body that helps propel them through the water.

    Zebra danios are a very important species for science. They are considered a scientific model organism, which allows for many avenues of biological study. In fact, a zebra danio has even been sent to outer space! Interestingly, there is also evidence that zebra danios have memory, which means that they may experience some level of consciousness.

    Tank Size

    It is no wonder why the zebra danio is a favorite addition to the aquarium setting due to its high adaptability. These are easy-to-keep fish that bring a lot of movement to the upper portions of the aquarium.

    Zebra danios are a schooling fish, which means that you need to allow space for at least 6 or more individuals. In general, a school of zebra danios can comfortably fit in a 10 gallon aquarium with minimal other fish. However, a 20 gallon long aquarium will allow for a bigger school as well as other tank mates.

    Aqueon 20 Gallon Tank
    Aqueon 20 Gallon Tank

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    Water Temperature

    One of the most important aspects to keep in mind when keeping zebra danios is their need for cooler water conditions. While these peaceful fish have been documented across a 50 degree range, they seem to do best when the water temperature is kept stable between 65-82ยฐ F.

    โš ๏ธ The biggest tank mate mistake I see: Fishkeepers pair zebra danios with tropical fish that need warmer water, or slow-moving species that canโ€™t handle their energy. Danios are fast and constantly on the move โ€” timid or slow fish will be stressed by them. Always match both temperature range and activity level when choosing tank mates, and remember: nothing smaller than a 20-gallon if you want this to work.

    The Top Zebra Danio Tank Mates

    Now that we have some understanding of where zebra danios come from and how they live in both their natural habitat and in the aquarium, we can start to consider some tank mate options.

    The best zebra danio tank mates will be able to live with an active fish in colder-than-normal water temperatures.

    1. Harlequin Rasboras

    Harlequin Rasbora
    Harlequin Rasbora

    A peaceful schooling fish. An ideal community fish. A great beginner fish

    Click For Best Price
    • Scientific Name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Adult Size: 1-2 inches
    • Water Temperature: 71-80ยฐ F
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    Harlequin rasboras are small, colorful orange and black fish that resemble tetras. They are schooling fish that need to be kept in groups of at least 6 or more. Together, they are active swimmers that will stay in the middle portions of the aquarium.

    With more active fish, like the zebra danio, harlequin rasboras may school tighter together and be less active. However, with a larger tank, the two species will complement each other in terms of activity and color.

    2. Cory Catfish

    Albino Cory Catfish
    • Scientific Name: Corydoras spp.
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Adult Size: 1-5 inches
    • Water Temperature: 70-80ยฐ F
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    There are many different species of corydoras available in the aquarium hobby, coming in a variety of sizes. These are bottom-dwelling fish that like to school far away from zebra danios at the top of the water column. This distance, in addition to cories preferring slightly cooler-than-normal water conditions, makes them a good pairing for zebra danios.

    ๐Ÿ† My top pick for a zebra danio tank mate: Cory catfish are my go-to recommendation โ€” they occupy the bottom while danios work the top, so thereโ€™s zero competition for space. The shared preference for slightly cooler water makes the parameter match easy too. Iโ€™ve seen this pairing work beautifully, and itโ€™s the first thing I suggest to anyone setting up a danio community tank.

    Some of the most popular Corydoras options include the bronze cory (Corydoras aeneus), pygmy cory (Corydoras pygmaeus), panda cory (Corydoras panda), and Sterba’s cory (Corydoras sterbai).

    3. Mollies

    Sailfin Molly in Aquarium
    • Scientific Name: Poecilia spp.
    • Tank Size: 15 gallons
    • Adult Size: 3-5 inches
    • Water Temperature: 72-82ยฐ F
    • Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive

    Mollies are one of the most popular freshwater fish. Mollies are large fish that come in almost every color, with many different varieties available.

    They not true schooling fish, but they do enjoy the company of at least two to three others. This, in addition to their size, means that they are good feature fish for tanks over 10 gallons.

    It is important to note that while mollies are often seen as community tank fish, they are capable of showing aggression to other fish and each other, especially if there are multiple males in the tank during breeding times. They also prefer the upper portions of the water column. Because of this, it’s important to watch how your mollies and zebra danios interact.

    4. Swordtails

    Swordtail Fish in Planted Tank
    • Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii
    • Tank Size: 20 gallons
    • Adult Size: 3-6
    • Water Temperature: 64-82 ยฐF
    • Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive

    Swordtails are very similar to mollies in terms of color, activity, and behavior. These fish come in all different color variations and are easily recognized by their extended tail fin. They can also be kept in cooler water temperatures.

    These fish are not a schooling species but exhibit shoaling behaviors in small groups with one male and several females. Swordtails are relatively active fish that like to stay in the upper portions of the aquarium. They can become aggressive towards other fish and their own if more than one male is present.

    While swordtails are generally peaceful towards zebra danios, hobbyists should look out for possible fin-nipping and competition during feeding times.

    5. Neon Tetras

    Neon Tetra
    Neon Tetra

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    One of the most popular freshwater community schooling fish available in the aquarium trade. Great neon blue colors!

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    • Scientific Name: Paracheirodon innesi
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Adult Size: 1.0-1.5 inches
    • Water Temperature: 72-82ยฐ F
    • Temperament: Peaceful, shy

    Neon tetras get along with most freshwater fish, and zebra danios are no exception. These small red and blue fish can be timid, especially when kept in smaller groups. Luckily, they only grow to be about an inch big, which allows for more room for keeping a bigger school. This is necessary as zebra danios can potentially stress them out.

    The good news is that neon tetras and zebra danios generally live in two different areas of the tank. Neon tetras usually stay in the middle and lower portions of the aquarium, away from the hustle and bustle of danios. Still, some extra decorations and hiding spots might encourage your tetras to be more present.

    6. Rummy Nose Tetras

    Rummy Nose Tetra
    Rummy Nose Tetra

    An easy to care for Tetra fish that loves to school. Very peaceful fish that are great for beginners

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    • Scientific Name: Hemigrammus bleheri
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Adult Size: 1-2 inches
    • Water Temperature: 75-85ยฐ F
    • Temperament: Peaceful, active

    Rummy nose tetras have a similar appearance and behavior to the zebra danio, but they’re a little more challenging to keep. These peaceful fish are identifiable by their bright red faces and can be seen swimming in schools in the upper portions of the water column.

    While rummy nose tetras make a good option for a zebra danio community tank, they are much more sensitive to incorrect and changing water conditions than other fish species. These fish do especially well in bigger groups in a heavily planted tank.

    7. Apistogrammas

    Apistogramma cacatuoides
    • Scientific Name: Apistogramma spp.
    • Tank Size: 20 gallons
    • Adult Size: 2-3 inches
    • Water Temperature: 72-86ยฐ F
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive

    If you want another fish species to be the star of your aquarium instead of your zebra danio school, then an Apistogramma cichlid might make the ideal tank mate. These dwarf fish are from South America and are one of the more peaceful species of cichlid available. They have a moderate temperament but will readily tolerate other small, peaceful fish.

    The trick to choosing good Apistogramma tank mates is selecting fish that can’t be mistaken for another cichlid and that stay out of their way during breeding periods. This makes the zebra danio a good option.

    8. Chili Rasboras

    Chili Rasboras
    Chili Rasboras

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    A great nano schooling fish. Males display brighter colors. Best in groups of 6 or more

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    • Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Adult Size: <1 inch
    • Water Temperature: 70-82 ยฐF
    • Temperament: Peaceful, shy

    If you’re looking for something even smaller than the zebra danio, chili rasboras are about as tiny as you can get. There are a few considerations that will need to be made before making these two tank mates, though.

    Chili rasboras are extremely small fish that grow to be less than an inch big. They love to school at the top of the water column but will scatter if threatened. Unfortunately, this can sometimes become problematic if you have an especially active or bold zebra danio.

    If you find that your chili rasboras are overwhelmed by your zebra danio school, then you may need to increase the size of your rasbora school, add more plants, or reconsider rehoming one of the species.

    9. Ember Tetras

    Ember Tetra
    Ember Tetra

    A small red tetra that grows up to 1.25 inches. A very peaceful schooling fish

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    • Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon amandae
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Adult Size: 1 inch
    • Water Temperature: 72-80 ยฐF
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    While not exactly the same, ember tetras are a good (and cheaper) alternative to chili rasboras. These two fish share some of the same orangey-red colors and ember tetras only grow to be a little bigger.

    Unlike chili rasboras, ember tetras are hardy fish that prefer the middle and lower portions of the water column. They take comfort in a school of 6 or more and can withstand the activity of a zebra danio school.

    For most hobbyists, ember tetras are a better addition to the zebra danio community tank than chili rasboras.

    10. White Cloud Minnows

    White Cloud Mountain Minnow
    White Cloud Mountain Minnow

    A very peaceful fish that does well in coldwater fish. Other minnow varieties are also available

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    • Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Adult Size: 1-2 inches
    • Water Temperature: 57-72ยฐF
    • Temperament: Peaceful, active

    White cloud minnows are one of the best zebra danio community tank mate options, period! This is because their tank size, adult size, water temperature, and temperament all align.

    White cloud minnows are not tropical fish and are instead, minnows. This means that they are incredibly hardy fish that can withstand a wide range of water temperatures and parameters. They are also active schooling fish that enjoy their own company and that of other fish species.

    11. Boesemani Rainbowfish

    Boesemani-Fish
    • Scientific Name: Melanotaenia boesemani
    • Tank Size: 40 gallons
    • Adult Size: 4-5 inches
    • Water Temperature: 72โ€“77ยฐ F
    • Temperament: Peaceful, active

    The Boesemani rainbowfish and the zebra danio is an odd pairing, but it’s doable! Both of these species are very active and a larger tank will be needed to comfortably keep both. While zebra danios will mostly stay towards the top of the tank, plenty of room should also be allowed for an active school of rainbowfish in the middle.

    This is an unusual pairing mostly due to color and activity levels. As long as temperatures match and there is room to swim, Boesemani rainbows can live alongside zebras.

    12. Cherry Barbs

    Cherry Barb
    Cherry Barb

    A popular freshwater fish from the barb family. One of the most peaceful barb fish

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    • Scientific Name: Puntius titteya
    • Tank Size: 25 gallons
    • Adult Size: 2 inches
    • Water Temperature: 73โ€“81ยฐ F
    • Temperament: Peaceful, sometimes shy

    Cherry barbs are one of the most ideal tank mates for zebras! Similar in size and activity, these two fish can comfortably live together as cherry barbs prefer the lower areas of the tank.

    That being said, these small barbs can sometimes be shy fish. It’s best to keep these fish in a larger densely planted tank with a good-size school. They can be somewhat sensitive to water parameters, so they should be safely acclimated and kept with good tank husbandry.

    13. Hatchet Fish

    Marble Hachet Fish
    • Scientific Name: Gasteropelecus sternicla
    • Tank Size: 20 gallons
    • Adult Size: 2-3 inches
    • Water Temperature: 72-81ยฐ F
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    If you’re looking for another fish to keep your zebra danios busy at the top of the tank, the hatchet fish will always be found just below the surface. While they don’t have the best vibrant colors, hatchet fish are one of the most interesting-looking fish species available!

    These fish are great for community tanks but need a tight aquarium lid as they’re notorious jumpers.

    14. Kuhli Loach

    Kuhli Loach
    Kuhli Loach

    Kuhli Loaches are hardy bottom-dwelling fish. Nocturnal in nature. Gets along with many fish and tolerate of coldwater environments

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    • Scientific Name: Pangio kuhlii
    • Tank Size: 20 gallons
    • Adult Size: 3-4 inches
    • Water Temperature: 73-86ยฐ F
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    No matter your tank setup, there is always room for a kuhli loach. These fish are incredibly silly and fit right in at the bottom of a community tank setup.

    Kuhli loaches aren’t true schooling fish, but they thrive in the company of their own. It is important to take careful consideration when introducing kuhli loaches into community tanks as hobbyists sometimes keep them at higher-than-normal water temperatures.

    Always make sure to keep an aquarium lid on to prevent your loaches from escaping!

    15. Platy Fish

    Sunset-Platy
    • Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Adult Size: 2-3 inches
    • Water Temperature: 64-77 ยฐF
    • Temperament: Peaceful, prolific

    Platy fish are one of the most popular species of freshwater fish for beginner hobbyists and are one of the best tank mates for zebra danios. These community fish are colorful, active, and unbothered by other active species.

    However, platy fish are incredibly prolific and can quickly overpopulate an aquarium. This, in addition to being overall messy fish, can cause water quality problems.

    As long as populations and water quality are kept in check, then platy fish can comfortably live with zebra danios and an assortment of other fish!

    16. Otocinclus

    Otocinclus Catfish
    Otocinclus Catfish

    A small algae-eating fish. Also great with freshwater shrimp.

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    • Scientific Name: Otocinclus spp.
    • Tank Size: 20 gallons
    • Adult Size: 2-4 inches
    • Water Temperature: 74-79ยฐF
    • Temperament: Peaceful, shy

    Unlike the zebra danio, otocinclus are not beginner fish. In fact, these are some of the most difficult fish to keep due to their constant need for natural algae.

    Otocinclus are smaller fish that rely on each other for safety. They need to be kept in groups of at least 6 or more and need an established aquarium with plenty of natural biofilm. A densely planted tank is a must.

    Because these are some of the most challenging fish to keep and zebra danios are one of the easiest, these two species are not seen together often.

    17. Cardinal Tetras

    Cardinal Tetra
    Cardinal Tetra

    A very popular schooling fish. Looks like the Neon Tetra, but with longer blue and red stripes. Grows larger than a neon tetra as well

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    • Scientific Name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Adult Size: 1-2 inches
    • Water Temperature: 73-81ยฐ F
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    Slightly larger but more sensitive than neon tetras, cardinal tetras are great tank mates for danios. Cardinal tetras are colorful schooling fish that can be somewhat sensitive to both water quality and overactive tank mates. However, if they’re kept in a big enough school, they will feel safe to explore all corners of the tank, including where your zebra danios like to swim.

    Cardinal tetras don’t have any special considerations, but they do best when acclimated and kept with live plants.

    18. Honey Gourami

    Honey Gourami
    Honey Gourami

    One of the more peaceful Gourami fish available in the hobby. Has a unique yellow coloration and only grows up to 2 inches in length

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    • Scientific Name: Trichogaster chuna
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Adult Size: 2-3 inches
    • Water Temperature: 74-82ยฐ F
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    The honey gourami is a great feature species for a zebra danio tank. These fish are big and bold but gentle giants. Honey gouramis can be kept alone or in pairs, as long as the tank size allows.

    For the most part, the honey gourami makes a great tank mate for danios. Always make sure to keep an eye out for any potential fin-nipping between the two species. Zebra danios might take some interest in their thread-like pelvic fins.

    19. Nerite Snails

    Tiger Nerite Snails
    Tiger Nerite Snails

    These Nerite Snails will eat algae, are plant safe, and do not reproduce in your aquarium!

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    • Scientific Name: Neritina spp.
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Adult Size: 1-2 inches
    • Water Temperature: 65-85ยฐ F
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    If you don’t want to keep other fish with your danios, then nerite snails are ideal tank mates! These snails can’t reproduce in freshwater, so you don’t need to worry about them overpopulating. They are also efficient cleaners and will help keep the tank clean of any algae or uneaten food.

    20. Bristle Nose Pleco

    Bristlenose Pleco
    Bristlenose Pleco

    The Bristlenose Pleco is a smaller Pleco that does a great job of eating algae. Peaceful and gets along with most fish

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    • Scientific Name: Ancistrus cirrhosus
    • Tank Size: 30 gallons
    • Adult Size: 5 inches
    • Water Temperature: 73-80ยฐF
    • Temperament: Peaceful

    If you want a cleanup crew member that’s a little more exciting than a snail, then bristle nose plecos are a great addition to the freshwater aquarium. These plecos grow to reasonable sizes and don’t need a pure vegetation diet. Instead, they’ll help keep the tank clean of leftover food and other organic debris, though they won’t clean up fish waste.

    21. Other Danios

    Leopard

    If you’re a danio fan, then there are a few other species you can safely keep with your zebra danios. While there aren’t many species of danio available in the aquarium hobby, some of the most popular include:

    • Giant danio (Devario aequipinnatus)
    • Pearl danio (Danio albolineatus)
    • Glowlight danio (Danio choprai)
    • Blue danio (Danio kerri)

    Apart from the giant danio, all of these species should have similar tank requirements, though exact specifications are needed.

    Bad Selections

    Though there are many great tank mates for zebra danios, there are a few that will never be compatible. Here are some species to avoid.

    Bettas

    Plakat Betta Fish

    Betta fish are aggressive fish that need their space. The last thing a betta will tolerate is a zebra danio zooming around its territory.

    These two fish are incompatible tank mates due to territorial aggression and overactivity of the Danio that will stress out the Betta.

    Aggressive cichlids

    Texas Cichlid

    For the same reasons, zebra danios will never be compatible with aggressive cichlids, like most African Lake species. Not only will these cichlids see danios as a threat to their territory, but they’ll also see them as food.

    Anything Big

    Arowana Fish

    That brings us to this next generalization. A zebra danio should never be kept with any species that could fit one of these small fish into its mouth.

    A zebra danio can easily entice a predator as it zooms across the tank and be mistaken for food as a result. For this reason, it’s best to keep these danios with similar-sized tank mates.

    FAQs

    What fish can you keep with a zebra danio?

    There are many fish that can be kept with zebra danios, but small tetras, rasboras, catfish, and loaches are some of the best choices! When picking a new fish for your zebra danio tank, water temperature and activity levels are the main factors to take into consideration.

    How many zebra danios should be kept together?

    These danios need to be kept in groups of at least 6 or more. Keeping less than this can cause individuals to become stressed out and reclusive. This might even lead to a premature death.

    Are zebra danios good community fish?

    Yes! Zebra danios are some of the best community fish available. These fish are extremely hardy and can be kept with most community species.

    Are danios fin nippers?

    Zebra danios can be fin nippers. It’s best to avoid long-finned tank mates or to increase the size of the school instead. This should help diffuse possible aggression.

    Can danios go in a tropical tank?

    Yes, zebra danios can be slowly acclimated to a warmer tank even though they prefer cooler temperatures.

    Conclusion

    Zebra danios are widely available fish. While they’re not the most colorful fish, they have bold stripes that catch the eye as they zoom across the tank. These fish are highly active and should be kept with tank mates that can tolerate their behavior. Luckily, many coldwater and freshwater species check this box!

  • How Long Do Fish Live? What Iโ€™ve Learned After 25 Years in the Hobby

    How Long Do Fish Live? What Iโ€™ve Learned After 25 Years in the Hobby

    After 25 years in this hobby, Iโ€™ve seen fish live surprisingly long lives โ€” and heartbreakingly short ones. Koi are the most extreme example: thereโ€™s a famous koi named Hanako that was reportedly over 200 years old. But even in a home aquarium, the difference between a fish living 2 years versus 10 comes down to a handful of key factors. Diet and living conditions are the two biggest ones Iโ€™ve seen in my experience. In this guide Iโ€™ll break down the average lifespans of the most popular aquarium fish โ€” and what actually determines how long they live.

    How Long Do Fish Live (By Category)

    There are over 30,000 fish species on the planet, ranging from tiny nano species to the majestic 60-foot whale shark1. Their lifespans seem to vary as much as their size and appearance, with some species surviving just a few months and others living for centuries! Check our video above for visuals from our YouTube Channel. We go over in more detail in our blog post so you can follow along with both!

    The average aquarium fish lives a few years with good care, although some species can live for a few decades. After reading this guide, you’ll see that there’s a lot of variation between the species.

    Size And Growth

    Unlike humans, fish are indeterminate growers, which means they continue to grow throughout their lives. It can be difficult to guess the age of a fish over at the pet store, but you can bet a large specimen has already reached a good age.

    Scientists have a more precise way of judging a fish’s age. They simply count the rings on their scales, kind of like the way you tell the age of a tree2. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of concrete scientific evidence about aquarium fish lifespans out there, so most of what we know comes from the experiences of other fish keepers.

    Of course, many factors can affect how long fish live. For example, a fish that can live for ten years might survive just a few hours in a tank with incorrect water temperature, or it could surprise you and live for 12 years.

    We’ll discuss some of the factors that affect fish longevity later in this post, but for now, let’s go ahead and dive into the average life expectancies of some popular aquarium fish you might consider keeping in your tanks.

    Small Fish Lifespans

    Betta-Fish-Looking-For Food

    Smaller fish tend to have short lifespans, although some nano species can live surprisingly long! You could expect your pets to reach these lifespans with good care and a bit of luck:

    Medium Species

    Lake-Tebera-fish

    The average medium-size fish lifespan is between 5 and 15 years, which makes this group of fish a similar commitment to other popular pets like cats and dogs. Read on to learn about some popular medium aquarium fish lifespans.

    • African Cichlids: 5-10+ years
    • Angelfish: 10-12 years
    • Blood Parrot: 5-15 years
    • Blue Acara: 8-10 years
    • Bristlenose pleco: 10-15 years
    • Common Goldfish: 10-15 years
    • Convict Cichlid: 8-10 years
    • Discus cichlid: 10-18 years
    • Fancy goldfish: 10-15 years
    • Glass catfish: 7-8 years
    • Jack Dempsey: 10-15 years
    • Molly: 3-5 years
    • Rainbowfish: 5-8 years
    • Rainbow shark: 5-8 years
    • Siamese Algae Eater: 5-10 years
    • Silver dollar: 10 years
    • Swordtails: 3-5 years

    Large Species

    Arowana Fish

    Larger fish tend to live longer, although they need proper care and a suitable aquarium to reach their full potential. Let’s take a look at some big fish lifespans.

    ๐Ÿ’ก A lifespan that still blows my mind: Koi are the most extraordinary example of fish longevity in the hobby. The famous koi Hanako was reportedly over 200 years old when she died in 1977 โ€” verified by scale ring analysis. Most koi in home ponds already live 25โ€“35 years with good care, which is remarkable for any fish. Itโ€™s a powerful reminder of just how much proper conditions matter.

    • Arowana: 10-20 years
    • Bala shark: 10 years
    • Bichirs: 10-15 years
    • Black ghost knife fish: 10-15 years
    • Blood Parrot: 5-15 years
    • Clown loach: 10-15 years
    • Dojo loach/Weather loach: 10-15 years
    • Flowerhorn cichlid: 8-12 years
    • Koi fish: 25-35 years, but can over 60 years!
    • Oscars cichlids: 10-15+ years
    • Plecos: 10-20 years
    • Red-tailed Catfish: 15-20 years
    • Severum: 10 years
    • Tinfoil Barb: 8-10 years
    • Tire track eel: 8-18 years

    Wild Species

    Large Mouth Bass

    Just in case you were wondering how aquarium fish stack up against wild species, here’s a list of some well-known wild fish and their lifespans:

    • Atlantic Salmon: 5-8 years
    • Bluegill Sunfish: 5-8 years
    • Common Carp: 25-50 years
    • Largemouth Bass: 10-15 years
    • Rainbow Trout: 5-7 years
    • Sturgeon: 50-60 years

    Aquarium Invertebrates and Other Aquatic Animals

    Fish are not the only animals that live in fish tanks! Continue reading to learn about some other aquatic pet lifespans.

    • Cherry shrimp: 1-2 years
    • Snails: 1-10 years
    • Dwarf Frogs: 5-15 years
    • Turtles: 20-40 years
    • Axolotls: 10-15 years

    9 Factors that Affect Fish Lifespans

    The lifespans listed above are possible with good care and a healthy specimen, but tropical fish often live a much shorter lifespan than you might expect. There are many factors that can determine your pet’s longevity, and many of them are in your control as a fish keeper.

    Continue reading to learn about nine factors that can increase or decrease aquarium fish longevity.

    1. Age At Purchase

    Guppies Swimming

    This one might seem pretty obvious, but young fish can live longer than old fish.

    Most of the fish you see in the pet store are just a few months old, which means they still have most of their expected lifespan ahead of them. The large, mature specimens you see sometimes are much older, and it can be difficult to tell their age.

    Young fish may be more fragile and susceptible to damage than mature specimens, but if you can get them through the acclimation period and the first few weeks in their new tank, these fish can survive for many years.

    2. Stocking

    Bullying and fighting between the fish in your tank can cause stressful living conditions and reduce your fish’s lifespan. Some fish tend to be more aggressive than others, and you really want to avoid these species when setting up a community tank.

    I recommend stocking your tank with peaceful fish that grow to a similar size. This will also prevent any fish from getting snacked on. Remember, big fish eat little fish!

    3. Physical Size

    Frontosa-Cichlid

    If you’ve already scanned through the list of fish and their lifespans, you probably noticed a general trend. Medium-sized fish live longer than small fish, and big fish live even longer.

    Most small fish live about three to five years, while large species like koi can live for several decades. There are exceptions, of course. Kuhli loaches can live surprisingly long for their size!

    Tank size can play an important role in fish lifespans too. Keeping large fish in a small tank will lead to cramped conditions, poor water quality, and a reduced life expectancy.

    4. Genetic Factors And Fancy Breeds

    What is a fancy goldfish

    Genetics plays a big role in the lifespans of pet fish. Some betta fish live for over four years, although selective breeding has decreased the average lifespan of some varieties.

    Some fancy breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than wild-type fish. This applies to fish like balloon mollies and some fancy goldfish breeds. These fish may be more prone to health issues that affect their internal organs, but they can still lead a full and healthy life with good care.

    5. Water Quality

    Tap-Water-Source

    Poor water quality is probably the leading cause of reduced lifespans in pet fish. Keeping a tank clean and maintaining a healthy environment can be tough for beginner fishkeepers, especially if you start with sensitive fish species.

    Understanding the aquarium nitrogen cycle and testing your aquarium water regularly will help you maintain a suitable environment and keep your fish healthy, but having the right equipment is also crucial. Tropical fish need good filtration and regular aquarium maintenance to keep their water safe and achieve their full potential life span.

    6. Water Parameters

    Poor water quality is a major cause of fish mortality, but even well-maintained aquariums can be dangerous for some fish species.

    Each fish species has evolved to live in a certain range of water chemistry parameters. Some fish are highly adaptable, while others won’t survive unless you recreate their preferred conditions. Of course, freshwater fish should not be mixed with saltwater fish and vice versa!

    I suggest testing the pH level and water hardness of your local water supply before choosing your fish species. It is possible to alter your water chemistry or use bottled or reverse osmosis water in your tanks, but it’s always easiest to choose freshwater fish that will thrive in your local water.

    7. Temperature

    Incorrect water temperature can reduce fish lifespan to just hours, so this is one factor I really can’t stress enough. Tropical freshwater fish come from warm water habitats, so most fish keepers will need an aquarium heater to keep these fish healthy.

    However, you probably won’t need a heater if you live in a tropical region, or keep your home at a constant temperature between about 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Fish temperature preferences vary depending on the species, so always research the needs of each individual fish species before adding them to a community tank with other fish.

    8. Health Problems

    Fish are susceptible to various illnesses that can reduce their lifespan. Common diseases include bacterial infections, fungal infections, viruses, and parasitic infections like ich that cause white spots.

    Aquarium fish are most vulnerable to health problems when their water quality is low, but they can also develop illnesses when kept in unfavorable water parameters or with unsuitable tank mates.

    Disease outbreaks can occur when you add a new fish to your aquarium, so it’s best to confine new fish to a quarantine tank before introducing them to your community aquarium. That way you can monitor your new pet fish for a few weeks and treat them with veterinary medicine if necessary.

    9. Diet

    Diet quality is another important factor that can increase or decrease your fish’s life expectancy. Different species of fish have different dietary needs, so you may need to provide more than one type of food if you keep multiple species of fish.

    โš ๏ธ The three mistakes I see most often that cut fish lifespans short: First, keeping fish in a tank thatโ€™s too small โ€” chronic stress and stunted growth take years off their lives. Second, poor or monotonous diet โ€” fish need variety and species-appropriate food to thrive. Third, bad tank mates that cause constant stress or injury. Iโ€™ve watched all three of these shorten the lives of fish that could have lived much, much longer.

    Fluval Bug Bites Flakes
    Fluval Bug Bites Flakes

    A flake version of Fluval’s amazing pellet bug bits products. Great for all tropical fish and high in protein.

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    Modern prepared fish foods contain just about everything your fish need to stay healthy, but you can also supplement their diet with some healthy treats. Carnivorous and omnivorous fish love live or frozen foods like bloodworm and brine shrimp, while omnivorous and herbivorous fish species enjoy healthy snacks like peas and zucchini.

    FAQs

    How long does a pet fish live?

    Depending on the species, most pet fish with live between 1 and 15 years with good care. The average nano fish will live between 3 and 5 years, while medium fish species have longer lifespans in the 5-15 year range.

    How long do fish live naturally?

    Fish in the wild probably live shorter lifespans than captive fish because they are exposed to more predators and dangerous environmental factors like floods, droughts, and cold snaps. Captive fish can live a surprisingly long life if kept in a clean tank with stable conditions and a high-quality diet.

    Which fish species has the shortest lifespan?

    According to the Guinness Book of Records, the fish with the shortest lifespan is the seven-figure pygmy goby. These tiny saltwater fish complete their entire life cycle in less than two months!

    In the aquarium hobby, livebearers like guppies and platies tend to have shorter lifespans than similar-sized egg layers like the neon tetra. The average guppy has a lifespan of just two to three years.

    Which fish live the longest?

    The longest-living fish species is the Greenland shark, a species of deep, cold waters in the open ocean. These huge sharks can reach about 23 feet and live for over 400 years! This is one fish you probably don’t want in your home aquarium.

    Which fish has the longest lifespan?

    Goldfish are about the longest-living aquarium fish species, and some specimens will live over 25 years with proper care.

    Koi can live even longer, although these beautiful fish from the carp family are usually housed outdoors in ponds. Their average lifespan is about 25 to 30 years, although one incredible specimen called Hanako is said to have lived for 226 years!

    Final Thoughts

    Fish lifespans vary between species, but you can use this guide to make a pretty educated guess about how long your fish will live. Of course, you’ll need to provide consistent care if you want your pets to reach their full potential, so check out my extensive range of fish care guides for loads of great advice!

    How old is your oldest fish? Let me know in the comments below!

    ๐ŸŸ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Aquarium Care Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for water chemistry, maintenance, feeding, disease prevention, and everything you need for a healthy tank.

  • Can Angelfish and Bettas Live Together? Why I Always Tell Customers to Avoid It

    Can Angelfish and Bettas Live Together? Why I Always Tell Customers to Avoid It

    Iโ€™ve never personally attempted this combination โ€” and after 25 years in the hobby, thatโ€™s a deliberate choice. Iโ€™ve heard the aftermath from customers who came into the fish store after things went sideways with this pairing. The core problem is size and temperament: angelfish are significantly larger than bettas, and while bettas have a reputation for aggression, theyโ€™re actually the ones that come off second best when an adult angelfish asserts itself. My advice: skip this combo entirely. This guide explains exactly why โ€” and what to do if youโ€™re already in this situation.

    Key Takeaways

    • Betta fish and angelfish are not recommended as tank mates.
    • Some aquarists may have successfully housed these fish together in larger aquariums (55-gallon +) but it’s important to have a spare tank ready in case you notice any signs of aggression.
    • Bettas can be aggressive, but they are slow swimmers and stay much smaller than angelfish, so they are more likely to be the victim in an aggressive encounter.

    Can Angelfish And Bettas Live Together? – No!!!

    Here’s your quick answer. In the vast majority of cases, Bettas cannot live with Angelfish in the same tank. Now that you know the answer, let’s go into why it doesn’t work.

    Why It Doesn’t Work

    Let’s take a look at some of the issues you’re likely to face.

    Tank Size

    On paper, angelfish and betta fish prefer similar water parameters, so you might think they make ideal tank mates. However, these fish have very different tank size requirements.

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    You’ll need at least 20 gallons to house young angelfish and a 55 gallon tank for adults, but just 5 gallons or more to house bettas. So, you definitely can’t add angelfish to a small betta fish tank.

    Aggression

    Both angelfish and bettas can be aggressive fish, depending on their personalities. Both fish also have long fins, so they can be vulnerable to fin nipping.

    However, a full grown angelfish is much larger than a betta fish, so if there’s any aggression, the betta is going to come off second best.

    ๐Ÿšซ From my experience in the trade: This is the core of why the pairing fails. Bettas have a reputation as the aggressor, but next to a full-grown angelfish, that reputation doesnโ€™t hold up. Iโ€™ve had customers come into the store after losing their betta to angelfish aggression they never saw coming. The size difference is just too significant โ€” especially once the angelfish fully matures.

    Angelfish can become especially aggressive during breeding, so if you have males and females, there’s even more risk of them harming your betta fish.

    Illness

    Aggression can turn your community tank into a toxic environment that is as stressful for you as it is for your fish. Unfortunately, aggression also causes illness and even death in pet fish.

    A bullied fish often sustains minor injuries that leave them vulnerable to secondary infections. In some cases, aggressive betta fish or angelfish will even kill their victims outright!

    Betta Basics

    Betta fish (also known as Siamese fighting fish) are small freshwater fish that usually reach about 2.5 inches in length. Today, they are prized for their amazing colors and fancy fins, but these fish were once bred for competitive fighting.

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    Bettas have a reputation for aggression, although they can make excellent community fish. A lot depends on their individual personality, but male bettas are likely to fight with their own species if housed in the same tank. It’s always safer to keep just one betta in its own aquarium, or with other compatible species.

    Female bettas are generally regarded as less aggressive than males, although most fishkeepers choose males for their brighter colors and longer fins. You can learn much more about female bettas from my complete female betta care guide.

    Betta fish live in shallow, freshwater habitats and have evolved to breathe air from the surface for survival1. Their hardy nature means they can be kept in tanks as small as 5 gallons, although they require a filter and regular tank maintenance to provide good water quality. Bettas are tropical fish so they also need heated water to stay active and healthy.

    Betta-in-Planted-Aquarium

    Check out my guide to 15 betta fish tank mates (and four to avoid) for advice on some great freshwater fish that can share a tank with a Siamese fighter!

    Facts and Figures

    • Scientific name: Betta splendens
    • Fish family: Osphronemidae
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • Diet: Carnivore
    • Temperature: Upper 70s to mid 80s Fahrenheit
    • pH: 6.8 – 7.5
    • Hardness: Soft

    Angelfish in a Nutshell

    Angelfish are medium-sized South American fish from the cichlid family. These popular fish come in various color forms, but each breed has that characteristic combination of long dorsal and anal fins.

    Freshwater-Angelfish

    These fins make the angelfish very ‘tall’, so it’s best to keep these freshwater fish in an aquarium with high sides. In terms of size, these fish can reach over 6 inches in length and an impressive 10 inches in height, so a single fish will need a tank of at least 20 gallons, with 55 gallons being better for larger adults.

    While angelfish are relatively peaceful, they are cichlids, and they aren’t always complete angels! These fish are typically classified as semi-aggressive but they can be pretty aggressive when they’re paired up and start breeding.

    Freshwater angelfish are omnivores, and they have a pretty small mouth. However, they will eat nano fish small enough to swallow.

    Looking for some great ideas for angelfish tank mates? Check out my guide to 15 freshwater species that get along with angelfish!

    Facts and Figures:

    • Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Fish family: Cichlid family
    • Origin: Amazon river basin in South America
    • Diet: Omnivore
    • Temperature: Upper 70s to lower 80s Fahrenheit
    • pH: 6.8 – 7.8
    • Hardness: Soft

    How To Keep the Peace

    If you already have angelfish and betta fish in the same tank, there are some things you can do to decrease the chance of aggression. Again, there are no guarantees, but a combination of these techniques might help prevent war in your aquarium.

    Go Big

    A lot of compatibility problems are caused by keeping fish in small tanks. When it comes to angelfish and betta fish, your chance of success rises as you get into that 55+ gallon range, but remember, these fish are still not recommended as tank mates. You have safer bets in 6 or 8 foot long tanks, but at that size your Betta will get lost in the visual of the display tank.

    Get the Parameters Right

    Fortunately, bettas and angelfish thrive in similar conditions. Aim for a water temperature in the upper 70s Fahrenheit and a neutral pH around 7 to keep both fish happy. Both angelfish and betta fish prefer water with a low flow, so use an appropriate filter.

    Start With Young Fish

    Young angelfish do not have the same territorial and aggressive drive as breeding adults, so they’re often safer to keep together with bettas. Letting your fish grow up together might also help prevent aggression down the line, but you can still expect some dominance battles as they grow and reach maturity.

    Female Bettas and Single Angelfish

    Female-Betta

    Female bettas are generally less aggressive than males, and their shorter fins are less prone to damage. Paired angelfish can be more aggressive than single specimens, so a combination of one or more female bettas and a single angelfish might work the best, especially when combined with some of the other tips mentioned here.

    Monitor Regularly

    You should check in on aquarium fish every day, but risky combinations like betta fish and angelfish should be observed frequently, especially in the weeks after they are introduced. A community tank with betta fish and angelfish should be positioned somewhere you can monitor it throughout the day.

    Watch out for any signs of aggression so that you can take action before serious injury can happen. Aggression often takes place during feeding times, so be especially alert when your fish are eating.

    Feeding Your Fish

    Adding food to different parts of the tank at the same time can reduce competition and conflict, but you should also be aware that bettas and angelfish have slightly different diets.

    Betta fish are mostly carnivorous and will thrive on a diet of prepared dried food and live/frozen foods. Angelfish are more omnivorous so they need a prepared food suitable for their needs.

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    Live Plants

    Live plants are beautiful to look at, fun to grow, and great for the health of your fish. They’re also perfect for breaking up the line of sight in the tank. This means fish are not always visible to each other, which reduces aggression. Large plants also provide hiding places where fish can escape if they feel threatened or are under attack.

    Choose large plants like Amazon swords, vallisneria, and large Java ferns that will grow up into the water column, but don’t be afraid to add a few smaller species and floating plants to make your aquarium an even more natural environment.

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    Vallisneria

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    You can also use artificial plants, but avoid firm plastic decorations that can cut and damage your betta fish fins. Live plants are always better for bettas!

    Caves And Structure

    The hardscape in your tank can also play an important role in breaking up line of sight and creating hiding spots. Rocks, driftwood, cave ornaments, and other decorations provide places where fish can set up territories or hide from dominant tank mates.

    Choose fish-safe ornaments that are made for aquariums to avoid introducing any chemicals into your tank. You should also check for any sharp edges that can tear your fish’s fins.

    Dither Fish

    Sometimes, the best way to avoid aggressive behaviors is to add more fish. Dither fish are active species that create movement and make it difficult for an aggressive fish to single out a victim. The best options are active schooling fish that swim at various levels in the tank.

    Busy bottom dwellers like cory catfish, or fast, active fish like rainbowfish make good dither fish, but it’s important to choose other fish that enjoy the same parameters as angelfish and bettas. Avoid nano dither fish that are small enough for angelfish to swallow. You can also try medium sized social fish like molly fish.

    Plan B – What To Do When War Breaks Out

    If it doesn’t work out between your angelfish and betta, you’re going to have an animal welfare issue on your hands, and the best thing to do is separate your fish or find a new home for one of them.

    You may already have a spare tank that you use for quarantining or treating sick fish, but if not, it’s always a good idea to have an emergency option. You could even use a bucket or something similar as a (very) temporary solution, just make sure the container has not been used to hold any toxic chemicals.

    Once your fish are separated, it’s time to come up with a long-term solution. Continue reading to learn about three possible options.

    Try A Tank Separator

    Installing a tank divider will allow you to keep these two species in one aquarium without any drama, but it does limit the swimming space for both fish and all the other species in the tank. Fish tank dividers are available for sale, or you can make your own to save some money for your next tank.

    โœ… If youโ€™re set on keeping both: A tank divider is the one scenario I can honestly endorse. Itโ€™s the only way to have both fish without risking conflict. That said, both fish will have reduced swimming space โ€” so if you go this route, start with at least a 55-gallon tank so each side has enough room to live comfortably.

    Budget Option
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    LifeWithPets Tank Divider

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    With your fish separated in a single tank, you can start creating hiding spaces, adding more structure to break up their line of sight, and introducing live aquarium plants and dither fish.

    If your fish still don’t get along after making some changes in the tank, you’re going to want to try one of these next options for a long-term solution.

    Start A New Aquarium

    Angelfish need much larger tanks than bettas, but you can create a great new home for a single betta fish in a tank as small as 5 gallons. This is usually the easiest and most cost-effective option, but it will limit your options for adding other species.

    Male bettas are happy to live in their own tanks, but you’ll want to step up to a ten-gallon or larger if you plan on giving him some tank mates. Female betta fish can also be kept in their own tank, or you can keep a sorority of females in a larger aquarium.

    There are great betta tank kits available, but you can also put your own tank together. Just don’t forget the heater and filter!

    Starting a new tank is easier when you already have a cycled aquarium because you can seed your new filter with beneficial bacteria from the old tank to give the nitrogen cycle a jump start. However, you’ll still need to monitor your water parameters regularly, so keep that water test kit handy.

    Check out my guide to fish-in cycling to make the transition as smooth as possible!

    Rehoming

    If your new angelfish isn’t getting along with your betta (or vice versa), and you don’t have the space for another aquarium, you might be able to return the fish to your local fish store. Call ahead and speak to someone at the store before taking your fish on another road trip.

    Depending on their policy, you might not get a refund, but that’s still better than letting your fish get hurt. If the store has a no-return policy, you might want to ask any other fish keeping friends if they have space for a new fish or even put your pet up for sale to a good home.

    Final Thoughts

    So now you know why keeping angelfish and bettas together is a bad idea. Hopefully, you’ve also picked up some useful tips on how to keep the peace if you find yourself housing both species in the same tank.

    While some fishkeepers have managed to keep these fish together successfully, I do not recommend trying it yourself. Rather check out my guides to angelfish tank mates and betta fish tank mates for some much safer options!

    ๐Ÿ“˜ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Betta Fish Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for betta care, types, tank setup, feeding, tank mates, and more.

    ๐Ÿ“˜ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

  • Keyhole Cichlid Care Guide: The Most Underrated Dwarf Cichlid in the Hobby

    Keyhole Cichlid Care Guide: The Most Underrated Dwarf Cichlid in the Hobby

    The Keyhole Cichlid (Cleithracara maronii) is one of those fish that kept coming up in conversations with fish store colleagues over the years โ€” and everyone who’d worked with them consistently praised their temperament and resilience. I haven’t personally kept one myself, but between the research I’ve done and the firsthand accounts from people who have, I’m convinced this is the most overlooked dwarf cichlid in the freshwater hobby. It handles a wider range of water conditions than a German Blue Ram, it’s far less aggressive, and yet it barely shows up on most hobbyists’ radar. That gap between quality and recognition is exactly why this fish is worth a much closer look.

    Key Takeaways

    • Keyhole Cichlids are sociable, adaptable freshwater fish that can live up to 10 years with proper care.
    • Create an ideal tank setup by mimicking their natural habitat and providing plenty of cover, such as plants and caves.
    • These fish prefer calmer waters and an acidic pH
    • Choose compatible tank mates like corydoras catfish, larger tetras, and angelfish

    Species Overview

    Scientific NameCleithracara maronii
    Common NamesKeyhole Cichlid
    FamilyCichlidae
    OriginSouth America, primarily in slow-moving waters of the Orinoco River basin
    DietOmnivore
    Care LevelEasy to Intermediate
    ActivitySlow to Moderate
    LifespanUp to 10 years
    TemperamentPeaceful (Mildly aggressive when breeding)
    Tank LevelMiddle to bottom
    Minimum Tank Size20 gallon (long format) otherwise, 30+ gallons
    Water Temperature Range74ยฐ-80ยฐF
    Water Hardness5 to 20 DH
    pH Range5.0 โ€“ 7.0
    Filtration / Water MovementLow
    Water TypeFreshwater
    BreedingEgg layer
    Difficulty to BreedEasy to breed
    CompatibilityCommunity fish
    OK, for Planted Tanks?Yes

    Understanding Them

    Keyhole Cichlids are native to the clear coastal creeks and river basins of South America and make great additions to community tanks for all levels of fish keepers. Slow moving water, rich in decaying wood, is what these freshwater creatures prefer along with their regular diet consisting of worms, crustaceans and insects.

    ๐Ÿ† Mark’s Take: From what I’ve heard consistently from fish store colleagues who’ve worked with them โ€” Keyhole Cichlids are one of the most genuinely chill cichlids you can add to a community tank. They don’t carry the popularity of rams or apistogrammas, which is honestly a shame, because they’re easier to keep than either. If you want a cichlid that won’t demolish a planted community setup and gives you minimal stress, this fish deserves to be at the top of your list.

    What sets them apart from others is that they can change their coloring pattern depending on threats, which makes them even more appealing! This characteristic of this fish has lead to get the nickname “chamelon cichlid.”

    Fun Fact: The Keyhole Cichlid was named one of the forgotten cichlids per Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine.

    As well as being peaceful by nature, Keyholes also like company so having multiple males or females together. They may have to bicker a little to establish their pecking order, but once they do that they should become peaceful among each other. However, one a breeding pair occurs, more aggression may occur.

    Origin And Distribution

    Keyhole Cichlids (Cleithracara maronii) have a wide distribution across various coastal regions, including Suriname, French Guiana, Venezuela and Guyana, as well as Trinidad & Tobago. These hardy aquarium fish need plenty of space to thrive โ€“ they inhabit small creeks and rivers, which offer the perfect habitat for young fish along with other smaller species.

    Average Size

    Considering their eventual adult size of 4 to 4.9 inches (10-12.5 cm), it is important for any aquarist to account for an appropriate tank space when setting up a home environment for keyhole cichlids, as they still need adequate room. They will technically qualify as dwarf cichlids to some hobbyists and can be kept in tanks as small as 20 gallons if the long configuration is used. Fortunately for you, this cichlid species grows slower than most.

    โš ๏ธ Size Warning: The label ‘dwarf cichlid’ can be misleading here. At 4 to nearly 5 inches, Keyhole Cichlids are on the larger end of what most people expect from a dwarf species โ€” that surprises keepers who assumed they’d stay small like an apistogramma or a pea puffer. This is one of the main reasons some hobbyists feel the fish outgrew their plans. A 30-gallon minimum is a much more realistic starting point than the bare minimums you’ll sometimes see listed.

    Appearance

    Keyhold-Cichlid-In-Tank

    Keyhole Cichlids, compared to other dwarf cichlid species, will seem dull in appearance with their muted colors. The body is round and compressed with muted colors that allow it to blend into the surroundings when needed, while thereโ€™s a black stripe above the eye, which contrasts effectively against this subtle coloration. The fish will become more yellow with its body color over time as it ages.

    Keyholes possess an unmistakable key shaped mark on their head, giving rise to its common name. During mating season, male and female specimens become even more attractive due to changes in color โ€“ males turning white while females take on the black bar design resulting from where they got their title of โ€˜keyhole cichlid.โ€™ Adding both genders of this fish species can be truly captivating for any home aquarium setup making it stand out amongst other similar types of fish.

    Males tend to be larger than females while sporting longer dorsal fins compared with a femaleโ€™s rounder shaped ones. Both sexes hold equal beauty making it difficult not love this unique species!

    Lifespan

    When taken care of correctly, Keyhole Cichlids can live for 7-10 years in aquariums. This is quite a lengthy lifespan which makes them good companions to fish lovers who are looking for longterm enjoyment as well as educational opportunities.

    To maximize the health and lifespan of these cichlids, itโ€™s essential that their environment remains stable with optimal water parameters and few stress factors present.

    Ideal Tank Setup For Keyhole Cichlids

    Keyhold cichlids will need a tank at minimum of 20 gallons. However, the tall style 20 gallon will not work at this size. You will need at least a 20 gallon tank so you have enough hortizontial space so the fish will not become overly territorial.

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    Substrate And Decorations

    On top of this basic setup, cover like plants or caves are essential if they want these species feeling safe, so adding decoration such as driftwood, rocks, & aquatic plants will help recreate a more organic environment similar to their native habitats, make sure not pick bright lighting nor aggressive neighbors which can easily upset them.

    Fine grained substrates such as soft sand should be used to replicate their natural setting. Decorations, including driftwood and rocks, can add even more visual appeal, plus provide safe hiding spots in the tank.

    This is an excellent cichlid species for a planted tank. They typically will not eat plants or dig them up. They will also get along with most community fish as long as you don’t keep them with smaller fish that they can fit their mouths. If you want to replicate their natural environment Cabomba or floating varieties are best for them. Heavily planted tanks are encouraged as these are known for being shy fish.

    Cabomba Aquatica
    Cabomba Aquatica

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    Water Parameters

    For your Keyhole Cichlids to stay healthy and happy, it is important to adhere to the required water parameters. The pH should be from 5.0 – 7.0 while they should have a stable temperature of 74-80ยฐF. These fish prefer softer water as well.

    Given their higher temperature requirements, they are based setup with a reliable aquarium heater to keep the temperatures stable. In addition, you should also maintain the following nutrient parameters:

    Filtration And Water Flow

    Creating a healthy environment for Keyhole Cichlids necessitates the need for efficient filtration, although their response to strong currents is negative. Many power filters and canister filters will be too strong for them and planted aquariums may require water that is not compatible with their preference.

    To mitigate this, consider keeping a heavily planted tank that will have pockets of lower water flow where your fish can feel safe. Note their colors when they are swimming, if they start to display more black marks on their body, this is a result of their reaction to stress around them. This is sometimes your first warning sign that something is amiss with their environment.

    For canister filters, you can use a spray bar attachment to lessen the flow into the tank. The fish is large enough to not get sucked up by intakes, but it is the output speed that will stress them out. Others will use sponge filters, don’t I’m usually not a fan as I prefer to hide as much equipment as possible in my setups.

    Compatible Tank Mates

    Paleatus-Cory-Fish

    Being a medium sized fish with a docile demeanor, there is a large amount of potential keyhole cichlid tank mates you can add with your Keyhole Cichlid. Possible tankmates include:

    In addition, you can also consider other cichlids such as:

    For these fish, make sure they are either smaller or near the same size as your Keyhole cichlid when they are first introduced.

    Lastly, due to these fish being naturally shy, it’s could help bring them out if you add dither fish in the tank. Look for dithers that are at least 2.5 inches long to prevent them from getting eaten.

    Bad Tankmates

    Avoid the following fish as they will be hostile to your Keyhole Cichlid:

    There are a few fish I’ll include here as maybe. Sometimes they work, and other times they don’t. It’s up to you if you want to consider them. Just have a backup plan if it doesn’t work out:

    Feeding And Nutrition

    Keyhole Cichlids are omnivores and need a diverse diet consisting of both plant and animal based proteins. This mimics their natural habitat, where the primary sources of food are detritus, larvae, as well as small crustaceans such as shrimp.

    To deliver that nutrition to them, provide them with varied dry foods like flakes or pellets alongside live insects and frozen items on occasion, all while making sure not to overfeed by monitoring portion size, as food fed should be consumed within two minutes. Ron’s Cichlid food is a great brand of food to use for these fish to ensure they get a good mix of ingredients.

    Great Balanced Food
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    Breeding Keyhole Cichlids

    Breeding Keyhole Cichlids can be relatively straightforward since they form pairs and bond for life as monogamous substrate spawners. To raise their success rate, providing an optimal breeding tank with the right water parameters combined with a diet containing live or frozen foods is key having a successful breeding spawn.

    Female keyhole cichlids can lay up to 600 eggs at a time and both parents will actively care for their young. These eggs can be laid on rocks, driftwood, plants, and even on the aquarium glass itself! A spawning site is recommended to create for them. You use flat pieces of rock, wood, or even title or pots so the fish have something to lay their eggs on.

    Parental Care And Fry Development

    One of the more noteworthy characteristics of Keyhole Cichlid breeding is that both male and female fish put forth exceptional efforts when it comes to caring for their eggs and larvae. The parents actively protect them from danger, seeing to it they remain safe until hatching occurs (video source).

    While these fish will get more aggressive when breeding, they are not as bad as other cichlids. They will often push away a threat versus damaging or attacking tank mates. Even so, to keep fry from being eaten by other tankmates, consider moving the parents to their own breeding tank.

    Once hatched, parental care will continue often lasting a few months, as they feed small organisms like infusoria or newly born brine shrimp on behalf of their fry. It is one of the most rewarding things to take part in the hobby.

    Health And Disease Prevention

    To properly care for Keyhole Cichlids, stay on top of water quality parameters. Some common diseases you may come across are:

    • Ich
    • Velvet
    • Flukes

    Less common ailments include infections like fin rot and columnaris.

    Quarantining is your best method of prevent, though I know most hobbyist will not practice this. In the even you do not practice quarantine, keep your tank as stable and stress free as possible.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What do keyhole cichlids eat?

    Keyhole cichlids are omnivorous, and will eat a variety of food items such as small crustaceans, insects, larvae, worms or small fish. These fish also enjoy eating plant matter. To flakes and pellets that can be bought from the store. Frozen options are great too!

    What color are keyhole cichlids?

    Keyhole cichlids display a yellow-cream color, but when the fish is stressed it can change to brown. An identifiable feature of these species is their black spot situated at its center that looks like a keyhole.

    What cichlids are nice?

    Beginners looking for an easy, peaceful fish can find the keyhole cichlid to be a great option. Not needing much space and having hardiness on its side makes it simple to keep this species in aquariums.

    What size tank do Keyhole Cichlids need?

    Keyhole Cichlids require at least a 20 gallon tank long. If you do not have a long tank, then a 30 gallon would be the minimum tank size.

    Are Keyhole Cichlids compatible with other fish species?

    Keyhole Cichlids are typically harmonious with other aquatic life like larger tetras, peaceful barbs, and corydoras. Generally as long as the fish won’t fit in its mouth and it’s hostile, your Keyhole should get along with them.

    Closing Thoughts

    Fish keepers of all levels can have a rewarding experience with the Keyhole Cichlids, thanks to their remarkable adaptability and peaceful disposition. If you want to create an environment in which these fish thrive, make sure that your tank is set up according to its natural habitat as well as providing adequate care for them.

    Have you kept this fish before? Let us know your experience in the comments below. I love to hear back from my readers. Until next time!

    ๐Ÿ“˜ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

  • Veiltail Betta Fish Care Guide: What I’ve Learned Keeping the Most Common Betta

    Veiltail Betta Fish Care Guide: What I’ve Learned Keeping the Most Common Betta

    Veiltail bettas are by far the most common betta you’ll find in pet stores โ€” I’ve kept plenty of them over the years, both personally and during my time at the fish store. They’re beautiful fish, but there’s something that often gets glossed over in care guides: they’re not as hardy as short-finned varieties like plakat. Those long, flowing fins look stunning, but they need more attention to water flow and fin health than most people expect. Here’s what I’ve actually found useful after years of keeping them.

    Key Takeaways

    • Veiltail bettas are beautiful fish with long, flowing tails that come in many vibrant colors and can live up to 5 years and grow to 3 inches.
    • Like all bettas, they should be kept in adequate spaces, with 5 gallons being the best size for a solo fish
    • To create a suitable habitat for veiltail bettas, replicate their native environment of slow-moving or still waters with warm temperatures & almond leaves help maintain a healthy environment.
    • Bettas are insect eaters and need insect matter and high protein diets. Food like Fluval Bug bites are excellent for them
    • When choosing tank mates be sure to pick nonaggressive fish. Proper care and monitoring is essential for the health of your veiltail betta.

    Species Overview

    Scientific NameBetta splendens
    Common NamesVeiltail Betta Fish, Siamese Fighting Fish
    FamilyOsphronemidae
    OriginThailand (Southeast Asia)
    DietOmnivore
    Care LevelIntermediate 
    ActivitySlow to Moderate
    Lifespan2 โ€“ 5 years
    TemperamentPeaceful (Aggressive to own kind)
    Tank LevelMiddle to top
    Minimum Tank Size5 gallon
    Water Temperature Range76ยฐ-81ยฐF
    Water Hardness5 to 20 DH
    pH Range6.5 โ€“ 8.0 (for most varieties)
    Filtration/Water FlowLow
    Water TypeFreshwater
    BreedingEgg-layer
    Difficulty to BreedEasy to breed
    CompatibilityCommunity fish (when with other species)
    OK, for Planted Tanks?Yes

    Understanding Them

    Betta splendens, otherwise known as Veiltail bettas or Fancy Bettas, are a popular variety of Siamese Fighting Fish widely recognized for their captivating coloring and long flowing fins. When these beautiful creatures are generally easy to care for in an aquarium, they must be given proper care to ensure their long term health. It is the most common type of betta you will come across in stores and is usually very affordable.

    A deeper understanding about where this type of fighting fish originated from can also aid us in caring for them better. Let’s dive into their background further to learn where they came from.

    Origins And Habitant

    Veiltail bettas are a Southeast Asian species found in countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam. They populate rice paddies in the wild and were originally kept by locals to breed to fight in betting competitions.

    These Siamese Fighting Fish require calm waters with hardly any current for optimal growth, exactly as it is in their natural habitat. To replicate this environment at home when setting up the tank, avoiding too much flow and maintaining an appropriate temperature range should be given top priority. This will ensure the healthy development of veiltail bettas over time.

    The Fighting Formula

    Thailand’s secret, when it came to fighting betta fish, was in the use of almond leaves. The introduction of almond leaves to a betta tank is incredibly beneficial for veiltail bettas. You can help maintain strong and healthy fish by treating water quality through the release of tannins that lower pH levels, thereby creating an ideal environment for these species1.

    The presence of antifungal and antibacterial agents in this natural resource serves as a mild disinfectant within tanks, which toughens the scales & skin of the fish, making them stronger competitors when it comes to fighting diseases or illnesses. Altogether, adding almond leaves to your aquarium will provide significant benefits to keep your finned friends happy & active!

    Appearance

    Veil-Tail-Betta

    The veiltail bettas are admired by many due to their long, flowing tails that dangle from the fins. Their magnificence is especially seen in the variety of colors they possess, such as royal blue, turquoise, emerald green, fire engine red, and orange, along with bright yellow and near purple for those looking for something different. The male fish boast spectacular colorings and elongated tails versus female fish that are more plain and have shorter fins.

    ๐Ÿ  Mark’s Take: Those gorgeous fins are also more delicate than most people realize. Veiltails aren’t as hardy as plakat bettas โ€” those short-finned varieties can handle a lot more. With veiltails, water flow is a bigger deal than it might seem. Even a moderately strong filter output can stress them or cause fin damage over time. I keep a close eye on fin length and watch for any fraying, since that’s usually the first sign that something is off, whether it’s flow, water quality, or early fin rot.

    Itโ€™s very important when taking care of your precious veiltail betta to watch out for any signs or changes in coloration which might hint at stress levels being too high, or there might be underlying health issues requiring medical attention quickly if you hope to provide a healthy life environment.

    Size

    Veiltail bettas typically range from 3.8 – 7.6 cm (1.5 – 3 inches) in length, with the males usually being larger than females of this type of fish species. They are the usual size compared to other betta fish species. You may be able to find a giant subtype breed, but most giant types are created from other variants, not the Veiltail. Giants can grow up to 5 inches in length.

    Lifespan

    Caring for veiltail bettas correctly can extend their lives to a span of anywhere from two up to five years or even longer. Establishing and maintaining the ideal environment, providing them with balanced meals, and routinely performing tank maintenance are all key elements in ensuring they remain healthy, which is essential for prolonging the friendship youโ€™ll have with your beautiful fish.

    Behavior And Temperament

    Veiltail bettas are a popular choice for aquarium pets due to their peaceful and calm personalities. They can become aggressive when around other male veiltails in particular. To ensure your tank environment is stress-free, itโ€™s important to select suitable non-aggressive species as companions (more on this later in the post). This helps reduce any potential aggression between fish and encourages harmony among the inhabitants of your aquarium so that everyone remains healthy and happy.

    Veiltail Betta Care

    To ensure a healthy and comfortable living space for your veiltail betta, proper care requires creating an appropriate tank setup with suitable decorations as well as controlling the vital water parameters. These details will play a major role in keeping them healthy and contented.

    The following sections explain how to construct their home properly, pick out adequate furnishings, and regulate essential environmental conditions โ€“ all of which are necessary elements for providing the best environment possible for your beloved veiltail betta fish!

    Some advice on how to accommodate them with other fish includes providing plenty of cover such as plants which will create distinct territories lessening any aggression. Keeping male bettas separate from each other so fights donโ€™t occur and selecting tankmates that have similar water temperature requirements along with pH levels. Finally, monitoring all activity carefully around the tank, especially if signs suggesting belligerent behavior start arising between two species living alongside one another.

    Tank Setup And Size

    Having its own tank is essential in providing a comfortable and stress-free environment for your veiltail bettas. This allows them to show off their beautiful colors and fascinating behavior, as well as preserve good health. When setting up the aquarium, it must have at least 4-5 gallons of capacity. Adding a heater will allow you to maintain an ideal temperature between 75ยฐF โ€“ 81ยฐF since these species are tropical fish by nature. Also include gentle filtration with slow flow rates that simulate natural conditions being experienced by the veiltail betta wild counterparts.

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    Important Tank Conditions (Parameters)

    Note while Betta fish do have a labyrinth organ to survive in low oxygen environments, it will still be stressed in poor water. Keep track of these parameters below and consider making a water change if they exceed any of these recommended levels:

    Decorations

    For your veiltail bettaโ€™s tank, make sure to pick out gentle decorations that donโ€™t harm its vulnerable fins. Providing suitable objects can encourage natural behavior and improve the health of your fish by offering stimulating activities – think logs, living or silk fake plants, as well as almond leaves. Creating a pleasant atmosphere for them is key!

    Indian Almond Leaves
    Indian Almond Leaves

    These leaves can be added to your aquarium to help promote a natural habitat for bettas, shrimp, and other soft-water loving fish. Betta breeders can use these leaves to help encourage breeding behavior.

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    Important Water Parameters

    In order to keep your veiltail betta healthy, it is critical that the water parameters remain within certain ranges. The ideal temperature should be between 75-81ยฐF, with a pH level of 6.8-7.5 and general hardness at 5-20 GH. Regular testing can ensure any potential issues are identified promptly so they can be resolved quickly for a safe habitat environment for your fish friend! Monitoring these settings will help you make sure everything stays perfect in this corner of their universe!

    Feeding

    A varied diet is essential for veiltail bettas to get the right amount of nutrients. Feed them twice a day with betta pellets, live food like blood worms and brine shrimp or frozen versions of these foods, as well as insect larvae such as daphnia. Keep in mind not to overfeed since this can lead to several health concerns later on down the line. A carefully balanced meal will help keep your fish happy and healthy overall.

    Choosing Tank Mates for Your Veiltail Betta

    Pygmy Cory

    When selecting tank mates for your veiltail betta, it is important to consider the fishโ€™s temperament and choose suitable companions. The following are all great non aggressive options, as they will help create a peaceful atmosphere in the aquarium:

    These are just several possibilities for a tank mate. I have a better list in our best betta tank mates post.

    Male bettas often regard these types of fish with hostility. Picking compatible tank mates such as those mentioned before can provide an overall stress free habitat ideal for all your aquatic friends, including your beloved veiltail betta!

    Bad Tank Mates

    Tiger Barb Fish

    To ensure peace within the tank environment, steer away from brightly colored or long finned species. After that, avoid these other species as your betta will be bullied or eaten by them:

    Breeding

    If youโ€™re keen on breeding veiltail bettas, a separate tank should be installed in order to guarantee the safety and comfort of the mating pair. Bubble nests are a key component needed for breeding to occur. The male needs to first build its bubble nest then will attract a female. When she lays her eggs, it is up to the male veiltail betta to guard them and put them into his built bubble nest. To save those little ones from being eaten remove the male once the eggs hatch. The female should be removed once mating occurs, as the male will chase away the female from the nest.

    For the successful raising of fry after they hatch out, we must provide an appropriate food supply and consider foods such as infusoria and baby brine shrimp until the fish are big enough to move onto regular foods.

    Common Health Issues

    Veiltail bettas are known to be hardy. Certain ailments can arise if proper care is not observed. Fin and tail rot, columnaris (mouth fungus), as well as fin rot are the main culprits. Other major diseases like vertical death hang also occur. Cleanliness in their tank environment with correct water parameters and an appropriate diet should work wonders when it comes to avoiding these possible health issues.

    Monitoring for any suspicious changes in behavior or physical appearance of your veiltail betta is essential. A healthy fish that looks cheerful will brighten up any aquarium! I have a full post on common betta fish diseases that you can read up on.

    Purchasing

    Find these betta fish is easy as they are very common in virtually any pet store you visit. However, because they are so common, they can also be sold in poor conditions. If you want a rarer variety, visit a specialized local pet store or consider visiting an online merchant.

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    When looking at your potential betta pet, look out for the following:

    • White spots
    • Torn up fins
    • Heavy breathing
    • Obvious loss of colors

    Also, note that specialized fish stores will usually not put bettas in tiny containers but will have them in separated out tanks. These are better conditions for them to sell as the water can be filtered, and the fish can be monitored better at the store. My recommendation would be to purchase bettas from a store that sells these fish in separate tanks versus tiny containers, as there is a better chance for you to find a healthy specimen.

    โš ๏ธ Mark’s Tip on Buying: Because veiltails are so common, you’ll often find them sold in individual cups at big box stores. I personally prefer not to buy bettas kept in cups โ€” a betta that’s been housed in a proper tank before purchase is going to be in significantly better condition. When you visit a specialized fish store and see bettas in separated tanks, those are almost always better buys. Look for active fish with intact, fully spread fins and no signs of lethargy or clamping.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are veiltail bettas aggressive?

    Veiltail bettas have a relatively low level of aggressiveness, making them favored among those who like to own betta fish. Although they are territorial and can be hostile to other creatures in the tank, they are less aggressive than other types of betta fish.

    What is the lifespan of a female veiltail betta fish?

    A female veiltail betta fish can live for a maximum of five to seven years if it is provided with adequate care, which includes feeding them properly and keeping the tank clean. The typical lifespan tends to be 2-4 years. By making sure that your veiltail betta gets everything they need, you are increasing their chances of living longer and healthier lives.

    How big do veiltail fish get?

    Veiltail fancy goldfish can measure between 2-3 inches in length. There are sometimes giant varieties available that could grow as large as 5 inches in length.

    Which betta is more aggressive?

    Plakat bettas, bred for combat and known to be notably hostile due to their temperamental traits, are the most aggressive variety of Bettas. They exhibit more aggress tendencies compared with other breeds.

    How can I tell if my veiltail betta is stressed or sick?

    Monitoring the color and swimming behavior of your veiltail betta is important, as any changes in either can be signs that they are stressed or unwell. Heavily breathing and unhealthy looking fins are other signs to watch out for.

    Closing Thoughts

    To sum up, veiltail bettas are remarkable creatures sound should be appreciated like any other betta fish breed. Through investigating their origin, habitat needs, behavior and care requirements, we can make sure they have an ideal home environment for them to prosper in. With the correct maintenance of a proper diet and set up your betta will provide you with moments filled with its special beauty as well as amazing behaviors.

    Have you kept this Betta before? If so, let us know in the comments below. We would love to learn more about your experiences with them. Until next time fish keepers!

    ๐Ÿ“˜ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Betta Fish Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for betta care, types, tank setup, feeding, tank mates, and more.