Tag: Freshwater Fish Profiles

Oscars are the fish that eat your other fish. I say that upfront because the number one mistake I see with oscar tank mates is people underestimating just how large and predatory these cichlids get. A juvenile oscar at the fish store looks manageable. by the time it hits 10 to 12 inches in a year or two, it will eat anything that fits in its mouth and bully anything that doesn’t. That means tank mates need to be big, tough, and ideally from similar South American river environments. I’ve seen oscars housed with small plecos, tetras, and even medium-sized cichlids. it rarely ends well. The picks that actually work long-term share one trait: they’re large enough that the oscar doesn’t see them as food and confident enough not to get pushed around. Here are 10 that have the best track record.

Introduction To Oscar Fish

Before we jump into the best tank mates for Oscars, we need to understand how oscar fish behave by themselves and with others. These are one of the most dynamic and charismatic fish in the freshwater aquarium hobby and are often referred to as water puppies.

The oscar fish is a large species of South American cichlid scientifically known as Astronotus ocellatus¹. These fish are regularly sold as juveniles when they are only just a couple of inches big. Their bright colors and ‘easy’ care requirements make them popular among unknowing beginner hobbyists. The truth is that oscar fish can grow to be over 18 inches long and live to be 20 years old.

Oscar fish are not beginner fish and should only be kept in large tank setups. That means that adding tank mates would require an even bigger setup.

Tank Requirements

Alone, an oscar fish requires a 75-gallon tank setup. A 125-gallon aquarium is preferred to give your fish more room to swim and to keep water parameters balanced. Oscar fish are messy eaters and can create a lot of waste, so a large and efficient filtration system is definitely required.

Otherwise, oscar fish have simple tank requirements. They need some structure for protection in the form of rocks or driftwood. A sandy substrate is preferred to allow your fish to burrow and arrange its home as it sees fit. Regular tank maintenance is a must to keep waste levels down.

As you can see, oscar fish are big, messy fish. Add more oscars or other fish species into the mix and you’re looking at a relatively demanding system. Many hobbyists are successful at keeping other fish with oscars despite their needs, though.

Do They Need Tank Mates?

The question at hand is, do oscar fish even need other tank mates at all?

The answer is no.

Oscar fish don’t get lonely and can happily entertain themselves. As mentioned before, these fish are the puppies of the freshwater aquarium hobby and can be personally interacted with in ways that can’t be done with other species.

There are a few ways that oscar fish can be given enrichment:

1) Create a dynamic aquarium setup. One of the best ways to keep your oscar fish engaged is by giving it an intricate home. Use rocks and driftwood to create burrows and tunnels. Regularly shift items around to keep your fish guessing what comes next without kicking up the substrate too much. This gives your fish different ways to recreate and rearrange its new home.

2) Introduce new items. On top of moving objects around, add new pieces and remove old ones. Some hobbyists even add cheap live plants that can be uprooted and eaten for an additional treat. Other alternatives include plastic floating balls and air stones.

3) Feed live food. Another great way to enrich your oscar fish is by giving live food every now and then. These freshwater fish have a big appetite and will eat even when they’re not hungry, though we don’t recommend overfeeding them! Oscar fish will happily take worms, brine shrimp, and even live fish and snails; use caution when introducing live fish and snails, as they can carry parasites.

4) Make feeding time exciting in addition to feeding live food and make dry foods exciting to eat. Oscar fish are known for waiting at the surface of the water for food and responding to objects (including fingers) entering the tank. Some Oscars can be trained to do simple tricks before they are fed. Food can also be placed in feeding mechanisms that make the fish work for its meal.

5) Add tank mates. Lastly, oscar tank mates may be added to the aquarium, including other Oscars. This provides constant interaction and reaction between the fish.

Top 10

If you have the space and filtration to consider possible tank mates for oscar fish, then you will need to decide which species best fit your system. Oscar fish aren’t particularly aggressive fish, but they need to be paired with large species that can tolerate being investigated and nudged from time to time.

Here are some of the best oscar tank mates available for a large freshwater fish tank setup!

1. Other Types

• Scientific name: Astronotus ocellatus
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Origin: South America
• Size: 18 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
• Diet: Omnivore
• pH: 6.0-8.0
• Temperature: 75-82°F
• Difficulty to breed: Difficult

Oscar fish might not seem like schooling fish, but they can sometimes be found in small groups throughout their natural habitat in the Amazon River basin. These fish can be kept in a loose school setting, given the right aquarium conditions.

By themselves, oscar fish do not appear to be schooling fish at all. They happily explore the tank by themselves and feel comfortable out in the front of the aquarium alone. But given the space and the numbers, oscar fish will move together in a loose school.

This is best achieved in a large tank with similar-sized fish introduced together.

What Size Tank Do You Need For 2?

It is not recommended to keep only 2 Oscars together. It is very difficult to tell males apart from females, which could lead to a combination of two males. While not overly aggressive fish, two male oscar fish will definitely fight.

Unless the two fish are a known breeding pair, oscar fish should only be kept by themselves or in a group.

How Many Can Live Together?

Given unlimited space, there is no limit to how many oscar fish can live together. Eventually, even a large group would dissipate into smaller groupings.

For a captive-kept group, 7 oscar fish is ideal. This will require at least a 300-gallon tank.

There is a big difference in temperament between a solitary oscar and a shoal of Oscar. Oscars that live alone are very playful and responsive to their owner’s actions. A group of Oscars is much mellower and uniform in their intentions.

2. Blood Parrots

• Scientific name: Hybrid
• Temperament: Semi-aggresssive
• Origin: Not naturally occurring
• Size: 8 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
• Diet: Omnivore
• pH: 6.5-8.0
• Temperature: 72-80° F
• Difficulty to breed: Mostly infertile

Not the most popular oscar pairing; the blood parrot is extremely popular on its own. This is a hybrid species created by selectively breeding different types of cichlid, mainly species from Central America. Blood parrots are largely infertile as a result.

The problem with blood parrots as tank mates for oscar fish is the difference in demeanor. Blood parrots are physically inflated and have limited movement and speed. Oscar fish have strong tail fins that can easily overcome a blood parrot.

Still, some hobbyists have made this pairing work as long as neither of them is an overly aggressive fish.

3. Silver Dollars

• Scientific name: Metynnis spp.
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Origin: Southeast South America
• Size: 6 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Diet: Herbivore
• pH: 5.0-7.0
• Temperature: 72-77°F
• Difficulty to breed: Easy

If you’re looking for tank mates that will form true schools, then silver dollars are a good choice for an oscar tank. Beware that these peaceful fish get much bigger than you might expect, with individuals growing to be 6 inches each. This means that a school of six can quickly max out a big tank.

It’s also important to note that silver dollars are active fish. They might have a small minimum tank size on their own, but they excel when given plenty of horizontal space to swim.

Silver dollars are one of the best fish species for Oscars due to their size and agility. They are also exclusively herbivores, which can make feeding them and your Oscars separately that much easier.

4. Green Terror

• Scientific name: Andinoacara rivulatus
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Origin: Southeast South America
• Size: 8 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
• Diet: Omnivore
• pH: 6.5-8.0
• Temperature: 75-80°F
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate

The green terror cichlid is similar in shape, size, and needs to the oscar fish. These two fish have similar demeanors, which helps prevent bullying; juvenile green terror cichlids are more likely to get picked on by older Oscars, so it’s recommended to get them both while they’re the same size.

In most cases, a green terror cichlid and oscar is the best combination available without having a monster fish tank. A 125-gallon tank will fit both of these fish very comfortably. However, temperaments between individual fish can vary, so it’s important to have a backup plan if one needs to be removed.

5. Jack Dempsey Fish

Jack Dempsey Fish” class=”wp-image-553072″/>

• Scientific name: Rocio octofasciatum
• Temperament: Aggressive
• Origin: Central America
• Size: 10 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore
• pH: 6.5-8.0
• Temperature: 75-82°F
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate

The Jack Dempsey cichlid is one of the most popular and well-known species of freshwater fish available. These are big, colorful fish that have fierce personalities. There are several varieties of Jack Dempsey available for even more heightened coloration.

Jack Dempsey cichlids are a good tank mate option for most oscar setups. These are aggressive fish that grow to be around the same size as Oscars and can hold their own in a fight. Still, fighting is not ideal and can lead to injury and eventual death.

The best way to increase compatibility between a Jack Dempsey cichlid and an oscar is by picking individuals that are similar in size and introducing them into the aquarium at the same time. This leaves equal opportunity for territories to be claimed.

Also, do not buy a breeding pair of Jack Dempsey as they will become incredibly aggressive toward all other fish in the aquarium.

6. Giant Gourami

• Scientific name: Osphronemus goramy
• Temperament: Generally peaceful
• Origin: Southeast Asia
• Size: 18+ inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 200 gallons
• Diet: Herbivore
• pH: 6.0-8.0
• Temperature: 68. 86°F
• Difficulty to breed: Difficult

The giant gourami isn’t commonly seen in the aquarium hobby anymore, but–if you’re able to get your hands on one–could be a great choice for a large oscar tank. Simply put, giant gouramis are giant and can easily surpass 2 feet in length. Surprisingly, they’re relatively peaceful fish that intimidate Oscars out of sheer size; mature giant gourami has been known to become more aggressive as they age.

In some ways, the giant gourami is the best tank mate species for Oscars as their calm demeanor also calms down the Oscars. Giant gouramis have also been known to relax overly dominant male Oscars.

7. Arowanas

• Scientific name: Osteoglossinae subfamily
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Origin: South America
• Size: 2.5 feet
• Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore
• pH: 6.0-7.0
• Temperature: 75-82°F
• Difficulty to breed: Difficult

Arowanas, most commonly the silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum), are regularly kept in oscar tank setups–if you have the space for a potentially 3-foot fish. Arowanas are one of the most unique fish species available in the aquarium hobby.

Arowanas have downward-pointing mouths that create a trapdoor for prey on the surface. This behavior keeps them at the surface of the aquarium, which means they’re less likely to interact with the Oscars below.

Arowanas aren’t always big, though; smaller ones can make the perfect snack for a larger oscar. When buying an Arowana, make sure that it can’t easily fit into the mouth of your oscar.

What Bottom Feeders Can Live With Oscars?

It’s always ideal for picking tank mates that don’t cohabitate at the same levels of the tank. That’s one of the reasons why the surface-dwelling Arowana is a great choice for an oscar tank setup. Luckily, there are a few potential oscar tank mates to fill up the bottom of the tank too.

8. Clown Loaches

• Scientific name: Chromobotia macracantha
• Temperament: Semi-agressive
• Origin: Southeast Indonesia
• Size: 12 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
• Diet: Omnivore
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Temperature: 72-82°F
• Difficulty to breed: Rarely documented

Clown loaches might not seem like they could be oscar tank mates, but that’s because many hobbyists fail to realize their potential mature size. The clown loach can grow to be over a foot in length. Add on the fact that these loaches need to be kept in schools of at least 6 or more, and you have a pretty demanding fish.

On top of its size, the clown loach is a semi-aggressive fish that will defend its place at the bottom of the tank. They are also a good tank mate choice for Oscars as they will sift through the substrate and help pick up any food that is missed from the messy eaters above.

9. Common Pleco

• Scientific name: Hypostomus plecostomus
• Temperament: Generally peaceful
• Origin: South America
• Size: 20 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
• Diet: Omnivore
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Temperature: 72-82°F
• Difficulty to breed: Difficult

The common pleco might be seen as a small bottom-dwelling fish to the unknowing hobbyist, but these fish are monsters. The common pleco can grow to be at least 20 inches at full size and live for a long time.

Common plecos are commonly seen in nano community tanks but do best in monster-fish setups or ponds. Though a suckerfish is capable of clinging to vertical surfaces, they tend to stay on the bottom of the substrate, which means that they’ll stay out of the way of their oscar tank mate. In addition, they’ll help clean up any uneaten food.

Common plecos are typically peaceful. However, they’ve been known to cling onto the sides of other fish and become aggressive to species that venture too far to the bottom.

10. Freshwater Stingrays

• Scientific name: Potamotrygonidae family
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Origin: Mainly South America
• Size: Varies
• Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Temperature: 75-82°F
• Difficulty to breed: Moderate

Freshwater stingrays might not be the first tank mates you think to add to your oscar tank, but they’re one of the best if you have the space and legal permits. Freshwater stingrays are generally easy to care for but require a lot of space and a high-quality protein diet.

Picking the right species is also important to consider in regard to tank size. Here are some of the most popular freshwater stingrays available in the hobby:

• Ocellate river stingray/Moto stingray (Potamotrygon Motoro)
• Bigtooth river stingray/P12 (Potamotrygon henlei)
• Black diamond stingray (Potamotrygon leopoldi)

Though carnivores, stingrays will likely avoid going after live fish; they prefer their natural diet of mollusks and crustaceans. That means that, for the most part, your Oscars and stingrays will live independent lives in the same tank even though they originate from similar areas of the world.

Final Thoughts

Oscars are great fish with tons of personality that can be kept on their own, in a school, or with other tank mates. There is a large selection of oscar tank mates available to the casual hobbyist or the committed enthusiast, with the usual determining factor being space and diet.

These are monster fish that need monster tanks! But as long as their basic needs are met, then both oscar and their oscar tank mates will live together successfully.

Neon tetras were probably one of the first fish I ever kept, and 25+ years later they’re still among my favorites for a well-planted community tank. A school of 15. 20 neons moving through a planted setup catches the light in a way that genuinely doesn’t get old. They’re also about as peaceful as fish come, which gives you a lot of flexibility with tank mates.

The main consideration is size. neons are small (under 1.5 inches), and anything large enough to fit one in its mouth eventually will. Beyond that, you want peaceful fish that can share soft, slightly acidic water without outcompeting neons at feeding time. Here are 15 tank mates that reliably work.

Choosing NEON TETRA Tank Mates – A Word Of Caution

Neon tetras get along with loads of other tropical fish, but there are just as many species that don’t make good tank mates. So how do you choose?

Size

Neon Tetras are very small fish with a maximum size of about 1.25 inches. At this size, many larger fish can (and will) swallow them whole!

Most popular aquarium species are omnivorous or carnivorous fish, so choosing similar-sized tank mates is always a good idea. There are exceptions, but most fish that grow over 3 or 4 inches will be risky.

Neon tetras can be housed in tanks as small as 10 gallons on their own, but bigger is better if you want to keep more than one species. 15 gallons will work, but 20+ is a better bet when setting up a community tank.

Group Size

Group or school size is another important factor to consider when choosing neon tetra tank mates.

You will notice that the fish species in this article are small, up to 2 inches. Fish of that size might not need very much room, but these species are social creatures that need to be kept with their own kind to behave confidently.

Parameters

Neon tetras prefer slightly cooler water than most other tropical fish. They also enjoy mildly acidic water. These are important factors when choosing tank mates because some fish need colder or warmer conditions or water with a higher pH.

Let’s take a look at the ideal parameters for your neon tetras:

• Water Temperature: 68 – 78 °F
• pH: 5 – 7
• Hardness: 18 – 215 ppm
• Flow: Low to Moderate

Temperament

Neon tetras are peaceful fish, and they need peaceful tank mates. Avoid territorial fish or species that are known to be aggressive or nip fins. Be aware that even peaceful fish can behave badly if they are not kept in groups or if they are under stress.

Swimming Level

It’s a good idea to add fish that occupy various levels in the water column. This article focuses on colorful schooling and shoaling fish, but adding a few bottom feeders will help to keep your tank clean while adding another layer of movement.

Top 15 Companions

Now that you know what to look for in the perfect neon tetra tank mate let’s jump in and meet 15 amazing species you can add to your fish tank. Take note of the following facts and guidelines for each species:

• Scientific Name
• Adult Size
• Care Level
• Temperament
• Swimming Level
• Minimum Tank Size
• pH
• Water Temperature

Let’s get started!

1. Other Types

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
• Adult Size: 1.25 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Swimming Level: Middle
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• pH: 5 -7
• Water Temperature: 68 – 78 °F

Sometimes, the best tank mates for neon tetras are other neon tetras! These peaceful tropical fish are very social creatures that live in large schools in their natural habitat.

There is no limit to the number of neon tetras you can keep if you have enough room, but you should keep a minimum of 6. Like other schooling aquarium fish, your neon tetras just won’t be comfortable without the company of their own species.

2. Black

Black Neon Tetra

A variant neon variety. More reliant than neon and cardinal tetras

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• Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
• Adult Size: 1.5 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Swimming Level: Mid/ top-water
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
• pH: 5 – 7.5
• Water Temperature: 72 – 77 °F

Black neon tetras are a different species from regular neon tetras, but they have very similar behavior. Their bold black, silver, and red colors contrast with the blues of the neon tetras for an amazing display.

Black neon tetras are true community fish. They grow slightly larger than regular neon tetras, but you can easily keep a small school of both species in a 15-gallon tank with good filtration and plenty of swimming space.

3. Green

Green Neon Tetra School” class=”wp-image-1067276″/>

• Scientific Name: Paracheirodon simulans
• Adult Size: 0.75 – 1 inch
• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Swimming Level: Mid/ top-water
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• pH: 5 – 6.5
• Water Temperature: 76 – 95 °F

The green neon tetra is very similar to the regular neon, but it stays a little smaller. These little fish have even brighter blue and green coloration but have less red than regular neon tetras.

Green neons can make great neon tetra tank mates, but they prefer warmer water. That means the two species must be kept right around 77°F to keep everyone happy.

4. Dwarf Rasbora

• Scientific Name: Boraras maculatus
• Adult Size: 0.75 – 1 inch
• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Swimming Level: Mid/ top-water
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• pH: 5 – 6.5
• Water Temperature: 68 – 82 °F

The dwarf rasbora (video resource) is a tiny fish from Southeast Asia. They are very peaceful fish that will thrive in a well-maintained community tank with neon tetras and other smaller fish.

The dwarf rasbora is a good tank mate for a heavily planted aquarium. These fish can thrive in a small tank, but maintaining excellent water quality in a low volume of water is best left to more experienced aquarists.

5. Exclamation Point Rasbora

Exclamation Point Rasbora

One of the smallest fish available in the hobby. Best in schools and easy to care for

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• Scientific Name: Boraras urophthalmoides
• Adult Size: 0.5 – 0.75 inches
• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Swimming Level: Mid/ lower levels
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• pH: 6 – 7
• Water Temperature: 68 – 82 °F

The exclamation point rasbora is a true nano fish and one of the smallest freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby! These tiny schooling fish get their name from the dot and stripes on the sides of their body.

Exclamation point rasboras are good neon tetra tank mates in a heavily planted aquascape. They are ideal for more advanced aquarists looking for a nano community fish.

6. Harlequin Rasbora

Harlequin Rasbora

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

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• Scientific Name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha
• Adult Size: 1.5 – 1.75 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Swimming Level: Mid/ top-water
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
• pH: 5 – 7.5
• Water Temperature: 70 – 82°F

Looking for a hardy fish with great color and personality for your neon tetra community tank? Look no further than the harlequin rasbora! These beautiful fish make quite a statement with their bold black triangular markings.

Harlequin rasboras will get along great with your neon tetras, but it’s very important to keep them with other fish of their own species. Pick up a group of at least 8 of these active fish.

7. 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
• Adult Size: 0.75 inches
• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Swimming Level: Mid/ lower levels
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• pH: 6.5 – 7.5
• Water Temperature: 68 – 78°F

Celestial pearl danios (AKA galaxy rasboras) are very suitable tank mates for neon tetras in a well-maintained home aquarium. These little fish are very peaceful, but they are easily outcompeted for food by larger active swimmers, so choose their tank mates carefully.

You will love the way these shoaling fish hang out and display for each other. They are not exactly coldwater fish, but they enjoy the same cooler water temperatures as neon tetras.

8. Cherry Barbs

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
• Adult Size: 1.75 – 2 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Swimming Level: Mid/ top-water
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
• pH: 6 – 8
• Water Temperature: 68 – 80 °F

Cherry barbs are a great nano community fish from the same family as goldfish. They are a very peaceful barb species that won’t bother your neon tetras.

These schooling fish come from forest streams in Asia, and they thrive in community tanks with other peaceful schooling fish.

Cherry barbs are very active swimmers, and they need the company of their own species to feel comfortable. Keep a group of at least 6 in a tank with plenty of swimming space, and you’ll find that they make great tank mates for your neon tetras!

9. Dwarf Gourami

• Scientific Name: Trichogaster lalius
• Adult Size: 3 inches
• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Swimming Level: All levels
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
• pH: 6 – 7.5
• Water Temperature: 72 – 80°F

Dwarf Gouramis are active and curious fish that enjoy exploring their aquarium. These fascinating fish breathe air at the surface of the tank, so keep that in mind if you plan on growing floating plants.

The male dwarf gourami is a very colorful fish with iridescent blues, reds, and silvers – just like your neon tetras! These fish should be kept in pairs or small groups.

10. 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
• Adult Size: 2 inches
• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Swimming Level: All levels
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
• pH: 6 – 7.5
• Water Temperature: 72 – 80 °F

The honey gourami is similar to the dwarf gourami but stays even small at around 2 inches. These peaceful tropical fish will brighten up your aquarium with their beautiful golden color.

Honey gouramis are easy to care for, so they make a great choice for beginner fish keepers looking for a new species with an interesting shape and calm personality. You can keep a pair of these fish in a tank of 15 gallons but jump up to 20 gallons or more if you want a small group.

11. Sparkling Gourami

Sparkling gouramis (video source) are also known as pygmy gouramis. They are one of the smallest gourami species in the aquarium hobby, and they are a great choice for your neon tetra tank.

They are more streamlined than other gouramis, and their large fins and bright blue eyes really make them stand out in a tropical community. Sparkling gouramis are not exactly schooling fish, but they prefer to be kept in a group with their own species.

12. Amano Shrimp

Best Shrimp For Planted Tanks!

Amano Shrimp

Best For Planted Tanks!

When it comes to keeping a healthy planted aquarium, Amano Shrimp are the best. These hard-working crustaceans will dutifully wipe your plants and rockwork clean of algae. Their appetite for different types of algae that can’t be matched by other shrimp breeds!

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• Scientific Name: Caridina multidentata
• Adult Size: 2 inches
• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Swimming Level: Bottom
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• pH: 6 – 7.6
• Water Temperature: 60 – 80°F

Amano shrimp are one of the larger freshwater shrimp species in the aquarium hobby. These shrimp are named after Takashi Amano, the legendary aquarist and photographer.

Amano Shrimp are amazing algae eaters, which makes them the perfect choice for planted aquariums. They may not be the most colorful inverts, but they are fascinating to watch.

Adults are generally safe with neon tetras and other small fish, but shrimplets can be risky. Providing plenty of hiding spaces and dense plants like Java moss will give them a safe place to hang out until they are large enough to explore.

13. Cherry Shrimp

Beginner Friendly

Cherry Shrimp

Great red color and very hardy. Cherry shrimp are the best beginner shrimp for shrimp tanks

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• Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi
• Adult Size: 1.25 – 1.5 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Swimming Level: Bottom
• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
• pH: 6.8 – 7.5
• Water Temperature: 65 – 80 °F

Cherry shrimp are popular, hardy, and affordable freshwater shrimp that can be great neon tetra tank mates. These bottom feeders eat algae and other waste, which makes them a natural choice for your clean-up crew!

Adult cherry shrimp are usually safe to keep with neon tetras, but the babies will be eaten if they don’t have plenty of hiding places like caves and fine-leaved plants. You may wish to add a few inexpensive ghost shrimp first to see if your fish are going to be shrimp-safe.

14. Nerite Snail

Best Algae Snail

Horned Nerite Snail

Horned Nerite Snails are excellent algae eaters for planted tanks.

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• Scientific Name: Neritina spp.
• Adult Size: 1- 1.5 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Swimming Level: Bottom
• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
• pH: 6.5 – 8.5
• Water Temperature: 65 – 85 °F

Nerite snails are beautiful and hardworking members of your clean-up crew. These colorful creatures cruise around on the leaves of plants and your aquarium glass, slowly grazing on algae to keep your tank looking great.

Nerite snails do not breed in freshwater, so you don’t have to worry about them multiplying in your tank. Many amazing species are available in the aquarium trade, with zebra and tiger nerites being the most popular.

15. Mystery Snails

• Scientific Name: Pomacea bridgesii
• Adult Size: 2 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Swimming Level: Bottom
• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
• pH: 7 – 8.4
• Water Temperature: 68 – 82°F

Mystery snails are another great invertebrate option for your neon tetra tank. These large snails come in a variety of colors, including white, golden, purple, and blue.

These snails lay their eggs outside of the water, so you don’t have to worry about them breeding if you keep your tank full. Mystery snails can be kept with neon tetras if you have water right around neutral but they do not thrive in low-pH conditions.

Other Possibilities

Want even more neon tetra tank mate ideas? These fish are also potential choices:

• White cloud minnows
• Bristlenose plecos
• Kuhli loaches
• Corydoras catfish
• Zebra danios

Fish To Avoid

Now that we’ve covered a bunch of great neon tetra tank mates let’s take a look at some of the tank mates you should avoid.

• Severums
• Any large, aggressive fish
• Aggressive cichlids

Most of the fish listed above are examples of larger fish that can eat your neon tetras. Avoid fish that grow larger than about 3 inches to stay on the safe side.

Betta fish aren’t going to eat neon tetras, but they can be a little aggressive toward them. The least risky will be female bettas. Other small aggressive fish like tiger barbs and silvertip tetras should also be avoided as well as any species that require water temperatures above 78 °F or a pH above 7.

Community Tank Tips

Have you chosen your favorite neon tetra tank mates? Before you go out and order your new fish, take a few minutes to read through these handy neon tetra tank tips!

Tank Size

You can keep neon tetras in a tank of just 10 gallons, but your options are pretty limited. I would suggest a tank of at least 15 gallons, but 20 gallons or more is advisable. Remember, neon tetras are schooling fish, so you’re going to want at least 6.

If you add some other schooling aquarium fish like harlequin rasboras, your total stocking will increase to at least 14 fish.

Bigger is (almost) always better when setting up a community tank, so keep this in mind if you don’t already have your aquarium set up.

Filtration, Lighting & Heating

A successful neon community tank requires good filtration, a reliable aquarium heater, and six to eight hours of lighting each day.

Neon tetras do not mind a decent flow rate in their tank since they live in rivers in their natural environment. Nevertheless, they are small fish that will become stressed if forced to swim against a strong current all day.

Decorating Your Tank

Your Neon Tetras will enjoy plenty of swimming space, but they prefer to have some structure in their home. Add some driftwood and rocks to create a more natural habitat.

Growing live plants in your aquarium is a great way to improve your water quality and make your tank even more beautiful.

Choose easy plants like Java ferns and Amazon sword if you’re just starting out. These plants don’t need any specialized equipment to thrive.

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Feeding Your Fish

Neon tetras are very easy to feed. Providing high-quality flake food once or twice each day will keep them happy and healthy. Provide the occasional treat like live or frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp to keep your fish in top condition.

Overfeeding your fish is a common mistake that can have some surprisingly serious consequences. Watch your fish eat; they should be able to finish their food in a minute or so.

Tank Maintenance

Maintaining a healthy neon tetra community tank takes a little regular maintenance.

Schedule an hour or so each week to perform regular water changes and tank maintenance. I recommend testing your water every week to monitor the build-up of nitrates and phosphates.

You can plan your maintenance schedule around the results of your tests and aim to keep your nitrate levels down to about 20 parts per million or less. You’ll also want to clean your glass and ornaments from time to time and rinse out your filter media when it begins to clog up.

However, there are some things you can do to minimize the amount of maintenance you need to do. Use these tips to keep your tank cleaner for longer:

• Avoid overstocking your tank. More fish means more food and more fish poop!
• Grow live plants
• Use high-quality filtration
• Avoid overfeeding
• Add clean-up crew animals like nerite snails and cherry shrimps

Where To Buy

Are you ready to get some new friends for your neon tetras? You should have no trouble tracking down the species in this list. Most local fish stores will stock these fish; just make sure to buy from stores that take great care of their animals.

More and more aquarists are buying their fish online these days. You can also consider ordering your fish from a trusted online retailer and having them delivered directly to your door!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Use the tips in this guide to help you choose your next tank mates. Remember, choose peaceful, similar-size fish that enjoy the same water parameters as your neon tetras. Give them plenty of swimming space and keep their tank clean for a happy and healthy home aquarium!

What is your favorite neon tetra tank mate? Let us know in the comments below!

📘 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide. your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

One of the questions I get all the time from newer goldfish keepers is whether their fish actually sleep. usually after they notice their goldfish just sitting motionless at the bottom of the tank and start panicking. I’ve kept goldfish and seen this behavior more times than I can count. It looks alarming if you don’t know what you’re seeing, but once you understand what’s actually happening, it becomes one of those things you can actually use to gauge whether your tank environment is healthy.

Goldfish do sleep. they just don’t look like it. Without eyelids, they can’t close their eyes, which is why you’ll find them hovering motionless in a corner of the tank at night looking like they’re staring at nothing. After keeping and filming goldfish extensively over the years, I still find it funny how often this startles people who check on their tank late at night.

What’s worth knowing as a keeper is that goldfish need a consistent light/dark cycle to rest properly. Leaving your lights on 24/7 is one of those quiet stressors that’s easy to overlook but affects long-term health. Here’s exactly how goldfish sleep, what to look for, and how to make sure your setup supports it.

How Do Goldfish Sleep?

Goldfish might not tuck themselves under the covers each night, but they certainly do sleep! However, fish don’t sleep in the same way that you and I do. When goldfish sleep, their metabolism slows, and they become inactive. Research has shown that fish can enter deep sleep at night¹.

Until recently, fish were not thought to exhibit rapid eye movement or REM sleep like ourselves and other mammals. However, scientists have discovered that zebra danios enter a pretty similar state. We don’t know if danios or other fish like goldfish dream, but it’s certainly possible.

Goldfish sleep at the bottom of their tank to feel safer from predators. You might also find them sleeping between live plants or aquarium decorations where they can stay more still and feel secure.

Why Do They Sleep?

All that swimming and exploring in your aquarium certainly tires out your goldfish, so they need to rest regularly to stay healthy.

When

Goldfish don’t fall asleep like people each night, but they get most of their rest when it’s dark. That’s why providing your goldfish with a natural day and night cycle is important.

Running your aquarium lights all day and night can result in a sleep-deprived goldfish, so be sure to switch off the tank lights for at least twelve hours a day. Keeping your lights on for 6 to 8 hours a day is recommended because more than that can cause algae issues.

The best way to keep things regular in your tank is to set your aquarium lights on a timer. That way you won’t forget to switch the lights on or off.

Goldfish are sensitive to loud noises and sudden movements when they sleep at night. High noise levels will disturb your fish’s sleep schedule, so never put speakers or televisions next to your goldfish tank.

How Long?

Goldfish can sleep for short periods or for many hours at a time. Some goldfish nap during the day, while others sleep at night. Creating regular light and dark periods each day will allow your goldfish to develop its own natural sleeping pattern and get enough sleep.

Some goldfish owners report that their pets go to sleep in the same spot each night and are still there each morning. The important thing is to let your goldfish rest each day in a dark and quiet environment.

If your goldfish is not getting enough rest, it could cause stress and weaken its immune system in the long run.

Why Don’t Fish Close Their Eyes?

The simple answer to this common goldfish question is that fish don’t have eyelids. Eyelids are very useful for keeping our eyes moist and free of dust and other irritating particles. This isn’t a problem underwater, so goldfish don’t need to blink!

Is My Fish Sleeping Or Sick?

Many new goldfish owners are surprised to learn that their fish sleep, and it can be pretty worrying to see your pet sleeping motionless for long periods. However, you can rest assured that this behavior is completely normal.

However, goldfish can get sick with conditions like swim bladder disease from time to time, so it’s good to know if your goldfish is sleeping or showing signs of poor health.

Read on to learn what to look out for.

Signs Your Goldfish Is Sick

• Seeing your goldfish sleep upside down or leaning to one side could indicate swim bladder problems. Swim bladder disorder is a common illness among goldfish and other pet fish. This condition causes buoyancy issues which can make your fish sink, float, or swim erratically.
• Cloudy eyes, sores, or a white film over the body are often signs of a bacterial infection.
• Missing scales, white spots, and scratching against the substrate are common signs of parasites.
• Rapid breathing is a clear sign of stress, which can cause illness in your goldfish. Poor water quality, drastic water temperature changes, and disease can cause this common symptom. Rapid breathing can also result from low oxygen levels. Running an air pump and airstone can be helpful.

Signs Your Fish Are Sleeping

• Your goldfish is sleeping if it’s stationary at the bottom of the tank or hovering about an inch above the substrate. Most healthy goldfish rest at night when it’s dark, but you might find your goldfish sleeping any time.
• Sleeping goldfish often tilt their head downward slightly but keep their body upright.
• Your goldfish’s color might be a little dull when it is sleeping. This can help your fish hide from predators.
• Sleeping fish can breathe without swimming. They gulp water to maintain a constant flow through their gills.

What To Do If They Are Sick

Accurately diagnosing illnesses in freshwater fish can be tricky, but you can often find the cause of your fish’s health problems, and there’s a good chance that you can treat your pet at home.

Fish get sick when they are under stress, and stress is often caused by bad environmental conditions. What does that mean? Well, your fish need clean, healthy tank water at the right temperature.

• Test your water quality

Goldfish are pretty messy fish, so they need good filtration and a tank of at least 30 gallons to stay healthy. Your water quality can become dangerous if you don’t cycle your aquarium and perform regular water changes.

Your water should contain no traces of ammonia or nitrite. Nitrates can harm goldfish in high concentrations, so keep them below 40 ppm. A level of 20 ppm or less is ideal for long-term care.

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• Check your water temperature

Goldfish are coldwater fish that prefer a lower temperature range than most other fish. They should be kept in water temperatures between 68 and 74°F. Tropical fish tank water temperatures will harm your goldfish in the long run.

Aquarium heaters are adjustable, and they do show the water temperature. However, these readings can be pretty inaccurate. I recommend getting a thermometer so you can monitor your water temperature easily.

Digital thermometers with built-in alarms are great for this purpose. These handy machines let you know if the water gets too hot or cold for your goldfish.

• Other Parameters

Poor water quality with high ammonia levels and high water temperature are common causes of stress, but goldfish also have other preferred water parameters. Aim for the following readings:

• pH: 7 – 8.4
• gH: 100 – 300 ppm
• KH: 50 – 120 ppm

You can test these parameters with a master test kit. Any inconsistencies can cause stress on your goldfish and will need to be addressed as soon as possible.

Treating

Providing correct treatments for your goldfish can mean the differences between live and dead fish. Goldfish are susceptible to many illnesses, and it’s not always the fishkeeper’s fault when things go wrong.

Let’s look at some things you can do to help a sick goldfish.

• Move the sick fish into a quarantine tank

A quarantine tank is a small tank where you can administer treatments to your sick goldfish without affecting your other fish or aquatic animals. Your quarantine tank should hold at least a few gallons of water and have its own filter.

Test the water before moving your fish. If the water in your main tank is the problem, you’ll need to use fresh, dechlorinated water instead.

• Observe Your Goldfish

If your fish is not in obvious danger, observe it for a few days and give it a chance to recover. Starting an immediate treatment is not always necessary.

• Treatment

If your goldfish is in obvious distress or not improving, contact your vet and ask for advice.
There are some excellent fish medications available that you can administer yourself at home.

Condition-specific medicines are highly effective, but you can also treat several common fish illnesses with aquarium salt.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

So now you know, goldfish sleep too! Don’t worry if you find your fancy goldfish sleeping. They need their forty winks, too, even if it is technically impossible for them to get any shut-eye.

Have you seen your goldfish sleeping? Tell us about it in the comments below!

📘 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide. your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

References

• Seriously Fish — Species profiles and care data
• FishBase — Taxonomy and scientific data
• Practical Fishkeeping — Husbandry and care advice

I’ve kept both male and female bettas over the years, and the differences between them go well beyond looks. Most people only ever keep a single male, so they’re often surprised when they finally see a female up close. smaller, duller, and with a completely different temperament. Understanding these differences matters whether you’re planning a community tank, thinking about a sorority setup, or just trying to figure out what you have. Here’s what I’ve observed firsthand across years of keeping these fish.

Male Vs Female Betta Appearance

Male and female bettas can look very similar unless you know exactly what to look for. Let’s say you just walked into the pet store and you want to pick out a single female betta fish. How would you know which is which? The best approach is to look at a combination of small differences.

Ready to learn? Let’s get started!

Size and Body Shape

Male bettas are slightly longer and leaner than females. The length difference usually only comes down to about a quarter inch or so, but the body width can be pretty noticeable. Females are wider across the back and belly, which is especially noticeable when viewed from above.

Fins

Bettas are loved for their amazing long fins. There are loads of different betta breeds, and some look very different from others. Elephant ear bettas are just bursting with fins, while plakat betta fish have relatively small, and compact fins.

So how do you tell female and male betta fish apart by their fins? Male betta fish generally have larger fins and females have shorter fins. The difference is pretty clear in most betta breeds, but in smaller-finned varieties, the ventral fin is the best place to look.

Let’s take a look at the various betta fish fins and how they differ:

• Pelvic/Ventral fin

The ventral fins are the paired fins that hang down below the body, just behind the gills. Male betta fish have much larger and longer ventral fins.

• Anal Fins

The anal fin is the long flowing fin that extends from behind the ventral fin all the way to the tail. This is the largest fin on some betta fish breeds. Male betta fish have much longer anal fins than females, and this can be a good clue for telling them apart.

• Caudal fin (tail)

Male betta fish have longer tails than females. The size difference is very obvious in some breeds like the rose tails, but not very clear with plakat betta fish.

Color

Male betta fish are usually more colorful than females. Females tend to have more gray and silver colors, but sometimes they can be even more colorful than male bettas.

Egg Spot

Female bettas have an egg spot between their ventral and anal fins. This small bump is the ovipositor tube where the eggs are released. The egg spot is another useful clue for telling male and female betta fish apart.

Gill Plate Cover

Betta fish can flare out their gill plate covers (operculum). Both male and female betta fish do this to show dominance and aggression, but the male fish tend to flare more often.

The larger gill plate cover of male betta fish looks kind of like a beard, so that’s a good way to remember this difference.

Behavior

Male and female betta fish can look a lot alike, but some unique behaviors really help set them apart.

Here’s what to look for:

Bubble Nests

Bettas are from the Osphronemidae family, a group of fish that build bubble nests where the eggs develop in a more oxygen-rich environment. Males create bubble nests, and they will do this even if they are kept alone in their own tanks.

Bubble nests are basically small rafts of bubbles that float together at the water’s surface. The size of the bubble nest varies, and it can often be found in the corner of an aquarium, especially after a water change. Female betta fish can also make bubble nests but this is pretty rare.

Temperament

Captive-bred betta fish tend to be far more aggressive than the wild fish they were bred from. There are many types of wild bettas, however, so it really depends on the species.

Domesticated Betta splendens are extremely popular in the fish-keeping hobby today but they were originally bred for sport. That’s right, bettas were bred to fight, and generations of winners have produced a pretty mean breed of fish!

Male bettas tend to be more aggressive than females, but each fish has his or her own personality. The difference in temperament means female betta fish are a little more flexible when it comes to tank mates. Read more about this later in the article.

Which Gender Should You Choose? My Take After 25 Years

After keeping bettas for over two decades, my honest recommendation is this: if you want a betta in a community tank, go with a female. Female bettas are genuinely chill in a way that males rarely are. I’ve kept females alongside tetras, corydoras, and other peaceful community fish without issues. Males, on the other hand, need to be managed — their aggression isn’t just toward other bettas, it extends to anything with flowing fins or bright colors.

Personally, I keep either a single male betta as a centerpiece fish in his own tank, or a female in a peaceful community setup. I’ve never bothered with breeding bettas — not because it’s impossible, but because it’s a serious commitment that pulls you away from what most hobbyists actually want, which is a great-looking, low-drama tank. If breeding is your goal, go for it, but don’t let anyone pressure you into it as a “next step.”

The one thing I’d add that most guides skip: female bettas vary individually just as much as males do. I’ve had calm males and surprisingly feisty females. Watch your fish for the first week after introduction and be ready to separate if needed — don’t assume gender guarantees behavior.

ASD Keeper’s Assessment: Male vs Female Betta

Male Betta
Difficulty: 3/10 | Aggression: 9/10 | Best for: Solo display tank, no tank mates | Min tank: 5 gal | Community-safe: ❌

Female Betta
Difficulty: 3/10 | Aggression: 4/10 | Best for: Peaceful community tanks | Min tank: 10 gal | Community-safe: ✅ (usually)

ASD Recommendation: For most hobbyists, especially those running community tanks, a female betta is the lower-risk, higher-reward choice. Males are worth keeping but need their own setup. Neither is harder to care for than the other — it’s purely a question of tank configuration.

Care

Male and female betta fish have very similar care needs. There are some slight differences that we’ll get into below, but both sexes need good water quality, enough space, and a healthy diet to live a long, happy life.

Tank Setup

Betta fish need an aquarium of at least 5 gallons. You might buy them in a cup over at the pet store, but they will not live for very long in such cramped conditions. Here’s a basic setup for male or female betta fish:

• 5-gallon+ tank (with hood)
• Aquarium heater
• Filter (HOB, sponge, etc.)
• Aquarium light with timer

Those four core components are vital for keeping your fish healthy. You’ll also want to decorate your tank of course, and that’s where some potential differences come into play.

Aquarium Decorations

Betta fish do not need to have substrate in their tank, but you’ll probably want to add a layer of aquarium-safe gravel to the bottom of your aquarium for aesthetic reasons.

Caves and ornaments will add interest to your tank and make it a more natural and stimulating environment for your fish.

Unfortunately, the long, flowing fins of the male betta fish can tear very easily, so you need to be extra careful when choosing decorations. Avoid anything with sharp edges that could cause damage. Females are less vulnerable than male bettas because they have short fins, but it’s still something to think about.

Plastic plants can be especially dangerous for your fish so choose soft, silk plants, or even better, grow the real thing! Aquatic plants are surprisingly easy and fun to grow and care for.

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Water Quality

Keeping male or female betta fish healthy in the long run requires good water quality. So how do you make sure your water is safe and healthy for your fish?

Let’s take a look at the basics of betta fish tank maintenance.

The water in your betta fish tank changes over time as fish waste and excess food accumulate. This causes chemical changes in the water due to the nitrogen cycle, and the water becomes more and more toxic for your fish.

The only way to monitor these changes is to test your water regularly and perform partial water changes whenever necessary. Growing some live aquatic plants can certainly improve your water quality, but you’ll still need to roll up your sleeves once, twice, or even four times each month.

Feeding Your Betta Fish

Male and female betta fish can be fed the same diet. You can feed these tropical fish small prepared foods for freshwater aquarium fish or choose from some excellent betta pellets made specifically for your siamese fighting fish. A high-quality diet can bring out the best in your betta fish colors.

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Supplementary live and frozen foods like bloodworms make a tasty treat for your Siamese-fighting fish and are a great way to get your fish into good spawning condition if you plan on breeding them.

Tank Mates

The only real downside to betta fish is their aggressive behavior towards other bettas. Most Siamese fighting fish keepers keep just one fish in their own tank.

These beautiful fish can actually get along just fine with many species in a community aquarium, however. But how do you know which other fish will get along with your betta?

Betta fish can be kept with other small tropical fish that enjoy the same water parameters and tank conditions. They should only be kept with peaceful fish, of course, because bettas can be bullied and hurt by other species.

Never keep Siamese fighting fish with fin nippers like tiger barbs, or any aggressive or large and predatory fish.

Read on for some great betta fish community tank mates!

Betta Tank Mates

• Nerite snails
• Corydoras catfish
• Otocinclus catfish
• Kuhli loach
• Peaceful tetras
• Harlequin rasboras

Female Betta Sororities

Betta fish tend to fight with their own species, which is why it’s always best to keep them on their own. You probably know that male bettas should never be kept with other males. It is possible to keep a female fish with other female betta fish, however, and this is known as a betta sorority.

Betta sororities don’t always work out because female bettas can still be aggressive toward other females. If you do go this route, a 20+ gallon tank size is going to be your safest bet, and you’ll need to carefully monitor your fish and be ready to move them to another tank if you notice any aggression.

Bettas are not very social fish, so there’s nothing wrong with keeping a single female in her own tank.

Keeping Male and Female Bettas Together

Keeping male and female betta fish together in the same tank is a bad idea! These fish can be very aggressive towards their own species and will often hurt each other very badly- or worse.

It is possible to keep two bettas together in the same tank if you have a divider in the aquarium. A tank divider is a physical barrier that keeps the fish apart but allows water to flow between both sides of the tank, making water quality easier to maintain.

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A divider that is opaque or partially clear is the best bet because this minimizes flaring and fighting between the fish on either side of the divider. Your bettas will be able to sense each other even with a solid divider in the tank, so using separate tanks is recommended unless you plan on breeding the fish.

Breeding Betta fish

You’re probably wondering how betta fish breed if the males and females are so aggressive toward each other! There is a good video by Aquaplanets that shows the process below.

It is possible to breed betta fish at home, although you need to be quite careful to avoid aggression and fighting. Keeping the pair together in a divided tank is a great way to introduce them safely since they will be able to sense each other’s hormones and prepare to reproduce.

Only healthy, well-conditioned male and female bettas should be bred, and the pair should be moved into a separate, dedicated breeding tank. The female can be kept in a breeder box until the male has built his bubble nest and they are ready to mate.

Once the eggs are laid, the female should be removed from the tank because the male will begin to attack her. He does this because female bettas will eat their own eggs. The male fish can be kept in the breeding tank until all the eggs have hatched and the fry are free swimming.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to tell the sexes apart is really important, especially if you plan on breeding these fish or setting up a sorority tank. Unfortunately, pet stores don’t always keep female betta fish in stock because they aren’t as colorful as the males, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t awesome pets!

After reading this article, you should have no problem in identifying female and male betta fish. Remember though- both male and female betta fish can be very aggressive so beginners should not keep more than one of the same species together.

Male vs female betta fish- Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!