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Large aquariums with plenty of cover help, but many of these fish are best kept individually and tank mates should not be similar looking or closely related.Īsking your local retailer about how to build a community fish tank, featuring a variety of species is always a good option. Research fish before buying and try to stock your aquarium with fish from the same region, especially if they are aggressive or territorial species.Ĭichlids, certain species of sharks, loaches, knife fish, mormyrids and other territorial fish do not share space well with members of their own kind or closely related species. Species/Origin of the Fishįish communicate in a variety of ways, and signals can be misinterpreted because fish from different parts of the world "speak different languages". When introducing new cichlids to existing populations, add a few new rocks or other decorations and rearrange existing décor to eliminate territories controlled by established fish.
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Rocks, caves, driftwood and other decorations help define territories for cichlids and other territorial fish, while tall bushy plants provide habitat and give schooling fish like tetras, barbs, danios and rasboras their own areas to occupy. In addition, when they can't see each other, they tend to mind their own business. Most fish need a place to call their own and they define their personal areas by physical boundaries. Decorations and PlantsĪquarium decorations help with saltwater and freshwater fish compatibility in several ways. These aquariums should be used for less active fish like discus, angelfish and gouramis. On the other hand, tall, narrow aquariums are appealing to look at and fit into narrow spaces but don't offer fish as much swimming space or territory as a wider aquarium. Wider aquariums give active fish, like danios and barbs, the space to spread out, which in turn helps them get along better. Different fish prefer different shapes and swimming spaces. Also, what to us is a large aquarium (200+ gallons), is still just a fraction of the space fish have in their natural habitats.Īnother consideration are the dimensions of your new aquarium. Remember that the fish you buy will probably grow, and a 30 gallon aquarium doesn't actually hold 30 gallons of water when you factor in internal dimensions, gravel and decorations. A general rule of thumb for stocking a fish tank is one inch of adult size fish per net gallon of aquarium capacity, but territorial fish need even more space. When fish are crowded they become more agitated and are more likely to quarrel with tank mates. Most fish need space, and the more they have the better they tend to get along. Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing fish for your aquarium that can help determine fish compatibility. While there are certain combinations we know with relative certainty do or do not work in most instances, there are countless others that can go either way depending on a variety of factors. Choosing fish that get along is a challenge every aquarist faces.