10 Best Fish For Community Tanks
- May 09, 2021
- Rita
- 3109 0 0
Starting a new community aquarium can be super exciting but also nerve-wracking, especially if it comes to picking the fish. Ideally, you want fish that are peaceful with adequately sized for your specific tank. You might be looking for a flurry of small fish or a few big ones. It is best to decide what you want before you decide on a specific tank. Here are a few fish species that get along well in a community tank.
Neon Tetra
Neon Tetras are small freshwater fish that are quite easy to care for, even for beginners. They reach a size of around 1.5 inches in length and are known for being very calm and peaceful. They do best in groups of at least six fish, so make sure your tank is big enough. Their tanks should contain rocks, plants, and other tank accessories so they can hide if they want to. They are easily recognized by the bright red stripe down their bodies and the blue color of the rest.
Angelfish
Angelfish are part of the Cichlid family and can grow up to 6 inches in length. These fish come in various patterns and colors and can become around 8 inches tall. These fish are omnivores and thus require a balanced diet of both meat and plant material. They are generally peaceful but can become aggressive if the tank is overcrowded.
Zebra Danios
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By Oregon State University - Zebrafish, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50490701
Zebra Danios are small, low maintenance fish that do great in community tanks. These fish usually grow to about 2 inches in length and are perfect for beginners. They have to be kept in a shoal of around 6 fish to keep them thriving. If you have Zebra Danios, make sure you keep your tank covered since they are known to jump out of tanks.
Goldfish
Goldfish are very popular and well-known aquarium fish. Most believe they can be kept in a simple glass bowl, but this is simply not true. Goldfish need to be kept in an aquarium that can accommodate their size with a filter. They can grow to around 14 inches long and can live for 25 years or longer. They require weekly maintenance and come in various shapes and sizes.
Threadfin Rainbowfish
CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=201626
This particular fish species stands out due to its fins. The pectoral, anal, and adipose fins are the ones that stand out the most. They are ray-like in shape, black, and creates the striking appearance of this fish. The rest of the body is yellowish gold with a semi-transparent tail fin. The Threadfin Rainbowfish is very peaceful, but won’t do well in tanks with fin nippers. They can reach 1.5 inches in length.
Otocinclus
By Fremen - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47712768
These little cuties are best kept in groups of three or more. They are vegetarian and will keep your tank clean from algae. There are several varieties that differ in patterns and colors but are similar in shape and size. They usually reach about 2 inches. Otocinclus are usually quite shy and hard to spot. They stick to the shadows, cling to smooth surfaces and feed on algae as they go about their day.
Guppies
Guppies are very easy to care for and easy to breed if you don’t separate the genders. They came in various sizes, colors, and patterns with the males being more spectacular than the females. They can adapt to a variety of water temperatures and have very lively personalities. It is important to try and keep the water temperature consistent if you want them to do well and live a long healthy life.
Cory Catfish
By Tino Strauss - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=677030
Corry Catfish are excellent community fish. They are sweet and unbothered. They come in a variety of sizes and patterns ranging from 1-4 inches. It is best to keep them in small groups since they prefer the company of their own species. You will often find them performing synchronized dances.
Kuhli Loach
By The original uploader was Marrabbio2 at Italian Wikipedia. - Own work by the original uploader, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7009692
This fish is my favorite. It can be kept in almost any community tank and have quite a unique look. They are not schooling fish and thus can be kept on their own. They tend to spend the day doing their own thing at the bottom of the tank. They grow to about 3-4 inches long but won’t cause trouble for any other fish in the tank.
Glowlight Tetra
By gonzalovalenzuela - Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9812201
This beautiful fish is semi-transparent with an orange-yellow stripe running down the length of the body. In the right light conditions, they appear to glow. It is best to keep them in a shoal of at least 6 fish to reduce stress. They don’t require a ton of space and are very docile and playful making them perfect for community tanks and beginners. They usually reach about 1.5 inches in length.
Now that you’re familiar with at least a few community tank fish, it is time to go to that fish store and get your fish. All the fish on this list is absolutely stunning, so the last step when picking comes down to personal preference. If you are stuck or want to know a bit more, check out the individual care guides of these fish before you decide.
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