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Edited by Tomlinite, Julia Maureen, Devil President, Travis Derouin and 24 others

It can be confusing when you cannot figure out which fish will be compatible with that fish. You don't want to mix the wrong freshwater fish together and risk nasty confrontations that will leave your fish dead. Make sure you buy the right fish and place them accordingly by planning ahead of time.

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EditSteps

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    Most freshwater "community" fish can be together such as tetras, danios, guppies, mollies, platies, rasboras, corys, swordtails, with angelfish, and Dwarf cichlids (not African cichlids). Fortunately, they all eat the same food, such as any tropical flakes or pellets. Frozen bloodworms and mini shrimp are good as well.
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    Don't put female and male live bearers together as they will breed, unless you want fry (baby fish).
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    Tiger Barbs are aggressive, so they might beat others up that are in the tank. This can be avoided by keeping a school of 6 or more.
    • Although Tiger barbs can be aggressive, most other barbs like Cherry Barbs are peaceful animals.
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    Schooling fish should be kept in schools (6 or more) of each species. They will be much happier this way.
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    It doesn't matter what age or size community fish are; they will flow nicely together, as long as you control quantity.
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    There is a whole other group of freshwater fish, called aggressive. Fish in this group are: Tiger barbs, many cichlids, some gouramis, sharks, and eels. These fish shouldn't really ever be put in with community fish without attention, caution and care on your part.. Particularly the slow moving ones with long tails. They will nip their tails and fins off, and often times kill them easily.
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    Bettas can never be placed in a community tank. The schooling fish will soon start to nip their fins and the Bettas may become aggressive with other fish.
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EditTips

  • Never keep male Betas together as they will fight until one dies.
  • If you don't know if you can put a fish in with another, it's best to do some research.
  • Rule of thumb, if a fish fits into another fish's mouth, they are not suitable tank mates.
  • Tetras and angels don't really get on unless you give the angels bloodworms and brim shrimp.
  • Ask the worker in the pet store which fish they would keep together, then do research to confirm the information.
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EditWarnings

  • ALWAYS research fish species before you buy them - the store owners often give out false information.
  • Never put small fish with big fish. If you mix small fry (baby fish) with lurking predators like bettas, you’ll wind up with plump predators. Remember that MANY fish are predators.

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Article Info

Categories: Fish

Recent edits by: Jakesoup, Ron D, Adj64

In other languages:

Español: Cómo saber que peces juntar en un tanque

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