What kind of exotic fish to choose for your aquarium?
Aquariophiles know that there is a multitude of exotic fish species to install in an aquarium. Making a choice is not always obvious, but the decision is often conditioned by the volume and shape of the tank and the affinity between fish. Indeed, not all species are alike and some are not compatible. It is also useful to have fish living at different heights cohabiting in the aquarium to maintain a good natural balance. Discover our tips on which types of exotic fish to choose for your aquarium.
The choice of fish for its aquarium: the rules to be observed
Choice versus behavior
Not all fish can live together in the
same aquarium. Some species are aggressive, others like loneliness, some move on
a bench, and others defend their small territory fiercely... so it is not possible
to make a random choice, without taking these behaviors into account, because
you could quickly see animals develop stress, attack, get sick and die. An
aquarium is a really small world, fragile and requiring balance. If it is
broken or threatened, complications appear.
Moreover, not all fish species live at the same height. Some enjoy the surface, others prefer the bottom to find food, and others live in the middle. Try to vary the species taking these tastes into account so as not to overcrowd an area of your tank and disturb the fish. One to two species per life zone is the recommended choice.
The choice compared to the aquarium
You will have to take into account
your aquarium when making your choice, i.e. its volume, its shape (depth,
width, etc.), and the filtration method in place. Fish need space, so there’s
no point in trying to put too much because natural selection will take place
and you may see a wave of deaths coming soon.
Depending on the species, you will not be able to choose any decoration. Some species need real plants, others need hiding places, others need the soil of a certain quality, etc.
The choice of fish: species that adapt to all volume
Whether you have a large or a small aquarium, some species of fish will be able to get used to it very well.
The Combatant or Betta splendens
The Combatant (Betta splendens) is a
very beautiful fish native to Southeast Asia. Used in its original habitat to
live in a reduced volume of water, it is very suitable for small tanks. It is
recognizable by its sail-shaped fins and its solid color, usually blue or red.
On the other hand, only the male presents this captivating beauty; the female
is smaller, more classical, and gray.
The Combatant is a fish that can
domesticate itself. However, he can only live alone. Never put two males in the
same aquarium, as they will kill each other, as their name indicates. If you
want to install a male and a female, do so only if you have a large tray with
several hiding places, as male-only only appreciates the presence of a companion
on certain occasions and might attack her if he encounters her outside breeding
periods.
The Combatant is a robust and resistant fish, but it must be placed in a filtered bin. This will make him live longer and healthier.
Cape Lopez or Southern Aphyosemion
Cape Lopez (Southern Aphyosemion) is
another species that supports small shallow volumes. You can put a couple in,
but make sure you have a safe house, as the male tends to run after the female,
which can stress her. This species loves calm, so it is not recommended to
place it with aggressive or too dynamic fish. Cape Lopez, on the other hand, is
a jumping fish, so make sure you have a tray with a lid to avoid attempts to
escape.
Cape Lopez is more fragile than the Combatant. It needs quality feed and water between 22 and 25°C with a pH of 6.
Species that live on the bench
The Cardinals or Paracheirodon axelrodi: the famous "red neon"
These tiny blue and redfish need to live in a group to feel protected from danger. Despite its size, it needs space, at a rate of about a hundred liters per 10 individuals. Originally from the Amazon, the Cardinalis (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is pleasant to observe, swimming on a compact bench. However, their reproduction is very difficult.
Zebra fish or Danio rerio
This small black-striped white fish lives like the Cardinalis, in groups of at least 10 individuals. In contrast, zebrafish (Danio rerio) can grow to 6-8 cm when grown, which is why a minimum of 200 liters is required for a bench. Resistant, it has no great demands except the place, but it is very difficult to reproduce.
Aquarium surface and medium species
Le Guppy or Poecilia reticulata
The Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a famous fish that lives on the surface area and reproduces very well. In addition, babies are already born in their adult form, which limits the risk that they will be eaten by their parents. However, the Guppies need space, at a rate of 15 liters per fish. Avoid putting too much on, as you will soon be faced with overcrowding. It is advisable to implant one male for two or three females.
Platy or Xiphophorus maculatus
This colorful little fish reproduces
as well as the Guppy, but it is a little bigger and therefore needs more space.
Do not multiply them, as the Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) tends to pollute the
tank of its excrement quickly.
The Red Fish
The Red Fish is a fish that lives at the bottom of the aquarium and in the environment. Contrary to popular belief, he can't stand living in a small ball jar because he needs space. The Red Fish grows to 30 cm. In a small tray, he is constrained and develops bone disorders intended to reduce his size, which causes him severe pain. Plan a minimum of 50 liters per fish.
Species that live at the bottom of the aquarium
L'Ancistrus
This small vegetarian fish is a real aquarium bottom cleaner. It feeds on plants and algae and needs a suitable plant diet. Male Ancistrus may be aggressive and territorial, so it is preferable to have more females than males and to provide hiding places. Fearful, he allows himself little observation.
Corydoras Menus
This widespread groundfish likes to
live on a bench of at least 8 individuals per 120 liters. Originally from South
America, he searches the bottom for food, but he needs a diet adapted to
omnivorous species because he is not a cleaner. Be vigilant with the type of
soil chosen, as the Corydoras genus can get injured by searching it. Avoid
quartz or any cutting substrate.