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Choosing the Right Fish

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When choosing a fish for the aquariums there are some few other things that you need to consider.

  1. First and foremost you have to identify the type of aquarium you are going to make; whether it is marine tank or freshwater water tank; whether it is a cichlid tank or a planted tank.
  2. You have to consider the right size of the fish for the tank.  1 inch of fish per gallon is the general rule but bear in mind that this is only applicable in fishes like neon tetra and other small fishes.  As for massive bodied fishes, they will require more than 1 inch per gallon rule.
  3. Choose a fish that is active and always go in front of the glass when they see people.  Do not choose a fish that only stays in one corner and barely swim.  It is possible that it is already sick and dying.
  4. Examine the body of the fish before buying it.  Some fish may have crooked backbone, ick and other illness.  Avoid taking the ones with white spots.
  5. Avoid choosing a fish that just arrived from shipment.  Those fishes have been stressed out and they have a very low survival rate.  Choose fishes that have been with the local fish shop for at least 2 or 3 days.  If they survived this long in the local fish shop then there is a very high probability that it will stay alive when you put it in your aquarium.

Picture below is an example of a healthy neon tetra

Other Fishes Available:

Hyphessobrycon flammeus Hyphessobrycon flammeus “Orange Flame Tetra”

The “standard” Von Rio tetra has a pink to red posterior portion of the body and 2 gray or black bars on its side just behind the gills. This variant has been developed through selective breeding and has more intense orange coloration. They are a small peaceful species that can be kept in community tanks with other small fish. They will accept flake and small granular foods and the addition of frozen brine shrimp or bloodworms to their diet will enhance their bright color. These fish are relatively hardy if kept in proper conditions. Von Rio tetras are schooling fish, and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Being a slightly shy species plenty of cover should be added to the aquarium to allow them places to hide. Driftwood, ornaments, live plants, and plastic plants are the most common things used.


Micralestes occidentalis Micralestes occidentalis “African Redfinned Tetra”

This African species has large, silvery scales similar to those of the Congo Tetra. The dorsal, adipose and caudal fins are bright red. This is also a slightly large species, reaching lengths of about 3 inches. Like Congo Tetras thes fish are fast movers and should not be housed with smaller species. They should be kept in groups of six or more in an aquarium large enough to accommodate them.


Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi “Black Neon Tetra”

The Black Neon Tetra is a small fish that has a black belly with a gold stripe running horizontally down the middle of the fish. The upper body of the fish is greenish gold. They are small peaceful fish that can be kept with most other community species. Black Neon Tetras are hardy, and can be kept easily by the beginning aquarist. They accept flake and small pelleted food, as well as frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms. They are midwater swimmers and prefer food that floats or slowly sinks. Black Neon Tetras are schooling fish that should be kept in groups of 6 or more. Provide plenty of free swimming space, with some secluded areas using plants, driftwood and other decorations. This is a Restricted item and is not covered by our Arrive Alive 5 Day Guarantee.


Related posts:

  1. How to Take Care of Tetra Fish
  2. 10 Highly Recommended Fishes For Planted Aquariums
  3. Simple Facts About Clown Fish
  4. Talbot’s Damsel fish

Filed Under: Aquarium Fishes Tagged With: fishes, Nature Aquarium, Nature Aquariums

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