Have you already decorated your tank and now you just need to add the inhabitants? This moment can generate a lot of doubts. After all, there are so many beautiful species that it can be difficult to choose. In addition, you need to know which fish can live together in the aquarium peacefully.
Imagine the frustration of putting your fish in a tank and having them fight. To avoid this problem, check out which types of aquarium fish can live together. Pay attention to the details to create a harmonious aquatic environment at home.
Why is it important to know which fish can live together?
Living in a peaceful environment is very important for the health of any living being. Competitive habitats can make animals more stressed and worried about their own survival, for example.
Understanding which fish can live together in your aquarium is important not only to avoid fighting, but also to keep the pH and temperature of the water at a level that is suitable for all of them. In addition, different species have different diets, so one feeding style should not affect another.
Therefore, before acquiring several animals of different species, it is important to understand which fish can live together in the aquarium. Below, we will find out what factors to consider when setting up a tank at home.
Temperament
Do not keep territorial fish , as they may fight with each other. Before choosing, evaluate the animals’ lives to identify whether they are calm and can live together or whether they compete for territory.
When evaluating which fish can live together in the aquarium, it is also necessary to consider the size of the structure: if the tank is large and has plenty of plants, with visual and physical barriers, the animals will have somewhere to hide, for example. This can keep the pets calmer.
This is a good idea if you want to keep territorial fish in the same tank. The larger the tank and the more accessories it has, the less likely it is to start fighting. So, when choosing your swimmers, consider the aquarium’s decor.
Eating behavior
The behavior of the animals should also be considered when choosing fish that can live together in the aquarium . The discus and the flag angelfish, for example, are Amazonian animals that live in a very similar pH. However, they have completely opposite eating habits.
The discus fish is a very calm aquarium fish that takes a long time to eat. The food is placed in the water and sinks to the bottom. It goes there very calmly. The flag fish, on the other hand, is agitated and eats everything quickly.
Therefore, it may not be very interesting to keep these fish together in an aquarium. Although they can live in the same water (considering the pH), they have different eating habits that can make daily care difficult.
Aggressiveness
Which fish can live in the same environment as a Betta ? This animal is known for its aggressiveness. However, it is important to make it clear that the biggest problem is between males of the same species.
If you have a large space with peaceful swimmers, you can keep your Betta in the same room as the others. However, if it lives with another aggressive fish , they may fight and hurt each other.
Note: Bettas get along well with poecilid fish: Guppies, Platies, Swordfish and Mollies. These animals have a calm demeanor. In addition, they can all live in water with similar chemical characteristics.
It’s not just the Betta that is aggressive. Cichlids — Sumatra Barb, Oscar, African Grey, Jack Dempsey, Miguelinho or Bucktooth Tetra and Labeo Bicolor, in general, are also aggressive. Therefore, avoid putting them with other fish.
Fish that can stay together
Below are some suggestions for which fish can live together in the aquarium. It is a good idea to think of three divisions: surface, middle and bottom pets. It is worth putting animals that prefer to live in the same area in the same environment.
Surface fish
They prefer to swim and live on the surface of the water. All of the ones below are peaceful: you just need to choose the ones you like the most, according to your preferences.
- Molliesia, Lebiste, Plati: pH between 7 and 8, temperature between 22ºC and 28ºC;
- Neon and Harlequin Rasbora: schooling fish that need to be among at least eight individuals to feel safe; pH between 5 and 7, temperature between 22ºC and 25ºC.
Fish from the central region
These fish prefer to stay in the middle of the aquarium. They are considered “jewels” because they are very beautiful and elegant while swimming, in addition to populating the area of the tank that attracts the most attention.
- Gouramis, Kribensis, Papilochromis: pH between 6 and 8, temperature between 24ºC and 26ºC;
- Angelfish: pH between 6 and 8, temperature between 24ºC and 30ºC. As it is a larger fish than the others, it is only suitable for aquariums with 75 L or more.
Bottom fish
These fish are the aquarium’s cleaning crew. They keep the bottom clean by feeding on other fish’s leftovers. Even so, they must receive specific, high-quality food to avoid becoming malnourished and sick.
- Glass cleaners and stain removers: pH between 6 and 8, temperature between 20ºC and 22ºC;
- Kuhli Snake: pH between 5.5 and 7, temperature between 24ºC and 30ºC;
- Dojô: pH 7 and temperature of 22ºC.