Temperament - Fresh Water Fish

Fresh Water Aquarium

What I have come to learn is that there is a general guideline one should follow in order to ensure the aquarium mates all get along. Each species' temperament is important in deciding who is invited into an average aquarium environment. Each fish has its own personality and may act differently when introduced to a different species. Stocking order will also play an important role in an animal’s demeanor in the home aquarium, as more aggressive fish tend to react harshly to newly-introduced peaceful fish than vice versa.

Fish are sorted into three temperaments based on their personality and how likely they are to be a threat to other tank mates.

• Peaceful: a species that poses little or no threat towards other fish. They are generally passive in nature.
• Semi-Aggressive: a more active species that may be inclined to show aggression towards other fish, especially breeds that are smaller and/or have flowing fins.
• Aggressive: a species that is territorial, very active, and bold. It is usually advised to house them alone or with others of their species.

Here are several examples of each temperament:

PEACEFUL FISH

Danios and Minnows

Danio

Danios (above) and Minnows (below) are small, active schooling fish well suited for the community aquarium. These hardy fish are most often used to cycle a new aquarium, as they are more tolerant of a wide range of water conditions. Danios and Minnows are also used in aquariums to help bring more reclusive species out into the open.

Minnow

Rasboras

Rasbora Fish

Rasboras are small, peaceful schooling fish that are well suited for the smaller planted community aquarium. These colorful, hardy fish fare best in groups of six or more. Rasboras are rewarding fish when maintained in the planted community aquarium, displaying beautiful coloration, and unique color patterns.

Platies

Platy Fish

Platies are hardy and colorful fish that make a wonderful addition to the passive community aquarium. Platies are easy to breed, and new color varieties are developed through selective breeding programs. Platies make a perfect addition to the aquarium for the novice to expert alike. 

SEMI-AGGRESSIVE FISH

Barbs

Tiger Barb

Barbs are small, colorful, active fish ideally suited for the community aquarium. These hardy fish are predominately found in Southeast Asia, but some species may be found in Africa and India. Currently, most species are bred commercially both overseas and in the U.S., making these fish ideal candidates for both the beginner and expert aquarist. Barbs are semi-aggressive fish when housed in the aquarium individually, so it's important to maintain each species in groups of six or more. This technique will minimize aggression towards more passive tank mates. Some barbs, however, have a tendency to nip at the fins of fancier tankmates, so it is best to avoid housing them together.

Gouramis

Gouramis Fish

Most Gouramis are referred to as anabantoids or labyrinth fish. While Dwarf Gouramis are peaceful fish that make a wonderful addition to the passive community aquarium, larger Gourami fish species are very graceful swimmers that have unique coloration and color patterns that work best in the semi-aggressive community aquarium. 

Bichirs

  

Bichirs are primitive ray-finned fishes collected from Africa. They are opportunistic feeders and should be housed with large, peaceful fish. They can breathe air using a lung-like modification to their swim bladder and can travel on land for short periods of time using their strong pelvic fins. Their aquarium setup should include a tight fitting lid and adequate bottom space.

When provided with plenty of open swimming areas, rocks and crevices, the Bichir is not usually aggressive toward tank mates. This species is semi-aggressive in the fact that they will swallow any fish or invertebrate that they can fit into their mouth.

AGGRESSIVE FISH

The Lamprologus Caudopunctatus Cichlid

Lamprologus Caudopunctatus Cichlids

The Lamprologus Caudopunctatus Cichlid, also called the Neolamprologus Caudopunctatus Cichlid, originates from the rocky Zambian coastal waters of Lake Tanganyika, Africa. This species is one of the smaller of the cichlids. Their bodies are silver in color with a tan hue, and the dorsal and anal fins are very colorful with blue and yellow outlines and spots giving these fish a more dramatic look.

They should be maintained in an aquarium of at least 30 gallons with other smaller Tanganyikan cichlids. This is a very slow growing species which may take a few years to reach sexual maturity. At that time, the males are typically larger than the females.

Black Sharks

The Black Shark 

The Black Shark, also called the Black Labeo, is uniformly black or dark brown in color. In some countries it's an important food source. The Black Shark is a very active, somewhat aggressive fish that is not suitable for the community aquarium. A large aquarium is necessary for this shark as it may reach two feet in length.

It is one of the only sharks that should not be kept in a planted aquarium because plants are a large part of its diet. A hood on the aquarium is also recommended, as the Black Shark is an accomplished jumper. Unfortunately, the breeding habits of Labeo chrysophekadion have not been documented.

American Butterfly Fish

 

The African Butterfly fish is common to many lakes across Africa and is an interesting fish. It spends most of its time hanging at the surface of the water, waiting for prey. The body is dark brown to black and is speckled with lighter colorations. The fins resemble the wings of a bird, giving this fish a look like no other. It does remain relatively small, but caution needs to be exercised, as this fish will swallow anything it can fit into its mouth.

The ideal set-up for the African Butterfly is an aquarium of at least 30 gallons with plenty of plants that reach near the surface that this fish can use for cover. They can handle a wide range of temperatures up into the mid 80's. These fish can jump out of the water, and can even glide short distances. It is therefore very important to have a tight fitting top on the aquarium to stop the fish from jumping out.

That's all for this week; stay tuned for more!

(text blurbs from LiveAquaria.com)