Aquarium fish – Which fish for a community aquarium?

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A substitute for the underwater world in your own home is the dream of many aquarium enthusiasts. Home fish farms can be impressive. So how to create a social aquarium from which you will not be able to take your eyes off?

Social or species aquarium?

There are many different types of aquariums, which differ not only in design and size, but also the purpose.

A social aquarium, is also known as a general or multi-species aquarium. This is an extremely popular and versatile aquarium tank. It is home to animals and plants of different species and families – often from all over the world. A biotope aquarium is designed to replicate the natural environment found on a particular continent. Breeding aquariums are set up for the propagation of particular species. Plant aquariums, on the other hand, are distinguished by a huge number of plants that form a perfectly matched composition. Do you dream of a fabulously colorful aquarium, where aquarium fish that shimmer with all the shades of the rainbow live? Then the best choice will be a social aquarium!

Social fish – what are their characteristics?

Fish, like all animals, some are fond of the company of others, and others prefer solitude. Aquarium fish described as sociable are species that feel perfectly comfortable in the company of other species. Moreover, they do not pose any threat to them. They are usually representatives of small breeds that are extremely peaceful. If you want to breed fish from different species, it is worth remembering that it is easier to take care of them in a larger tank.

What examples of aquarium fish are suitable for a social aquarium?

Danio striped – a small, popular fish from the carp family, which grows to about 5-6 cm. Danio is native to Pakistan, Asia and Bangladesh. They are beautiful, striped fish of silver or gold-silver color. They are extremely mobile and sociable aquarium inhabitants. Calmly disposed fish live in harmony with other species and are not troublesome – neither in breeding nor in feeding. They look great in a medium-sized aquarium that has a dark fish substrate and dense aquarium plants.

Red neon – a charming red and blue fish from the bitefish family, native to the upper Amazon basin. It has a characteristic shiny stripe. It usually reaches a maximum of 5 cm. Neons are suitable for breeding in a social aquarium, as they are very calm and gentle. These sociable aquarium fish look great in a medium or large aquarium with a dark substrate and with many decorations, such as stones or roots.

Bornean Razorfish – one of the smallest species of fish kept in aquariums. Naturally found in the south of the Borneo islands. A small aquarium will be perfect for this species, as these fish usually reach 3 cm in length. They are distinguished by their pink-red coloration and characteristic blue stripe. Razbora is a calm and shy fish, which is perfectly comfortable in larger company. Residents of aquariums of this species love fish accessories in the form of branches or roots in which they can hide.

Colombian bysters – a fish with a silvery blue coloration and red fins. This Colombian species is very active and easy to breed. Bystrzyk is a sociable fish that is constantly on the move and feels great in a larger group. It is an omnivorous species – it eats plant fish food, as well as live and frozen food. Diffused light and dark substrate in the aquarium will enhance the beautiful colors of the bullheads.

Peacock Eye guppy – is a tropical species, recommended for beginner aquarists. Beautifully colored freshwater fish are mobile, easy to keep and extremely sociable. This is a species that is sometimes called viviparous, as the female gives birth to viviparous offspring. They are known for their ability to adapt to different conditions and for their endurance. When keeping viviparous fish, it is worth taking care of proper aeration pumps, as these fish like well-filtered and aerated water.

What plants for a social aquarium?

Plants in a social aquarium play a very important role. It is thanks to them that a secluded place is created in the tank, where the aquarium fish can rest peacefully. When we plant aquarium plants so that they give the effect of giving the impression of depth, we will not only get an impressive aquarium, but we will create natural conditions for our small underwater inhabitants. It is worth ensuring that the aquarium has shaded and bright areas – which will make the aquarium fish more active in movement. Carefully selected plants act as a natural filter for the water, a place to lay eggs and spawn, and as shelter. What versatile aquarium plants are worth betting on?

They can these include anubias, which are undemanding and can perfectly cope with varying water parameters. Popular plants also include: water dimple, java moss and echinodorus. However, Argentine soaker is worth planting at the at the back of the aquarium to serve as an attractive background.

Elliot S. Radcliffe is an enthusiastic aquarist who has been deeply involved in the hobby for over a decade. Elliot discovered their passion for aquaristics when they inherited a small betta fish tank during college. This initial encounter sparked a deep interest in aquatic life and ecosystem management.

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