Fish: how to mix and match the right breeds

By: Neven Zeremski

Once you have an aquarium set up, you will probably want to start adding new types of fish to it. Mixing the right kinds of fish can be one of the most challenging aspects of having an aquarium and it is often difficult to predict whether your new fish will fit in or not. Obviously there are limiting factors involved in matching fish – for instance, some fish need different temperatures to others and cold-water fish will need a different tank to tropical fish. It is also important to remember your size limitations. Generally, one or two fish are enough for every gallon of water. If you have more than this you will have to change the water weekly.

Even in a tank, fish are wild animals and, like all wild animals, are focused on two things: food and reproducing. This means that whenever you add a new fish to a tank, they are seen as competition for mating and food. The fish already in the tank will have established feeding territories but for some of them, this could include the whole tank!

Many male fish do not get on well because of the competition for females. With most fish it is better to have one male and multiple female fish. The one exception to this rule is schooling fish. Each sex of these fish will develop a hierarchy, with a dominant male and female. The only problems might come when you want to add more of the same fish, as this will disrupt the established pecking order.

Usually, but not always, fish that are bigger will pick on their smaller counterparts. It helps to try and keep all of the fish in your aquarium around the same size.
The order in which you add different types of fish is very important. It is crucial to research how one breed of fish reacts to another before you buy them. As a general rule, the new fish won’t have a problem with fish already established in the tank. For example, Black Skirt Tetras tend to nip at fish with long, flowing fins.

Therefore, if you add Angel Fish to a tank where Black Skirt Tetras are already established, then you could have problems. However, if the Angel Fish are already established in the tank before the Black Skirt Tetras are added, there is less chance of them fighting each other. To avoid this problem altogether, if you know you have a breed of fish that likes nipping fins, it might not be wise to mix them with fish like Angel Fish or Goldfish that have long, flowing fins.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to do your research. Not all fish will get along together and it is necessary to know this in advance in order to avoid any potential disasters. If you haven’t started your aquarium yet, it is a good idea to make a list of the fish you think you will want in the future before you start buying them. That way, you can make sure you are introducing them in the right order.

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