Aquatic Life (info & tips)

Best Substrate for Betta Fish | Guide, FAQs and Reviews 2023

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Betta Fish (guides), Betta Fish (info and tips), Blog, Care Guides, Equipment Reviews, Info and Tips , , 9,365 Comments
Best Substrate for Betta Fish | Guide, FAQs and Reviews 2023

The best way to ensure you give your Betta a happy home is to think about its natural habitat. Bettas live in warm and somewhat shallow waters.

In this environment, the substrate would be sludge with the roots of the plants crossed. There would also be bits of plants starting to decompose. Bettas love this kind of environment. It gives them access to the surface and gives them plenty of places to hide and find some shade.

Comparison Table

Is it possible to recreate this environment in a domestic tank? Not quite. You can’t let plants rot in the bottom of a small tank without causing a lot of problems with the water. But keeping plants, whether real or artificial, in your tank is one way to make your Betta feel more like home. Before you can add plants, make sure you are using the best substrate for betta fish Betta tank that can support them.

In this article, I’m going to give you everything you need to make the best possible decision when choosing the best substrate for betta fish.

Your substrate also contributes to the health of your aquarium and betta fish and may impose other restrictions on your aquarium setup. Do you plan to have live plants or roommates for your betta? Read on for tips on choosing the best substrate for betta fish tanks!

Top 6 Best Substrate for Your Betta and Plants

Best Betta Tank Substrate Reviews

1. GloFish Aquarium Gravel

best substrate for betta fish

If you are looking for a substrate that is not only a good home for plants, but also adds something extra to your aquarium, you should check out GloFish. Using it in a GloFish aquarium will give you the special blue light glow effect, but it will look great in any aquarium.

It is also available in a number of bold color options, including green, white, black and pink. It also comes in some great color combinations. Solid colored bags contain granules that are more uniform in size and slightly smaller than mixed bags.

This is a gravel style substrate that is great for holding plants in place. It also won’t change the pH of the water, which is great for keeping your fish healthy.

2. Marina Decorative Gravel

best substrate for betta fish

This gravel substrate from Marina is decorative and functional. It is the perfect size and weight to keep plants and decorations in place in your tank.

In addition, it has an epoxy coating, so that it has no effect on the water chemistry. This type of coating also serves as a perfect place for beneficial bacteria to colonize.

Marina gravel is available in 6 different colours: black, blue, burgundy, neon yellow, orange and purple.

If you have a fish as beautiful as a Betta, why not have a substrate that provides a beautiful backdrop to show off?

Multiple color options allow you to do just that.

3. Carib Sea ACS00832 Peace River Gravel for Aquarium

best substrate for betta fish

If you like the natural look that the Caribbean Sea creates, but prefer gravel to sand, Peace River Gravel is for you. Made in the USA, it contains no paints or dyes and is the perfect way to make your aquarium feel like a natural river environment. This substrate has a neutral pH, so it has no influence on the water balance.

This gravel has very small grains. It’s even smaller than gravel and is actually the smallest size gravel in the product we’re reviewing.

Due to its size, it helps prevent the accumulation of dirt. It is also the perfect texture to accommodate your plants and create a natural looking and natural home for your Betta.

 

4. Spectrastone Shallow Creek Regular

best substrate for betta fish

A gravel substrate that gives a natural look to betta fish.

This product can be used to provide your betta fish with a substrate small enough to prevent the ingress of debris while providing excellent circulation.

Shout-Out!: The granules are not uniform in size and provide one of the best possible textures for the floor of your betta tanks.

Each granule is coated with a layer that prevents it from decomposing and washing out minerals in the water column that would alter PH levels.

Call!: This substrate is covered in dust and needs to be cleaned several times before being placed in the beta fish tank.

There is enough product to cover the bottom of a 5 gallon betta tank, but a larger tank will require more.

5. Carib Sea Eco Complete Planted Substrate

best substrate for betta fish

A nutrient-rich soil best substrate for betta fish tanks with live plants.

This dark soil is full of live microorganisms that will help your betta tank to establish itself more quickly. Floraspore has also been added to promote root growth.

Shout-Out!: This may be one of the best all-in-one products for live plants in your betta tank.

The texture of this product is firm enough for plants to take root without compacting, a property that prevents roots from stunting. This dark earth contains no artificial dyes, as it is obtained naturally.

Bel!: Contains enough nutrients to give your betta tank an alkaline consistency, not the best trait for PH levels.

The manufacturer claims that rinsing is not necessary, which allows you to avoid a step during tank setup.

6. Panacea Products Pan Marbles

best substrate for betta fish

A pack of 110 marbles to decorate betta aquariums.

These skillet marbles can be one of the best options for betta fish keepers who don’t want to use gravel or sandbox bottom liners.

Shout-Out!: Panacea Products offers one of the best color selections for these substrates.

Made of polished glass, this product is safe for use in freshwater aquariums and will not affect the chemistry of the water column. Although the surface does not have a porous texture that promotes the growth of good bacteria, it will not scratch fish if they come into contact with it.

Bel!: Smaller bags are not the best choice for covering the bottom of a tank.

They can be easily combined with other substrates to give a varied look and texture to the bottom of your betta tank.

Does a Betta Tank Need Substrate?

Substrate is the best way to anchor plants so you can give your Betta several places to explore and hide.

It also plays a very important role in water chemistry by providing a natural place for beneficial bacteria to colonize. This helps balance the water and in turn keep your pet healthy.

If you want your pet to do well, it is essential to create the best environment and a good substrate is the foundation. Let’s take a look at some substrates your pet will love.

What is the Best Substrate for a Betta Fish?

All of our selections will make your pet very happy, but the best substrate for Betta fish is Spectrastone.

What we love about it is that it looks so natural. This pebble is the perfect size and weight to hold any plant or decoration that will make the environment that much more inviting for a Betta.

The small pebbles range from ¼ to ½ inch wide and are available in light brown, brown and gold for a truly stunning effect. Each pebble is coated with a special non-toxic coating to prevent it from disturbing the chemical balance of the water.

It helps keep the pH where it should be and provides a home for beneficial bacteria to thrive.

What Kind of Substrate for Betta?

There are many things that determine the best substrate for betta fish. One of the most important is the size of your tank.

If you have a small tank and you are using a container without a filter, you will have to change the water quite often. For 1 to 2 gallon bowls and aquariums, the water will need to be changed completely fairly regularly. So what does this have to do with the substrate?

Think about it, if you are regularly draining your fish’s aquarium water, a gravel-style substrate is better than a sand-based one. With sand, a little more disappears every time you empty it. You also have to wait a while for everything to settle before you can put your fish back in its house.

The gravel substrate is excellent with larger tanks that do not require 100% water changes. It allows everything to remain anchored without disturbing the fish habitat too much. Be careful with the use of large river rocks. Anything around ½ inch is fine, but something larger could cause problems because it can more easily trap waste and uneaten food.

Another thing to consider is whether you are going to use live plants or not. Live plants grow best in gravel substrate for several reasons. In fact, there are good and bad things about gravel and sand substrates.

How Much Substrate for Betta Tank?

The actual amount you need will depend on the size of your tank. In general, however, you are looking for the substrate to have a certain height along the bottom of the tank.

If you plan to have live plants, you should have about 2 inches of substrate. For artificial plants, 1 inch is sufficient. But remember, that means 1 to 2 inches on the bottom of the entire aquarium, corner to corner and front to back. You can also build a varied terrain if you want it to be a bit more interesting for your fish. Add a pile here, a mound there to make it feel more natural.

It is tempting to want to avoid the underground. After all, it makes cleaning the tank so much easier and less work for you. That said, it’s important to think about your pet’s well-being. For starters, a bare-bottomed tank gives you nowhere for beneficial bacteria to grow. This type of bacteria is very important for the balance of the water, especially if you are using a container that does not have a filter.

Bettas naturally thrive in areas where plant life is abundant and they love to swim and explore in the shade. Without substrate you have nowhere to add your own plants. Bettas can become stressed by their own reflection and without a substrate they can see each other wherever they swim. It also seems unnatural.

Conclusion

The only way to keep your Betta fish happy and healthy is to give them a good home. Choosing the right surface is literally and figuratively the best basis for your tank. It encourages bacterial growth, supports both real and artificial plant life, and gives your Betta a real habitat to explore. The ideal home for your Betta really starts at the bottom. From your aquarium, that is.

Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp – Top 10 Best Shrimps for Aquarium

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Blog, Equipment Reviews, Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp (info and tips), Info and Tips, Shrimp (guides) , , 4,262 Comments
Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp

Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp : It does not matter if you are looking for a new entry into your community tank or if you are breeding.

Freshwater aquarium shrimp are some of the most interesting and beautiful creatures you can have in a tank.

Comparison Table

However, they are not all the same. There are a few things to consider before adding freshwater shrimp to an aquarium.

The first decision is what type of shrimp works best in your tank.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular aquarium shrimp to help you decide.

They are fascinating creatures and your aquarium will reap the rewards for grazing algae or leaking food organisms. These organisms are a perfect addition to community tanks that contain small, peaceful fish species, such as the Rummy Nose Tetra.

In this article we cover the best freshwater prawns for aquariums and provide you with the basic knowledge necessary to keep them in your home aquarium.

 

The 10 Best Freshwater Aquarium Shrimps

Some types of aquarium shrimp can be placed in community tanks, while others are better off setting up their own colony in a designated aquarium.

What you want to achieve with your shrimp determines which type of shrimp is right for you.

If you are thinking of giving new life to your aquarium, here are the 10 best freshwater aquarium shrimp to consider:

 

1. Red Cherry Shrimp

These species are one of the most popular because of their bright and beautiful color and because they are easy to maintain.

They work well for common tanks as long as there are no aggressive fish.

2. Bamboo Shrimp

This type is also known as wood shrimp. They are reddish brown in color and tend to grow up to 4.5 inches.

taller than men and can reach a size of approximately 4.7 cm. Women also have slightly smaller front legs than men, which is useful when it comes to sexing them for breeding purposes.

Bamboo shrimp are automatic filter feeders and have special fans that collect food particles from the water and put the food in their mouths. These shrimp can be fed a variety of foods, including freshly hatched brine shrimp, powdered fish flakes, and algae powder.

Because this species is larger than each of the dwarf variants, you will need a larger tank (at least 20 gallons). They work well for a water temperature of 68-77 ° F and a pH of 6.5-7.5.

3. Ghost Shrimp

If you are looking for the easiest shrimp to care for, it is definitely the ghost shrimp.

They’re great for first-time shrimp owners and are great scavengers, making them a great addition to a non-aggressive community tank.

4. Bee Shrimp

Bee shrimp are one of the most diverse freshwater shrimp in the hobby with more than a dozen selectively bred color variants. One of the most common species is the Black Bee variety, from which many other variations have been selectively bred.

Black bee shrimp are small and only 1 inch long. The color of this subspecies is white with black bars extending the length of the body.

They are generally more difficult to maintain than other species in the industry and are not recommended for beginners. They prefer warm water at 68-78 ° F with a pH of 5.8-6.8.

5. Snowball Shrimp

Snowball Shrimp is another variety that is very easy to care for and a good option for beginners.

They can tolerate more fluctuations in water balance and eat almost everything. They are also fast breeders who will form a colony in no time.

6. Amano Shrimp

 

Amano shrimp have a reputation for fighting algae. For this reason, legendary aquarist Takashi Amano introduced them to commerce in the 1980s.

Since then, their popularity has been booming and they are the second most popular freshwater crustacean after cherry shrimp.

They grow to about 5 cm tall, making them one of the greatest hobby gardeners. They have a transparent gray color and the females have long lines along their bodies, while the males have uniformly distributed dots. The color of these marks can be reddish brown or teal.

These freshwater shrimp thrive in planted aquariums with a water temperature of 70-80 ° F and a pH of around 6.0-7.0. Breeding in captivity is not very common as the hatchling hatches in salty water before returning to fresh water as it grows.

7. Blue Tiger Shrimp

This is another beautiful shrimp that will add a pop of color to any tank.

They are easy to care for as long as they are very sensitive to ammonia and nitrate. Therefore, it is very important not to overfeed them.

8. Red Cherry Shrimp

Cherry red shrimp carries some other common names, such as cherry, fire, and sakura shrimp. The name used actually depends on the individual’s color class.

Women tend to have a more intense red color than their male counterparts, which are paler red. They also have a rounder center section and are larger.

They are some of the easiest to maintain and arguably the most common hobby tension.

If you keep these shrimp, they will need a pH of 6.5 to 8.0 water and the temperature should remain constant (65 to 85 ° F).

9. Panda Shrimp

Panda shrimp, named for their striking black-and-white patterns, are striking and slightly rarer than most of the other shrimp we’ve listed.

They are very sensitive to water changes and reproduce very slowly.

10. Crystal Shrimp

Also called Crystal Red or Red Bee Shrimp. Its colors and patterns differ between individuals. However, the most common is a white background with deep red spots or bars throughout the body.

Unfortunately, this freshwater shrimp is not for beginners.

This is because they require a lot of maintenance because they require certain water parameters as well as regular water changes.

However, by adding plants to the aquarium, they absorb excess nitrates, completing the nitrogen cycle.

They should be kept in fresh water with a pH of 5.8 to 7.5 and the water temperature should remain constant between 62 and 76 ° F.

Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Tank Companions

Unfortunately, most fish are not friendly companions to shrimp, especially if you want to raise them, and small shrimp make a quick and easy meal for even the smallest aquarium fish.

There are some fish that can live peacefully with freshwater shrimp. Ottoman cats and small plecos have sucking mouths and leave the shrimp alone.

If you don’t plan on raising and raising youth, of course there are still a few options. Guppies and Tetras are great tankmates. You can eat the babies, but they are too small to bother adult shrimp.

A good rule of thumb is that any fish that is not aggressive breed and has a mouth too small to eat an adult shrimp can probably be safely placed in the tank.

While most fish species have a stereotypical temperament, keep in mind that everything really depends on each fish. They also have personalities, and just because a species of fish is classified as “non-aggressive” does not mean that the individual fish does not.

Snails are a good option. Some, like Red Ramshorns, Spixi, or Trumpet Snails, may actually benefit your tank. They will not eat live plants and are great scavengers. And most of all, they don’t eat shrimp, not even babies.

Each of these types of snails also has other advantages. Red horns take care of uneaten food and even eat algae out of the glass. They come in some bright colors and are a nice addition to a shrimp tank.

Trumpet snails bury themselves in the substrate, which helps oxygenate it, which can help build useful bacterial colonies that are so important to a thriving tank environment. They only come out at night and when it’s time to eat. They also trap uneaten food and help keep the aquarium clean.

Spixi snails are a variety of apple snails. They are much larger than the other two snails mentioned and should not be kept in small aquariums. However, if you have a large aquarium, take care of algae and uneaten food. They also leave the shrimp alone.

If you plan to keep dwarf shrimp but don’t raise or raise them young, there are plenty of fish that make great aquarium companions. Endler’s life bearers, guppies, many types of tetras, and most types of killis are excellent roommates.

Again, it is very important to consider the aggressiveness of the fish you want to combine with the shrimp.

Another thing to consider is size. If a non-aggressive fish has a mouth that is less than half the size of a full-size shrimp, the fish cannot eat it. That said, if they are aggressive, they can still hurt shrimp or cause a lot of stress. Another reason why aggressive fish should be avoided.

How do I care for freshwater aquarium shrimp?
To understand the basic supply of these shrimp, it is useful to consider where they live in the wild. Most of the popular breeds of freshwater shrimp come from East Asia.

Ghost shrimp native to the southern United States are the only exception.

Their origins really affect the type of environment they like, especially when it comes to water temperature and pH.

Let’s start with a little more information about the type of environment in which aquarium shrimp like to live.

 

conclusion

As you can see, there are many wonderful options when it comes to freshwater shrimp. Before choosing an aquarium, there are a few things to consider.

Remember that not all shrimp work well in a community tank, especially if the mixture contains aggressive fish, as they are more likely to be eaten. Choose a variety of shrimp that works with what you already have.

If you’re thinking of growing shrimp, be sure to find a guy who does it quickly and easily. Some shrimp are difficult producers and can give you a difficult time, especially if you have shrimp for the first time.

Shrimp are an interesting and often enjoyable addition to a tank environment. Also, most species eat algae, debris, and dead plant matter, and they actually help keep the tank healthy so that everything that lives in it can thrive.

Top 9 Freshwater Aquarium Eels [Varieties, Aquarium Eel Care]

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Blog, Equipment Reviews, Info and Tips , , 10,524 Comments
Top 9 Freshwater Aquarium Eels [Varieties, Aquarium Eel Care]

Freshwater Aquarium Eels make excellent pets and are a quirky addition to home aquariums. In this article, we walk you through the 9 best varieties of freshwater eels for your aquarium.

It does surprise many, but years ago, people confused eels with snakes, because of their close resemblance. However, according to the anatomy of eels, they are just an elongated version of fish.

Eels do differ from fish in a number of ways, which include the absence of pelvic fins, and in some eel species an absence of pectoral fins. In addition, the dorsal and anal fins of eels are merged with the tail, thus forming a single fin running along the majority of the eel’s length.

Most aquarium enthusiasts will seek out common freshwater eels readily available in aquarium shops, such as the Kuhli Loach. However, there are also some lesser-known species that are fascinating and worth considering for your aquarium. 

Understanding the life cycle and needs of freshwater aquarium eels is necessary if you are to own them.

Freshwater eels do not generally live their whole life in freshwater. Most species return to the ocean at some point. 

Like with other fish, freshwater eels are available in all shapes, colors and sizes. Each species have different care requirements for them to be happy and healthy.

In this guide we will look at nine aquarium eels for freshwater tanks, summarizing their requirements and suitability. We also provide guidance on caring for eels in general.  

 

Types of Top 9 Freshwater Aquarium Eels 

 

1. Tire Track Eel (Mastacembelus favus)

Top 10 Freshwater Aquarium Eels - What Types of & Aquarium Eel Care

An nocturnal predator eel that is a very popular choice among aquarists is the Tire Track Eel. This eel is also known as the Spiny Eel or Zig Zag Eel. Although the Zig Zag Eel is in actual fact a different species Mastacembelus armatus. For our discussion, we will consider them as one as they have very similar traits and water requirements.

Many people confuse Tire Track eels for other eel species because of their similar traits.

Description

The Tire Track eel has zigzag marks along the back that extend to the center of the belly. These markings are found on many eels – thus causing confusion for fish-keepers new to eels with identifying what species they are.

In addition to its impressive markings, the Tire Track Eel is an excellent eel to keep in your aquarium. Like most eels, they live a quiet life and are not aggressive when housed with appropriate tank mates. These eels will eat smaller fish, so tankmates need to be large enough so not to be eaten.

Behavior

Tire Track Eels tend to be elusive when you first add it to your aquarium. No need to be concerned as this is normal behavior among eels and as the fish gets used to its new home they will become more and more confident to venture out. 

Similar to other eels, the Tire Track Eel lives a largely sedentary life. They like to hide in the sand and conceal them selves. For this reason, it is a good idea to include rocks, caves and places for your eel to hide.

This eel can grow up to two and a half feet in a tank, so an aquarium with a large capacity (a minimum of 125 gallons) is needed to house it comfortably. Expect them to live between 8 to 18 years.

If you keep more than one eel in the aquarium you can expect aggressive territorial behaviors. Once again, having a large aquarium will reduce this problem.

Water conditions

Tire Track Eels do like a brackish water. Although not necessary, you could add 2 tsps. of salt per 3 gallons of water creating an environment similar to the estuaries they originated from.

Water parameter:
  • Temperature: 72-82F
  • pH: 6.8-7.2
  • kH: 10-16
  • Prefer brackish water

 

2. Fire Eel (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia)

Top 10 Freshwater Aquarium Eels - What Types of & Aquarium Eel Care

Fire Eels grow the largest of all spiny eels, reaching 3 feet in their natural habitat. Aquarium specimens will not grow so large, reaching a maximum size of 20″. 

Fire Eels require lots of room. Your tank would need to be a minimum of 75-gallons. 120-gallons would be best suited to successfully keep this species.

Living to ten years if given appropriate care, the Fire Eel is generally peaceful towards tankmates, so long as they are not too small to be eaten. Recommended tank mates include larger barbs and Angelfish.

Behavior

The favorite activity of fire eels is to bury themselves in gravel. Like many eels they can be quite allusive in an aquarium.  When you have one, consider a 2.5 “(6.3 cm) or more gravel layer.

It is common for a fire eel to uproot plants. Having larger floating plants may be a better option with this species.

The bright red/orange ‘fire’ like markings on the eels body gives it its name. The eel is harmless to humans unless spiked by its spiny fins. These do excrete a toxic substance. Avoid handling these eels.

The Fire Eel is not recommended for the faint-hearted or first time fish keepers.

Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 75-82F
  • pH: 6.0-7.5
  • dH: up to 18
  • Prefers low end brackish water (reduces skin infections)

3. Electric Eel (Electrophorus electricus)

Top 10 Freshwater Aquarium Eels - What Types of & Aquarium Eel Care

Next up is the classic Electric Eel – not common in home aquariums due to the size aquarium required to house this species and difficulties with handling this species of eel. Having said that, they do make an interesting curiosity to a large aquarium.

Electric shock risk

Electric Eels produce a low amperage, high voltage up to around 600 volts) electrical pulse that they use to stun or kill their prey and to defend themselves from predators. Being almost blind, they also rely on low-level electrical impulses to navigate their environment. Although not pleasant, a shock from an Electric Eel, is relatively harmless to humans. The amperage is too low to cause serious injury. Having said that, they are better suited to experienced handlers.

Size

Electric Eels can grow quite large, even in an aquarium. You can expect them to grow to 4 feet long and live about 15 years, making them an excellent pet for life. Females tend to live longer (up to 22 years).

Therefore, it is necessary to have a tank, at the very minimum, of 200-gallons. A 540-gallon tank would be better, and if keeping more than one Electric Eel in the tank, then 2500-gallons.

Behavior

This species is best kept in a single species aquarium. More than one can be housed together if room. Larger eels are generally peaceful towards one another. Juveniles can be a little snappy.

Electric Eels spend most of their time laying on the bottom of their tank, raising to the surface periodically every 10 minutes for air (they have the ability to breath air as well as use gulls). Due to sometimes rapidly rising to the surface, they must have about six inches of empty space between the water and the tank lid.

Sand is an excellent choice for the substrate, as they can bury themselves.

Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 73-82F
  • pH: 5.5-7.0
  • Hardness: 1-12
  • (not fussy about pH and hardness)

4. Freshwater Dragon Eel

The name Freshwater Dragon Eel can refer to 2 different species, which are not ‘real’ eels, but rather an ancient species of fish more in line with gobies.

The two species are the Violetta Ghiozzo (Gobioides broussoneti) and the Cane Fish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus), both have the name Dragon Eel for their eel-like appearance.

Both species grow to a maximum size of 15 inches in captivity and need a tank of at least 30 gallons. They live around 10 years, so be sure to be committed before including this species to your collection. 

Behavior

Despite their looks and mystical name, Dragon Eels are a very peaceful species of fish. They are shy and may take a few days to settle into a new aquarium. Other, more aggressive fish, may bully them and outcompete them for food. Having poor eyesight, Dragon Eels are slow to find food presented to them.

Dragon Eels are hardy fish preferring a brackish water. Suitable tankmates would include other brackish water peaceful species such as sailfin mollies, angelfish, swordtails, corydoras and Archer fish.

Breeding

These fish can be bred in an aquarium. To do so have three females for every male. Once the eggs have been laid, the male will guard them, becoming aggressive. It is best then to remove the females.

Water parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-82F
  • pH:6.5-8.5
  • Hardness: 10-20dKH

 

5. Peacock Eel (Macrognathus siamensis)

Another nice option for freshwater aquarium eels is the Peacock Eel. This eel has unique fin pattering that look a bit like a peacock’s plumage. Typically, there are three to six of these types of commercials.

Peacock eel is one of the smallest eels available for aquariums. They grow to less than a foot in length, so you don’t need a huge tank. A tank that is 36 inches long and can hold 35 gallons is a good place to start.

Behavior

Peacock eels can be aggressive toward smaller aquarium fish. Also, they don’t do well among fish that are more aggressive than they are. They can be excellent tank mates to a mixed fish community provided they share their home with the right kinds of fish. Ideal tankmates would include discus, rainbow fish, swordtails, hatchet fish, angelfish and gouramis.

Peacock eels can get along well with their own species as long as they are of similar size, however, it is recommended that only one is kept in the aquarium.

Feeding

They can be picky eaters, preferring live food such as brine shrimp , river shrimp, blood worms, black worms and earth worms.  Peacocks can be trained to accept frozen foods. They won’t always accept food being presented to them and only require feeding every 2-3 days. Being nocturnal hunters in their natural habitat, they are more likely to accept food at nighttime. 

One thing to remember with Peacock Eels is that they are very good at escaping. It is important to ensure that you have a very secure hood to your tank. 

Water parameters:
  • Temperature: 73-82F
  • pH 6-8 (ideally 7.0)
  • dH 6-25 (ideally 10)

 

6. Pink Paddletail Eel (Moringua raitaborua)

Freshwater Aquarium Eels - Pink Paddletail Eel (Moringua raitaborua)

The Pink Paddletail Eel is not commonly available to purchase in fish aquarium stores. However, if you do manage to find an exotic pink eel and you understand the challenges with keeping this species, then it will become a curiosity for visitors viewing you aquarium.

The Pink Paddletail eel is also known as the Purple Spaghetti Eel because of the beautiful pink and purple tint to its skin. It is a ‘true eel’ with very small eyes and a small head. 

Behavior

These eels need a good amount of fine sand as a substrate in their aquarium. They spend most of the day hiding in the sand and rarely go out. They are more active at night time. Provide plenty of places for the eels to hide and make their homes by including plants and rocks.

Care requirements

The Pink Paddletail eel is not considered easy-care and is recommended for experienced enthusiasts. It has very low tolerances to water variations and is susceptible to disease if the water is not pristine. 

Weekly water changes (of 30% of the water) is required and it is important to vacuum ammonia producing wastes from the bottom of the tank regularly. They require well oxygenated water. Ensure water parameters are correct with regular checks with a water test kit.

When conditions are not ideal these eels are prone to skin infections. A common illness is Ich (or White Spot). Care needs to be taken when treating your eels with medications as they are very sensitive fish. Use half recommended dosages and don’t use copper based medications.

They are a mid level brackish fish species, and skin infections can be reduced greatly by adding aquarium salt to the tank. Add 2-3 tsps. to every 2.5 gallons of water.

Feeding

Being carnivores, Pink Paddletail eels, like to eat live or frozen brine shrimp, river shrimp, blood worms and tubifex worms. It is not recommended to feed them flake or pellet foods. These may end up polluting the water if not eaten.

Due to their slim bodies, they can enter power heads and intake pipes. Use a fine netting or sponge to block the ends.

Size

This freshwater aquarium eel grows to just over 17″ and lives from 5-12 years if conditions are met. They require a minimum tank size of 30 gallons.

They peacefully coexist with other peaceful aquarium fish. However, they may eat smaller species such as neons or fry. Pink Paddletails can also be kept with their own species so long as they have room in the tank to establish their own territories.

They have not been know to breed in captivity.

Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-78F
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Hardiness: 8-12 dGH
  • Brackish water
  • High oxygen well filtered water necessary

 

7. Black Spotted Eel (Mastacembelus dayi)

Freshwater Aquarium Eels - Black Spotted Eel (Mastacembelus dayi)

The Black Spotted Eel is an excellent freshwater eel for intermediate aquarists. They make an attractive feature to the home aquarium.  Being similar to other Spiny eel species such the Tire Track Eel, this eel is not strictly an ‘eel’.

Black Spotted eels grow up to 20 inches long and have a long shelf life between 8 and 18 years. This species require a minimum tank size of 75 gallons.

Care requirements

Black Spotted eels are prone to fungal disease and parasites if water conditions are not pristine. Weekly water changes (of 30% of water), efficient biological filter and a well oxygenated aquarium with good water flow is important. Regularly remove ammonia producing waste from the tank.

Behavior

The Black Spotted Eel is friendly, but shy. Provide plenty of places for it to retreat and hide in your aquarium, especially when you first introduce it. They get along well with other fish species. Over time they can be trained to take food from your fingers. 

This freshwater eel species is best kept singularly as it has a tendance to fight with its own kind.

They are fairly easy to care for, so long as aquarium cleanliness and water parameters are met. Being nocturnal omnivores, they are not picky eaters and will readily take live and frozen foods. Only feed occasional flake and pellet food. Make sure the food reaches them at the bottom of the tank. Other enthusiastic fish may gobble it up before it sinks. Eels only need feeding every 2-3 days.

They have not been bred in captivity.

Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74-82F
  • pH: 6.0-8.0
  • Hardiness: 6-25dGH

 

8. Half-Banded Spiny Eel (Macrognathus circumcinctus)

Freshwater Aquarium Eels - Half-Banded Spiny Eel (Macrognathus circumcinctus)

If you are looking for a small eel species the Half-Banded Spiny Eel is an excellent choice. This eel is perfect for aquarists with only a small aquarium.

Again, this species gets confused with other spiny finned eels such as Tire Track Eels. Often in aquarium shops they are sold as Zig Zag Eels.

Half-band spiny eel only grow to just under 8″. Juvenile eels, up to 3″, can be kept in a tank as small as 10 gallons. Adults require 35 gallons with tanks being about 36″ long. 

Behavior

This is a nocturnal animal, so you may not see it during the day. They like to bury themselves in sand, so it’s important to include a good layer of it in your aquarium.

Half-band spiny eel is a good neighbor and are very suitable in a community tank, so long as the fish in the tank aren’t so small to be eaten by the eels when they come hunting at night. Suitable tank mates include rasboras, larger gouramis and sucker-mouth catfish. Small species such as neons will fall prey. 

Being a sociable eel species, Half-banded Spiny Eels are great to keep in groups of five or more.

Diet

Their diet consists of live and fresh frozen foods. Seek out mosquito lava, brine shrimp, blood worms, earth worms and black worms.

You’ll encourage your eels to show themselves by dimming your aquarium lights and having plenty of hiding places for them to retreat to.

They are a relative hardy species of eel to keep.

Water parameters:
  • Temperature: 75-81F
  • pH6.0-7.0
  • dH: up to 15 degrees
  • Soft to slightly acidic water

 

9. African Spiny Eel (Mastacembelus vanderwaali)

Freshwater Aquarium Eels - African Spiny Eel (Mastacembelus vanderwaali)

The African Spiny Eel is an excellent choice for aquarists who have darker tanks with dimmed lights, or aquariums with plenty of plants to offer shade to the tank bottom. These eels adapt well to the aquarium environment when they can easily hide in the foliage.

An African Spiny Eel is a dark colored eel. They are usually brown and black in color and have markings on their backs. This can include black dots or lines.

African Spiny Eels only grow to about six inches in length. They are perfect for smaller tanks with a mixed community of peaceful fish. Smaller tankmates may be mistaken for food. Slightly larger or, only slightly smaller, tankmates are fine.

Behavior

This species of freshwater aquarium eel is best kept singularly. It tends to fight with others of its kind.

You’ll need an aquarium at least 35 gallons with a sand/gravel substrate for the eel to bury in. Expect you eel to live from between 8-18 years.

Diet

Like other spiny eels (not strictly an ‘eel’), the African Spiny Eel enjoys a diet of live and frozen foods to include brine shrimp and worms. Don’t feed flaked food and only occasionally sinking pellet foods. If you have aggressive bottom feeders, they will outcompete the eel for food. It is only necessary to feed the eel about twice a week.

A unique quality for this eel is that, although they are shy when you add them to the tank for the first time, they do settle in quickly. Some are even known to eat food from their owners’ hands!

Water parameters:
  • Temperature: 74-82F
  • pH:7.4-8.4
  • Hardness: 5-15 dGH
  • Not a brackish water species

 

How to take care of freshwater aquarium eels?

Freshwater aquarium eels

The eels we have described above fall into different categories- spiny eels (not a true eel), true eels such as the Pink Paddletail Eel, and ancient goby fish that resemble eels. Within each category they do have specific requirements (refer to descriptions above for specifics). Here we will outline their general common requirements.

Freshwater aquarium eels are generally nocturnal fish with poor eyesight, preferring to hide away during the day. Providing them with a sandy substrate that they can bury into, that is deep enough for the eel to be concealed is important, together with providing plenty of places to hide with foliage cover shading the lower areas of the tank.

Eels require mild to medium water that is well oxygenated. Regular water checks, weekly water changes and a quality aquarium filter are needed to keep water pristine.

Most of the eel species outlined above are not true freshwater species, requiring the addition of aquarium salt to replicate their estuarine habitats. By doing so fungal infections and parasites will be reduced.

Your eel loves a dimmed light. You can get a dimmable LED light or simply place it in an area with little natural light. By doing so, your eel/s will be more active allowing you to appreciate them more. 

Lastly, ensure the tank you house your eel in is sufficient in size for the size your eel will grow to.

What to feed freshwater aquarium eels?

Live foods

Most eels are carnivorous eating small fish, insects, crustaceans and worms in their natural habitat. They require live food that replicates this diet. 

Eels love to eat meat based foods such as river shrimp, earthworms, blood worms and black worms. You can give them fresh freeze-dried food when live food is not available.

Your eel may even eat smaller fish in the aquarium, so be careful when selecting tank mates. Providing them with live feeder-fish such as surplus fish fry will meet their needs.

Granules

Sinking granules designed specifically for carnivorous eels can also be offered to them. Although don’t overfeed granules, as the uneaten food will quickly pollute the water, risking health problems with the more fragile species. 

Canned fish

Canned fish such as sardines are another good source of food, although they will need thorough cleaning if they have been packaged with potential contaminants such as vegetable oil. Fresh fish is the preferred option.

Try mixing your diet by feeding different foods during the week. Freshwater Aquarium Eels only need feeding every 2-3 days. If they are reluctant to come out for food, try feeding them at nighttime with the light out. 

Ensure the food reaches the eels living at the bottom of the tank. Aggressive fish feeders will outcompete eels for food.

Closing Thoughts – Freshwater Aquarium Eels

Although eels seem intimidating, it is very easy to take care of them once you know how to do it. They will provide an exotic touch to your aquarium.

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Top [2023] 15 Best Freshwater Fish for Aquarium

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Aquatic Species (info and tips), Blog, Info and Tips , , 4,519 Comments
Top [2023] 15 Best Freshwater Fish for Aquarium

If you are considering buying an aquarium, you should also start thinking about the line of the type of fish you want to put in it. Today there are different types of fish, but not all of them can be great for the freshwater environment.

Any beginner would want to meet some of the Best Freshwater Fish for Aquarium you can use today. If you are looking for fish for your aquarium, you will no doubt be confused by the different species available. You will always have a hard time making a decision.

Luckily for you, we’ve highlighted some of the Best Freshwater Fish for Aquarium you can buy today. This guide should help you save your important time.

Having freshwater fish as pets is a very refreshing option to decorate your aquarium at home and also to fill the void. They are undemanding like cats or dogs, and there is no fear of them flying away like birds. Fish are very cute and can easily be an important part of your life. However, keeping them happy and healthy requires a lot of information about various aspects of their basic needs.

There are mainly many aspects of each type of freshwater fish to care for, such as tank size, sources and amount of water, water treatment, aquarium water pH, water filtration, water temperature, live plants, regular tank cleaning, the environment inside the tank, as well as the environment, adequate nutrition and nutrition and tank mate.

When you’re ready to adore these adorable pets, it’s your turn to choose from hundreds of commercially available freshwater aquarium fish to add to your tank. As a beginner, you should look for species that are adapted to the ambient temperature of your location, that are peaceful in nature, undemanding, require less water changes, and are of course easy to maintain.

 

Top 15 Best Freshwater Fish for Aquarium 2021

 

1. Guppy

This fish is common in many freshwater aquariums. They are loved for a few reasons. You will understand that this fish is not demanding at all.

When it comes to maintenance, you don’t have to do much and it still looks great. It is also peaceful and can breed easily.

The difference between men and women is usually clear. Males are said to be brighter with an elongated anal fin. The female, on the other hand, will be larger and with a shorter anal fin.

The guppy fish is alive. This means that after birth, young guppies can easily start swimming and live on their own. You usually see the female guppy spawning about 60 young at a time.

You should keep the juveniles in a separate tank as they can be eaten if left in the same tank with the other fish. As for breeding, all you need to do is keep the male and female fish in an aquarium.

 

2. Zebrafish

You will find that this little fish is mostly popular with aquarists. People love him for his size and good-humored nature. They are also easy to care for, so make sure you don’t spend a lot of time and money keeping them alive.

The zebrafish is a school fish. This requires you to keep a minimum of it in the tank. You can have the tank planted, but make sure there is enough room for the fish to swim.

You also need to consider the other types of fish in the aquarium. You don’t want to have the kind of fish that bite the fins of others in the same tank as the zebrafish.

 

3. Cory

Many people will like this fish because it is attractive and active in the aquarium. If you’ve always wanted your tank to look great, you may want to consider buying those types of fish.

You can find different types of Cory fish, but the most popular is the Cory Blue Leopard.

Even with different looks, they all have the same behavior. They mainly swim in the water layers at the bottom.

They do this to search for food scraps all the time. Somehow they help to clean the tank.

It can be very active, but it will not grow into a large fish, so you will need to buy it a new tank.

 

4. Kuhli Loach

If you look at this fish you may see that it is quite unusual. Don’t let that put you off as even an inexperienced hobbyist could drive it. Because it has a close relationship with the true loach family, it resembles a small snake.

As much as it looks like a snake, it should be scary because it’s not dangerous. Most will hide during the day.

This means that it is better to have a soft surface in the tank. Fish often dig and hide in the substrate.

As you dig all the time, you should see the fish eating the scraps on the bottom, somehow cleaning the tank. Make sure to give him choked food for easy access.

 

5. Cherry Barb

The small and quiet nature makes it pleasant for many people. There are always many newbies who choose it as it requires little maintenance.

The male fish of the species is brightly colored and takes its name from it. As a fish in training you should consider keeping at least 6 in the tank to create the effect.

You will find that the fish does not always stay in a school. They only do it when they are afraid.

You just have to make sure you get all the necessary food and simple maintenance will keep you looking your best all the time.

 

6. Goldfish

There is no doubt that you have seen this in many aquariums than any other fish species. Goldfish come in different sizes and colors.

You can let many people choose the type they like, mainly based on color and maintenance needs.

If you have an unheated tank, this type of fish is ideal for you.

While they may be messy eaters, they shouldn’t be difficult to maintain. Make sure to change 10 percent of the water every week.

As for maintenance, you can treat the water with a dechlorinator to keep it clean at all times.

 

7. Danios

If you are new to aquariums this is a great place to start for most people. You can use them in a variety of aquariums and they will always work well. The reason is mainly that they are strong and can perform well in a variety of conditions.

Because of their active nature, more people want them. You will mainly find them in a group that swims close to the surface of the water.

The clear horizontal stripes of the fish will always catch the eye as they move in a school around the surface of the aquarium water.

 

8. Betta

For those who want some extra flash and color, they need a betta fish. It comes with brilliantly long and shiny fins.

You will always see them fighting with each other. Therefore, consider having one in the tank.

They are hardy, so survival is no problem for them. They eat flakes or granular foods at any time.

Because of its long fins, do not mix it with other fish that can bite the fins as they are fragile.

 

9. Black Molly

It can’t be blacker than this fish. It is definitely one of the blackest fish you have ever seen.

Well, it has a peaceful nature. It should be a good option if you plan on creating a community aquarium with many other types of fish.

The fish tends to like it because it easily adapts to freshwater aquariums without much effort. You can easily transfer it from tank to tank and it will still be comfortable.

They are also live breeders so you can expect them to have young that are easy to care for after birth. Just make sure to take them to a separate tank as parents tend to eat little ones.

 

10. Neon Tetra

Probably one of the best-known freshwater species on this list, the Neon Tetra is a small, sleek, and easy-care fish that is ideal for new owners.

Neon Tetra does not grow much and only grows to a length of 2.2 cm! They are known to be a very peaceful and calm species.

They do best when kept in groups and in tanks with rocks, plants and other accessories in which to hide. Neon Tetra are easily identified by their blue bodies and a bright red stripe on their bodies.

 

11. Mollies

Small and quiet, Mollies are a great freshwater species that are easy to care for.

Mollusks can grow to about 3 to 4 inches in length and are omnivores, meaning they can eat plants and other animals.

The great thing about this freshwater animal is that, unlike other fish, they give birth to their babies. Like Guppies, Mollies love to breed, so if you don’t want many of these beautiful fish in your tank, keep one gender.

 

12. Angelfish

A member of the cichlid family, angelfish are popular freshwater fish that can grow up to 6 inches long and 8 inches long.

They are very beautiful and come in different colors and patterns. They can eat plants and other animals such as small insects and shrimp, but they should be kept away from small fish.

Angelfish can be territorial and aggressive (although not at the level of a Betta fish) so it is best kept in an aquarium without many fish.

 

13. Rainbowfish

The rainbowfish is another less common fish that is easy to care for. Their vibrant colors don’t really appear until they reach maturity.

Still, proper care and maintenance is worth the wait. These fish can be quite shy, but they are normally peaceful with other fish in their tanks.

Rainbowfish get along well with spines and tetras.

 

14. Platies

Top [2021] 15 Best Freshwater Fish for Aquarium - Aquarium Hunter

Platies (or the Platy fish) is a beautiful freshwater fish available in a variety of exotic colors. They are generally peaceful fish that thrive in communities.

You can see them getting along with guppies and mollies; They are very social! Dishes require a mix of plant foods and proteins, although meat-based foods can also be eaten.

Freshwater fish can be just as quirky and colorful as seawater fish. Freshwater fish are usually tough little creatures that deserve our love and attention.

If you are a new aquarium owner, make sure to take care of your fish regularly and learn about their personalities. Over time, you will learn to love your cute and impressive freshwater fish!

 

15. Oscar

Top [2021] 15 Best Freshwater Fish for Aquarium - Aquarium Hunter

Oscars are considered one of the smartest aquarium fish out there and are one of the few species that can be trained to perform tricks.

Oscars are not common fish though, they should be kept in a species only aquarium and they can get really big very quickly.

They require a lot more maintenance than other fish, due to their carnivorous nature and the amount of waste they produce.

On the positive side, they are one of the few species that can be fed manually; they often eat food between their fingers. Oscars thrive when kept in pairs, or in groups of more than 5, and should be kept together from a young age.

 

Conclusion

Freshwater fish come in a wide variety of shapes, colors and sizes. The most popular fish are usually bright, colorful, and easy to care for.

If you are new to fish farming, I recommend starting to slow down and adding just a few fish at a time. This gives you the opportunity to get to know and understand how to care for each species of fish before adding another.

Make sure to always research the strain you want to buy so you can give them the time and attention they need. This article should serve only as an example of popular freshwater fish species, and not as a guide on how to care for each species. For guides, please visit our breeding care guides here.

Now if you have the Best Freshwater Fish for Aquarium list, you should make up your mind. As you can see from the list, most fish don’t even require much maintenance.

You don’t have to work harder to keep your fish safe and healthy. Before choosing the best one for you, take the time to understand the needs of each species.

Best Freshwater Aquarium Sharks | Aquarium Hunter

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Blog, Care Guides, Freshwater Aquarium Sharks (Care Guides), Freshwater Fish (info and tips), Info and Tips , , 5,411 Comments

If you’re interested in sharks, you’ve probably wondered if you could have one as a pet.

Can you have a shark as a pet? While the ocean swim varieties are too large for hobby tanks, there are many shark species that are suitable for freshwater aquariums and ponds. We’ve rounded up the most popular species and created this detailed maintenance guide to help you design the best tank for your freshwater aquarium sharks.

While it is nearly impossible to have a real shark as a pet, there are many freshwater aquarium sharks that thrive in a home aquarium.

Technically, these fish are not real sharks.

They are large shark-like fish that normally belong to the catfish or carp family.

That said, they often look and act like sharks, which is how they earned their name.

We’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best freshwater sharks to keep in your tank. Some are big, some small, but they are all great!

Best 10 Types of Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

Best Freshwater Aquarium Sharks Review

1. Bala Shark

Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

Young Bala sharks are only about 3 inches long, but don’t let their small size fool you. On average, they grow to about 12 inches (30 cm) in length in adulthood, although they can reach up to 20 inches.

Bales need an aquarium that is at least 75 gallons and at least four feet long to give them enough room to stretch their fins. Bullets, like most freshwater sharks, thrive in a large tank, so it’s a good idea to buy the largest you can afford.

Taking care of them is quite easy. They are not picky eaters, but they are omnivores and love a variety of foods.

A good idea about bullet sharks is that they are not particularly aggressive, so you should not be too careful when choosing tankmates.

Make sure what you choose is too big to fit in the muzzle of a bullet and not too aggressive.

2. Red Tail Shark

Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

The red-tailed shark has a very distinctive appearance. The sleek black body and bright red tail really stand out in a planted tank.

In fact, their preferred environment is one with plenty of hiding places among plants, rocks and driftwood, so a planted tank is the perfect place for them.

One thing to keep in mind is that these sharks don’t like each other, so you can only have one in your tank.

Also avoid other sharks and catfish, as well as fish with long fins. Red tail sharks are very territorial and can be quite aggressive.

These sharks are not picky eaters, but they do like a variety of meats and plant foods. A flake-based diet pellet is fine, but adding a few brine shrimp several times a week will make your red tail very happy.

3. Iridescent Shark

Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

If you’re looking for a shark that’s, well, giant, the iridescent shark is about 3 inches long as a juvenile, but it can grow to over 50 inches.

To keep an iridescent shark, you need an aquarium of at least 300 gallons.

Under the right conditions, iridescent sharks will live up to 20 years if cared for properly. While it may be tempting to keep them in a smaller tank, it’s not a good idea. This pet is definitely an investment and is not for everyone.

While iridescent sharks are technically catfish, they don’t feed on the bottom. They are very active and need a lot of space to swim at different levels in the aquarium.

Iridescent sharks are very gentle, but they will eat any fish they can fit in their mouths, and because they grow so big they will eventually be able to eat almost anything. If you really want tank mates, try aluminum foil skewers or plecos.

4. Silver Apollo Shark

Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

Silver Apollos are actually schools of fish that are quite passive and grow to about 6 inches (15 cm) in length.

Since they like company, it is best to keep them in groups of 5 or more. They are fast swimmers and can even jump out of the tank, so make sure to keep it covered.

Although they are easy to feed and peaceful in nature, silver apoli can be difficult to maintain as they are very sensitive to pH changes and even the slightest amount of ammonia and nitrites in water. They require a strong filter and a 25% weekly water change.

These freshwater sharks are quite easy to live with as long as their fellow residents are not small enough to be eaten.

While not aggressive, they are fast and live close to the surface, so they will compete for food and may prevent slower fish from getting enough to eat.

5. Rainbow Shark

Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

Another freshwater shark that is actually a catfish is the rainbow shark. They are a great addition to a planted tank.

Since they like a lot of hiding places, you should give them lots of dense plants, caves and burrows for them to explore.

Rainbow sharks are very territorial and should not be kept with other sharks, especially red tail sharks. If you’re looking for aquarium mates, try fish larger than them with a similar temperament. They should not be overly aggressive, but still be able to defend themselves.

Rainbows will chase peaceful fish, so avoid them at all costs.

Although rainbows prefer the bottom of the tank, they have tender points around their mouths that can be easily injured.

Choosing the right substrate is essential to avoid injury. Only use a sandy or slippery surface as larger, rougher rocks can cause some damage.

These fish tend to stay at the bottom of the tank, but will explore everywhere. Believe it or not, they are actually very good jumpers, so make sure to keep the top of the tank covered.

6. Violet Blushing Shark

Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

Unlike other freshwater aquarium sharks, the Violet Blushing Shark is quite passive. It does not show territorial behavior as you would see it in other species. As a result, they do well in community tanks.
That said, you should still avoid keeping these fish with smaller creatures that they can see for food. They do best with medium sized fish.

Violet blush sharks get their name from their unique appearance. The fish are covered with a silvery white color. You can see some glow on their bodies, but only when they are under powerful lights.

The bodies are transparent, allowing you to see individual organs. The most prominent feature of the shark’s body is the gills. The gills are visible through the body, making it look like a fish is blushing!

Keeping an aquarium in good condition is crucial for these fish. They need stable temperatures between 68 and 78 degrees to stay healthy. That’s not all. The Violet Blushing Shark should also have plenty of room for swimming.

7. Columbian Shark

Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

Here’s a strain that can be quite challenging to care for. The Colombian shark has strict care requirements. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation circulating.

Contrary to popular belief, these are not entirely freshwater sharks. When they are young, they need brackish water to stay healthy. When you set up your aquarium, you should add a little sea salt to make sure the specific gravity is between 1.005 and 1.010.

Colombian sharks also tend to be troublesome when kept with other fish. These are predatory creatures that prey on smaller species of fish. That’s why you want to avoid smaller passive fish.

Another way to prevent predatory behavior is to keep your fish well fed. The Colombian shark thrives on a high-protein diet of live and frozen foods. They also work well with pellets and commercial dry food. However, they prefer live food that they can hunt.

In appearance, these fish are one of the most shark-like species you can get for your tank. They have a large sail-shaped dorsal fin. Their bodies are usually covered in shades of black, gray, and silver.

On the heads of the fish you will notice that they have several pairs of long barbs. These chins are used to navigate their environment and hunt for food.

8. Black Shark

Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

The black shark is covered in black and has that familiar profile that many freshwater sharks share. This includes a huge dorsal fin. When the fish is swimming, the dorsal fin will generally be relatively flat against its rounded body. However, he will also occasionally stand up while the fish is showing off.

The black shark can become very aggressive and predatory. They should not be kept with small fish species. Most aquarists will house them along with other aggressive species that can handle the intimidating nature of the black shark. This includes some types of cichlids.

Interestingly, these fish do not require a pure protein diet. Some proteins are good, but they are omnivores who will eat almost anything. They have a predilection for foods of plant origin. In fact, these fish are known to eat plants.

Therefore, the Black Shark is recommended for tanks that are scarce in the plant department. They do best with plenty of open space for swimming. Many caves are also recommended for them to have places to rest.

9. Roseline Shark

Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

These flashy fish are absolutely amazing! The Roseline Shark is covered in several bright colors that look great against a natural background. You see red, black and gold stripes. Green and yellow spots are also quite common.
Like all freshwater sharks, these fish have a pronounced dorsal fin. In the case of Roseline Sharks, the dorsal fin is accented with a vibrant fiery red stripe.

Roseline sharks are actually part of the baleen family and are some of the smallest freshwater aquarium sharks you can get. However, this can be good when it comes to temperament.

For the most part, these sharks will not be a problem in terms of aggression. They are quite peaceful and pay no attention to other fish in the community. In groups of four to six, the fish will look even better and show playful behavior.

Roseline sharks can tolerate a wide variety of conditions. They can stay healthy in temperatures between 60 and 77 degrees, although somewhere in between is preferred. What they do need is a strong current. Fish are naturally found in rivers and streams, so it is essential to replicate them with a powerful pump.

10. Harlequin Shark

Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

Known scientifically as Labeo cyclorhynchus, harlequin sharks are an interesting addition to freshwater tanks. They are quite beautiful. However, the fish is known to lead a very solitary life.
They don’t like to be around other fish. In fact, they are known to be very territorial against similar looking species. That means you can’t keep them in groups or with other freshwater sharks.

However, you can house them with some fish if you have enough space. The harlequin shark is a bottom-dwelling fish and spends most of its time in hiding. Therefore, they can be kept with larger species that stay towards the top of the water column.

What is a Freshwater Aquarium Shark?

Domestic sharks are not real sharks, but fish that resemble sharks. There is a wide variety of shark-like fish that make great aquarium pets, and some are even great for community tanks! These small species of freshwater sharks have some similarities with each other:

  • Mini sharks have long torpedo-shaped bodies and erect, prominent dorsal fins. It is also common to see deeply forked flukes (tails) on freshwater sharks.
  • They are usually members of the catfish or carp family and act as omnivorous scavengers, eating plant matter such as algae and other animals.
  • Sharks are generally active and entertaining pets that like to swim in strong currents, and many species will congregate if kept in groups.

 

How to Setup a Shark Aquarium?

When deciding which freshwater shark is your preference, you should research the specific requirements for the aquarium.

That said, there are a few basic things most of these freshwater sharks have in common when it comes to their environment.

Tank size and environment

One of the most important things to consider when it comes to a shark tank is size. These are large fish, very large fish in some cases, and you will need a tank of at least 100 gallons. If you choose a larger variety, you may be looking for a 300 gallon tank.

While you’ll need to research the specific shark you’re raising, most species prefer heavily planted tanks with plenty of hiding places.

Most freshwater shark species originate from major rivers in Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia, and you should try to mimic that environment.

Artificial plants will work, but live plants are better. Be sure to add plenty of rocks, wood, and caves along the bottom of the tank where they can hide and establish their own territory.

Part of setting up an aquarium is the other fish in the community and it is worth mentioning again that freshwater sharks should only be kept with fish that are too large to eat and of uniform character.

Water Requirements

Most freshwater sharks can tolerate a fairly wide pH range with temperatures between 74 and 80 degrees F. There are some specific requirements for each shark.

For example, Colombian sharks prefer brackish water and silver apollo sharks are very sensitive to ammonia.

Filtration is very important, as is water change. You should change 10% of the water weekly (25% with silver apoli) and be sure to use an aquarium vacuum cleaner to clean up uneaten food and other debris.

What to Feed Freshwater Aquarium Sharks?

Freshwater sharks are omnivores and are not picky about what they eat. For most species, their diet consists of flakes, granules, or freeze-dried foods.

Pickled shrimp, vegetables and some live foods should be given several times a week to add some variety.

If you’re not sure what to add to your diet, try seaweed wafers, insect larvae, crustaceans, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. As for veggies, add some spinach, lettuce, zucchini, and peas a few times a week to keep your immune system strong.

Keep in mind that most freshwater sharks don’t hesitate to eat or attempt to eat their fellow residents, so make sure you do your best to satisfy their appetites.

How to Feed Aquarium Shark?

Most freshwater sharks feed on the bottom. Some will come up for pellets and flakes from time to time, but for the most part they will eat what sinks to the bottom of the tank.

Feeding should be done 2 to 3 times a day. Feed your sharks all they can eat in 5 minutes.

If there is any food left at the end of this period, you are probably feeding your sharks too much. Be sure to clean up everything to keep ammonia levels under control.

One of the important things to keep in mind when feeding a freshwater shark is that they are quite aggressive and will easily prevent less aggressive fish from eating enough.

This is another reason why it is so important to have the right roommates for a freshwater shark.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve seen the full list of popular freshwater aquarium sharks, it’s time to pick the ones you’re most interested in. While some of them might be too large to consider for your setup at home, many of the smaller sharks on this list are totally viable.

No matter what your level of experience is (or the amount of time you wish to spend), there should be a species for you! If you have any questions about a species on this list, we’re more than happy to help you out. Freshwater sharks are some of our favorite fish!

What Fish Can Live With Goldfish? – 10 Best Goldfish Tank Mates List

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Blog, Goldfish (care), Info and Tips , 4,173 Comments
What Fish Can Live With Goldfish? – 10 Best Goldfish Tank Mates List

What Fish Can Live With Goldfish?: Finding a suitable aquarium companion for a goldfish is possible, but you can’t just add a species!

There are some very important things to consider.

First, any fish added to the tank must thrive in the same environment as the goldfish, especially at water temperatures of 65ºF to 75ºF.

It is equally important that the fish get along with each other. What does that mean exactly?

A few things: The new fish will not harm the gold fish, the gold fish cannot eat the new fish, and the goldfish still has the space it needs to grow.

Each type of fish has different needs. For example, some fish like warm water, others like cold water, others like salty water, others do not. Since you want all of your fish to be healthy and happy, it is important to choose tankmates who like similar conditions.

 

What Fish Can Live With Goldfish?

10 Best Goldfish Tank Mates List

 

1. Other Goldfish

Adding another gold fish of the same size and type is one of the easiest ways to add another fish to your fish tank.

Keep in mind that goldfish are omnivores and can be predators. It is important that the tank mates are coordinated uniformly.

Be very careful with the size. Large goldfish eat smaller ones, so they must be the same size.

Also, fancy goldfish tend to move slower than common ones and are unlikely to compete for food.

 

2. Bristlenose Pleco

Bristlenose’s plecos are much smaller than common plecos, which can grow up to 15 inches. Therefore, the bristle plecos fall into a useful sweet spot that is small enough to fit in many goldfish aquariums without being so small that the goldfish can eat them.

Choosing a pleco that lives with your goldfish also has a great advantage: the plecos like to eat seaweed so that your tank stays nice and clean!

And while some plecos are known to suck on goldfish scales, which often leads to serious injury, this problem is rarely reported with Bristlenose Pleco.

 

3. White Cloud Mountain Minnows

The main reason White Cloud Mountain Minnows goes well with goldfish is that they are cold-water fish that perform well in the same environment as goldfish.

They pick fish and they don’t do well on their own, so you should add at least 3, although 6 is better.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are also very fast and can generally flood gold fish, making them less likely to hunt.

 

4. Black Skirt Tetra

Advantages of keeping Black Rock Tetras with goldfish:

Black Skirt Tetras are robust and easy to care for.

They are fast and can reach goldfish if necessary.

Like the Platy, Black Skirt Tetras are usually too big for goldfish to try to eat.

Disadvantages of storing Black Rock Tetras with goldfish:

You need space in your goldfish tank for a school with six or more black rock tetras.

They are not always the most alive fish.

There is a certain risk that Black Skirt Tetra’s gold fish fins may get caught.

 

5. Rosy Barbs

Pink spikes like the same type of water as goldfish. They also become 4-6 inches long, so they also fit the size well.

They are not aggressive fish and leave their gold fish alone. They are too big for you to eat your gold fish.

Remember that pink spikes train fish and are very stressed when alone or in small groups. They must be kept in groups of at least 6.

 

6. Bloodfin Tetra

Advantages of storing Bloodfin Tetras with goldfish:

Bloodfin tetras are robust, very good for beginners.

They are also fast and can beat goldfish if need be.

Disadvantages of keeping Bloodfin Tetras with goldfish:

You need enough space in your fish tank for a school with at least 5 Bloodfin Tetras.

There is a certain risk that Bloodfin Tetras will suffocate goldfish.

At just over 5 cm, the Bloodfin Tetras are large enough to live safely with goldfish.

 

7. Rubbernose and Bristlenose Plecos

Both the rubber tip and bristle tip make excellent tankmates for a goldfish. Plecos are calm fish that generally leave your gold fish alone.

You spend most of the day eating rock and grass algae, which also helps keep your tank clean.

 

8. Checker Barb

Benefits of keeping tabs with gold fish:

The spikes are a calm fish that pairs well with community tanks.

They are fast, so elegant goldfish that tend to be slow swimmers can overflow.

Disadvantages of keeping concealer picks with goldfish:

Checkered spikes are big enough to live safely with goldfish. Therefore, there is a certain risk that larger goldfish will try to eat spikes.

You not only need space for one, but also for a Checker Barbs school.

 

9. Weather or Dojo Loaches

Weather loaches or dojo loaches are another great option as they are cold water fish that thrive in the same environment.

These loaches should be kept in groups of 3 or more and enjoy building. Therefore, make sure that they are covered with fine gravel or sand substrate.

The loaches also take up a lot of space by themselves, so you’ll need a fairly large tank to house them with goldfish.

 

10. Corydoras Catfish

Benefits of keeping Corydoras catfish with goldfish:

Corydoras chases food debris down the tank and eats it instead of letting it rot, which helps keep the tank clean

They are very peaceful and will certainly not cause any problems for your goldfish. The opposite does not necessarily have to be the case.

Disadvantages of keeping Corydoras catfish with goldfish:

Since your corydoras live at the bottom of the tank, you may have a hard time feeding them without your goldfish searching for food first.

Corydoras are school fish, so you need space to keep a small group.

As with other smaller fish on this list, there is a chance that goldfish will try to eat them.

 

How many fish can I add to a goldfish bowl?

So once you have a tank big enough for your goldfish, you’re probably ready to add your tankmates.

Overcrowding has many serious health effects. The more fish you have, the faster the water quality will decrease. Fish also become aggressive when overcrowded, causing injury and possible infection.

The amount of fish you can add to a goldfish tank depends on the type of fish. It’s best to spend time examining the fish you want to add to determine how much space they need.

It is a good idea to follow the rule of how much space your goldfish needs and then add additional gallons to accommodate the additional fish. Why?

Since the goldfish is quite a messy fish, overcrowding quickly leads to dirty water.

Carefully research the type of fish you want to add and make sure they have the space they need. If you choose a school fish, be sure to add enough to make it happy in your new home.

 

conclusion

Building a community tank around a gold fish is not easy, but with careful planning, you can. A carefully planned combination of fish in the right environment can lead to a successful aquarium that is fun to watch.

The most important thing is that you use a tank that is big enough for all your fish to thrive. Remember that goldfish need a lot of space for them. If you keep them in a tank that is too small, they will hamper their growth and shorten their life.

Top 20 Best Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Beginners

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Beginners (guides), Blog, Info and Tips, Marine (info and tips) , , , 4,223 Comments

Best Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Beginners: You have probably heard that saltwater fish are much more difficult to maintain than freshwater fish.

It is true that keeping the tank clean and the correct water balance requires a lot of work and commitment.

You can make it a little easier by filling it up with the best beginner saltwater aquarium fish.

Colonizing your first saltwater aquarium can be challenging. You don’t want to buy a fish that is too difficult to care for, and you probably don’t want a boring fish that’s not fun to watch. To help you populate your new tank with beautiful beginner fish that will make your new hobby an instant success, we’ve highlighted a few easy-care fish you can be proud of when you have them in your aquarium.

A compatibility chart for saltwater aquarium fish gives you an idea of ​​which fish may have a better chance of living together in a small space. In many cases, the table shows which one will coexist with some caution. Nothing is guaranteed. There will always be exceptions to a generalization, but the table gives you a starting point if you want to find out what species of fish work in your aquarium.

Saltwater aquariums are one of the most unique, beautiful, and attractive objects in your home.

The bright colors of the fish, the corals, the plants are so fascinating and enchanting that we are drawn to them.

They can help relieve stress, improve mood, and more. Plus, they’re fun!

However, if you haven’t kept one yet, it can be a little difficult to know what kind of fish to store in your new saltwater aquarium or reef tank.

The best reef aquarium fish and the best saltwater fish for beginners are one and the same, but definitely not. Some fish are more difficult to maintain than others, that’s just a fact.

To help you choose the coolest saltwater fish everyone should care for, I’ve compiled this list of saltwater aquarium fish along with their basic info and stats.

 

20 Best Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Beginners

1. Tangs

One of the things that makes Tangs a great choice for beginners is that they are tough and tough, and extremely beautiful. There are also many different varieties, including bright yellow and light blue.

Remember that spikes are generally not aggressive to other fish, but they tend to fight each other.

You need a tank of at least 100 gallons and it’s a colorful addition to any saltwater community.

 

2. Ocellaris Clownfish (False Percula Clownfish)

The Ocellaris Clownfish, also known as the False Clownfish Percula or the Ordinary Clownfish, is one of the most popular marine fish and probably one of the easiest to find in an aquarium.

A special feature of this clownfish is that even in a large aquarium, once it has established its territory, it rarely deviates from this area. If you are home in one corner of a four foot wide tank, you rarely see it on the other end of the tank.

Tank-bred (highly recommended) specimens of this type are fairly easy to find, and when a young couple is purchased, they easily become a couple without much of the ritual abuse of other species of clownfish. As they are raised in the tank, they are also used to eating hand-fed food and acclimatizing very well.

 

3. Watchman Goby

The security guard is one of the best choices for beginners. For one, they are not picky about nutrition and eat things that are available at the pet store. You will even eat table shrimp.

Gobies are very popular, so they are not hard to find and can generally be found at any pet store.

They are peaceful and get along well with other fish species, but they don’t get along very well with other gobies. So if you have more than one make sure to keep them separate.

 

4. Coral Beauty Angelfish (Two-Spined Angelfish)

The colorful coral fish angelfish, also known as the two-spine angelfish, is a popular dwarf angelfish that easily becomes accustomed to aquarium life. Due to its bright colors, robustness, low price and easy availability, it is a popular species for aquariums. This fish is generally not as aggressive as many other angelfish, but some individual specimens can be territorial in smaller aquariums, especially if they have been in the tank for a while.

 

5. Chalk Bass

A great saltwater fish for newbies is the chalk bass. These fish are long-lived, disease resistant and can thrive even in less than optimal water conditions.

If you’re just starting out, a tolerant fish like a chalk bass makes learning the strings a little easier.

These fish are white with reddish stripes along the back and are great for starting a tank.

While several may live in the same aquarium, it is important to introduce them all at the same time to avoid territorial struggles within the species.

 

6. Flame Angelfish (Japanese Pygmy Angelfish)

The flame angelfish, also known as the Japanese dwarf angelfish, is considered one of the best options for aquariums because it is generally well suited to captivity. It is best to keep it alone or in pairs with other less aggressive fish.

Although it is touted as a pretty good reef-proof fish, it can suffocate in large polypsized hard corals, zoanthids, tridacnid shells, and even some soft coral polyps. Therefore, this fish cannot be fully trusted if these invertebrates are present.

 

7. Damselfish

Many of these fish require large tanks of 100 gallons or more, which can be a bit overwhelming for someone just starting out. That is why Damsel is a good option. You only need 30 gallons!

Damselfish can be a little aggressive, but as long as you give them lots of hiding places, they tend to be left alone.

There are also many colorful varieties to choose from and most of them are impressive.

 

8. Lawnmower Blenny (Jeweled Rockskipper)

The blenny mower is also known as blenny algae, jewel rock skipper blenny, sailfin blenny, and rock blenny. This blenny is a great algae eater that benefits any saltwater aquarium. New tanks tend to grow a lot of algae when the nitrate level increases. The Blenny Lawn Mower helps keep algae, especially green-haired algae, at bay as the tank matures.

 

9. Dottyback

Another good option for a small 30 gallon tank is the dotty back. They can be aggressive, but with the correct tank size, plenty of hiding places, and a satisfying diet, they are generally quite happy and not confrontational.

These fish are a great way to add bright little touches of color to your aquarium. There are also a few different varieties to choose from.

They are available in different colors, including blue, purple, and yellow, and two-tone colors that are half yellow and half purple.

 

10. True Percula Clownfish (Clown Anemonefish)

The true percula clownfish is one of the most popular marine fish and probably one of the easiest to keep in an aquarium. The black and white Darwin variant of the Percula clownfish occurs in the wild only in the waters near Darwin, Australia.

The ocellaris clownfish is often mistaken for the percula clownfish. If you are not familiar with both fish, they are difficult to tell apart. The true percula is very light orange in color, while the ocellaris are quite dry in color. The percula clownfish also has a thicker black outline of its white body stripes. Their beautiful colors and personable personalities make them a wonderful addition to reef aquariums.

 

11. Clownfish

You may remember that Nemo was a clown fish and if you expect to put one in your saltwater tank, you’re in luck. The clown fish, especially the False Percula species, is easy to care for.

Since it is one of the most popular saltwater fish, dry granules and frozen foods are easy to find.

These colorful fish are active and don’t like to hide like some of their tankmates. Therefore, they are an interesting addition to a starting saltwater community.

12. Blue Green Reef Chromis (Blue Green Damselfish)

Although the blue-green reef chrome belongs to the damselfish family, unlike its damsel cousins, it seems to get along with almost all non-aggressive fish. Nor does it disturb corals or other invertebrates. The greenish blue Chromis feeds easily from the tank and adapts very well to the life of the tank.

 

13. Firefish

Another great option is the lionfish. These long, slender fish generally have a white or light body and a bright red, orange, and / or magenta tail, which gives them their name.

The lionfish has a great temperament for community tanks. They are calm, non-confrontational, and will do almost anything. They are also fun to watch because they move so fast and like to hide.

 

14. Yellowtail Damselfish (Yellowtail Demoiselle)

The yellow-tailed damselfish seems to get along well with most non-aggressive fish. The yellow devil rocking horse is one of aquarium hobbyists’ favorites because it is extremely robust and beautifully colored. Unlike other damsels, corals or other invertebrates generally remain alone. The yellow-tailed damsel easily eats food fed from the tank and adapts very well to the life of the tank.

 

15. Coral Beauties

If you are planning a larger tank with a capacity of 70 gallons or more, a Coral Beauty is a great addition.

This handsome fish generally has a blue body and bright orange stripes. You can do it alone or in small schools.

Coral beauties don’t need corals in the tank, but they like to hide. So give them enough stones and plants. They prefer a mixture of high quality meaty algae and angelfish.

 

16. Firefish Goby (Fire Dartfish)

The lionfish is a very docile fish. It must be kept individually unless the aquarium is very large or added to the tank as part of a pair. This fish is very shy and will not come out of hiding if it does not feel safe. Lionfish have also been known to jump out of a tank when scared. Therefore, a covered tank is best.

 

17. Talbot’s Damsel

Talbot damselfish are bright, lively fish that are easy to maintain. They help fight algae in the tank and also eat meaty food. They are tolerant of their surroundings and are available almost everywhere.

These fish are hunted in the wild and are best suited for less aggressive tankmates.

They like to dig under rocks and prefer sandy soil on a pebble substrate. As long as they have enough hiding places, they will do well in a community tank.

 

18. Orange-Spotted Goby (Spotted Prawn Goby)

The orange-stained goby spends its time gobbling up sand, spitting it out the gills, and sifting the food. This is a great sand filter that will keep your substrate free of unconsumed food and other debris. The diet should be complemented by a variety of live and frozen prawns, mysis prawns, live black worms, and prepared food for carnivores.

 

19. Wrasses

These brightly colored fish prefer a sandy bottom to bury and lots of rocks to hide.

They are not confrontational and are left alone as long as they have many hiding places.

Most varieties of this type work very well for tanks, but are a bit messy, so larger tanks are preferred.

Some of the best types for a community aquarium are the intermittent fish, the fairy fish, and the six-line fish.

 

20. Sleeper-Banded Goby (Bullet Goby)

The goby with the sleeping tape uses shallow caves in the substrate as a refuge to provide the substrate with good oxygen. It is rarely aggressive towards other fish. However, it is territorial and will fight with others of the same type unless they are a couple. Like most gobies, this fish is known to jump out of discovered aquariums.

 

How to choose fish for saltwater aquariums?

The best way to choose fish for a saltwater aquarium is to approach it like any other pet.

She probably wouldn’t bring home a dog of a breed she didn’t know much about. Fish should be approached in the same way.

What should you do first?

Investigation. Make a list of the fish you like, and then do some research. Here are some key points to keep in mind.

  • Aquarium Size Some saltwater fish can live comfortably in a 20-gallon tank, but if you want to grow your community and make your fish happy, it’s best to start with 55 gallons. Keep in mind that some fish need at least 70 gallons, which is even bigger. As you can see, it is a good idea to stop buying a tank until you know what type of fish you want to get.
  • Habitat requirements. Different fish have different needs when it comes to their environment. Some need a sandy substrate to bury, while others need many live rocks with hiding places. When building a community, be sure to choose fish that like the same habitat.
  • Temperament. This is very important because you do not want to harbor soft fish with aggressive strains that hunt them down or, worse, chase them. Different temperaments can live together in the right environment, but you must know how to implement them.
  • Compatibility. You should not only consider the compatibility between different species of fish, but also keep in mind that some fish prefer to live alone without their own aquarium partners.

 

conclusion

Saltwater tanks require more maintenance than freshwater, but choosing the right fish can greatly facilitate the process. Check out our tips on the best beginner saltwater fish to build a thriving community.

10 Best Freshwater Aquarium Sharks – Types of, Setup & Care Guide

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Blog, Freshwater Aquarium Sharks (Care Guides), Freshwater Fish (info and tips), Info and Tips , , 4,881 Comments
10 Best Freshwater Aquarium Sharks – Types of, Setup & Care Guide

Best Freshwater Aquarium Sharks: If you are interested in sharks, you have probably wondered if you want one as a pet.

While keeping a real shark as a pet is nearly impossible, there are plenty of freshwater aquarium sharks that thrive in a home aquarium.

Technically speaking, these fish are not true sharks.

They are large, shark-like fish that normally belong to the catfish or carp family.

I mean, they look and often behave like sharks, and that’s how they earned their name.

Interest in freshwater aquarium sharks has increased rapidly in recent years. People can’t have enough!

It is great to have a shark no matter what type it is. These iconic fish have been an integral part of our relationship with water for hundreds of years.

If you see a freshwater shark swimming in your aquarium, it will never age.

So we did the following:

We have compiled a complete list of the best freshwater sharks you can keep in your aquarium. Some are big, some small, but all are amazing!

10 Types of Best Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

1. Bala Shark

Young Bala sharks are only about 5 cm long, but don’t be fooled by their small size. On average, they become about a foot long in adulthood, although they can reach up to 20 inches.

Balas need an aquarium that is at least 75 gallons in length and at least 4 feet in length so that they have enough space to stretch their fins. Balas, like most freshwater sharks, thrive in a large pool. So it’s a good idea to buy the biggest one you can afford.

Taking care of them is pretty easy. They are not picky eaters, but they are omnivores and like a variety of foods.

A good thought about bala sharks is that they are not particularly aggressive, so you don’t have to be too careful when choosing tank mates.

Just make sure that everything you choose is too big to fit in a Bala’s mouth and not too aggressive.

 

2. Red Tail Shark

Red-tailed sharks look very characteristic. The slender black body and the bright red tail are particularly noticeable in a planted tank.

In fact, their preferred environment is an environment with lots of hiding places between plants, rocks, and driftwood, so a planted tank is the perfect place for them.

One thing to keep in mind is that these sharks don’t like each other, so you can only have one in your aquarium.

Avoid other sharks and catfish, as well as fish with long fins. Red-tailed sharks are very territorial and can be very aggressive.

These sharks are not fussy about food, but like a variety of meat and plant foods. A flake-based pellet is fine, but if you add prawns a couple of times a week, your red tail stays very happy.

 

3. Columbian Shark

The Colombian shark is actually a big catfish and has the characteristic tall fins and long whiskers you expect.

You need an aquarium that is at least 75 gallons in size, and it must be configured to resemble your natural environment with lots of plants and stones.

Colombian sharks are not the easiest to hold and may not be ideal for beginners. They prefer brackish water and should switch to salty water in adulthood. Teenagers are approximately 3 inches long, but can reach 20 inches or more.

These fish are predators and eat anything in the tank that is small enough to fit in their mouths. They actually have toxic dorsal fins, so be very careful when servicing the tank.

 

4. Rainbow Shark

These creatures are sometimes called ruby ​​sharks or red fin sharks and give each freshwater tank a nice pop of color. Like the red-tailed shark, rainbow sharks also have a fiery red tail that stands out against a natural background. However, these fish also have bright red fins.

The fins are semi-transparent so you can see the sensitive rays. Each individual fin is red. Combine this color with the dark black tone of your body and you will have a very intimidating fish.

Rainbow sharks are generally not recommended for beginners. The reason for this is aggression. These are very territorial fish that are known to attack other creatures in the tank. It is an interesting behavioral trait that is not normally found in nature.

Despite their aggressive behavior, rainbow sharks can keep up with other fish. They are bottom dwellers, so you can support them with fish species that cling to the top of the water column. Assault is still possible, so you should always be careful.

 

5. Iridescent Shark

If you are looking for a giant shark, the ravishing shark is about 3 inches long as a cub, but can grow up to 50 inches.

To maintain a stunning shark, you need an aquarium with a capacity of at least 300 gallons.

In the right conditions, stunning sharks live with proper care for up to 20 years. It may be tempting to keep them in a smaller tank, but it is not a good idea. This pet is definitely an investment and not for everyone.

Although dazzling sharks are technically catfish, they are not bottom eaters. They are very active and need a lot of space to swim in the tank at different levels.

Iridescent sharks are very squishy, but they eat whatever fish are left in their mouths, and since they get so big, they can finally eat almost anything. If you really want tankmates, try spikes or tin foil spikes.

 

6. Silver Apollo Shark

Silver Apollos are actually school fish that are quite passive and grow up to 6 inches in length.

Because they like company, they are best kept in groups of 5 or more people. They are fast swimmers and can even jump out of the tank. So make sure it’s covered.

Although silver apollos are easy to feed and peaceful, keeping them can be difficult because they are very sensitive to changes in pH and even to the least amount of ammonia and nitrites in the water. They require a strong filter and 25% water changes every week.

These freshwater sharks are easy enough to live as long as their tankmates are not small enough to be eaten.

Although they are not aggressive, they are fast and live close to the surface, competing for food, and possibly preventing slower fish from eating enough.

 

7. Violet Blushing Shark

Unlike other freshwater aquarium sharks, the Violet Blushing Shark is quite passive. It does not show a territorial behavior as you would see it with other species. As a result, they do well in community tanks.

Still, you should avoid keeping these fish with smaller creatures that may consider them food. They are best suited for medium-sized fish.

Violet Blushing Sharks takes its name from its unique appearance. The fish are silvery white in color. You can see some glitter on their bodies, but only when they’re under some strong lights.

The bodies are transparent so you can see the individual organs. The most striking feature of the shark body is the gills. The gills are visible through the body and make it look like the fish is turning red!

It is important that these fish have a well-maintained tank. You need stable temperatures between 68 and 78 degrees to stay healthy. Thats not all. The purple blush shark should also have plenty of room to swim.

The biggest mistake new aquarists make with this species is filling the tank with too many decorations. Plants, driftwood, and rocks are important for making fish comfortable. But that’s a lot of open space for swimming! You must find the right balance to keep the purple blush shark in good shape.

 

8. Columbian Shark

Here’s a species that can be challenging to maintain. The Colombian shark has some strict maintenance requirements. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there.

Contrary to popular belief, these sharks are not freshwater sharks. As teens, they need brackish water to stay healthy. When setting up the aquarium, you need to add a little sea salt to make sure the specific gravity is between 1,005 and 1,010.

Colombian sharks also tend to be troublesome when kept with other fish. These are predatory creatures that hunt smaller species of fish. Therefore, you should avoid smaller passive fish.

Another way to prevent predatory behavior is to feed the fish well. The Colombian shark lives on a diet rich in protein with live and frozen food. They are also suitable for commercially available dry food and pellets. However, they prefer live food that they can hunt.

 

9. Black Shark

The black shark is a large species of fish with a semi-aggressive nature. Originally found throughout Malaysia, these fish are very popular due to their forbidden appearance.

The black shark is all black and has the familiar profile that many freshwater sharks share. This includes a massive dorsal fin. When the fish is swimming, the dorsal fin is usually relatively flat against its rounded body. However, it will also be high from time to time when the fish brags.

The black shark can become very aggressive and predatory. They should not be kept with small fish species. Most aquarists will host them along with other aggressive species that can handle the intimidating nature of the black shark. This includes some types of cichlids.

Interestingly, these fish do not need a diet based on pure protein. Some proteins are good, but they are omnivorous that eat almost everything. They have a penchant for plant-based foods. In fact, these fish are known to eat plants.

Therefore, the black shark is recommended for tanks that are scarce in the factory department. It is best to do this with plenty of open space for swimming. Many caves are also recommended so you can rest.

 

10. Roseline Shark

These eye-catching fish are absolutely stunning! The Roseline Shark comes in various bright colors that look great in a natural setting. You will see red, black and gold stripes. Green and yellow spots are also quite common.

Like all freshwater sharks, these fish have a pronounced dorsal fin. At Roseline Sharks, the dorsal fin is accented with a bright and fiery red stripe.

Roseline sharks belong to the beard family and are among the smallest freshwater aquarium sharks you can get. However, this can be a good thing when it comes to temperament.

For the most part, these sharks will not be a problem with aggression. They are quite peaceful and do not pay attention to other fish in the community. In groups of four to six people, the fish fair improves even more and shows a playful behavior.

 

Conclusion

With their large size and physical characteristics, freshwater sharks are an interesting pet for any aquarium enthusiast who wants to beat them.

Taking care of a freshwater shark isn’t particularly difficult, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. These fish grow very large, 6 to 50 inches when fully grown.

They need large tanks that will give them the space they need to grow to their fullest potential.

Still, with the right tank and careful planning, you can create a beautiful home for your freshwater shark and a few tank mates that everyone will be talking about

7 Best Freshwater Aquarium Crabs – Types of & Freshwater Crab Care

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Blog, Crabs, Shrimp, Snails (Care Guides), Info and Tips , , 7,878 Comments
7 Best Freshwater Aquarium Crabs – Types of & Freshwater Crab Care

Best Freshwater Aquarium Crabs: Freshwater aquarium crabs are a great addition to any aquarium.

These freshwater crabs are usually small and are available in different colors.

In addition to their beauty, freshwater crayfish also play an important role in the tank.

They are working to remove fish food debris and remove debris from daily aquarium use.

Freshwater aquarium crabs give your aquarium a lot of beauty and cleanliness. They are also very affordable and easy to maintain!

Without a doubt, freshwater crabs are some of the coolest species you can have in your home aquarium.

When most of us think of crabs, we imagine saltwater environments. However, there are different types of brackish and freshwater crayfish that can thrive in your freshwater tank.

These aquarium crabs are generally quite small, so you can commonly refer to them as “mini crabs”.

Crabs are scavengers and it’s fun to watch them move around in the tank and collect the goodies they see floating. It’s not just fun, either. Crabs can really help keep your tank clean.

 

7 Types of Best Freshwater Aquarium Crabs

 

1. Red Claw Crabs

Red clawed crabs are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium crabs you can get. These crabs are great as a snack because they do not require extensive maintenance.

Red crabs can grow up to 2.5 inches tall and easily live up to five years. All you have to do is feed them properly and make sure they have a clean space.

Like many freshwater crabs, claw crabs are omnivores. You can eat granules, flakes, or a combination of both to get nutrients. You can also eat other crabs and fish, so be sure to find compatible friends.

Red crabs also need a place in their tank where they are not submerged in water. Crabs like to come to the country for a while. Therefore, make sure that your aquarium contains a dry area where it can appear.

 

2. Fiddler Crab

Violinists are quite small and generally do not grow more than 5 cm. They are incredibly eye-catching. A claw is proportional to the body of the crab, small and delicate. However, the other claw stands out and is dramatically larger than the other. This oversized claw also has bright colors, often light yellow or gold in color.

Violin crabs are generally not very aggressive. He likes to travel in pairs or in small groups, so buy at least two of them at the same time. Like most crabs, these little animals love to hide. Because they are so small, you may have to look behind rocks and aquarium decorations to find them sometimes.

Violinists live in nature for a relatively long time, but generally only have a few years in captivity.

 

3. Thai Devil Crabs

Third on the list are Thai Devil Crabs. Don’t be fooled by the name! These crabs are very soft and would make a great pet.

Thai Devil Crabs are two to three inches tall. They come in many different colors, including bright purple.

Thai Devil crabs are very active members of the tank. Leave enough room to eat on the floor.

For a diet, these crabs like to eat plants and animals. You can eat small fish and salty insects. For plants, they enjoy dried seaweed and fresh or dried fruits and vegetables.

Thai devil crabs also need an area in their tank where they can rest on land. Be sure to include a sandy area with plenty of hiding places and burial places for them. They always like to appear underwater, so it is definitely a necessity for them.

 

4. Vampire Crabs

Vampire crabs are a very fun way to keep. They are also quite rare and probably more difficult to find than other types of freshwater crabs. They are available in a variety of colors, usually in rich shades of orange, purple, or red.
The terrifying-sounding name comes from the fact that they have unique yellow eyes, sometimes called “bright”. If you were expecting a bloodsucking crustacean, sorry for the disappointment.

Vampire crabs are small and about an inch wide. They usually live up to 3 years if they are lovingly cared for.

If you are interested in vampire crabs, keep in mind that they must provide a very specific habitat. This species is not completely aquatic. In fact, they need more dry land in their tank than water.

Like most crabs, vampire crabs eat a lot, so be sure to offer them a varied diet with plant-based substances and animal protein.

 

5. Gold Claw Crabs

Golden claw crabs are some of the most unique crabs you can add to your aquarium.

These crabs are so named because they have a very large “golden” claw. It’s not exactly a golden color, but it’s pretty close.

Golden clawed crabs like to eat at the bottom of the tank. They also like to dig in the sand and occasionally dig in it. These crabs definitely need a sanded area in the aquarium.

It is also important to understand that these crabs, like most crabs, can escape very well from tanks. They can scale almost anything, including hoses and pipes, and are known to sneak frequently. Be sure to secure your lid every time you open it for feeding or cleaning.

 

6. Thai Micro Crab

The Thai micro crab is sometimes known as a fake spider crab. These names are apt because this species is incredibly small. They are about 1 centimeter in diameter (less than half an inch!).
They are usually brown or gray in color with long spindle-shaped legs, similar to a real spider. They are also covered in very small hair, which helps them collect food that floats in the water.

Thai micro crabs are very sensitive to changes in water conditions.

Because they are so small and fragile, they cannot cope much with a predatory neighbor. That is why it is important to keep them in tanks with the most docile companions.

Small invertebrates can often live peacefully with Thai micro crabs. Some types of small fish can also live well with them.

Micro crabs are not very sociable and can spend much of the day in hiding.

Aquarium crabs are known to escape from enclosures. If they are so small, the risk is even greater.

Take extra precautions to make sure there are no small openings in your tank that can serve as an escape route for a stubborn crab.

 

7. Panther Crabs

Finally, we have the panther crab. Panther crabs are a popular choice due to their beautiful markings. They are bright orange with black spots, hence the name.

Panther crabs are generally very friendly crabs, but they become aggressive if not properly fed. It is important that your panther crab (and really every pet) is fed on time and in the correct amount. If not, these crabs will surely attack and eat slower fish.

Panther crabs can also escape very well. You should make sure your tank has a tight fitting cap to reduce the chances of leakage.

While giving them a good place to rest from the water is important, you don’t want them to walk around your house.

 

How do I care for crabs in an aquarium?

Many new aquarium enthusiasts avoid getting crabs for their tanks. They are concerned that they are too difficult to maintain.

Caring for freshwater aquarium crabs is no more difficult than caring for a fish.

Tank maintenance

As with any pet, you must provide the basic needs for it to thrive. This includes a good environment in which they can grow and live their whole lives.

Freshwater aquarium crabs are no different. First, buy a high-quality tank with a capacity of at least 5 gallons. Each smaller one is too small for your grumpy friends.

You want to imitate your real habitat in the wild as much as possible, so make your tank more cozy. Keep it at a constant temperature; Usually 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit is comfortable for them.

Add decorations like sticks, rocks, and moss so your crabs can go up and down. It’s also a good idea to set up a shielded network so that your friends don’t accidentally escape.

Fill the aquarium, but leave an area where your crabs can sit out of the water. This is good for them to rest, dig and dig.

 

Food

Most of the crabs are omnivores. Therefore, feed your crabs in a balanced way with plants and animals. It is a good idea to keep your diet fresh for them.

When you first get your crab, it can take a while to learn what it likes to eat and what it doesn’t touch. You should try swapping some ingredients or swapping foods you don’t like.

Best Freshwater aquarium crabs can eat protein-based granules or algae. They also enjoy meat like flies, bloodworms, and small salty fish. Include vegetables with steamed vegetables in smaller pieces in your diet.

It is also important to eliminate uneaten food after three days. Their crabs don’t know the difference between food and rotten food. So help them out there.

 

conclusion

Once you’ve put a crab in your tank, you can’t imagine life without it! These little creatures give your tank a nice touch and keep things interesting.

With proper care and nutrition, aquarium crabs will keep their tank busy for years to come.

 

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