The Ideal Aquarium & Fish To Avoid...

See also - General Tips section

I've had many fish over the years, and here is my experience with different species in a community tank. You may or may not have the same experience, but I think what I've seen is pretty general.

I will try to get pictures of all the following fish shortly.....

I have had all these fish and they are all peaceful, hardy, cute, and (relatively) long lived.

Cat Fish and Bottom Feeders

CORYDORAS CATFISH
These are my personal favorite catfish. They live around 5 years, and are very hardy and peaceful. They are very common in pet stores.

LOACHS
I've always been a fan of the long, eel looking coolie loach personally.

General Fish

TETRAS
General, peace loving fish, small ones tend to be eaten by larger aggressive fish though

GOLD FISH

Gold fish are a nice general peaceful fish, but can have their problems.They are prone to swim bladder infections, and fin rot. "Fancy" goldfish in particular develop swim bladder infections.

MOLLIES
General, peace loving fish. Comes in many varieties

GUPPIES
General, peace loving fish. Male and female pairs often breed

ANGEL FISH
These guys always have personality and tend to take notice of you when you walk over to the tank. They can be aggressive towards smaller fish, but for the most part, they are good to have.

NEON TETRAS
These guys are pretty and cute, but they tend to get eaten by larger fish aggressive fish, so be careful.

BETA
Also known as the fighting fish. On their own, they are peaceful and a colorful addition to the tank.

SWORD TAIL
General, peace loving fish. Sold in male/female pairs.

PLATIES
General, peace loving fish. Comes in many varieties.

DWARF GUORAMI

I have never had good luck with these guys, but they are peaceful and pretty.

HATCHET FISH
General, peace loving fish, but do tend to jump out of the tank if it isn't covered.

Fish To Avoid In A Community Tank... (commonly added with good intentions)

Yes, I've made mistakes. Don't let it happen to you. Judging by my own experience, never mix these fish into a tank you consider peaceful and community. Other people may feel differently but these are my own observations.

CICHLID
Most species are carnivorous and HIGHLY aggressive They should be kept by themselves, in a separate cichlid tank.

TIGER BARB
No one else I know has had this problem, but I had tiger barbs biting fins of other fish

SNAILS
Okay, they are not aggressive, but they bring in disease and if they multiply, your in trouble

EELS
Tend to be aggressive

LEAF FISH
They are awesome to look at, but I hear they are aggressive (I have never had them though)

CATFISH
I'm not talking about the corydoras catfish (see the Good Fish section above.) I'm talking about the more "fancy looking" catfish that resemble the shark family. They can be nasty; be wary.

BRACKISH WATER FISH
It's a misconception that brackish and freshwater can mix. Puffers, archer fish, flounders, and rays, are mostly brackish and unlabeled in the pet store, so be sure you don't mix them with fresh water fish.

PAINTED GLASSFISH
I don't think these guys have lived longer then a week for anyone... they are safe to keep, but they never live long.... and like to bring in disease like "ich."

AFRICAN BUTTERFLY FISH
These things look awesome, don't get me wrong, but if you have anything in your tank small enough to fit in its mouth, say good-bye to it... I'm talking neon tetras (tiny fish) here.