P

Fish Compatability

Fish vary greatly in their need for companionship. Some fish have to be kept with other fish, whereas others must be kept by themselves. The most important thing to remember when you are selecting your fish is to get fish that will be compatible with each other.

Sociable Fishes

Tiger Barb

Many fish need the company of their own species. When fish like these are kept in a tank by themselves, no matter how many other fish are in the tank, if that fish is the only one of its species, then it won't act the same as it would if it was with other fish of its own species. The fish might hide or sulk in a corner or it might develop an aggressive habit like fin nipping, which would show a sign of boredom, not viciousness. These kind of fish need to be kept in a group of their own species to give them a feeling of security. Not only will the fish be happier, but having a group of fish of the same species, or a shoal, looks better than if one or two fish were mixed in with other fishes. You can also get a more attractive display if you put these fishes in a species tank (a tank with fish of only one species).

Anti-Social Fishes

Blue Acara

Some fish can be very territorial, even with members of their own species. You should keep this in mind when buying your fish. Some fishes may fight continuously, especially if the tank isn't large enough for each fish to have its own personal area. Feeding habits of some fish can also cause problems in your tank. Carinivores may attack other fishes, and species that like green stuff may diminish the amount of plants in your tank. You should make sure and keep carnivorous fish with same-sized or larger fishes, and don't plant live plants in a tank of vegetarian fishes.

Breeding Potential

Lambardoi

When you buy fish that you plan to breed, it is very important to consider the quality of the fish, even more so than when you are just purchasing fish to stock your tank. This is because whatever problems the fish you choose might have, they could then pass on to their young. Although many freshwater fish can be sexed at breeding time, this isn't always possible with juveniles. To make sure you have one fish of each sex, you should buy at least six of the species.

Electric Yellow Labidichromis

Breeding Compatability Problems

Breeding, in some cases, can be taken too far. With livebearing fish, you should avoid mixing different color strains if you want to keep them pure, as these fishes will mate with one another regardless of color pattern

Buying The Right Fish

When you first start to select your fish, make sure that you select the best stock available. This is important because you want to have a fish that is strong enough and healthy enough to withstand any trouble that you might have if you are just beginning an aquarium and are inexperienced. Try not to go for the more exotic and colorful species because they obviously are more expensive and they are harder to take care of. Unless you have enough experience with tropical fish to take care of them, you could be setting yourself up for a big disappointment.

Selecting Healthy Fishes

If you regularly visit your local pet or fish store, then you will eventually start to pick out when the store recieves a new stock of fish. Before you buy any of these new fish, you should ask an employee if the fish has been in stock for quaratining for two or three weeks, prior to being offered for sale. If you buy fish that have just been taken in by the store "straight off the plane" they might be very vulnerable and could die from disease or stress. Your local pet store should suggest that you don't buy fish that have just arrived and that you should wait until they (the fish) have settled down. Then you might want to ask the dealer if they will reserve the fish for you while the fish gets settled down.

What To Look For In a Fish

When you are first picking out a fish, there are a lot of visual "clues" that will help you select good quality stock. First, the color of the fish should be dense, and where a pattern is formed ther should be no blurring of adjacent colors. In some species where the color patterns are a special feature, the patterns should conform to the standard expected. Also, the body shape should conform to the recognized show "standards." Also, be careful not to interpret normal behvior as a sign of illness. For example, although flat fins are usually a sign of sickness, some healthy marine species keep their fins folded when swimming.

Considering The Size Of The Fish

Once you have chosen a healthy fish, you should make sure whether its size is right for your aquarium. The fish may look just the size you wnat in the dealer's tank, but keep in mind that all the fishes are juveniles, and their eventual size will be at least double their present size. You should make sure and check the size that the fish will grow to otherwise if you buy a number of juveniles, some of them could eventually grow bigger than some of your new fish. In turn the larger fish could then eat the smaller fish and, well, we don't want that. A useful tip about predicting the size of fish is that fishes with big eyes or scales usually turn out to be large.

Sources For Fishes

Unless you belong to a local aquatic society, your only source of fishes will be your local aquarium dealer, of which there are two kinds: general pet stores or garden centers, with a section for pond or aquarium fishes, while others may be specialist aquarium shops. If you just need equipment or "dry goods" such as food, then the nearest stockist will do. But if you are looking for fishes, pet stores don't really have much of a variety beyond the usual most popular species. To find the rarer, more exotic species you will have to go to a specialized dealer.

Introducing New Fish Into Your Aquarium

When you finally get your new fish home, you must add them to your tank very carefully. There will probably be a difference in temperature between the water in the fishes' bag and that in the tank, and any such sudden change may stress the fishes. To equalize the two temperatures, you should float the bag in the water for 10-15 minutes before releasing the fish. Also, add a small amount of your aquarium water to the bag containing the new fish, since the two bodies of water probably have different qualities. If you are introducing marine fishes into a new tank, you should switch the aquarium lights off, but leave the room lights on.

photos courtesy of sbs.

SPECIES

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

CYPRINIDS

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Danios

Giant

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X

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X

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X

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Leopard

.

X

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X

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X

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X

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Pearl

.

X

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X

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X

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X

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Zebra

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X

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X

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X

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X

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Barbs

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Checker

X

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X

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Cherry

X

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Clown

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X

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X

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X

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Gold

X

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X

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Red Top

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X

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X

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Rosy

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X

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X

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Tiger

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X

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X

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Tinfoil

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X

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X

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X

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X

X

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Rasbora

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Heteromorpha

X

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X

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Redtail

X

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X

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Scissortail

X

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X

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Go to this section for a more detailed chart of the water conditions etc. needed to maintain your fish.

	Denotes a generally excellent starter fish
A	Peaceful - has not been known to bother any fish
B	Spirited -normally peaceful, but may chase slow species
C	Mildly aggressive - should not be kept with slow or timid fish
D	Aggressive - should be kept with larger active fish
E	Pugnacious - not acceptable in community tanks
F	Vulnerable - likely to be harassed, picked on, or fin nipped by other fish, sometimes even by otherwise peaceful species
G	Changeable - may be mixed with other fish when young, but may become more aggressive when older, and may eat smaller fish
H	Hardy - tolerant to various water conditions and not commonly affected by hard to treat diseases
I	Disease prone - subject to hard to treat diseases
J	Touchy - subject to water condition problems (extreme pH, hardness, ammonia, etc.
K	Subject to "Ich" - susceptible to the common, but very easily controlled parasite, Ich
L	Livebearer - requires salt, up to a teaspoon per gallon, and some vegetable diet (condition food). Livebearer babies will be eaten if not separated
M	Warm water - requires water of 84-86 degrees F (29-30 degrees C) to remain in top condition
N	Temperate - will tolerate or prefer cooler water, but will do well at normal tropical temperatures - 76-80 degrees F (25-27 degrees C)
O	Cool water - should be kept in water 68-72 degrees F (20-22 degrees C)
P	Brackish - could be kept with more salt (sea salt) in water than normal tropicals, although 1 TBS per 5 gallons is sufficient
Q	Jumpers - tanks should be completely covered
R	Intolerance to malachite green - is weakened or dies when treated with the otherwise very effective "Ich" medication, malachite green. Ich medications range from useless (too slow or too weak) to dangerous (killing tetras, catfish, etc.) The numerous Ich medications on the market can be very confusing and can vary greatly in quality.
S	Fast growth - may become much larger than purchased size
T	Plant eater - will probably destroy and/or eat most aquarium plants
U	Risky - notoriously weak from shipment and/or fluctuating water properties - may be frustrating to attempt, but worthwhile if successful
V	Special treatment - a clerk should be consulted to find out the unique properties of these fish
W	Sensitive to well water - these fish may not like certain well water - caution is advised and experimentation is necessary as this sensitivity may vary from one well to another.
X	Algae eater - will eat unsightly algae off rocks, plants, glass, etc.
Y	Scavenger - will eat troublesome uneaten food particles that will otherwise cloud and pollute water (at least two (2) scavengers/10 gal.)
Z	Special food - may require a special diet to remain healthy

photos courtesy of sbs.

SPECIES

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

FAMILY NAME

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..

..

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GOURAMI

Betta (f)

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X

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X

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X

Betta (m)

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X

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X

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X

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X

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X

Blue

.

X

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X

X

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X

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Dwarf

X

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X

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X

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Giant

.

.

X

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X

X

.

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.

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X

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Gold

.

.

X

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X

X

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X

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Kissing

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X

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X

X

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X

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Opaline

.

X

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X

X

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.

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.

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X

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Paradise

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.

X

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.

.

X

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.

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X

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Pearl

.

X

.

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.

X

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X

.

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.

.

.

X

.

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Platinum

.

.

X

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.

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.

X

X

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.

.

.

.

X

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Thick lip

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.

X

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.

X

X

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.

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X

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.

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.

.

.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

FAMILY NAME

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.

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RAINBOWS

Australian

X

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X

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.

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.

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.

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.

.

.

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X

Celebese

.

X

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X

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.

X

Fancy (red, turquoise, etc)

.

.

.

X

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.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Go to this section for a more detailed chart of the water conditions etc. needed to maintain your fish.

	Denotes a generally excellent starter fish
A	Peaceful - has not been known to bother any fish
B	Spirited -normally peaceful, but may chase slow species
C	Mildly aggressive - should not be kept with slow or timid fish
D	Aggressive - should be kept with larger active fish
E	Pugnacious - not acceptable in community tanks
F	Vulnerable - likely to be harassed, picked on, or fin nipped by other fish, sometimes even by otherwise peaceful species
G	Changeable - may be mixed with other fish when young, but may become more aggressive when older, and may eat smaller fish
H	Hardy - tolerant to various water conditions and not commonly affected by hard to treat diseases
I	Disease prone - subject to hard to treat diseases
J	Touchy - subject to water condition problems (extreme pH, hardness, ammonia, etc.
K	Subject to "Ich" - susceptible to the common, but very easily controlled parasite, Ich
L	Livebearer - requires salt, up to a teaspoon per gallon, and some vegetable diet (condition food). Livebearer babies will be eaten if not separated
M	Warm water - requires water of 84-86 degrees F (29-30 degrees C) to remain in top condition
N	Temperate - will tolerate or prefer cooler water, but will do well at normal tropical temperatures - 76-80 degrees F (25-27 degrees C)
O	Cool water - should be kept in water 68-72 degrees F (20-22 degrees C)
P	Brackish - could be kept with more salt (sea salt) in water than normal tropicals, although 1 TBS per 5 gallons is sufficient
Q	Jumpers - tanks should be completely covered
R	Intolerance to malachite green - is weakened or dies when treated with the otherwise very effective "Ich" medication, malachite green. Ich medications range from useless (too slow or too weak) to dangerous (killing tetras, catfish, etc.) The numerous Ich medications on the market can be very confusing and can vary greatly in quality.
S	Fast growth - may become much larger than purchased size
T	Plant eater - will probably destroy and/or eat most aquarium plants
U	Risky - notoriously weak from shipment and/or fluctuating water properties - may be frustrating to attempt, but worthwhile if successful
V	Special treatment - a clerk should be consulted to find out the unique properties of these fish
W	Sensitive to well water - these fish may not like certain well water - caution is advised and experimentation is necessary as this sensitivity may vary from one well to another.
X	Algae eater - will eat unsightly algae off rocks, plants, glass, etc.
Y	Scavenger - will eat troublesome uneaten food particles that will otherwise cloud and pollute water (at least two (2) scavengers/10 gal.)
Z	Special food - may require a special diet to remain healthy

photos courtesy of sbs

SPECIES

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

LIVEBEARERS

Guppies (common)

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Guppies (fancy)

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Half-beak

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

Mollies

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Platys

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Swordtails

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Go to this section for a more detailed chart of the water conditions etc. needed to maintain your fish.

	Denotes a generally excellent starter fish
A	Peaceful - has not been known to bother any fish
B	Spirited -normally peaceful, but may chase slow species
C	Mildly aggressive - should not be kept with slow or timid fish
D	Aggressive - should be kept with larger active fish
E	Pugnacious - not acceptable in community tanks
F	Vulnerable - likely to be harassed, picked on, or fin nipped by other fish, sometimes even by otherwise peaceful species
G	Changeable - may be mixed with other fish when young, but may become more aggressive when older, and may eat smaller fish
H	Hardy - tolerant to various water conditions and not commonly affected by hard to treat diseases
I	Disease prone - subject to hard to treat diseases
J	Touchy - subject to water condition problems (extreme pH, hardness, ammonia, etc.
K	Subject to "Ich" - susceptible to the common, but very easily controlled parasite, Ich
L	Livebearer - requires salt, up to a teaspoon per gallon, and some vegetable diet (condition food). Livebearer babies will be eaten if not separated
M	Warm water - requires water of 84-86 degrees F (29-30 degrees C) to remain in top condition
N	Temperate - will tolerate or prefer cooler water, but will do well at normal tropical temperatures - 76-80 degrees F (25-27 degrees C)
O	Cool water - should be kept in water 68-72 degrees F (20-22 degrees C)
P	Brackish - could be kept with more salt (sea salt) in water than normal tropicals, although 1 TBS per 5 gallons is sufficient
Q	Jumpers - tanks should be completely covered
R	Intolerance to malachite green - is weakened or dies when treated with the otherwise very effective "Ich" medication, malachite green. Ich medications range from useless (too slow or too weak) to dangerous (killing tetras, catfish, etc.) The numerous Ich medications on the market can be very confusing and can vary greatly in quality.
S	Fast growth - may become much larger than purchased size
T	Plant eater - will probably destroy and/or eat most aquarium plants
U	Risky - notoriously weak from shipment and/or fluctuating water properties - may be frustrating to attempt, but worthwhile if successful
V	Special treatment - a clerk should be consulted to find out the unique properties of these fish
W	Sensitive to well water - these fish may not like certain well water - caution is advised and experimentation is necessary as this sensitivity may vary from one well to another.
X	Algae eater - will eat unsightly algae off rocks, plants, glass, etc.
Y	Scavenger - will eat troublesome uneaten food particles that will otherwise cloud and pollute water (at least two (2) scavengers/10 gal.)
Z	Special food - may require a special diet to remain healthy

photos courtesy of sbs

SPECIES

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Characins

.

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.

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...

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TETRAS

Black

.

X

.

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.

X

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.

.

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.

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.

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.

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Black Line

X

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.

X

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.

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.

.

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.

.

.

.

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.

Black Neon

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

Black Phantom

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

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.

.

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.

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.

Bleeding Heart

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

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.

.

.

.

.

.

.

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.

Blind Cave

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

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.

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.

Bloodfin

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

Buenos Aires

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

Cardinal

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

Congo

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Emperor

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Exodon paradoxus

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

Glass fish

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Glow Light

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Hatchet

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Head & Tail light

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Lemon

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

Leporinus

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Neon (jumbo)

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

Neon (small)

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

Pacu

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

Pencil fish

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

Pirahna

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

Red eye

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Red minor

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Serpae

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Silver dollar

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

Silver tip

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Go to this section for a more detailed chart of the water conditions etc. needed to maintain your fish.

	Denotes a generally excellent starter fish
A	Peaceful - has not been known to bother any fish
B	Spirited -normally peaceful, but may chase slow species
C	Mildly aggressive - should not be kept with slow or timid fish
D	Aggressive - should be kept with larger active fish
E	Pugnacious - not acceptable in community tanks
F	Vulnerable - likely to be harassed, picked on, or fin nipped by other fish, sometimes even by otherwise peaceful species
G	Changeable - may be mixed with other fish when young, but may become more aggressive when older, and may eat smaller fish
H	Hardy - tolerant to various water conditions and not commonly affected by hard to treat diseases
I	Disease prone - subject to hard to treat diseases
J	Touchy - subject to water condition problems (extreme pH, hardness, ammonia, etc.
K	Subject to "Ich" - susceptible to the common, but very easily controlled parasite, Ich
L	Livebearer - requires salt, up to a teaspoon per gallon, and some vegetable diet (condition food). Livebearer babies will be eaten if not separated
M	Warm water - requires water of 84-86 degrees F (29-30 degrees C) to remain in top condition
N	Temperate - will tolerate or prefer cooler water, but will do well at normal tropical temperatures - 76-80 degrees F (25-27 degrees C)
O	Cool water - should be kept in water 68-72 degrees F (20-22 degrees C)
P	Brackish - could be kept with more salt (sea salt) in water than normal tropicals, although 1 TBS per 5 gallons is sufficient
Q	Jumpers - tanks should be completely covered
R	Intolerance to malachite green - is weakened or dies when treated with the otherwise very effective "Ich" medication, malachite green. Ich medications range from useless (too slow or too weak) to dangerous (killing tetras, catfish, etc.) The numerous Ich medications on the market can be very confusing and can vary greatly in quality.
S	Fast growth - may become much larger than purchased size
T	Plant eater - will probably destroy and/or eat most aquarium plants
U	Risky - notoriously weak from shipment and/or fluctuating water properties - may be frustrating to attempt, but worthwhile if successful
V	Special treatment - a clerk should be consulted to find out the unique properties of these fish
W	Sensitive to well water - these fish may not like certain well water - caution is advised and experimentation is necessary as this sensitivity may vary from one well to another.
X	Algae eater - will eat unsightly algae off rocks, plants, glass, etc.
Y	Scavenger - will eat troublesome uneaten food particles that will otherwise cloud and pollute water (at least two (2) scavengers/10 gal.)
Z	Special food - may require a special diet to remain healthy

photos courtesy of sbs.

SPECIES

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

FAMILY NAME

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

..

..

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

GOURAMI

Betta (f)

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

Betta (m)

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

Blue

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Dwarf

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Giant

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Gold

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Kissing

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Opaline

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Paradise

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Pearl

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Platinum

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Thick lip

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

FAMILY NAME

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

RAINBOWS

Australian

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

Celebese

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

Fancy (red, turquoise, etc)

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Go to this section for a more detailed chart of the water conditions etc. needed to maintain your fish.

	Denotes a generally excellent starter fish
A	Peaceful - has not been known to bother any fish
B	Spirited -normally peaceful, but may chase slow species
C	Mildly aggressive - should not be kept with slow or timid fish
D	Aggressive - should be kept with larger active fish
E	Pugnacious - not acceptable in community tanks
F	Vulnerable - likely to be harassed, picked on, or fin nipped by other fish, sometimes even by otherwise peaceful species
G	Changeable - may be mixed with other fish when young, but may become more aggressive when older, and may eat smaller fish
H	Hardy - tolerant to various water conditions and not commonly affected by hard to treat diseases
I	Disease prone - subject to hard to treat diseases
J	Touchy - subject to water condition problems (extreme pH, hardness, ammonia, etc.
K	Subject to "Ich" - susceptible to the common, but very easily controlled parasite, Ich
L	Livebearer - requires salt, up to a teaspoon per gallon, and some vegetable diet (condition food). Livebearer babies will be eaten if not separated
M	Warm water - requires water of 84-86 degrees F (29-30 degrees C) to remain in top condition
N	Temperate - will tolerate or prefer cooler water, but will do well at normal tropical temperatures - 76-80 degrees F (25-27 degrees C)
O	Cool water - should be kept in water 68-72 degrees F (20-22 degrees C)
P	Brackish - could be kept with more salt (sea salt) in water than normal tropicals, although 1 TBS per 5 gallons is sufficient
Q	Jumpers - tanks should be completely covered
R	Intolerance to malachite green - is weakened or dies when treated with the otherwise very effective "Ich" medication, malachite green. Ich medications range from useless (too slow or too weak) to dangerous (killing tetras, catfish, etc.) The numerous Ich medications on the market can be very confusing and can vary greatly in quality.
S	Fast growth - may become much larger than purchased size
T	Plant eater - will probably destroy and/or eat most aquarium plants
U	Risky - notoriously weak from shipment and/or fluctuating water properties - may be frustrating to attempt, but worthwhile if successful
V	Special treatment - a clerk should be consulted to find out the unique properties of these fish
W	Sensitive to well water - these fish may not like certain well water - caution is advised and experimentation is necessary as this sensitivity may vary from one well to another.
X	Algae eater - will eat unsightly algae off rocks, plants, glass, etc.
Y	Scavenger - will eat troublesome uneaten food particles that will otherwise cloud and pollute water (at least two (2) scavengers/10 gal.)
Z	Special food - may require a special diet to remain healthy

photos courtesy of sbs.

SPECIES

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Catfish

Algae eater

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

Channel

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

Corydoras (tank raised)

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

Corydoras (wild)

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

X

.

Phanatom glass

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

Pictus (false angelicus)

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

X

.

Plecostomus

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

X

X

.

Shovelnose

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

X

Stick fish

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

Synodontis

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

Upside down

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

Whiptail

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Go to this section for a more detailed chart of the water conditions etc. needed to maintain your fish.

	Denotes a generally excellent starter fish
A	Peaceful - has not been known to bother any fish
B	Spirited -normally peaceful, but may chase slow species
C	Mildly aggressive - should not be kept with slow or timid fish
D	Aggressive - should be kept with larger active fish
E	Pugnacious - not acceptable in community tanks
F	Vulnerable - likely to be harassed, picked on, or fin nipped by other fish, sometimes even by otherwise peaceful species
G	Changeable - may be mixed with other fish when young, but may become more aggressive when older, and may eat smaller fish
H	Hardy - tolerant to various water conditions and not commonly affected by hard to treat diseases
I	Disease prone - subject to hard to treat diseases
J	Touchy - subject to water condition problems (extreme pH, hardness, ammonia, etc.
K	Subject to "Ich" - susceptible to the common, but very easily controlled parasite, Ich
L	Livebearer - requires salt, up to a teaspoon per gallon, and some vegetable diet (condition food). Livebearer babies will be eaten if not separated
M	Warm water - requires water of 84-86 degrees F (29-30 degrees C) to remain in top condition
N	Temperate - will tolerate or prefer cooler water, but will do well at normal tropical temperatures - 76-80 degrees F (25-27 degrees C)
O	Cool water - should be kept in water 68-72 degrees F (20-22 degrees C)
P	Brackish - could be kept with more salt (sea salt) in water than normal tropicals, although 1 TBS per 5 gallons is sufficient
Q	Jumpers - tanks should be completely covered
R	Intolerance to malachite green - is weakened or dies when treated with the otherwise very effective "Ich" medication, malachite green. Ich medications range from useless (too slow or too weak) to dangerous (killing tetras, catfish, etc.) The numerous Ich medications on the market can be very confusing and can vary greatly in quality.
S	Fast growth - may become much larger than purchased size
T	Plant eater - will probably destroy and/or eat most aquarium plants
U	Risky - notoriously weak from shipment and/or fluctuating water properties - may be frustrating to attempt, but worthwhile if successful
V	Special treatment - a clerk should be consulted to find out the unique properties of these fish
W	Sensitive to well water - these fish may not like certain well water - caution is advised and experimentation is necessary as this sensitivity may vary from one well to another.
X	Algae eater - will eat unsightly algae off rocks, plants, glass, etc.
Y	Scavenger - will eat troublesome uneaten food particles that will otherwise cloud and pollute water (at least two (2) scavengers/10 gal.)
Z	Special food - may require a special diet to remain healthy

photos courtesy of sbs.

SPECIES

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

CICHLIDS

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

..

..

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Acara

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

African (haplochromis)

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

African (pseudotropheus)

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

.

X

.

.

.

Angelfish

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

Convict

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Discus

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

X

X

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

.

Festivum

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Firemouth

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Jack Dempsey

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Cichlids

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Jewel

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Jurupari

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

Kribensis

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Mozambique

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Oscar

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Rams

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

.

X

.

.

X

Red Devil

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

Severum

.

.

X

.

.

.

.

X

.

.

X

X

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

X

X

.

.

X

.

.

.