Tropical Fish Compatibility

The compatibility of the tropical fish you choose for your aquarium, will account for how long you get to enjoy the full complement of occupants, or whether you are setting yourself up for frequent trips to the pet store for replacements. To ensure compatibility a handy-desk reference like this encyclopedia can go a long way.

Compatible Temperatures

Some species of fish can bridge the gap between cooler and warmer temperatures, but it doesn’t mean you can buy a coldwater fish and drop it into a tropical fish aquarium. Sometimes people will keep a goldfish in a lower (75F) temperature tropical aquarium, and it will live there very comfortably. But the fish would have to have been adapted to the warmer water first, as goldfish also live very well in unheated tanks.

The water conditions that a specific fish requires, should be checked before deciding to add that particular species. As in the temperature issue, it may be possible to strike a balance, but that also may cause systemic stress on whichever fish is teetering on the brink of incompatible conditions. For example, neon tetras prefer soft, acidic water, where a Black Molly likes hard alkaline water. Some people may suggest that you can create a median condition by keeping the PH neutral and the alkaline level in the moderate hard range. The fish will live in it, but not for as long as each would in their own, optimal water conditions.

Activity Level

Activity level is another consideration. If you have large, very active fish, the slower, more sedentary breeds may become stressed by the dashing back and forth, and general disruption they cause. Stressed fish can simply fade away and die, or come down with various diseases because their immune system can’t fight back effectively.

Aggression

Aggression is also a concern, and one reason to read up on the types of fish you are interested in. While you may be able to incorporate one breed of fish which is territorial, bringing in two, could be an invitation to torn fins and constant battles, which again, can stress other occupants of the tank. If you are adding an aggressive type fish, and it is a new aquarium, bring them home at the end of your fish buying trips, and buy some that are smaller than the fish already in the tank. If you already have an established tank, the same would apply, since size over behavior, helps to establish a pecking order.

Your Comprehensive Resource on Creating the Best Tropical Fish Tank Possible

The Encyclopedia of Exotic Tropical Fishes for Freshwater Aquariums is an inspiring resource. The book is separated into two sections, with the first part encompassing six chapters of both general and specific fishkeeping information and the second part offering detailed profiles of 1000 freshwater species. All fish enthusiasts will appreciate the down-to-earth writing style and superb images by some of the world’s top photographers. This practical reference also features anatomical drawings, multiple tip boxes, and over 2800 full-color photographs.

Click here to find out more and get your copy.

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