Compatibility of aquarium fish species is a pressing issue for most aquarists. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, the question of proper aquarium stocking is always a pressing one. Fish owners are concerned about their ability to coexist in the same space.
Compatibility of fish species in an aquarium is a broad and interesting topic, so there is a lot of debate around it in search of the truth.
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Classification of aquarium fish
To understand which types of aquarium fish are compatible, it is necessary to consider the classification parameters of aquarium fish.
By size:
- Large fish (Moorish idols, cichlids, and surgeonfish) are considered long-lived. Beginner aquarium keepers should take their time before acquiring them, as they are difficult to maintain. They are quite aggressive when defending their nests.
- Small fish are the best choice for beginners. They're reasonably priced and easy to care for. Small fish are generally friendlier.
By the nature of procreation:
- Egg-laying fish – beginners should wait before acquiring these specimens, because during spawning they require special conditions.
- Viviparous fish can reproduce in aquariums even with less-than-ideal conditions. This group of fish is undemanding regarding temperature and water composition.
By habitat:
- Marine - basic skill will be enough to keep this type of fish.
- Freshwater fish are a type of fish that look no less interesting than marine specimens.
Compatibility types
Fish species can be different from each other:
- conditionally and absolutely incompatible;
- fully compatible.
The category of conditional compatibility includes aquarium fish species whose coexistence is impossible under certain conditions. While rare, it does happen that fish somehow manage to coexist.
To make the task of choosing easier, it is worth use tables from specialized literature and the Internet.
Compatibility principles for aquarium fish species
Similarity of conditions of detention
Everyone should understand that it is not allowed to house fish with different environmental requirements in the same aquarium:
- rigidity;
- acidity;
- temperature;
- degree of illumination;
- strength of the current.
Similar conditions are often found among related fish species or varieties, living in identical biotopes.
Species aquariums are built according to this principle of compatibility in the selection of fish:
- cichlid fish - with short-bodied "golden" fish;
- with viviparous platies, nuppi, mollies.
Of particular interest are geographic aquariums, which replicate the conditions of a specific natural location. They are populated with fish families native to that location.
Victims and predators
It's all quite logical here, so keeping predators and prey together in the same aquarium is not recommended. While a predator will appreciate live prey, a small neon tetra is unlikely to be so pleased.
Fish size
Large fish should not be placed in an aquarium with smaller fish due to incompatibility. The smaller fish will constantly feel threatened, which will negatively impact their health, ornamental value, and longevity. There is a risk that peaceful larger fish may accidentally eat a small neighborThe conclusion is that fish of comparable size should be kept in the same aquarium, so that they don't fit in each other's mouths.
Opposites don't attract
Fish, unlike humans, thrive in the company of similarly-behaved individuals. Keep in mind that energetic individuals will quickly eat the food while meditative guppies have time to get to it.
Many people may dislike a constantly flickering aquarium, or, conversely, a sleepy one. That's why they try to choose fish with different temperaments if they'll be inhabiting different water layers.
Territorially aggressive individuals
There are species of fish that attack other inhabitants to protect their own territory. So-called territorial fish guard their family territory in the aquarium for spawning and feeding.
Different species direct their aggression either toward individuals of the same species or toward other aquarium inhabitants. When purchasing fish, inquire is it territorial, and how it manifests itself.
Handsome guys
Through selective breeding, these fish have acquired exaggerated traits such as veil-like fins, overly enlarged eyes, skin growths, and an albino coloration. These individuals are much more delicate than their wild relatives.
For example, in a species aquarium it is worth populating stargazers, telescope goldfish, pearl fish, and veiltails. Here There should be no aquarium long-bodied breeds or individuals capable of biting off fins.
Fish Compatibility Chart
| View | Compatible | Incompatible |
| Barbs | Botia, Gourami, Neon Tetras, Swordtails, Rainbowfish, Labeo, Angelfish, Tetras | Astronotus, Bettas, Cichlids, Carp, Goldfish |
| Viviparous | Botia, Barbs, Discus, Gourami, Danio, Neon, Labio, Cockerel, Rasbora, Tetra, Angelfish | Astronotus, Goldfish, African and South American Cichlids, Carp |
| Goldfish | Barbs, African and South American Cichlids, Guppies, Tetras, Gcrami, Labeo, Discus, Danios, Swordtails, Bettas, Rasboras, Angelfish, Shrimp/Crabs | |
| Labyrinth | Botia, Barbs, Labio, Danio, Swordtails, Neons, Rasboras, Angelfish, Tetras, Molinesia, Plaecilias | South American and African cichlids, bettas, gourami |
| Characins | Danios, Barbs, Swordtails, Discus, Neon Teeth, Mollies, Rasboras, Tetras, Crabs/Shrimp | African and South American cichlids |
| genus Danio | Botia, Gourami, Barbs, Neons, Swordtails, Labeo, Molynesia, Cockerels, Angelfish, Tetras, Guppies | South American and African cichlids, goldfish, discus |
| Labeo | Gourami, Botia, Barbs, Swordtails, Danios, Poecilias, Lightnings, Tetras, Rasboras, Angelfish | Goldfish, South American cichlids |
| Catfish | Barbs, Botia, Angelfish, Danio, Molynesia, Tetras, Pecidlia, Rasboras, Labeo, Swordtails, Gourami, Rasboras, Cockerels | |
| Cichlids | Danios, Gcrams, Platies, Guppies, Bettas, Swordtails, Rasboras, Tetras, Mollies, Angelfish, Neons, Discus |
What should you do if you want to add poorly compatible fish species?
Aquarium fish species with poor biological compatibility should not be housed together. In case of behavioral compatibility You can experiment if you take into account some tips:
- The aquarium should be spacious, and it can be divided into zones using decorations, shelters, and plants. If the fish prefer to live in the upper water layer, dense plant growth, driftwood, coconut shells, potsherds, and grottoes can be used.
- It's important to ensure all fish have enough food. According to the feeding charts, the fish should be fed in a way that prevents them from fighting over it. Aquarium fish that prefer algae should be fed cucumbers, zucchini, and lettuce.
- You should buy young fish so that they can get used to each other during development.
- Stocking aquariums with species with low compatibility means taking a significant risk and constantly changing the design, creating new hiding areas, treating sick fish, and bribing replacements for dead individuals.
Basic compatibility errors
Overcrowding of the aquarium - fish do not understand what it means to give up space to others, because in them a tendency to fight for survival is inherentWhen there are many aquarium fish in a small area, food may be scarce. In this case, don't be surprised if fighting breaks out between the fish.
Incorrect zoning of the territory - this problem can be avoided by studying tables with acceptable plants, water parameters and substrate.
Keeping small and large fish in an aquarium at the same time is unacceptable, since even a peaceful Cichlid fish can feast on its small neighbor.
Ignoring spawning rules leads to aggressive fish eating the eggs. To prevent this, males and females should be transferred to a special spawning tank, according to the tables.
Incorrect aquarium conditions can cause aquarium fish to lose color and become weak. Regular water changes, proper feeding, and aquarium cleaning are key to fish health.
