What are some other big, beautiful freshwater fish?

Question

I'm trying to decide if I should start a saltwater aquarium (I just asked a question about it), but I was thinking there are a lot of amazing freshwater fish too, so maybe saltwater isn't worth the trouble.....for me. (As I don't want to have to spend too much time taking care of the tank, because I have college, work, etc.)

So, I was thinking cichlids, because I hear a lot about those. It seems like a lot of people have them. But I was wondering, besides cichlids, are there any other big, nice looking freshwater fish that would be good for freshwater? I say big because I have a tank with medium-small fish, but I would like a tank of really large fish to look at. And I'm also not sure of cichlids because I don't think you can mix them, and I'd like some variety? Any suggestions for nice big freshwater fish that can be mixed? (I'd like an eel too.)

When I say I have a tank of smaller fish, I don't mean I would be putting the new fish in with them. They will be two separate tanks.

Answer 1

A lot of tetras are beautiful, and they're usually pretty cheap, too. Also, angelfish get to be big, and they're fun to watch. The only reason I personally would NOT go for cichlids is because you can only keep cichlids with other cichlids. Be careful when you add your fish, though. If you add the bigger fish now, they would probably try to attack the smaller fish. So, get something that's about the same size as the fish you have now, that would grow into a larger size. And, one last thing, do NOT add an eel, unless you want your little fish to end up as a snack for it in the middle of the night.

Answer 2

It really depends upon the size of tank that you have, or are willing to buy. When you say big freshwater fish, what exactly do you mean? I have three oscars that are big... 13, 10, and 7 inches to be exact. The two largest are in a 120 gallon (5x1.5x2ft) aquarium. And they will soon out grow that! You can mix cichlids, but it is tricky, it all depends upon their temperment, and the space that you provide for them.

Also when you say you don't want to spend too much time taking care of the tank, what do you mean exactly? The larger the tank the more time you 'should' devote to maintanence.

So my answer to you is a question. How big are you talking?

Answer 3

My fantasy tank is sand, fully planted, Discus, german blue rams and a freshwater stingray. These are pretty delicate and have nice little price tags as well. I am moving so am showing self restraint until after.

We have a 75 gallon with 9" Veiltail goldfish. They are captivating but high maintenance.

We have a 55 gallon with a 8" Jack Dempsey as well as 3- 4" Convicts. I would never tell my boyfriend this but his convicts are probably my favorite.

Keep in mind there are two different types of Cichlids- African and South American. Some of these fish come from specific lakes and rquire specific water qualities therefore they should only be kept with other fish from that lake.

Frontosas are extremely popular but you would need a huge tank. Lots of times Africans are kept overcrowded to help control aggression. South Americans need there room. There are lots of forums designed specifically for Cichlids.
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/

Good Luck!

Answer 4

I vote for cichlids. Yes they are agressive, but keeping them with others of the same size & temperment usually keeps agression to a minimum. They have beautiful cichlids (yellow, electric blue, fire orange) are a few that can all share a tank. You could even add aggressive freshwater fish such as leopard puffers (poisonous though if your cichlid wanted to make it lunch) or pacu's or something. Saltwater makes a beautiful tank, but its a lot of work (and $$).

Answer 5

Cichlids have good variety and they grow very large but they arent very compatible with other fish...they are agressive...i had a tank of cichlids...I tend to lean towards the more delicate fish such as angelfish and discus. Discus are beautiful and big but they tend to be expensive and they arent hardy at all! Everything has to be PERFECT for them to live long. I tend to lean towards saltwater myself though. If you have any questions ask away I know a pretty good amount abou this stuff.

Answer 6

If you are looking at a 55 gallon like you mentioned in your other question and want something other than cichlids - the spiney eels - they are real cool - tend to spend a lot of timein their caves. Loaches - yoyo, the "polkadot" loaches, are very active and fun to watch - don't get clown loache - they get huge - over 12 inches - and need at least 125 gallon tank. Gouramis. the smaller sharks (say away from Balas) - like a red tailed. Maybe toss in some barbs. You could even do a brown knife fish. they are cool.

Answer 7

i would do something in the cichlid family, ie. angelfish, discus, african cichlids etc. but for a really beautiful tank you can mix in a school or two of tetras with either the angels or discus. i actually have a mini salt reef setup for sale right now to start a 100 gallon discus tank. so good luck choosing but with these i dont think you can go wrong

Answer 8

If you are looking for large, beautiful, freshwater fish then go in for Discus.
They are called "King of Fishes". A tank full of discus is really beautiful but again they are chichlids.

Answer 9

If you have small fish I'd be careful about putting very large fish in with them..there is a good chance they might get eaten.There are a lot of beautiful Gouramis.

Answer 10

First how big is your tank. And you could try Green or Red Terrors or Red Devils. Jack Dempsies are nice so are oscars. thye are all agressive fish unless you get them when they are little and raise them together. and they will only grow to the size of your tank