Ok, I want some fish... Warm fresh water would be good.?

Question

I thought about raising a trout, but that will be a pain for my first time raising some fish. I want some sort of warm water fish, not tropical, something like a bass, carp or cat fish, maybe something like a croppie. I have room for a 4 foot long tank, by 2 feet wide, and have enough height, So, i want a couple of fish that will work with that size restraint. Money isnt the problem, but I cannot go bigger than that. Any ideas of fish that would work out? I dont need multiple types of fish. I really like fish, so I think an aquarium would be cool to have. I work from home, so having some fish to look at would be nice. Also, if there is a good website with the names, pictures and some info about the fish for me to peruse, that would be cool as well. Any feedback is welcome!

Tropicals would be ok, I understand your point about them not being in a natural habitat, i didnt think too much about that, i am just getting an idea of what would be good.

Answer 1

All of these fish you mention are wild fish. Aside from any minimum tank requirements, these fish were meant to be wild and uncaged. You would be doing damage to them pschologically by caging them. Thus, they would be unhappy, thus they would get sick and eventually die. They need hundreds of yards and miles to swim in order to be truly happy. Traditional freshwater tropical fish have been bred in captivity and know no other life and are bred for this environment. You really should consider keeping some really fun, unusual tropicals such as the cichlids, discus or oscars. Just so you know how many fish you can buy, your tank is about a 90 gallon tank.

Answer 2

I think the most interesting fish to own are African cichlids. They do need warm water and special salts. They are from the Rift lakes like Malawi and Tanganyika. They have adapted into the most amazing variety of fish. They mouth brood, the mothers carry the eggs and then the fry in their mouths. The fish communicate with colors or light/dark or stripes.

These fish need room and lots of rocks to hide in. They are the urban dwellers of fresh water
fish, like a coral reef.
http://www.vatoelvis.com/Home.php
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/
http://www.africancichlids.net/

I first saw these fish in a large public aquarium in San Fransisco. I bought a 120 gallon tank.
Unfortunately, it leaked as I was very pregnant. I moved the fish into other small tanks and it was a horrible end for them, killing each other. I had 4 or 5 species reproducing at that time. I still stop and look at them in the store, but I no longer keep fish. Another plus with cichlids is that if you site the tank where it gets some sun, you may get an algae growth which is the kind of algae that the fish eat, so when you go on vacation, they take care of themselves.

Answer 3

I'd suggest trying out something like a Tinfoil Barb. These hearty Cyprinids will grow to a maximum length of 13 3/4 inches. The only thing is, that they love to jump out so you'll need a cover. You'd probably want only 2.
Or go for some of my favorite catfishes.
1) The "Platydoras costatus" look up with fellow. He's large, peaceful and easy to take care of. He'll want at least one other companion. I'd go with two females.
2)The Suckermouth Catfish: Large harmless loner well suited to a tank of smaller school species or on his own.
You might also consider bluegill which are an active community fish that thrive in aquariums. You'll need to do some research on their preference of substrate (soft and either sandy or silty). But they're a pleasure in a big tank.
Maybe a suckermouth and 4-6 bluegill?

Answer 4

For native coldwater species, in that size tank, I would suggest any species of sunfish, or crappies. I would stay away from largemouth or smallmouth bass, as they would eventually either outgrow the tank, or need it entirely to themselves. Any carp or catfish species will absolutely outgrow a 4 foot tank. (Not saying that they will grow 4 ft, just that they will need more space) Having wildcaught specimens is something to consider though. Wild caught species tend to require more territory than typical aquarium fish, however if caught young, they can adapt. I would go with a couple of sunnies (pumpkinseed), and a black crappie. Perch would also work nicely in that size tank, and add some nice color. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Do you haven't any longer have been given any concept what the orange fish is? nicely maximum of your fish which you get at a fish save or puppy save are going to be heat water fish. The acception would be Goldfish, Minnows, and so on. i assume via fact you have in basic terms 2 fish, that your tank is small. you will possibly save the water heat with a sprint low fee heater, which you will desire to purchase at WalMart or PetCo, someplace comparable. Your Betta, whether that's a male, won't stay conveniently with a fish this is orange in coloration, or pink for that rely. There would desire to be some scuffling with or fin nipping. additionally the two fish require some form of filtration device. The Betta prefers little or no water circulate, so his filtration would desire to be set to teh lowest achieveable putting (in basic terms a dribble popping out) different fish choose a in many cases going on water bypass, so this would additionally reason a topic. in case you provides extra information which incorporate tank length and what kit you have, or maybe the place you got your fish, might help me supply you greater particular suggestion.

Answer 6

You could get some sunfish. I have a pumpkinseed. You won't want more than a handful in that tank. If you are in an apartment, as I think you've stated, get approval for that tank. A 100 gallon tank weighs 1000 pounds and you will want to know the floor can stand up to a large tank.

Answer 7

You'd need a chiller to keep a trout! Bass (largemouth, smallmouth, rock) work well if you keep it as the only fish in the tank. Some other species I've kept (at room temps) sunfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed), minnows/shiners, catfish (channel cat [these do get LARGE!], bullheads), killifish, and darters. Carp can get to 4 feet, so I wouldn't recommend them except as a juvenile.

One thing to consider is your state's fish & game laws - you may need a fishing license and/or permit to keep native fish. My state requires the license for non-game, and a permit for game fish.

Some websites with articles/info:
http://www.thekrib.com/Fish/native-fish.html
http://www.nativefish.org/articles/
http://www.petsforum.com/cis-fishnet/afm/G29186.htm

Answer 8

Get two or three guppies. In a mont you'll have 50! Also neon tetras are cool.