What are some oddball fish that i can put in a 40 gallon tank????

Question

i have a sandy substrate, tons of hidding places good lighting some good shady areas and stack of rocks for hiding places.

i want some cool looking fish

all i have is a fire eel and a Polypterus ornatipinnis in my tank i want a couple more cool looking fish

Answer 1

Since you have bottom fish, you should look for something that will take advantage of the upper parts of the tank.

The biggest problem you'll have is finding something you can keep with the ones you already have that they can't eat - both are predatory and will take anything they can fit into their mouths.

You also have size going against you - both species you have can get to around 2 feet each, so will eventually outgrow your 40 gallon.

Without knowing the size your Polypteris and fire eel are currently makes it a little tough to choose suitable tankmates. You might look at one of the larger catfish species, or a cichlid with similar water requirements, but I wouldn't get any fish less than 3/4 the length of your present fish (or big enough around that your fish can't get it into their mouths- and don't underestimate what they can eat!), and be prepared to separate any other fish and your present ones as the eel and Polypterus grow.

Answer 2

Wow, disregard that comment about getting red belly pirranha's, get a 200+ gal if you want that haha. For a 40 gal there are a few species you could get if you can find them. Here is a short list of a few of my favorites:
-South American Leaf Fish (Monocirrhus polyacanthus)
-Red-tailed Red eye Puffer (Carinotetraodon irrubesco)

Answer 3

You could try any of the bushy nose plecos. They are very fun to watch and do look different. Some of these can be pricy, but you can find some of the lower cost species if you look around.
heres a link look at the bushy nose.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=1039

Answer 4

get a peacock eel. they are really cool. i used to get mine to come up to my fingers and kiss ( or whatever he did lol) he would eat from my hands. i miss hiim. he died by choking to death on an earth worm. i guess i gave him too big a piece.

or get some assorted african ciclids. they are really cool
i have 7 in a 29 gallon tank. very colorful

Answer 5

If they are legal in your state (as they are in Indiana) try Piranhas. Red belly if you can get them. They are only semi-agressive. They have teeth and will eat other fish; however, they will usually run away from you if you stick your hand in the aquarium. Makes a great conversation piece.

Answer 6

Catfish are great.