Do you want to keep large aquarium fish? Well there are lots of things to learn about large aquarium fish but there are a couple of main factors to keep in mind. Firstly and most importantly large aquarium fish need a large aquarium!
Large fish need a large tank to have room to swim around in and remember the larger the fish the more waste it produces. Large fish that are kept in a tank that is too small will suffer physically and emotionally.
The second really important thing to consider is that many types of large fish tend to be more aggressive and territorial. They will bully smaller fish and even kill them. They will use their larger size to intimidate and physically attack smaller fish. This can cause big problems in your tank.
A common mistake people make, especially when they are new to the hobby of fish keeping, is to buy fish at a young age without realizing the size they will grow to. They then end up with large fish causing problems with their other fish. Because of situations such as these it is vitally important to research fish species before you buy them and know exactly what you are letting yourself in for.
Find out how big some species can actually grown to and learn about the natures and habits of different fish species. Ask the advice of experts in a shop before you buy a fish and take it home, as they can advise you whether a particular fish is likely to mix with other fish you have. Find out which fish are considered to be bully fish.
As well as considering how aggressive a large fish might be towards your other fish, think about how much space it might take up, therefore depriving the other fish of space and food. You should consider the welfare of all your fish when you are choosing a new one.
Nowadays large aquariums and their accessories have become more affordable and commonplace, so the demand for large fishes, of 12″ or more, has increased. Therefore they are quite readily available to buy, so it is even more important to do your own homework before buying.
Do not think that by buying all large fish it is a way around the problem of compatibility. Larger fish will certainly bully smaller fish but large fish of similar sizes do not necessarily mix well either. Just because a fish is large it does not mean that it is invulnerable!
Here is a list of some popular large aquarium fish that you might want to consider for your large aquarium:
Oscars (Astronotus ocellatus) - less aggressive than their reputation. They are bullied by other large cichlids.
Red Devils (Cichlasoma labiatum) - they basically hate all other fish, and stake about 100 gallons of space as their territory. They make good solo fish, but generally need really large tanks to have any chance at compatibility with other fish.
Snakeheads (Channa sp.) - they are very powerful predators that like to be alone, and need a huge tank to attempt to mix.
Arowanas (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) - they are very unusual and attractive in appearance, but can grow to 3 feet long. They are relatively peaceful with fish of similar size, but vulnerable to attack by more aggressive species.
Clown Knives (Notopterus chitala) - they are not very aggressive, and are prone to attack by some of the more assertive species.
Pacus (Myleus sp.) - they are the big cousin to the piranha family, and can grow to 50 pounds or more. They eat mostly plant material in nature, but will happily eat nearly anything that fits in their mouths.
True Gouramis (Osphronemus goramy) - they are not very aggressive for their size, and eat most foods.
Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemiolopterus) - they get too large for any tank less than 1000 gallons, and will eat any other fish that fit in their mouths. They are very prone to a deadly skin condition if kept in too small an aquarium.
Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) - they get quite large and require very large amounts of space.
Shovelnose Cats (Sorubim and Pseudoplatystoma sp.) - they are generally quite hardy, and unlikely to be picked on. They range in size from about 18 inches for the common lima species to over three feet for the tigers, but they all have large mouths capable of gulping down fish over half their size.
Tinfoil Barbs (Barbodes schwanenfeldii) - they are often quick enough and unrelated enough to mix quite well with more aggressive species. They eat prepared foods readily and are generally very hardy.
Iridescent Sharks (Pangasius sp.) - they can get up to three feet long, but are very vulnerable to attack by even some of the less aggressive species, often losing eyes or fins. They are also quite active and require a lot of swimming room.
Silver Dollars (Metynnis and Myleus sp.) - they are quite active and different enough that they tend to mix quite well.
Lyretail Plecostomus (Hypsotomus plecostomus) - they can grow to several feet in length. Their heavy armour makes them almost invulnerable to attack by all but the most aggressive species.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I think Giraffe Catfish should be added to websites that are warning about fish being too large. I am seeing them sold in a local pet shop and they are not being truthful about how to care for them or where they come from. They are ALL wild caught. They have never been bred in captivity and they grow over 3′ in length. I know this because I bought one when I was ill informed and had to give him up after doing proper research on them and I will NEVER make that mistake again. It really makes me sad to see them sold as aquarium fish. They are far too large.