Exotic Additions to Your Community Tank

If you have had a fish tank for a while, you might be tired of the traditional aquarium fish. Perhaps you are ready to add some more exotic looking fish to your tank. The problem is that many exotic fish are more aggressive than traditional tank species. Which kinds of fish can you add to your tank to add a splash of color and a touch of the unusual?

Most people do not realize that they can add betas to their tank. They think, because betas are called Siamese fighting fish, that betas are aggressive. Male betas are aggressive towards other male betas, but that is all. Betas can easily be incorporated into a community tank, and they add a bright splash of color to an otherwise boring tank.

Glass fish are another interesting fish to add to your tank. Glass catfish look clear and you can see their skeletal system through their skin. They are top feeders that are a peaceful species and perfect for a community tank. Be sure to buy a couple of them, as they enjoy being in groups.

Freshwater sharks are another great addition to a community tank. They are not really sharks, but a type of catfish. They are a great community fish, as long as they are kept in groups. They do need a lot of room to roam, so do not add sharks to a tank that is smaller than twenty gallons. They also have very large mouths, and will gobble up anyone that is small enough to fit inside. Keep in mind, as well, that they can grow to be up to ten inches long. Make sure none of your fish are going to become dinner!

For a splash of color in a community tank, look for some of the more colorful gourami fish. Paradise gourami are a lovely teal blue with darker blue vertical bands. Their fins are tinted with reds and pinks. They have flowing fins, which are very attractive.

In a live bearing tank, you can get exotic by looking for lyre tail swords. Lyre tail sword males have long, flowing fins. They come in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, and red. The females are not lyre tailed, but make sure that you include some in your group.

Rainbow fish are another colorful addition. These fish do grow quite large, so keep them in tanks with other large fish. They are named because of their multiple palates of colors. They are usually a blue or green towards their heads and a yellow or red towards the end. They do need a lot of room, so do not try to squeeze rainbow fish into a small tank.

Each of these fish can give your community tank a touch of the exotic, without needing to rid yourself of the fish you already have to make room for an exotic species. If you want to add an exotic fish to your tank, then research the water chemistry needs of some of these fish. You will find one that will fit with you existing tank community!