Specimen fish suggestions

[Dagon]

Hi all.

I'm planning livestock for a new 110 litre community tank. I have a pretty good idea about most of the fish. Most will be surface/mid tank dwellers between 3 an 5 cms. All the usual suspects.

I'd also like half a dozen or so corys (or khuli loaches). Also maybe 5 Amano shrimp.

Using a tank calculator I reckon my thoughts get me to 75% stocked. My research indicates my stocking ideas are compatible.

I anticipate taking some time getting to full capacity. Also, my intention is to plant the tank heavily.

I should also note that I'm something of a novice, so not after anything too challenging.

My question is, do you have any suggestions for a solitary specimen fish - possibly a little larger than the other fish. Alternatively, perhaps something that I might stick as a pair/three?

I don't want anything too big, but something that might stand out from the other groups. I'd reconsider other stocking options to accommodate the 'loaner' if required.

Any thoughts would be very welcome!

Thanks.

 

[ebjornsgard]

I have one male flame dwarf gourami in my 20 gallon community tank. He's not that much bigger than the other fish in it, but he stands out with his bright colors. They don't get as big as other gouramis and are somewhat less aggressive, as far as I've experienced and researched.

 

[rlederer]

It's my humble opinion, but I detest the idea of a "specimen" or "display" fish. Virtually all fish do better in shoals, school, or at least pairs. One fish, all by itself with no others of its kind, I think, is sad, if not cruel. Male Bettas are exceptions and maybe a few others, but in general, not a good idea.

 

[DanR]

What about a Leopard Gourami? Everything I've read about them is they prefer to be a loner and stake out their own turf. They actually don't do well in pairs in smaller tanks. I had one recently pass away but he was an awesome fish and grew very fast. They also look very unique. Won't do well when he gets fullsize with small fish though - will definitely go after neons and such so take that in to consideration. 3 cm is pretty small.

 

[Dagon]

It's my humble opinion, but I detest the idea of a "specimen" or "display" fish. Virtually all fish do better in shoals, school, or at least pairs. One fish, all by itself with no others of its kind, I think, is sad, if not cruel. Male Bettas are exceptions and maybe a few others, but in general, not a good idea.

Hi - rlederer

I agree with you. The last thing I would want is to keep a fish alone when it does not suit. But I'd anticipate that some fish are naturally territorial, which might mean they are happier without more of their kind. You mention Bettas as an exception. Ideas of this nature are what I'm after.

You'll also appreciate that I also asked about small groups (2s or 3s). That might offer options for something different.

Otherwise, all the stock in considering would be in larger groups (certainly no more and than recommended as best practice).

As a newbie I'm keen to do my research and benefit from the experience of the forum.

Thanks for taking the trouble to reply.

Thanks also to the others who have made suggestions. I'll certainly look them up.

Ta all.

 

[Dagon]

Sorry all.

That last post should have read "certainly no less than recommended"!!

 

[Coursair]

So about 29g

I'd say a Honey Gourami.
Dwarf Gouramis can be more difficult than Honeys. But DG can work.

Avoid the bigger Gouramis in the 3 Spot complex. They get too big and can kill smaller tank mates.

A female Betta can work.

A Pearl Gourami could work. You'd need floating plants and maybe a shaded corner. All Gouramis appreciate that.
Your tank is min size for one. I have a male. He's in my 55g





He never harms my Neons or my Rummynose. Even tho the Rummies were skinny tiny juveniles when I got them.

 

[Coursair]

Otherwise I'd do a large group of Neons. That can be a spectacular display. I have 21 Neons. Pics don't do them justice.

 

[Dagon]

Otherwise I'd do a large group of Neons. That can be a spectacular display. I have 21 Neons. Pics don't do them justice.
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Thanks for the suggestions. Some v handsome fish put forward!

I'm also tempted by the idea of fewer species in larger groups. That may be the way I go.

Thanks again