Tankmates

[TheMan]

I currently have a 55gal w 13 tiger barbs and a redtail shark. They get along great but was wondering what else and how many other fish I could put in. I was thinking a yoyo loach, some gourami or a firemouth cichlid. Any other ideas?

 

[josh7]

I would not get a gourami or yoyos with tigers they are fin nipping fools. I would get a blue Acara cichlid personally they won't tolerate being nipped and will live great with a RTS. Or you could do a Firemouth cichlid they do well with those tankmates to.

 

[Deftpunk79]

With 13 barbs they should be fairly docile. They are much less aggressive in large groups. I still wouldn't get any long finned fish. Some rainbowfish would probably go well with them. I use this compatibility chart to get a basic idea of tankmates for a fish and then I will do extra research to hone in exactly what I want.
Freshwater & Brackish Compatibility Chart
In my experience Gouramis have been fine with barbs. You would think the gouramis' whiskers would be enticing, but I have never had a barb bite one off.

 

[Deftpunk79]

If you do decide on rainbowfish, look at pictures of the adults before you choose. The younger fish are usually not very colorful, but the adults are beautiful.

 

[josh7]

Even when I have kept a large group with a gourami they have tore them up. Just IMe with them.

 

[DavidAl]

Scratch the yoyo loaches and get the skunk loaches. Both have the same temperament and should make for a fun tank.

David