RJRofFL
Aquarium Advice Activist
Hi JasonC,
I would suspect that, not unlike humans, most fish come with somewhat of a "personality." Reference books attempt to classify species into categories such as "peaceful", "semi-aggressive", etc. But in reality that is not always the case.
Just as with us, I believe that fish often become characteristic of their environment. That is why care and research should prevail when selecting "tank mates."
In my case, I have labeled my livestock as a "peaceful community" because that is exactly what it is. I have enough "schools" of species so that no one individual gets "picked on." There is indeed "strength in numbers."
In more detail I can say that the two Dwarf Guoramis are the largest fish and the Neons the smallest. I have had absolutely no issues of aggression between the two. The Albino Corys bother no one and just provide "comic relief" on the bottom of the tank, bumping into each other and other slapstick. The Platties just do their own thing. The Serpae Tetras just "patrol" around, somewhat with authority but are all "show" and no "action." The Dwarf Guoramis act like two brother siblings growing up together. They are both very "timid" despite their relative size and often retreat from any confrontation. Ironically, the Danios are without a doubt the most active, and for lack of a better word, are the "trouble makers", but not in an aggressive way, just getting their nose into everything. I suppose that is why they are considered excellent "dither fish."
So, that being said, in addressing your questions, I have to say that "feeding time" is always a "frenzy." And yes, the Gouramis are always the last to arrive at the scene. In an attempt to combat this, I feed a little at both ends of the tank to spread out the "mob." And, of course, I later drop in pellets for the Corys (sometimes after dark.)
Finally, I think that size of a tank is indeed a factor with any aquarium, I think an equally important factor would be to insure that there are enough "hiding places" for the fishes' security. I suggest at least one rock, cave, plant,whatever for each fish to call his/her own. And all of these places should be placed in a manner in which it cannot be seen from across the tank. Basically, I call it "safe havens." The safer fish feel, the less stress, thus less health problems.
I hope that addresses most of your questions/concerns. I would be happy to explain more if you wish, but as you can already see, I talk a lot.
Good luck,
Bob
I would suspect that, not unlike humans, most fish come with somewhat of a "personality." Reference books attempt to classify species into categories such as "peaceful", "semi-aggressive", etc. But in reality that is not always the case.
Just as with us, I believe that fish often become characteristic of their environment. That is why care and research should prevail when selecting "tank mates."
In my case, I have labeled my livestock as a "peaceful community" because that is exactly what it is. I have enough "schools" of species so that no one individual gets "picked on." There is indeed "strength in numbers."
In more detail I can say that the two Dwarf Guoramis are the largest fish and the Neons the smallest. I have had absolutely no issues of aggression between the two. The Albino Corys bother no one and just provide "comic relief" on the bottom of the tank, bumping into each other and other slapstick. The Platties just do their own thing. The Serpae Tetras just "patrol" around, somewhat with authority but are all "show" and no "action." The Dwarf Guoramis act like two brother siblings growing up together. They are both very "timid" despite their relative size and often retreat from any confrontation. Ironically, the Danios are without a doubt the most active, and for lack of a better word, are the "trouble makers", but not in an aggressive way, just getting their nose into everything. I suppose that is why they are considered excellent "dither fish."
So, that being said, in addressing your questions, I have to say that "feeding time" is always a "frenzy." And yes, the Gouramis are always the last to arrive at the scene. In an attempt to combat this, I feed a little at both ends of the tank to spread out the "mob." And, of course, I later drop in pellets for the Corys (sometimes after dark.)
Finally, I think that size of a tank is indeed a factor with any aquarium, I think an equally important factor would be to insure that there are enough "hiding places" for the fishes' security. I suggest at least one rock, cave, plant,whatever for each fish to call his/her own. And all of these places should be placed in a manner in which it cannot be seen from across the tank. Basically, I call it "safe havens." The safer fish feel, the less stress, thus less health problems.
I hope that addresses most of your questions/concerns. I would be happy to explain more if you wish, but as you can already see, I talk a lot.
Good luck,
Bob
