This FAQ article covers various freshwater fish and invertebrate species, including Oscar fish, African dwarf frogs, Cherry shrimp, Siamese algae eaters, Bristlenose plecos, Rainbow sharks, Kuhli loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish, and Betta fish. It also includes information on keeping these species, such as tank size requirements, compatibility with other fish, and feeding needs.
Table of Contents
Will ghost shrimp clean my tank?
Ghost shrimp can help clean your tank by consuming excess food, algae, and other debris. However, they may not be able to clean your tank entirely on their own, and additional maintenance may be required.
How often should I clean my goldfish tank?
Goldfish tanks should be cleaned at least once a week, or more frequently if necessary, to maintain water quality and ensure the health of your fish. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the size of the tank, the number of fish, and the filtration system being used.
Will celestial pearl danios eat shrimp?
Celestial pearl danios are generally peaceful fish and are unlikely to eat shrimp that are of similar size or larger. However, very small shrimp or baby shrimp may be at risk of being eaten.
How do you know if a cory catfish is stressed?
Stressed cory catfish may exhibit signs such as darting, gasping at the surface, loss of appetite, hiding, or abnormal swimming behavior. It’s important to identify and address the cause of stress to ensure the health and well-being of your fish.
Can two rainbow sharks live together?
Rainbow sharks can be aggressive towards one another, especially if they are of the same gender or similar size. It’s generally recommended to keep only one rainbow shark per tank to prevent territorial disputes and aggression.
How many celestial pearl danios should be kept in a 5 gallon tank?
A 5-gallon tank is not suitable for keeping any fish, including celestial pearl danios. These fish require a minimum of 10 gallons of water per fish to thrive.
Do betta fish recognize their owners?
Betta fish have a good memory and can recognize their owners’ faces and voices. They may even learn to associate certain actions with food or attention.
Do guppies need light at night?
Guppies don’t require light at night, and it’s generally recommended to provide them with a regular day/night cycle to maintain their natural rhythms.
Do zebra danios need an air pump?
Zebra danios don’t necessarily need an air pump, but having one can help to improve water circulation and oxygenation in the tank. It’s important to ensure that any equipment used in the tank is appropriate for the size and needs of the fish.
What is normal cichlid behavior?
Cichlids can exhibit a wide range of behaviors, but some common behaviors include digging, hiding, territorial displays, and aggression towards other fish. Normal behavior will vary depending on the species of cichlid and the specific environment they are in.
What’s the most peaceful gourami?
The most peaceful gourami species are generally the smaller, non-aggressive varieties such as the sparkling gourami or the honey gourami. It’s important to research the specific species of gourami you are interested in keeping to ensure their temperament is appropriate for your tank.
What are the signs that your goldfish is dying?
Signs that a goldfish may be dying can include lethargy, loss of appetite, abnormal swimming behavior, discoloration, or abnormal growths or lesions. It’s important to address any potential health issues as soon as possible to increase the chances of recovery.
How long does a gourami live?
The lifespan of a gourami varies based on the species, but on average they can live for 3-5 years.
Will angelfish kill guppies?
Angelfish may attack and kill guppies, especially if the guppies are small and the angelfish are aggressive.
How much do molly fish cost?
The cost of molly fish can vary depending on the species and where they are purchased from. On average, they can cost anywhere from $2 to $10 per fish.
Is my ghost shrimp dead or molting?
If your ghost shrimp is lying on its back and not moving, it is likely dead. However, if its body is clear and it appears to be shedding its exoskeleton, then it is likely molting.
Do African dwarf frogs eat snails?
African dwarf frogs may eat small snails, but they generally do not rely on them as a primary food source.
Why do African dwarf frogs sing?
African dwarf frogs “sing” as a way to communicate with other frogs and establish their territory.
Why is my African dwarf frog so fat?
An African dwarf frog may appear fat if it has recently eaten a large meal, but if it consistently appears bloated, it may be a sign of overfeeding or a health issue.
How can I tell if my Oscar fish is male or female?
Male Oscar fish tend to have more pointed dorsal and anal fins, while female Oscar fish tend to have shorter, rounder fins.
Are blue oscars real?
Blue oscars can be a naturally occurring color variation of the oscar fish, or they can be selectively bred to enhance their blue color.
Can you keep a rainbow shark with a betta?
It is generally not recommended to keep rainbow sharks with bettas, as rainbow sharks can be aggressive and may harm the betta.
How many bristlenose plecos should be kept together?
Bristlenose plecos are social fish and should be kept in groups of at least 3-4.
Can cichlids live with guppies?
It depends on the species of cichlid and the size of the tank. Some cichlids may attack and kill guppies, while others may be peaceful with them.
How often should I feed an otocinclus?
Otocinclus should be fed small amounts of food multiple times a day, rather than one large meal. It is recommended to feed them once in the morning and once at night.
Is it okay to touch goldfish?
It is not recommended to touch goldfish as it can damage their protective slime coat and cause stress.
Do African dwarf frogs need land?
African dwarf frogs are aquatic and do not need land. However, they do need places to rest above the waterline.
Can African dwarf frogs jump out of the tank?
African dwarf frogs can jump out of the tank, so it is important to have a secure lid.
How many mollies should be kept together?
Mollies are social fish and should be kept in groups of at least 3-4 individuals.
How many angelfish can you have in a 55 gallon tank?
A 55 gallon tank can house a small group of 5-6 adult angelfish.
How many pea puffers can you keep in a 10 gallon tank?
A 10 gallon tank can house up to 2-3 pea puffers.
Why do cory catfish swim to the top?
Cory catfish may swim to the top of the tank to take a gulp of air to supplement their oxygen supply.
What is the lifespan of a kuhli loach?
Kuhli loaches can live up to 10 years in proper aquarium conditions.
How many cherry shrimp can you keep in a 10 gallon tank?
A 10 gallon tank can house up to 20 cherry shrimp, depending on other tank inhabitants.
How many dwarf gouramis should be kept together?
Dwarf gouramis should be kept in pairs or a small group of one male and two females to reduce aggression.
Why are my angelfish kissing?
Angelfish “kissing” is a part of their courtship behavior and can indicate that they are preparing to breed.
How many celestial pearl danios should be kept in a 10 gallon tank?
A 10 gallon tank can house up to 6 celestial pearl danios.
Will plecos eat fish poop?
Plecos are known to eat algae and organic debris in the aquarium, including fish waste.
Why are they called mystery snails?
Mystery snails get their name from their ability to trap air in their lungs and float on the surface of the water, appearing to disappear or “mysteriously” reappear.
How many gouramis should be kept together?
Gouramis should be kept in pairs or small groups, with one male and multiple females to reduce aggression.
How many cherry shrimp can you have in a 5 gallon tank?
A 5 gallon tank can house up to 10 cherry shrimp, depending on other tank inhabitants.
How many kuhli loaches should I get?
Kuhli loaches should be kept in groups of 3-4 individuals or more for social interaction.
How many otocinclus should be kept together?
Otocinclus should be kept in groups of at least 3-4 individuals for social interaction.
How long can mystery snails go without food?
Mystery snails can go up to 2 weeks without food, but it is recommended to feed them at least once every 2-3 days.
Does a plecostomus need a heater?
Plecos are tropical fish and require a heater to maintain a water temperature between 72-78°F.
Can cherry shrimp live with neon tetras?
Cherry shrimp can live with neon tetras, but there is a risk of the tetras preying on the shrimp.
How fast do bristlenose plecos grow?
Bristlenose plecos usually grow about an inch per year. However, growth rate can be affected by various factors such as water quality, diet, and tank size.
Do pea puffers need live plants?
No, pea puffers do not need live plants, but having live plants in their tank can provide them with hiding places and stimulate natural behavior.
Why is my Oscar fish laying on its side?
Laying on its side could be a sign of swim bladder disease or other health issues. It’s important to monitor the fish closely and seek advice from a veterinarian or experienced fish keeper.
How many Oscar fish can you have in a 75 gallon tank?
It’s recommended to have no more than two Oscars in a 75 gallon tank.
Are African dwarf frogs blind?
No, African dwarf frogs are not blind, but they have poor eyesight and rely on their sense of smell and touch to navigate their surroundings.
How many cherry shrimp should be kept together?
It’s recommended to keep at least 10-12 cherry shrimp together to promote social behavior and ensure a healthy population.
Can ghost shrimp live with neon tetras?
Yes, ghost shrimp can coexist with neon tetras as they are peaceful and non-aggressive.
Do bristlenose plecos need wood?
Bristlenose plecos do not necessarily need wood in their tank, but providing them with driftwood can provide hiding places, help them feel secure, and promote natural behavior.
Why are my cherry shrimp turning white?
Cherry shrimp may turn white if they are stressed or molting. It’s important to maintain a stable and appropriate environment and diet for them.
How many Siamese algae eaters should I have?
It’s recommended to have at least 3-4 Siamese algae eaters in a tank to promote social behavior and ensure proper algae control.
Can otocinclus live alone?
Otocinclus are social fish and should be kept in groups of at least 3-4 to promote natural behavior and reduce stress.
Are mollies fin nippers?
Some mollies may be fin nippers, particularly if they are under stress or in a cramped environment.
Are cichlids hard to keep?
Cichlids can be challenging to keep due to their varying temperament, diet, and tank requirements. It’s important to research and understand the specific species before getting them.
How many rainbow sharks can live together?
It’s recommended to have no more than one rainbow shark per tank as they can be territorial and aggressive towards their own species.
Can angelfish live without a heater?
Angelfish prefer warm water and require a consistent temperature. It’s recommended to use a heater in their tank.
Will a goldfish die if you touch it?
Touching a goldfish will not necessarily cause it to die, but it’s important to handle them carefully to avoid injuring them or introducing harmful substances to their environment.
Do angelfish mate for life?
Angelfish do not mate for life, but they may form pair bonds during breeding and protect their eggs and fry together.
Do goldfish need to be in pairs?
Goldfish do not necessarily need to be in pairs, but they are social fish and may benefit from companionship.
Can rainbow sharks eat other fish?
Rainbow sharks can be aggressive towards other fish, particularly if they are of a similar size or shape. They may attack and eat smaller fish.
Do kuhli loaches need to be in groups?
Kuhli loaches are social fish and should be kept in groups of at least 3-4 to promote natural behavior and reduce stress.
How much do Oscar fish cost?
The cost of Oscar fish can vary depending on their size and where they are purchased, but they can range from $10 to $100 or more.
How many mollies can I put in a 10 gallon tank?
It is recommended to keep no more than 3-4 mollies in a 10-gallon tank due to their size and activity level.
Do pea puffers need live plants?
Pea puffers don’t necessarily need live plants, but live plants can provide them with a source of food and hiding places, which can help reduce stress and aggression.
Why is my oscar fish laying on its side?
There could be several reasons for an oscar fish to be laying on its side, including swim bladder disease, injury, or stress. It’s important to observe the fish closely and address any underlying issues.
How many oscar fish can you have in a 75 gallon tank?
A 75 gallon tank can typically accommodate one adult oscar fish. It’s important to provide plenty of space and filtration for the fish to thrive.
Are African dwarf frogs blind?
African dwarf frogs are not completely blind, but they have poor eyesight and rely on other senses such as touch and smell to navigate their surroundings.
How many cherry shrimp should be kept together?
Cherry shrimp are social creatures and should be kept in groups of at least 6 to 10 individuals in order to thrive.
Can ghost shrimp live with neon tetras?
Ghost shrimp can generally live with neon tetras, as they are peaceful and non-aggressive. However, it’s important to monitor the tank for any signs of aggression or stress.
Do bristlenose plecos need wood?
Bristlenose plecos don’t necessarily need wood, but wood can provide them with a source of food and a place to hide. It can also help with their digestion and overall health.
Why are my cherry shrimp turning white?
Cherry shrimp may turn white if they are stressed or if the water conditions are not suitable for their needs. It’s important to monitor water quality and ensure that the tank is properly cycled.
How many Siamese algae eaters should I have?
Siamese algae eaters are social and should be kept in groups of at least 3 to 5 individuals in order to thrive.
Can otocinclus live alone?
Otocinclus are social and should be kept in groups of at least 4 to 6 individuals in order to thrive.
Are mollies fin nippers?
Mollies can be fin nippers, especially if they are kept in crowded or stressful conditions. It’s important to provide them with plenty of space and hiding places to reduce stress and aggression.
Are cichlids hard to keep?
Cichlids can be challenging to keep due to their unique personalities and specific water requirements. They require a large tank with plenty of hiding places and proper filtration.
How many rainbow sharks can live together?
Rainbow sharks can be territorial and should be kept one per tank, unless the tank is very large with plenty of hiding places.
Can angelfish live without a heater?
Angelfish prefer warm water and should be kept in a tank with a heater to maintain a stable water temperature.
Will a goldfish die if you touch it?
Goldfish are sensitive to touch and can be easily injured or stressed by handling. It’s best to avoid touching them unless necessary for their care.
Do angelfish mate for life?
Angelfish don’t mate for life, but they can form pairs and become very bonded to their mate.
Do goldfish need to be in pairs?
Goldfish don’t necessarily need to be kept in pairs, but they are social creatures and can benefit from companionship.
Can rainbow sharks eat other fish?
Rainbow sharks can be aggressive and may attack other fish, especially if they are territorial or stressed.
Do kuhli loaches need to be in groups?
Kuhli loaches are social and should be kept in groups of at least 5 to 6 individuals in order to thrive.
How much do oscar fish cost?
The cost of an Oscar fish can vary depending on the size, color, and location, but generally, they can range from $10 to $50 or more.
How many mollies can I put in a 10 gallon tank?
It is not recommended to keep mollies in a 10 gallon tank as it is too small for them to thrive. However, if you choose to do so, it is recommended to keep a maximum of 2-3 mollies in a 10 gallon tank.
Are gouramis aggressive?
The aggression level of gouramis varies depending on the species. Some species, like the dwarf gourami, are generally peaceful, while others, like the paradise gourami, can be quite aggressive.
How do I know if my oscar fish is dying?
Signs that an oscar fish may be dying include lethargy, loss of appetite, gasping at the surface of the water, and changes in coloration. If you suspect your fish is ill, it is important to address the issue promptly.
What size tank do I need for two oscars?
A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for two adult oscar fish. Oscars are large, active fish that require plenty of swimming room and produce a lot of waste, so a larger tank is necessary to maintain good water quality.
Do betta fish play dead?
Betta fish do not play dead, but they may become motionless when they are resting or sleeping. If you notice your betta fish lying at the bottom of the tank for an extended period of time or appearing to be ill, it is important to investigate the issue.
How many African dwarf frogs can you have in a 10 gallon tank?
A 10 gallon tank can accommodate up to 2 African dwarf frogs. It is important to provide plenty of hiding places and a soft substrate to prevent injury to their delicate skin.
Is my ghost shrimp male or female?
It can be difficult to distinguish male and female ghost shrimp, as they have similar physical characteristics. However, female ghost shrimp may be slightly larger and have a wider underbelly to accommodate eggs.
Can pea puffers live with bettas?
Pea puffers should not be kept with bettas or other fish, as they are aggressive and will attack and kill other fish in the tank. They are best kept in a species-only tank.
Do cory catfish eat algae?
Cory catfish do not eat algae as their primary food source. They are bottom feeders that primarily eat sinking pellets, algae wafers, and other prepared foods. However, they may help to clean up small amounts of algae in the aquarium.
Can you keep shrimp with pea puffers?
Shrimp should not be kept with pea puffers, as the puffers will attack and eat the shrimp. Pea puffers are best kept in a species-only tank.
How do you keep ghost shrimp alive?
To keep ghost shrimp alive, provide them with a well-filtered aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a varied diet. It is also important to maintain good water quality through regular water changes.
Is a pea puffer poisonous?
Pea puffers are not poisonous, but they do have a strong beak-like mouth that can inflict painful bites. It is important to handle them with care and avoid putting your fingers in the tank.
How many zebra danios should be kept together?
Zebra danios are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6-8 individuals to promote social behavior and reduce stress.
Why do Java ferns turn brown?
Java ferns may turn brown if they are not getting enough nutrients, if they are being exposed to too much light, or if they are being damaged by snails or other aquarium inhabitants.
How long until a common pleco is full size?
A common pleco can take up to 2-3 years to reach full size, which is typically around 12-18 inches.
Can angelfish live with oscars?
Angelfish and oscars are not usually recommended to be kept together in the same aquarium as they have different water parameter and habitat requirements. Additionally, oscars can be aggressive towards smaller fish like angelfish, which could result in injury or even death.
How quickly do cherry shrimp grow?
Cherry shrimp can grow to their full size of about 1-1.5 inches in length in around 4-6 months, depending on factors such as water parameters and diet.
How many german blue rams should be kept together?
German blue rams should be kept in pairs, so it’s recommended to keep two together.
Fishkeeping References
- The American Cichlid Association: https://www.cichlid.org/
- The North American Native Fishes Association: https://www.nanfa.org/
- The American Killifish Association: https://www.aka.org/
- The Livebearer Association: http://www.livebearers.org/
- The Catfish Study Group: http://www.catfishstudygroup.org/
- The British Killifish Association: https://www.bka.org.uk/
- The International Betta Congress: https://www.ibcbettas.org/
- The International Fancy Guppy Association: http://www.ifga.org/
- The International Livebearer Society: https://www.ils-livebearers.org/
- The International Pigeon Association: https://www.pigeon.org/
- The International Platy Association: https://www.platy.com/
- The International Swordtail Society: https://www.swordtail.org/
- The International Wild Bettabreeders Association: https://www.iwba.info/
- The International Wild Cichlid Association: https://www.iwc-cichlid.org/
- The Pterophyllum Society: https://www.angelfishsociety.com/
- The Rainbowfish Study Group: https://www.rainbowfish.org/
- The Society for the Study of Cichlidae: https://www.cichlidae.com/
- The World Guppy Association: https://www.wga.org/
- The World Killifish Association: https://www.worldkillifish.org/
- The World Livebearer Association: https://www.wla-livebearers.org/
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I am a passionate aquarist with over 30 years of hands-on experience in fishkeeping. My journey began at a young age, collecting fish from the wild and learning through experimentation. Specializing in tropical fish, I bring a deep understanding of the hobby to FishKeepingMadeSimple. The site provides honest, detailed reviews of essential products and accessories to help fellow enthusiasts create the best environments for their fish.
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