COMMUNITY FISH

Perhaps the most popular of all tropical fishes are those that can be kept together in the same tank. These fish are generally referred to as ‘community fish’

At Wildwoods, we devote more than half of our Fish House space to community species, offering you a huge selection of some of the most colourful and beautiful varieties currently available. The majority of our community fish are produced on specialist fish farms in the Far East and Europe and we have shipments in most weeks. All of the tropical fish that Wildwoods import, are quarantined before being offered for sale to ensure good health and quality.

When starting your community tank, choose hardy species to start with like danios, white cloud mountain minnows, tiger barbs or black widows. Once your aquarium is more mature, after say three or four weeks, you can add such species as gouramies, rasboras, rainbows and a few corydoras catfish. After a further two or three weeks, if your water quality is good, then livebearers such as guppies, mollies, platies or swordtails will add a splash of colour. Finally, when your tank is fully matured, you can put in the more delicate species of fish such as neon tetras, cardinal tetras, rummynose tetras, dwarf cichlids or killie fish.

Remember, never put too many fish in at once. As a rough rule of thumb, don't increase your stock by more than 20% at any one time. If in doubt about the suitability of fish for your community tank, please consult one of our Fish House staff or contact us directly.

Some varieties of fish that are considered as community species should be treated cautiously. Some barbs for example are fine with other fishes when kept in small groups but can be aggressive if kept alone. The ever popular ruby and red tailed sharks are very territorial and should always be kept singly in all but the very largest aquariums. (unless you want a group of about 20 ! ) Angelfish have always been a considered a traditional community fish but are in fact a cichlid capable of growing to about four inches and will certainly eat baby fish when adult. Angels can also be a bit nippy’ and care should be taken not to mix them with fishes that have long or colourful fins such as guppies or Siamese fighting fish.

Always try and find out about the species of fish that you are buying, Wildwoods staff will be able to help you when you purchase your fish but please ask if you are unsure of anything.

As an example, tinfoil barbs and silver dollars, are fine in communities and are very popular but they will grow large and consume live plants and so wouldn’t be suitable for many aquarists.

Wildwoods Fish House offers you the best variety of community fishes available including many unusual or new types, please pay us a visit, you won’t be disappointed.