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Hi All,

Now that my Bolivian Ram frys are free swimming, I'm starting to rethink what else to add to my planted 23g (30"x12"x15"H). As mentioned previously, it currently hosts 2 otos, 1 small SAE (who will be moved to my 42g when he gets big), a breeding pair of Bolivian Rams with frys, and some ghost shrimps. I'm pretty sure I'll want a school of Cardinals (maybe 6 or 9?) eventually (when/if the Bolivian frys get to a less-edible size ). I was going to get 6 medium-sized corys (3 caudimaculatus & 3 sterbai), but now I'm not so sure (the bottom will be quite full with the Bolivian Rams, corys will have limited space). But even if I add the corys and cardinals (which I read tend to be a bottom/middle dweller), since the tank is quite tall I'd like to put one or a pair of middle-to-top dwellers if possible. An obvious candidate would be a betta, but I heard they can be temperamental in a community tank, depending on the individual fish. Another would be a male dwarf gourami (I've never seen a female one in LFS). I've canned the pencilfish idea since they need to be in a school. Any other suggestions for some small, peaceful middle-to-top dwellers that don't need to be in a school?

Thanks!

-P

Female bettas would work they're usually fine in a community tank. I've got a couple in my own. Spend 95% of the time in the top part, they've made the floating mat of Riccia their home.

Another option is pretty much most killiefish. Most species spent almost all their time just below the surface. Rocket Panchax/Clown Killies are stunning,photos don't do them justice almost as colorful as marine fish.

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Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

Thanks, bensaf. Stupid question, but is it easy to tell a female betta from the male?

I think I've only seen killifish once here and didn't pay much attention to them. Are they pretty common in Jakarta? The ones listed in my Baensch Atlas seem to prefer much cooler temps than my tank (27C). I might try a pair for my 2.5 gal hospital tank though if I ever come across them again.

Cheers.

-P

Killies are a bit shortlived for me- cant argue about how stunning they are though, some of the lyretails are a bit gorge. Some species of killie can take it up to 82f so heat should not be a problem for some species.

As for dwarf gourami's - ive found that the much smaller silver females dont do too well without a bit of male company. Although you could have 2-3 females to one male. Often one male will accept the eggs of several females. This would mean that only one gourami would be territorial around a bubble nest- probably an area of about 6-12 cubic inches. Most bettas and labyrinth fish have clear sexual dimorphism, youd need to check on details for individual species but most of the males are bigger and more colourful than the females. Some people recommend african butterfly fish for a bit of interest , but i wouldnt risk them with fry or smaller fish in the tank.

Last edited by longhairedgit at 06-Sep-2005 06:35

Last edited by longhairedgit at 06-Sep-2005 06:37

Females won't have the long splendid fins of the males. They usually have visible horizontal stripes , but these aren't visible 100% of the time. Females are nice though, have all the personality of the males and almost as colorful.

Gouramies won't spend that much time at the top especially if the tank is planted. But great fish a favorite. One male would be ok.

Last edited by bensaf at 06-Sep-2005 09:49

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Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

female bettas have a smooth face, rounder, where the males has bolder, face. generally female wont have long fins, but that isn't 100% chance of sexing bettas, also males may have short fins.

stripes isn't the best way either. both males and females can get stress stripes and can get verticle stripes.

the white dot under them is a good way to tell, but i have seen a male with it, but it is rare, so that is a good way to tell,

color, and flaring aren't good ways to tell.