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Okeedokee, so I need a signature fish to put with a school of hatchets, a school of some sort of small tetra, 2 dojos and 3-5 zebra loaches for a 55 gallon tank. I was originally going to put in rams and angelfish, but I'm a little hesistant about both of these fish. Does anyone have any suggestions for a not small but not big community fish?
Thanks
Jen

I think a pair of kribinesis would look good, they get to be about 4 inches.

Almost any type of gourami would do nicely. Moonlight Gouramis are great fish. I've had mind for about a half a year, and it is a great community fish. It is shiny, silver and irridescent, and grows about 6 inches long. I've noticed mine has quite a personality too (well...a fish personality).

I also have rams (bolivian rams), and in a bigger tank you are better off getting a gourami (or angelfish like you wanted before). I feel gouramis make better centerpiece fish because they go through all levels of the tank, while my bolivan rams stay mostly on the bottom.

Last edited by solublefish at 05-Nov-2004 17:21

Angelfish wouldn't be a bad idea, especially if you were to add young angels. That way, they would be able to grow up in close proximity to your small tetras, and not be as likely to eat them. I would recommend a pair of angels over any other cichlids, simply because they stay off the bottom, are peaceful, and they are certainly eye-catching. Most of the other cichlids that would fit in your tank don't have all of these qualities.

One more thing, though. I would add another dojo loach, because they do best when kept with their own kind. Two probably aren't enough, but three loaches would be happy in each others's company, and not be so stressed and reclusive.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

sirbooks
Thank you for recommending another dojo. I have been wanting a third one for quite some time but my boyfriend keeps telling me I can't get one because they are messy and dig up all my plants, but...if someone as knowledgeable about fish as you are recommends it, then he'll have to say yes!!! I love dojos!!
Thanks to everyone else for all the suggestions as well!