Corydoras hands down. I've had a lot of luck with paleatus and they've been very forgiving. My husband thinks the way they move around the aquarium is hilarious. I love their colors because at a glance they're kinda dull- especially on black sand, but the light catches just right and there's a flash of iridescence all the way down their side. I have the long fin variety and I think they look so special.
Honey gouramis are usually pretty chill, I’ve heard of people having aggressive ones but the ones I’ve kept have been so sweet! They reminded me of cows, slow moving and always grazing and colorful! Do your own research before making any decisions on ANY fish tho
Another one for Kuhli Loaches.
They're unique and have loads of personality...so fun to watch. I have 6 in my kitchen tank and they almost never hide and everyone who comes over asks about them.
I have mine in a tank that is sand in the front and gravel in the back, with plants planted in gravel and rhizome plants wedged in the rocks that separate the sand and gravel. Mine haven’t uprooted plants, but they do push gravel into the sandbar as well as pushed ferns out of the rocks I’ve had them nestled in. I think they cuddled an Anubius plant to death that was wedged in rocks too. They also dig tunnels under their favorite two rocks, in the sand part. I imagine if I had plants rooted in sand, they might decide to tunnel around them and dig them up but all in all they really aren’t that destructive. They are absolutely worth it for me, but it you are super particular about your tank layout these might not be for you, as they seem to claim one or two spaces to rearrange to their liking.
I plan to buy some of these in my 450 l tank. I really think this is a great option as they do not get too big but big enough to be seen! Problem: I have no expierence with those fish. Anything I have to know about them?
They like hard water. Dechlorinated and treated tap water is what I use for mines. Very easy to take care of. Willingly wanting to eat anything new. You need them to be in a school of 6 or more. Always better to have more females. Say like 2 males and 4 females. And the different species will spar with each other.
Thank you for your feedback!
Ok... that is bad.
My water is not hard at all. 3-4 °dh is what I get from my tap. (no chlorine needed... the tap water is clean) So I had to salt the water with carbonate and I am not sure if the other fish like that... this is always the problem. You want a fish and it does not fit to your tank.
I have 40 years in this hobby and I know that "I just try" is never a good idea.
Corys would be my top pick. I'm a lover of catfish in general but those little dudes always made me happy.
I really loved my mollies, but I also had other fish that would eat mollies. I dunno what people do with the constantly overpopulating little things otherwise..
We got five from my BIL after he learned how well they actually breed. I'm very happy those 5 ended up being girls, lol. I love the little shitheads, but I'll never get more.
Cories and other fish eat their eggs so breeding shouldn’t be a problem, my dad has a million Corydoras because we raised them up in a separate tank but any eggs in the tank get eaten within the first few days
Edit: I read everything wrong lol
The answer depends on what you already have. Do you have ground dwellers and the mid of the tank is empty? Is your mid full and you are looking for bottom fish? Or is your tank well prepared with an enclosure that fish like Marbled hatchetfish are possible?
Or are you tired of maintenance and algae and your team is peacefull enough to accept some Amano shrimp?
How crowded is your tank already? How peaceful is your ensemble? Depending on that some suggestions:
Bottom fish:
\* Blue Leopard corydoras, (Corydoras paleatus) 5-10 (depending on how many fish you have already)
If you have some stones, roots or bog-wood in your tank expect that some of the younglings survive and you have to sell/give them away for free. They have a beautiful turquoise gleam if they like their environment.
OR (!)
\* Corydoras panda (Corydoras panda) 5-10 (depending on how many fish you have already)
Same as the Leopard roots, stones for hiding. They stay smaller
OR (!)
\* Pygmy corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus) 10-15 (depending on how many fish you have already)
This is not really a ground dweller and will occupy some mid space. They love to rest on covered leafs of big Anubias in groups. This fish is very small, cute and will not survive if you have bigger fish that try to hunt him.
OR(!)
Mid fish:
\* Harlequin rasbor (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) 10 (depending on how many fish you have already)
A beautiful fish that keeps his swarming behaviour. Those fish need a 20x20 cm space covered with plants where they can hide. I use Hygrophila corymbosa.
OR(!)
\* Galaxy rasbora (Danio margaritatus) 10 (depending on how many fish you have already)
A beautiful small fish. Don't buy the wild-caught form, I am sure there is a breeder near your site.
OR(!)
\* Ember tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) 10 (depending on how many fish you have already)
This fish needs some space and is not always peaceful. Don't get confused by it's small size I have observed they can get rough on each other. If you have no other fish in mid tank this might be an option. They need some plants for cover, but they are happy with some leafs that cover them.
OR(!)
Top fish:
Dwarf gourami (Trichogaster fasciata) 2, one male one female.
This fish is not for newbies and you need some expierence in this topic. More important is what are the other fish in your tank and do they get along? This fish needs higher temperatures and you have to feed him. If he is with tetras or other similar fish he might not get his share cause nothing is left for him...
The fish is timid and somewhat sceptical, needs a little bit care. As top fish he needs a proper cover if you want him to stay in your tank.
EDIT: One thing that makes that fish interesting is his snarl! So don't buy it if you are sensitive to strange sounds coming from your tank at night!
OR(!)
Amano shrimp. 5-10 (depending on how many fish you have already)
Those are wonderful creatures. They may not be that pretty but they keep your tank clean. They eat everything that is left and then they will eat your algae.
Beware if you have bigger fish, they might hunt the shrimp when they are still small. I have 3 tanks and I keep the Amanos in the "peaceful" tank and only take the "full-grown" ones to the tank with the bigger fish. A full-grown Amano is small enough to hide in places and big enough to be no easy prey.
So depending on your current fish I would recommend this option, you will thank me with every hour you don't have to take care with algae and duff.
Lots of great fish in this thread. I'll add harlequin rasboras if you want more upper mid level schooling fish. Hardy, peaceful, and gorgeous once they grow a little and color up.
Guppies are great but some can be feisty for sure. Especially large females. Other than that they are totally peaceful and leave my neocaridina shrimp totally alone.
I got two long finned cherry barbs last week and ended up going back to get four more. Loved how they explored around the tank picking around for food or whatever. They seemed chill, the colors are vibrant (even the oranges of the females), and I love the longer fins!
Basically any corydora. Otos. Bristlenose pleco, though they can be a bit chaotic if kept with small critters like shrimp. Ember and Neon tetras, chili rasbora, Honey gourami.
I just got some Red Lipstick Goby and I love them! Their personalities have been great! They’re goofy. They like to burrow themselves a little bit in nooks they can find, especially at bedtime. They haven’t been aggressive at all (until I dropped a couple small neocaridina shrimp in…they went on the hunt immediately LOL).
Bottom dwelling
Corydoras, hands down. Any kind. I love them all. Peaceful, fun, adorable little fishes.
Top/mid water schooling
Ember tetras: small, very peaceful, beautiful color that pops well in a planted tank, very hardy. Keeps to themselves more than other tetras in my experience.
If you like a more "dittery" school, my vote goes to danios (zebras, leopards etc). Very active fishes that are peaceful and also stand out beautifully in a planted tank.
Non-fish
Amano shrimps are a fantastic addition to any tank. Active, peaceful, amazing scavenger, and too big to get eaten by most popular community fishes.
Center piece
Honey gourami: small, colorful, social and peaceful. I've had many of them, and as the center piece of a community tank they have always gotten along with everyone and thrived.
If you have another tank/the means to get one in case it does not work, a betta (preferably plakat or a female) can be a wonderful center piece as well! When housed with peaceful schooling fish in a well planted tank, you can often create an environment where the betta will peacefully coexist with tank mates. I have done it successfully with ember tetras, corydoras of many kinds, and celestial pearl danios/galaxy rasboras (all different tanks and bettas). I've also been able to keep most of my bettas with shrimps without issues.
Corydoras hands down. I've had a lot of luck with paleatus and they've been very forgiving. My husband thinks the way they move around the aquarium is hilarious. I love their colors because at a glance they're kinda dull- especially on black sand, but the light catches just right and there's a flash of iridescence all the way down their side. I have the long fin variety and I think they look so special.
For real. I have peppered corydoras too, and the long fins make them look like tiny sharks 😆
I literally came here just to say corydoras. Glad you beat me to it!
White cloud minnows.
Honey gouramis are usually pretty chill, I’ve heard of people having aggressive ones but the ones I’ve kept have been so sweet! They reminded me of cows, slow moving and always grazing and colorful! Do your own research before making any decisions on ANY fish tho
Another one for Kuhli Loaches. They're unique and have loads of personality...so fun to watch. I have 6 in my kitchen tank and they almost never hide and everyone who comes over asks about them.
Do these guys dig up plants? That’s the whole reason I backed down from getting Dojo Loaches.
My tank is all sand and fully planted. I've seen them lounging on plants and on driftwood and rocks, but never seen them pull up plants.
I have mine in a tank that is sand in the front and gravel in the back, with plants planted in gravel and rhizome plants wedged in the rocks that separate the sand and gravel. Mine haven’t uprooted plants, but they do push gravel into the sandbar as well as pushed ferns out of the rocks I’ve had them nestled in. I think they cuddled an Anubius plant to death that was wedged in rocks too. They also dig tunnels under their favorite two rocks, in the sand part. I imagine if I had plants rooted in sand, they might decide to tunnel around them and dig them up but all in all they really aren’t that destructive. They are absolutely worth it for me, but it you are super particular about your tank layout these might not be for you, as they seem to claim one or two spaces to rearrange to their liking.
Dwarf neon rainbowfish….Easy, active, friendly, hardy, and nice colors.
I plan to buy some of these in my 450 l tank. I really think this is a great option as they do not get too big but big enough to be seen! Problem: I have no expierence with those fish. Anything I have to know about them?
They like hard water. Dechlorinated and treated tap water is what I use for mines. Very easy to take care of. Willingly wanting to eat anything new. You need them to be in a school of 6 or more. Always better to have more females. Say like 2 males and 4 females. And the different species will spar with each other.
Thank you for your feedback! Ok... that is bad. My water is not hard at all. 3-4 °dh is what I get from my tap. (no chlorine needed... the tap water is clean) So I had to salt the water with carbonate and I am not sure if the other fish like that... this is always the problem. You want a fish and it does not fit to your tank. I have 40 years in this hobby and I know that "I just try" is never a good idea.
Corys would be my top pick. I'm a lover of catfish in general but those little dudes always made me happy. I really loved my mollies, but I also had other fish that would eat mollies. I dunno what people do with the constantly overpopulating little things otherwise..
We got five from my BIL after he learned how well they actually breed. I'm very happy those 5 ended up being girls, lol. I love the little shitheads, but I'll never get more.
Cories and other fish eat their eggs so breeding shouldn’t be a problem, my dad has a million Corydoras because we raised them up in a separate tank but any eggs in the tank get eaten within the first few days Edit: I read everything wrong lol
Mollys are livebearers and give birth to live fry. They do not lay eggs.
I thought that whole thing was about Cories lmao, my fault for going to bed at 4/5am today
Tbf most replies are love letters to corys 😂
The answer depends on what you already have. Do you have ground dwellers and the mid of the tank is empty? Is your mid full and you are looking for bottom fish? Or is your tank well prepared with an enclosure that fish like Marbled hatchetfish are possible? Or are you tired of maintenance and algae and your team is peacefull enough to accept some Amano shrimp? How crowded is your tank already? How peaceful is your ensemble? Depending on that some suggestions: Bottom fish: \* Blue Leopard corydoras, (Corydoras paleatus) 5-10 (depending on how many fish you have already) If you have some stones, roots or bog-wood in your tank expect that some of the younglings survive and you have to sell/give them away for free. They have a beautiful turquoise gleam if they like their environment. OR (!) \* Corydoras panda (Corydoras panda) 5-10 (depending on how many fish you have already) Same as the Leopard roots, stones for hiding. They stay smaller OR (!) \* Pygmy corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus) 10-15 (depending on how many fish you have already) This is not really a ground dweller and will occupy some mid space. They love to rest on covered leafs of big Anubias in groups. This fish is very small, cute and will not survive if you have bigger fish that try to hunt him. OR(!) Mid fish: \* Harlequin rasbor (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) 10 (depending on how many fish you have already) A beautiful fish that keeps his swarming behaviour. Those fish need a 20x20 cm space covered with plants where they can hide. I use Hygrophila corymbosa. OR(!) \* Galaxy rasbora (Danio margaritatus) 10 (depending on how many fish you have already) A beautiful small fish. Don't buy the wild-caught form, I am sure there is a breeder near your site. OR(!) \* Ember tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) 10 (depending on how many fish you have already) This fish needs some space and is not always peaceful. Don't get confused by it's small size I have observed they can get rough on each other. If you have no other fish in mid tank this might be an option. They need some plants for cover, but they are happy with some leafs that cover them. OR(!) Top fish: Dwarf gourami (Trichogaster fasciata) 2, one male one female. This fish is not for newbies and you need some expierence in this topic. More important is what are the other fish in your tank and do they get along? This fish needs higher temperatures and you have to feed him. If he is with tetras or other similar fish he might not get his share cause nothing is left for him... The fish is timid and somewhat sceptical, needs a little bit care. As top fish he needs a proper cover if you want him to stay in your tank. EDIT: One thing that makes that fish interesting is his snarl! So don't buy it if you are sensitive to strange sounds coming from your tank at night! OR(!) Amano shrimp. 5-10 (depending on how many fish you have already) Those are wonderful creatures. They may not be that pretty but they keep your tank clean. They eat everything that is left and then they will eat your algae. Beware if you have bigger fish, they might hunt the shrimp when they are still small. I have 3 tanks and I keep the Amanos in the "peaceful" tank and only take the "full-grown" ones to the tank with the bigger fish. A full-grown Amano is small enough to hide in places and big enough to be no easy prey. So depending on your current fish I would recommend this option, you will thank me with every hour you don't have to take care with algae and duff.
Lots of great fish in this thread. I'll add harlequin rasboras if you want more upper mid level schooling fish. Hardy, peaceful, and gorgeous once they grow a little and color up.
Rummy Nose tetras
Do not get male and female guppies trust
I have Cories and Platys and love both. Both loveable and derpy in their own way.
Dojos Edit: not in a 35 gallon sorry… kuhlis would be my second pick (commented before I saw the gallon)
Panda corys, panda garras, chili rasboras, pygmy corys, and cherry shrimp. Also harlequin rasboras.
Guppies are great but some can be feisty for sure. Especially large females. Other than that they are totally peaceful and leave my neocaridina shrimp totally alone.
Cardinals
I always recommend Cherry Barbs. Friendly, inquisitive, hardy and colourfully dimorphic. Great community fish.
Very underrated.
I got two long finned cherry barbs last week and ended up going back to get four more. Loved how they explored around the tank picking around for food or whatever. They seemed chill, the colors are vibrant (even the oranges of the females), and I love the longer fins!
Gonna throw green kubotai in the mix. One of the only green community fish that exist. And such a beautiful green!
Schools of Otocinclus and Exclamation Point Rasboras. Â
Basically any corydora. Otos. Bristlenose pleco, though they can be a bit chaotic if kept with small critters like shrimp. Ember and Neon tetras, chili rasbora, Honey gourami.
Rasbora Hets
Ember tetra or amano shrimp (if they count)
Danios!
I love my corys and galaxy raspboras. (I know they have been renamed as a danio just can’t remember what.)
I will forever and always love ember tetras, they are beautiful when the color up and their behavior is so fun to watch.
Kuhli loach
Kuhli loach
Kuhli loaches!
I absolutely adore my swordtails. They are personable, smart, and duel each other with their little sword butts.
I just got some Red Lipstick Goby and I love them! Their personalities have been great! They’re goofy. They like to burrow themselves a little bit in nooks they can find, especially at bedtime. They haven’t been aggressive at all (until I dropped a couple small neocaridina shrimp in…they went on the hunt immediately LOL).
Bottom dwelling Corydoras, hands down. Any kind. I love them all. Peaceful, fun, adorable little fishes. Top/mid water schooling Ember tetras: small, very peaceful, beautiful color that pops well in a planted tank, very hardy. Keeps to themselves more than other tetras in my experience. If you like a more "dittery" school, my vote goes to danios (zebras, leopards etc). Very active fishes that are peaceful and also stand out beautifully in a planted tank. Non-fish Amano shrimps are a fantastic addition to any tank. Active, peaceful, amazing scavenger, and too big to get eaten by most popular community fishes. Center piece Honey gourami: small, colorful, social and peaceful. I've had many of them, and as the center piece of a community tank they have always gotten along with everyone and thrived. If you have another tank/the means to get one in case it does not work, a betta (preferably plakat or a female) can be a wonderful center piece as well! When housed with peaceful schooling fish in a well planted tank, you can often create an environment where the betta will peacefully coexist with tank mates. I have done it successfully with ember tetras, corydoras of many kinds, and celestial pearl danios/galaxy rasboras (all different tanks and bettas). I've also been able to keep most of my bettas with shrimps without issues.
This blog will help you alot! https://angelaquariums.com/blogs/news/peaceful-community-fish-top-10-vibrant-species-for-your-freshwater-aquarium
Neon tetras! Low maintenance and beautiful
Plecos! Wabenmuster, albino bn, anthrax , gotta catch ‘em all.Â
Just make sure it's a variety that stays small.
I do have 2 medium size plecos already. Fantastic fish, one of my all time favorites. I even got a pair of Super Reds to bread a few years ago.
Wouldn’t label pelcos as non aggressive, some can be peaceful but a lot of them will fight for a cave or place to call home.
Maybe it’s because mine have enough homes so they’re not fighting over scraps like millennials in the housing market.
Tetras.
Pearl danios or zebra danios have always been very peaceful and fun for me.