Good Community Marine Fish

Good Community Marine Fish

What are community fish?
Similar to human societies and animal groups, the members of underwater animal kingdom are also subject to colonization and compatibility considerations. Not all types of fish can stay together peacefully, because of the differences in behavior, food habits, environmental needs, and so on. When it comes to choosing a mix of animals for an aquarium, the species compatible with others are known as community fish. It is not necessary though that all the animals come from the same geographical region. There can be an eclectic mix of well-chosen animals, which can survive well under normal conditions.

What are the parameters for community fish?
There can be several points of consideration for choosing good community fish for your marine aquarium, depending upon your resources, preferences, and availability of time. The key factors determining the choice of fish are:

Habitat: The ideal type of environment for different species or groups differs. For instance, some fish naturally exist in warm water, while others do well in cold ones. Similarly, some are marine fish, while others come from fresh waters. It is important to understand the natural habitat of these animals to ensure that each animal in the tank is accustomed to the environmental conditions.

Size: Some fish begin small, but grow very big overtime. At times, the fish outgrow the size of the tank. The algae cleaner Pleco is a good example. In such cases, the larger species become threats to the rest of the tank-mates by claiming greater resources, like food, oxygen, nutrients, space, etc. In addition, they create imbalance by increasing the concentration of toxins. Overcrowding can also lead to similar disastrous results. Therefore, keep in mind the maximum size of the aquarium you are contemplating.

Food Habits: Fishes such as Asian Loaches are good community ones, but are scavengers. They feed on the food the other fish leave and are habitual of searching the bottom rather than rising to the surface. Therefore, such animals have specific requirements for food that sinks down to the bottom. They need greater care from the owner such that they get enough to eat. Similarly, certain other species may have some other specific requirements.

Aggression: Certain species, like Firemouth, CiChlid, and Convict are territorial and defend their boundaries aggressively. Such fish cannot be cohabitated with calmer fish types. Mildly aggressive ones can co-exist well. Fish that feed on certain species such as long-whiskered catfish or on each other are bad choices for community aquariums. Piranha is a cannibal species and its members attack each other in case of food shortage.

Maintenance: Some varieties are 'hardy,' e.g., Boeseman's Rainbows and Red Rainbows require less maintenance and can survive in different conditions. However, certain other fish, e.g., Goldfish are very delicate and require specific living conditions.

Interdependence: Some fish make for excellent community fish by performing certain functions or making allowances for other fish. Anabantids have labyrinth-breathing organs that supplement their breathing with gills. They ascend to the surface to directly take air in thereby leaving dissolved oxygen for the others.

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