FISH SUITABLE AS ALTERNATIVES TO GOLDFISH
IN COLDWATER AQUARIUMS
Goldfish, contrary to mainstream belief are not at all suited to small aquaria -
they grow too large (35cm 14"), they are boisterous, messy feeders and for those
wanting a nice display, they will eat plants. How about the fancy varieties?
Well, the honest opinion of Think Fish on these is unprintable; suffice to say
they come with a whole host of problems and most end up floating/sinking with
swimbladder difficulties or damaging themselves by getting stuck/scraped/torn on
benign aquarium objects. We have great pride in the fishkeeping community
whenever there is outrage against the latest 'designer fish', artificially died
fish or man-made hybrids yet fancy goldfish, which have more physical handicaps
and malformities than any fish still manage to get by un-noticed. So this might
be a bit controversial but we will say to all who listen - don't keep goldfish
in aquaria less than 120cm (4 foot) long and quite simply, don't keep fancy
goldfish.
All is not lost however; the conditions in suitable unheated aquaria are perfect
for a whole host of fish that are easily available in virtually all aquarium
stores. Firstly, lets define 'suitable aquaria' - anything less than 15litres
capacity (30x23x23cm 12x9x9") is best used as a vase, to collect drips from
leaky roofs, or left to the experts. Very few fish can be properly kept in an
enclosure this small without considerable knowledge of water quality and a good
idea of the fish's natural environment. An aquarium measuring 60cm (2 foot)
would be a better starting point and will cost little more than an aquarium half
the size. Filtration is also an absolute must; no fish can be kept properly
without a good stress-free waste removal system.
Warming up
True 'coldwater' fish are hard to come by nowadays due to heavy restrictions
aimed to avoid the introduction of non-native fish into our local waterways
where they could do considerable damage. In most cases our unheated aquaria are
kept at room temperature (18-20C), which is classed as sub-tropical or
temperate. At this temperature there are many fish, usually sold as tropicals,
which will thrive and often do better than if they ended up in a heated tropical
tank. These temperate fish come from areas in nature that are either
sub-tropical or experience fluctuating temperatures throughout the year such as
high altitude streams or waterways fed by meltwater. The fluctuating conditions
in these areas have caused the fish to develop a tolerant and hardy nature,
making them ideal fish for smaller aquaria or for new fishkeepers.
The popular Guppies and Platies are not what they once were and the varieties
offered for sale are not suitable for unheated aquaria, nor are neons or
mollies. One exception is the variatus platy Xiphophorus variatus, which
to the untrained eye is indistinguishable from the normal platy although they
often display more defined markings and a slender body. The variatus platy is
perfect for most unheated community aquaria being small, peaceful, hardy, active
and colourful.
Party fish
The smallest of the common temperate fish are the popular white-cloud mountain
minnows Tanichthys albonubes and the zebra or leopard danios
Brachydanio rerio both these fish are hardy shoaling species and should be
kept in groups of six or more. These two fish will constantly zoom around the
aquarium so are best given plenty of open swimming space with hiding spots in
plants and décor around the edges of the aquarium. Because they are so active
they are best kept with other active fish that will not become stressed by
constant movement. Thankfully many temperate fish fall into this category, most
notably some of the barb family including Rosy Barbs Puntius conchonius,
Golden Barbs Puntius semifasciolatus, Odessa Barbs Puntius ticto,
and the slightly larger arulius barb Puntius arulius. Rosy, Golden, and
Odessa Barbs will all grow to a few inches and will develop colourful and
distinctive markings. These fish are also best kept in groups and will
constantly have little bouts displaying to each other, adding to their character
and appeal as aquarium fish. The Arulius, or Longfin Barb is a long-standing
favourite fish of mine despite its initial drab appearance. Once these fish have
been settled for a few months they will develop long dorsal fins and a multitude
of mixed iridescent colours and markings along the body. The Arulius Barb is
active, grows to around 10cm (4") and is best kept in small groups so ideally; a
90cm (3 foot) aquarium is a minimum. When fully grown, the arulius barb will be
large enough to eat White Clouds or small danios, whether it could catch them or
not is another matter.
Long fins and nippy things
A few fish in the characin family are also suited to temperate conditions and
the two most easily available are the Buenos Aires Tetra Hemigrammus
caudovittatus and the Bloodfin Aphyocharax anisitsi Both these fish
are again shoaling species and are relatively peaceful although they may be a
little nippy with long-finned fish. On the subject of long-finned fish, one
which stands out as a temperate species is the beautiful Paradise Fish
Macropodus opercularis These anabantoids will grow to 10cm (4") and are
active and relatively peaceful with the exception of the males which will fight
until the losing fish becomes reclusive and often dies. A group of one male and
several females can be kept together in an aquarium with plenty of swimming room
and hiding spots. Unfortunately, Characins and Odessa, Rosy, and Arulius Barbs
do not make good tankmates for the Paradise Fish as they are likely to be either
too boisterous or nippy.
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Scavengers
For the lower reaches of the aquarium, the popular Bronze, Peppered and Albino
Corydoras sp. are well suited to cooler waters providing the substrate
has no sharp or jagged elements. These fish are best kept in groups and they
will require their own food source from sinking pellets or frozen/live foods.
The Port-Hoplo Catfish Megalechis thoracata, syn: Hoplosternum
thoracatum can also be kept in temperate conditions and there are few fish
with as much character as this one. Because the fish has very bad eyesight and
depends on its other senses to find food it will simply charge around the
aquarium investigating everything it finds, often in a comical manner. These
active catfish can reach 15cm (6") so a larger tank is essential.
With all these interesting and unusual temperate fish easily available there
really is no need for our favourite goldfishes to remain imprisoned in small
aquaria. So, on behalf of goldfish, set us free, there are plenty of willing
volunteers to take our place.
