| So you've got your aquarium all set up and ready | | | | Cichlids |
| to go. The next step is to add fish. Where do you | | | | Cichlids come in all sizes and colors that you can |
| start? It's hard when you're just beginning | | | | imagine. Most do well in community aquariums. But |
| because there's so many choices out there. And | | | | do some research, as some tend to be more |
| the fish that you choose for your freshwater | | | | aggressive. Some aquarists will keep a whole tank |
| tank may dictate what you put in your aquarium. | | | | of cichlids because they can be very entertain |
| For instance, Cichlids require more rocks and like | | | | and tend to get along well with their own species. |
| cave hiding places because they tend to be a little | | | | Cichlids are available in all sorts of stripe patterns, |
| more aggressive and like to establish their | | | | dots, solid colors, bright colors, and sometimes |
| territories. | | | | even different shapes. Most are very easy to |
| One of the more common types of aquarium | | | | have in an aquarium, and lots of them are |
| settings involves picking many types of fish to | | | | beautiful and interesting. There are even dwarf |
| live together in one tank. Beginning aquarists tend | | | | cichlids which are very cute, but can be more for |
| to do this because there's so many beautiful | | | | advanced aquarists. |
| choices of fish available. How could you possibly | | | | Even the well-known angelfish is a cichlid. The |
| narrow the choice of fish down to just one or | | | | angelfish is a beautiful fish with an unusual shape |
| two? | | | | and long fins and tails. But beware, sometimes this |
| Community Aquarium | | | | fish can get quite big and can also be aggressive |
| This type of aquarium setting is called a | | | | to smaller fish. |
| community aquarium. Lots of different types of | | | | Barbs |
| fish will live together in one tank, so you'll need to | | | | Barbs are very easy community fish, also. They |
| ask some questions and do some research on | | | | can come in lots of colors and stripe patterns, and |
| what types of fish might do well together. | | | | are usually long and a little narrowish. Most are |
| Catfish | | | | non-aggressive and do well with lots of other fish. |
| You probably will be considering some bottom | | | | Guppies |
| feeders, including the catfish, of which there are | | | | We've all heard of them! Extremely easy to keep |
| many, many different kinds. They tend to feed | | | | and available in lots of bright colors and fancy fins |
| on the bottom of the tank and are very good for | | | | and tails. They are live bearers, and sometimes |
| keeping the bottom clean. Catfish come in many | | | | aquarists will keep a tank just of guppies because |
| different shapes and sizes and patterns and tend | | | | they do so well together. |
| to do well in community environments because | | | | Goldfish |
| they are pretty mellow fish. | | | | Goldfish are a cold water fish and are usually kept |
| Tetras | | | | in a tank of their own. Goldfish are available in lots |
| Tetras are a very common aquarium fish and | | | | of different solids and mixed colors. They also |
| great for beginners. They're easy to take care of | | | | come with lots of fancy tails and fins. |
| and get along well in community aquariums. Most | | | | This is just a brief article on the most common |
| tetras are smallish and like to stay in groups of | | | | types of freshwater fish available. It you want to |
| tetras, so they can make quite a show when | | | | keep a community aquarium, go to your local fish |
| they swim together. There are lots of bright color | | | | store and talk to the owner about types of fish |
| patterns, and very pretty iridescent colors. They | | | | that live well together. And remember--don't |
| can be available in rainbow colors, silvers, purples | | | | overcrowd your tank! |
| and more. | | | | |