A standard community tank is not the place for every fish. In fact, some of the most common fish sold in stores as “community” fish are actually not well suited to live in a typical tank. This may be because they require special water conditions in order to survive, they might be extremely sensitive to water quality, they are subjected to inhumane practices or are just generally difficult to keep alive and happy. If you have your heart set on one of these ten common fish, please do more research before purchasing them – or consider an alternative species that will thrive in a community tank setting.
1. Glass catfish
One of the most common fish sold as “community” fish. However, they are actually very sensitive to water quality and require special care to thrive. They are also subject to inhumane practices, such as being kept in cramped and dirty conditions. If you have your heart set on a glass catfish, please do more research before purchasing one. Alternatively, consider another species that will thrive in a community tank setting.
2. Plecos
Another common “community” fish. However, they are actually very sensitive to water quality and require special care to thrive. They are also subject to inhumane practices, such as being kept in cramped and dirty conditions. If you have your heart set on a pleco, please do more research before purchasing one. Alternatively, consider another species that will thrive in a community tank setting.
3. Angelfish
A popular choice for community tanks. However, they are actually very sensitive to water quality and require special care to thrive. They are also subject to inhumane practices, such as being kept in cramped and dirty conditions. If you have your heart set on an angelfish, please do more research before purchasing one. Alternatively, consider another species that will thrive in a community tank setting.
4. Fancy guppies
Another common “community” fish. However, they are actually very sensitive to water quality and require special care to thrive. They are also subject to inhumane practices, such as being kept in cramped and dirty conditions. If you have your heart set on a fancy guppy, please do more research before purchasing one. Alternatively, consider another species that will thrive in a community tank setting.
5. Dye injected fish
One of the most common fish sold as “community” fish. However, they are actually very sensitive to water quality and require special care to thrive. They are also subject to inhumane practices, such as being kept in cramped and dirty conditions. If you have your heart set on a dye injected fish, please do more research before purchasing one. Alternatively, consider another species that will thrive in a community tank setting.
6. Goldfish
Another common “community” fish. However, they are actually very sensitive to water quality and require special care to thrive. They are also subject to inhumane practices, such as being kept in cramped and dirty conditions. If you have your heart set on a goldfish, please do more research before purchasing one. Alternatively, consider another species that will thrive in a community tank setting.
7. Discus
A popular choice for community tanks. However, they are actually very sensitive to water quality and require special care to thrive. They are also subject to inhumane practices, such as being kept in cramped and dirty conditions. If you have your heart set on a discus, please do more research before purchasing one. Alternatively, consider another species that will thrive in a community tank setting.
8. Dwarf gouramis
Another common “community” fish. However, they are actually very sensitive to water quality and require special care to thrive. They are also subject to inhumane practices, such as being kept in cramped and dirty conditions. If you have your heart set on a dwarf gourami, please do more research before purchasing one. Alternatively, consider another species that will thrive in a community tank setting.
9. Cichlids
A popular choice for community tanks. However, they are actually very sensitive to water quality and require special care to thrive. They are also subject to inhumane practices, such as being kept in cramped and dirty conditions. If you have your heart set on a cichlid, please do more research before purchasing one. Alternatively, consider another species that will thrive in a community tank setting.
10. Koi
A popular choice for community tanks. However, they are actually very sensitive to water quality and require special care to thrive. They are also subject to inhumane practices, such as being kept in cramped and dirty conditions. If you have your heart set on a koi, please do more research before purchasing one. Alternatively, consider another species that will thrive in a community tank setting.
There you have it! A list of ten common fish that are not well suited for a standard community tank. While it may be tempting to purchase these fish on a whim, it is important to do your research beforehand to ensure that they will thrive in your home aquarium. Thanks for reading!
Do you have any experience with keeping any of these fish in a community tank? Let us know in the comments below!
