8 replies to this topic

[9darlingcalvi]

I am wondering if least killis, a flagefish And a couple swamp darters would work in a 10 gallon aquarium. The college that I could be attending has a fish lab and I could get someone to watch/maintain the tank over breaks.

[gerald]

Small or female flagfish might work.  Adult males can get pretty aggressive and might eat or bully the Heterandria and darters.

[lilyea]

Small or female flagfish might work.  Adult males can get pretty aggressive and might eat or bully the Heterandria and darters.

 

I agree.  I would suggest that you consider skipping the single flagfish in the 10g native community tank.  I have collected, kept, and breed flagfish on and off for about 15 years and have noticed that (like many fish) you don't really see their natural personality until they are in groups.  On the other hand one or two swamp darters should work well with the heterandria and the swamp darter that I currently have is entertaining to watch.  Wild mollies would also be a good choice for a small Florida native tank.  If you can move to a 20g then other fish like a group of F. chrysotus (golden topminnow) or L. goodei (bluefin killie) would also be a good choice.

[9darlingcalvi]

Okay, the dorm rule is 10g


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[brackishdude]

my son has a 5g with least killis only, breeding like mad, and forage on detrius/algae well enough that we don't bother to have sitters when on vacation.  I'd be very comfortable going away for 2-3 wks without feeding, though evaporation would have to be addressed.

[9darlingcalvi]

Okay, I think I will do least Killies then


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[Doug_Dame]

Heter are an excellent choice for a small planted tank. 

 

They look really good under an incandescent bulb, helps turn them into shiny golden wonders.

[9darlingcalvi]

Nice! Would java fern and moss work?


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[Doug_Dame]

Yes on Java moss and Java fern. But AFAIK, and kinds of plants will do. They like to inspect plants thoughtfully and then pick at tiny things. Plants with lots of little frilly bits seem especially good for Heter. 

 

I would GUESS that red cherry shrimp and the like would also be a good companion for Heter, and add interest to the tank. I've had RCS shrimp in a (big, very heavily planted) tank with guppies and flagfish for a few months, and everybody's breeding like crazy. Guppies are close in many ways to Heter. (But based on observations, I'm no longer comfortable putting flagfish in a 10g, because the males get territorial when they're nest-guarding, and in a 10g there's not enough space for anybody else to avoid Mr. Cranky.)

 

HTH