4 replies to this topic

[HouseOwild]

Im new to native fish not to fish keeping ive been keeping freshwater aquariums for 10+ years now i recently bought a 75gal aquarium and im not sure how to stock it if there’s anything i know its that i want some moderate planting and something atleast relatively impressive like a pickerel but i want the tank to still be lively I’m ok with just one fish but i want them to be swimming about and not just staying in one place unless its feeding time thanks for your time in advance

[Michael Wolfe]

My 75 has Yellowfin Shiners, Bluehead Chubs and Stonerollers; and it is also fully planted with a ton of vallisnaria and some crypts and anubias.  These fish are very active and very interesting in my humble opinion.

[keepnatives]

Try a few Orange spotted Sunfish ,some southern redbelly dace, longnose dace, some top minnows, a local chub, stonerollers, rainbow or orange throat darters. Do some research and set up some varied habitats for the respective fishes.  Should make for a beautiful tank with lots of activity. 

[HouseOwild]

Hey update got some great recommendations and got some great ideas so I have a few questions

1. could I keep a sauger?

2. what kind of fish can live in a med-high flow river biotope?

3. could I keep trout?

4. what are some more personable fish like oscars, angelfish, and puffers but native?

5. could I keep bowfin?

[ShadetreeIchthyologist]

1) I doubt you could keep a sauger. Those are big water fish that prefer lots of minnows and other live food. Also prefers cooler water that would be difficult to provide without an expensive chiller.
2) several of the fish listed above could live in a higher flow tank. Really need to research individual species to narrow down their preferred habitat.
3) No. you definitely need a chiller for this. Some people in the north keep them in outdoor ponds.
4) lots of sunfish are very personable but even my little Least Killifish have their own personalities and greet me when I approach the tank.
5) keeping a bowfin is a large responsibility like any other large fish in an aquarium. See the link here for more information: http://www.nanfa.org...re/bowfin.shtml