Aquarium Inhabitants

Aquarium fish or snails are the most common inhabitants. Other alternatives are also available. Choosing the right ones for your fish tank is best done after some research - before you reach the pet shop.

Aquariums with only a single species are the easiest to setup and maintain. In such fish tanks there are no inter-species social problems or differences in preferred water chemistry to contend with.

A mixed species aquariums require a little more planning. Such community aquariums  work best when each new organism's behaviour and needs are considered. In doing so many different animals can inhabit the same aquarium.

The inhabitants you keep in your fish tank will probably change over the course of your hobby. If you ever have unwanted animals return them to the place of purchase or supply them to another hobbyist. Aquarium inhabitants released into the wild have caused untold ecological problems. Competition for food and transmission of disease has a huge impact on native species.

The video footage shows a mixed cichlid aquarium housing six bar frontosa, blue dolphins, electric yellow cichlids, venustus and a convict. All of these fish can inhabit an aquarium together but some conflict may develop during breeding.

View profiles of popular aquarium fish, aquatic snails and alternatives or read our aquarium planning guide.