If a fish is considered a schooling fish in groups of five or more does that mean of its own species or does it matter as long as the fish are compatible?

Knowledgeable staffs but many, alas, do not. Reading done to determine alternate choices for first fish. Any sort of external blemishes that might indicate parasites or disease.

Of fish, depending on the size of the tank and the fish. Will be fairly stable, yet small enough that the beginner is not intimidated. Four smaller fish, is the most the novice should start with.

Many of the smaller schooling fish make ideal first fish. Rasboras, and most available species of Barbs. Larger tank, Rainbowfish make a great schooling fish.

Ever popular schooling catfish. Different schooling fish, this should be resisted. If there are several of their own species present for them to interact with.

Four is the bare minimum for Corys. Fishes unhappily forced to share the same tank. Up slowly, two or three fish at a time.

Building up a school of six of a species of Cory Cats. (down to 55F). The temperature is not kept above the mid 70s.

To another tank. Line down the side that shines in the light. They get to be 1 1/2" long.

And the Pearl Danio - Brachydanio albolineatus. These fish are fast swimmers and are always in motion. Blue markings allows one to tell these fish apart.

2 1/2" long, although Giant Danios can get up to 4". Harlequin Rasbora - Rasbora heteromorpha. And the Scissor-Tail Rasbora - Rasbora trilineata.

Stop-and-start swimming makes them interesting to watch as a school. Harlequins stay under 2" long. Fish, especially for those with moderate sized tanks.

And Black Ruby Barbs - Puntius nigrofasciatus. Etc.) of the Rosy Barb should be avoided though, as these tend to be sickly. Are large, peaceful barbs (Spanner Barbs up to 7" long).

Tinfoil Barbs - Barbodes schwanefeldi. They grow to be over a foot long! Most should be kept in schools nonetheless.

Put all of the above mentioned species in the genus Barbus. Should be fed. As they decay rapidly and can foul the tank.

To care for as those in the first section. Only a species or two in each group as bad choices. Will be quite mixed with many good choices and many poor ones.

The fish in this section are hardy only if some special needs are cared for. You know which species you are getting and what their needs are. If you are a complete novice, perhaps you shouldn't.

It were) with minimum risk. Give some of these fish a try. They are included here, rather than in the Good First Fish section.

These are long, ribbon-like fishes which grow to be 4" long. Buried in the gravel. Another popular group of loaches are the members of the genus Botia.

Clown Loaches - B. Yo-Yo Loaches - B. Skunk Loaches - B.