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Page 1 of 2 This is a rough outline to show general tendencies of different fish and is not intended as the ultimate stocking planner. It should be noted that each individual fish (like any other animal) is different. What works for one community may not work in another. Exceptions are always possible with any combination and should be expected. A fish's behavior may change as it matures and for some fish, juvenile behavior and adult behavior can be completely different. The sweet little baby Nemo may grow up to be the terror of the tank or the unlikeliest of combinations may sometimes work out to years of enjoyment. A lot of it is luck of the draw, but generalizations can certainly be made from decades of trial and error by many experienced hobbyists and many of those can share their experience with you on the aquarium advice forum. This basic guide was put together to get you going in the right direction. I have placed the more commonly used groups of fish for the home aquarium into three categories: aggressive, semi aggressive and docile. Many of these fish do not fit solidly into any one category. This is just a rough outline that may help to eliminate some of the combinations that will surely run into trouble. Specific questions on mixing of different fish should be posted on the forum. Other factors to consider (but not limited to): 1. Docile fish should be introduced first, followed by semi aggressive, and finally aggressive fish. The largest, most docile fish should be added first and the most aggressive fish should always be introduced last. This will allow the less aggressive animals to settle and save you a few nipped fins or worse. 2. Compatibility with invertebrates and corals should also be considered if you wish to have these animals within your system. 3. Tank size should always be considered and is often ignored when adding fish to a system. Adult size of an animal should always be taken into consideration when choosing your stock. 4. Total number fish in any system differs depending on the animals you wish to have in your system, method and efficiency of filtration, eating habits, adult size and size of a system itself. The general rule of thumb is 2 inches of adult size fish per every 10 gallons. Once again, not the size they are now, but the size they will be as an adult. 5. Two fish that are the same size, color or similar body marking should not be kept together. 6. For the most part, two fish of the same species should not be kept together; however, there are exceptions. Schooling fish such as Chromis or Heniocus can be kept in small groups when room allows. Several species of Clownfish, Blennie, Gobies and some Damsels can be kept more than one to a tank, once again if room allows. The other exceptions are fish that were caught as a mated pair and are residing in the same tank upon purchase.
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