Need ideas for my almost-3-year old's birthday gift

[Wippit Guud]

We're going to get my son a 5 gallon tank for his birthday. We asked him what kind of fish he wants, and his answer was "A BIG fish!"

So, what's the biggest fish you can put in a 5 gallon tank, that's not a bottom feeder or cold water?

[PumaWard]

A paradise fish is probably your best bet. Not only do they get fairly large (4 inch) but they are very human orientated and "beg" a lot, and they are very intelligent fish. They are also quite attractive fish... some people have been able to teach their fish to jump through hoops.

They are also VERY hardy... my full grown one got stuck against the siphon tube for a sec once, give her a 'hicky' type mark but she was unphased.. kept right on begging :D.

[tricksterpup]

a betta or Paradise fish would be the biggest and only thing i would put into that tank that isn't small. Most everything else will out grow a tank that size that gets big.

[OrionGirl]

Does it have to be a fish? Consider setting up a 5 gallon tank around a crayfish. Many varieties, some very cool, and it will be happy by itself in a 5 gallon tank. Won't even mind garish gravel and sunken decorations. While not as interactive as a paradise or betta, the crayfish are very hardy and fun to watch.

Who will be taking care of the tank?

[Wippit Guud]

I'll be taking care of it, with his 'help', although he'll be the one feeding it, under supervision - no more dumping a can of food in, we're keeping it all out of reach, always learn the hard way, I guess

[paradigmcubed]

This isn't a huge fish, but I think it would fit in your aquarium, a South American Puffer. It would be in the very least interesting and active fish to have around. They are really cool because their fins keep waving around and around and around just like a hummingbird. They are also voracious eaters and regarded as very cute by many... Above all they have very interesting personalities.

[dethjam316]

dude, the crayfish is a cool idea. it'd be cool to buy a small one and watch them molt a lot and grow up...my crayfish, mister bitey, was so tiny when i got him, and now he's like a godzilla death machine. way cool to watch.

as far as fish go, the ideas so far are probably the best ones. you could get a pacu if you were willing to add some zeroes to your tank size (kidding!).

you could also look into aquatic frogs. the dwarf ones and some guppies or a betta would probably get along well. how about a betta, a dwarf frog, and a couple ghost shrimp? woh!

*adrian