Tankmates, Fish and Crab care.

[Faeleigh]

I went to the fish shop today and talked to a couple of thier fish people. I told them the fish I was interested in and what its potential tank mates would be. Here is what I was told.

ME: I am wanting a small Angelfish.
My tank will be 20-30gallons. I dont know yet cause my fiance got me it for christmas and he wont let me unwrap it yet.

Tank mates according the the fish guy: Tetras, Gouramis, Guppies, and Mollies.

I am also wanting a fiddler crab, he said it would be fine to put with these fish but not more than 2 crabs. I have done research on these crabs and have found several sources that say they need some kind of land mass to hang out on above water and that they need brackish water, the fish guy said that is not necessary. Personally I dont know any crabs that dont go above water every once in awhile.

He said not to put more than 3 angelfish in the tank and then a few of the other fish and to make sure the crabs are smaller than the fish to lower the chances of it trying to eat the fish.

I read Angelfish will nip at other pretty fish, and the guppie I was wanting is a fancy guppie. I was thinking also that the crab would eat the tetras cause they are pretty small as well as the guppies.

Last thing Is this, I have a fantail goldfish, his ideal temperature is 75F from what I have read, I know they need lots of oxygen and they make a lot of waste, the angelfish need 78-80F as well as the other fish and the crab. Would the 3 degrees difference hurt him and would it be safe to put him with those other fish, I really like my goldfish and his fins...

Any help and information would be wonderful thank you for your time.

 

[blue2fyre]

I'm glad you are researching your stocking choices instead of just listening to the lfs worker. Yes most crabs need brackish water and an area to get out out the water. There are a couple species of truely freshwater aquatic crabs. You could looks into microcrabs but they are really small and may get eaten by the angel fish. For the size tank you are looking at I would stick to one angel fish and some schooling species. You can do tetras just make sure they are a larger species so the angel doesn't eat them. I don't know about guppies and angels but maybe someone will come along and clear that up. Lastly it's really not a good idea to keep a goldfish with tropical fish. He would be better in his own tank with another fancy goldfish buddy.

 

[Faeleigh]

Thank you for your response I was getting worried ^_^