I was told that if the tank is big enough that you can keep the more aggressive types of fish such as tiger barbs with the more docile type fish. I saw a very large tank (60g?) with some cichlids with tetras. So, now I will sit back and soak in all the info that pops up

You might be better in asking about which fish you are thinking of keeping together in what size tank you intend putting them in, as people will be able to help you a lot more

I put 3 rainbow cichlids in my community tank and the male guppies were stripped of all their fins. I would highly recommend against it.

I would be careful mixing fish from different lakes/locations as they may prefer different water quality. I'm sure some people get away with many things, but that doesn't mean it is good for the fish!!

If you are interested in checking out cichlids, cichlid-forum.com is a good resource. Just look under profiles and you will find some good info.

Also, cichlids will become increasingly aggressive (some more than others) as they reach sexual maturity.

Clunk (and the others) are 100% right. It's not the size of the tank - it's the species mix.

You could have a 1,000 gallon tank and eventually cichlids will find and beat (or kill) tetras.

What types of fish are you most interested in? Then you can start learning more about compatible species.

I guess I was just thinking in general. But, as I think more, what about sumatra barbs for instance, or angels? BTW, two of my favorite fish. Will they always eventually get the better of tetras, danios, or the typical livebearers? Other than maybe some corys or algae eaters, what else can safely go with them? I hope that is more specific!

You can keep angels with tetras as long as there's plenty of escape room. I have a bunch of angels in with a bunch of tetras in my 180 community. It's the living room tank. There are a handful of mature angels, about a dozen juvies and then there are some shoals of tetras. About a half dozen penguins, a dozen and a half of cardinals/neons, a dozen congo's, three black skirt, half a dozen emperors and a few rosy and cherry barbs. Here's a quick pic... but I gotta tell you... for some reason cameras just do not like me!



good luck
mike

Is that a purple fish to the right? If so, what kind? Or is that something else?

Not 100% sure which one you mean. There are Congo tetras and German Blue Blusher angels in there. Nothing purple to my knowledge... but' o' course it could be a pic problem. Happens a lot to me!
mike

Could be the way the light is reflecting. There is a purple area right amongst the green leaves -- about 2/3 from the left of the photo. I will have to look up those fish.

I think you're seeing a blue blusher angel.

Yeah, upon closer inspection, it does appear to have that shape. Almost like that paint they use on cars that changes colors depending upon what angle you are looking at it.