Centerpiece fish that likes high flow

[Sgooosh]

Hi everyone, I was looking for a centerpiece fish for my 75g, preferably something large and peaceful. Currently I have lots of livebearers ranging from small feral guppies to full sized goodeids, and a bunch of random odds and ends, all of which are peaceful.

I tried pearl gouramis but they did not like the high flow at all. Was wondering what else would work for this tank? Sailfin mollies maybe?

 

[Uberhoust]

Not exactly what you are looking for but I had always wanted a high current tank with various species of the genus Stiphodon. The males can be very colorful, but what really sets them apart in my opinion is their behaviors, they seem to like to play around in the tank and they have really cute expressions. Unfortunately the largest ones are only a bit over 2". Large and peaceful might be like an oxymoron for fish that like current, I am sure there are examples but I cannot think of any.

 

[GaryE]

Shouldn't the centrepiece be the fish you want the most?

The old idea of a fish to draw the eye never really worked anyway, so make the centrepiece the centre of your attention, no matter what size, shape or behaviour it has. I feel like the question is asking for your favourite fish...

 

[anewbie]

Live bearer imply hardish water; in central america there are a lot of nice geo like fishes (that prefer a group) that like flow and hard water but coolish temperature after all they are further north than their southern cousins.

Also a lot of these fishes prefer lower levels where as the gourami like upper level so there is that in play. After perhaps the gourami were more upset with the hard water than the current ?

 

[Sgooosh]

Not exactly what you are looking for but I had always wanted a high current tank with various species of the genus Stiphodon. The males can be very colorful, but what really sets them apart in my opinion is their behaviors, they seem to like to play around in the tank and they have really cute expressions. Unfortunately the largest ones are only a bit over 2". Large and peaceful might be like an oxymoron for fish that like current, I am sure there are examples but I cannot think of any.

those are beautiful! I fear I will lose them in such a big and deep tank but I have smaller high flow tanks that would be perfect for them

Shouldn't the centrepiece be the fish you want the most?

The old idea of a fish to draw the eye never really worked anyway, so make the centrepiece the centre of your attention, no matter what size, shape or behaviour it has. I feel like the question is asking for your favourite fish...

That does make sense. Suggestions of any interesting high flow fish would work haha

Live bearer imply hardish water; in central america there are a lot of nice geo like fishes (that prefer a group) that like flow and hard water but coolish temperature after all they are further north than their southern cousins.

Also a lot of these fishes prefer lower levels where as the gourami like upper level so there is that in play. After perhaps the gourami were more upset with the hard water than the current ?

interesting, those are nice
My water isn't super hard, but most of what I have was locally obtained so they are used to the medium range water

I think the pearl gouramis' downfall may have been because of that as well however, I see them happiest in like blackwater

 

[gwand]

Blue Stiphodon Goby (Stiphodon cf. atropurpureus). This goby is beautiful and originates from rocky, fast moving streams.​

 

[Sgooosh]

Blue Stiphodon Goby (Stiphodon cf. atropurpureus). This goby is beautiful and originates from rocky, fast moving streams.​

What special care do these gobies need? and do other gobies have the same requirements?

 

[jaylach]

Shouldn't the centrepiece be the fish you want the most?

The old idea of a fish to draw the eye never really worked anyway, so make the centrepiece the centre of your attention, no matter what size, shape or behaviour it has. I feel like the question is asking for your favourite fish...

I agree that a showcase fish should be what is really wanted by the tank owner.

For me a centerpiece fish is either Panda Garra or ropes. Most would not see these fish the way I do as I'm more into behavior than flashy appearance. As to ropes they are just cool and have a LOT of personality. Pandas are also cool but can be a bit of a pain when doing maintenance in the tank as they will latch onto your hand and go for a free ride. As to size Pandas get to 3-3.5 inches and ropes get to 8 inches or longer. Actually ropes can get much bigger but I have never experienced one getting over 8 inches.

I'm not really recommending either fish to you as they are my favorites, not yours. First off ropes would not like your tank as it is fast moving and they like still to slow moving water.

Now Pandas are a different thing. If you like fish that will interact with you they will climb all over your hand. They like faster water and are one of the best tank cleaners around, even eating black beard algae. Still not saying Pandas are what you should get but, if you are not sure, may be worth a look. They are not fancy beautiful but I DO find them attractive. One thing that is essential is to keep your nitrates low as 20PPM is pretty much fatal.

Looks sort of like a loach and is often mistaken for such. Actually they are more in-line with carp and minnows. Oh, and they like bubbles to play with. Here is what they look like.

 

[gwand]

What special care do these gobies need? and do other gobies have the same requirements?

I never had gobies but this is what I read:
The most colorful of all freshwater gobies in the genus Stiphodon, the Neon Blue Stiphodon Goby originates from fast moving rocky streams. In the wild, it lives in small groups where individual fish stake out their own territories among the rocks. They feed on algae growth and biofilms in the wild and in the aquarium should be fed algae or vegetable based sinking foods (gel diets are ideal). They require clean, well-oxygenated water with some current and will do best at slightly cooler temperatures than most tropical fish (74-76F).
Origin: Wild Indonesia
Diet: Scavenger and grazer, feeds on algae and biofilm in the wild.
Adult Size: Up to 2″
Recommended Tank Size: 15 gallons
Compatibility: Peaceful

Preferred Water Parameters
pH: 6.8 – 7.5
Temp: 74-78F
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: <30ppm

 

[Sgooosh]

I agree that a showcase fish should be what is really wanted by the tank owner.

For me a centerpiece fish is either Panda Garra or ropes. Most would not see these fish the way I do as I'm more into behavior than flashy appearance. As to ropes they are just cool and have a LOT of personality. Pandas are also cool but can be a bit of a pain when doing maintenance in the tank as they will latch onto your hand and go for a free ride. As to size Pandas get to 3-3.5 inches and ropes get to 8 inches or longer. Actually ropes can get much bigger but I have never experienced one getting over 8 inches.

I'm not really recommending either fish to you as they are my favorites, not yours. First off ropes would not like your tank as it is fast moving and they like still to slow moving water.

Now Pandas are a different thing. If you like fish that will interact with you they will climb all over your hand. They like faster water and are one of the best tank cleaners around, even eating black beard algae. Still not saying Pandas are what you should get but, if you are not sure, may be worth a look. They are not fancy beautiful but I DO find them attractive. One thing that is essential is to keep your nitrates low as 20PPM is pretty much fatal.

Looks sort of like a loach and is often mistaken for such. Actually they are more in-line with carp and minnows. Oh, and they like bubbles to play with. Here is what they look like.

View attachment 370675

Yes, i was thinking panda garra a wile ago, just hard to find at a reasonable price here lol, at the chain stores they're like 9 dollars which is crazy. They'd go great with my bamboo shrimp I bet. Do other garras work as well? I've seen other random types of garra (not as colorful as the pandas but just as cool looking) in my fish stores

I never had gobies but this is what I read:
The most colorful of all freshwater gobies in the genus Stiphodon, the Neon Blue Stiphodon Goby originates from fast moving rocky streams. In the wild, it lives in small groups where individual fish stake out their own territories among the rocks. They feed on algae growth and biofilms in the wild and in the aquarium should be fed algae or vegetable based sinking foods (gel diets are ideal). They require clean, well-oxygenated water with some current and will do best at slightly cooler temperatures than most tropical fish (74-76F).
Origin: Wild Indonesia
Diet: Scavenger and grazer, feeds on algae and biofilm in the wild.
Adult Size: Up to 2″
Recommended Tank Size: 15 gallons
Compatibility: Peaceful

Preferred Water Parameters
pH: 6.8 – 7.5
Temp: 74-78F
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: <30ppm

I see, thank you! I think they'd go great in my tank, but I'll need to research more on how deep they are comfortable being, usually see them in streams.

Dou you think a 75g would be too deep for them? The most shallow spot on top of my anubias bush is still almost a foot deep.
My tank is in the perfect range for them, all my fish and plants like to have a cool winter. It's naturally hot here (100+with no AC) in the summer but we have the AC on, so they should be fine, with temp being in the 70s.

 

[gwand]

Yes, i was thinking panda garra a wile ago, just hard to find at a reasonable price here lol, at the chain stores they're like 9 dollars which is crazy. They'd go great with my bamboo shrimp I bet. Do other garras work as well? I've seen other random types of garra (not as colorful as the pandas but just as cool looking) in my fish stores

I see, thank you! I think they'd go great in my tank, but I'll need to research more on how deep they are comfortable being, usually see them in streams.

Dou you think a 75g would be too deep for them? The most shallow spot on top of my anubias bush is still almost a foot deep.
My tank is in the perfect range for them, all my fish and plants like to have a cool winter. It's naturally hot here (100+with no AC) in the summer but we have the AC on, so they should be fine, with temp being in the 70s.

I think it would be a great fish for you. And it is quite beautiful. I see that aqua imports, a mail order company that is very reputable is selling them. But I wouldn’t ship during this hot summer.

 

[Sgooosh]

I think it would be a great fish for you. And it is quite beautiful. I see that aqua imports, a mail order company that is very reputable is selling them. But I wouldn’t ship during this hot summer.

Thank you. I will most likely get them at my local store though, I think i've seen them there

 

[anewbie]

Mine love budd

Dou you think a 75g would be too deep for them? The most shallow spot on top of my anubias bush is still almost a foot deep.

Panda garra are a small fish that likes a group;they are approx 2 inch long and 3/4 inch wide. Depth isn't a problem per sey though they are hardly a 'center piece' fish in a large aquarium. Also they prefer coolish temps - 75 is good.

 

[Sgooosh]

Mine love budd

Panda garra are a small fish that likes a group;they are approx 2 inch long and 3/4 inch wide. Depth isn't a problem per sey though they are hardly a 'center piece' fish in a large aquarium. Also they prefer coolish temps - 75 is good.

I just love how different they look if that makes sense lol, like american flag fish, love those too, like a mini sunfish without breaking the bank

That sounds good. I assume group of 10? That seems like the magic number for my schooling fish at least

I was wondering if the stiphodons would handle the depth too.

 

[Magnum Man]

we also love our pandas... but they can get double the 2 inch size... in my group of 5, at least two of them go as long as 4 inches... not sure if that relates to sex or not... mine are in a high flow 55 gallon, that I keep in the low 70s F. ( heater is set at 72 degrees ) they are highly active an personable... they are one of Mrs. favorite fish there are many fish in the group or similar to "Hillstream's" that would likely fit... it one of my favorite tanks to watch, if nothing else, because of the activity level