Coldwater Shoaling Fish, Are there any?

[shmeepie]

Hi, I'd just like to know...Are there any types of coldwater shoaling fish? Cause i have a pretty big tank, and I think it would be cool to have a school of fish swimming around...

 

[ryan]

Loads, Rudd are probably the most commonly available in the trade and even come in a Golden form.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Minnows. Small but would look great in a large number. Of course it depends what you have in the tank already.

 

[ryan]

Minnows. Small but would look great in a large number. Of course it depends what you have in the tank already.

I wouldn't class Minnows as a particular 'shoaling' fish although they are highly gregarious they won't group together as they swim in most circumstances.

 

[shmeepie]

ok, which ones would fit in a 31 gallon (125 litre) tank, with 5 goldfish already in it?

 

[ryan]

ok, which ones would fit in a 31 gallon (125 litre) tank, with 5 goldfish already in it?

I wouldn' add any to that size tank which already contains five Goldfish. Its not really big enough for the Goldfish let alone another group of 5-6 shoaling fish.

 

[shmeepie]

Are you kidding? Its huge!!!!

 

[ryan]

Are you kidding? Its huge!!!!

No I am not kidding. Goldfish can reach upto 10" and sometimes upto 15", now you imagine your tank with 5 of them. They should also live for upto 20 years provided the conditions are right. A general rule is 20 gallons minimum with 10 gallons for each additional Goldfish.

 

[shmeepie]

Umm...i don't think you know my fish...my fish are tiny, and in Australia, which is where i live, goldfish only live for about 5 years at the very most

 

[ryan]

I think I do know your fish (well not personally!) and I think you need to do some research. This is the problem, Goldfish now have a reputation that they can be kept in small tanks and they only live for a few years, but they live for alot longer if they are given they correct enviroment. Inexperience fish keepers buy them and a small tank and because of their messy nature and the cramped conditions within a few years they are dead, so new fish keepers believe that it isn't their fault but its because Goldfish only live that long, and the rumor spreads and more are brought and the same thing just keeps happening sadly.

 

[shmeepie]

Oh, I see. But neway, my goldfish are definatley not going to grow to 15"! they are only about 5 cm!!! (2") I definetly did not buy the big kind.

 

[shmeepie]

I can send photos if u like

 

[ryan]

Although they may not reach 15" all Common Goldfish or Comets have the potentail to do so, there is no 'big kind'. Although they may look small now and they are slow growers they do reach 8-10" when in the correct conditions quite easily. Baby Whales are small compared to their parents but I think you'd agree that they will reach the same size, Goldfish don't stay at 2" for ever, I have four or five 12-15" fish so I know that they can.

 

[shmeepie]

Do you want me to send photos or not? and I don't know about in America, but in Australia there is definatly a big kind and a little kind. My friend has a big kind they r about 4" and mine r about 2". I've had mine for about 2 years now, and they havnt budged a bit in their length or hieght, except for the littlest one, and he didn't grow much bigger at all.

 

[ryan]

Do you want me to send photos or not? and I don't know about in America, but in Australia there is definatly a big kind and a little kind. My friend has a big kind they r about 4" and mine r about 2". I've had mine for about 2 years now, and they havnt budged a bit in their length or hieght, except for the littlest one, and he didn't grow much bigger at all.

Well I wouldn't know about America because I don't live there but I will PM a friend who is from Australlia and see their opinions. Yes can I see some photos.