Question about pet fish?

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lilbubbleangel7

New member
My brother and I went to the pet store today to check out some fishes. We both know general stuff about how to take care of fresh water fishes and etc. We end up getting 2 tetra - pristella and 1 goldfish - shubunkin. The worker asked us if we were going to put the shubunkin in the same tank as the other 2 fishes we got. My brother lied to him and said no. I put the fishes in the fish tank when we got home and nothing happen so far. So my question is what did the worker meant when he asked us if we're going to put the shubunkin in the same tank. I looked up online and don't really see that the shubunkin is an aggresive type fish.

Oh one more thing we already have at home: 5 gallon tank along with 3 decors and 2 goldfishes
 
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ashlee

Member
Well, for one, Pristella Tetra's need to be kept in groups of at LEAST 6 and a 5gal tank is far too small for anything you have got right now. A Shubunkin Goldfish can grow up to 6 inches. You need to upgrade your tank to like a 30gal, because the Shubunkin Goldfish all by itself requires 15gal minimum. if you have 2 more goldfish, they need like 40 gallons. You're probably in a little over your head..

As far as the nature of the Shubunkin, they are not aggressive and are excellent community fish. The guy at the pet store probably didn't know what he was talking about.

All the fish you have right now are very hardy and an tolerate a wide range of water conditions, so they CAN live together peacefully, but you need a MUCH MUCH MUCH larger tank!
 
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kitti

New member
Because tetras are tropical fish and need a heater to keep their water 75-80 degrees. Goldfish are coldwater and can't survive above 73-74.
Tetras are also schooling fish, so you need at least 6.
The shubunkin needs at least a 30 gallon tank with double filtration. If the 2 goldfish at home are also fancy goldfish, they have the same requirements only I'd suggest a 40 gallon for the two. If they're common/comet goldfish, they need at least 100 gallons with double filtration. In the 5 gallon tank, they will become stunted and die within a few years when they should really live 15-20 years.
No offense, but your "general" knowledge of owning freshwater fish is lacking a lot.
 
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