Aquarium frenemies? 5 fish you should never keep together (unless you want drama)

India Today

6 days ago

Let's get one thing straight, fish may be silent, but they're not drama-free. Put the wrong species together and you're not curating an aquarium, you're hosting an aquatic fight club. Whether you're a newbie with a Pinterest-perfect tank or a seasoned aquarist, this is your must-read survival guide to the fish combos that scream 'bad idea.' Think of it as the Bigg Boss house, but with more fins and fewer filters (pun intended).advertisement1. Betta Fish + GuppiesAlso known as: The Flare King vs. the Rainbow Showoffs
Why it's a no-no:Bettas, especially males, are territorial divas. Add flashy guppies with flowing tails and it's like waving a red flag at a bull. Guppies love to strut; bettas hate to share the spotlight. Expect nipped fins, shredded egos, and a whole lot of chasing.Quirk check:This duo is like putting Ranveer Singh and Salman Khan in the same dressing room, too much testosterone, not enough space.2. Goldfish + Tropical FishAlso known as: The Chiller vs. The SizzlersWhy it's a no-no:Goldfish are the slow-mo, cold-water zen masters of the tank. Most tropical fish, on the other hand, like it warm, fast, and spicy. Different temperatures, different food needs, and totally different energy levels. It's a logistical nightmare and a recipe for stress.Quirk check:Putting them together is like hosting a beach party and inviting someone in a snow suit.3. Angelfish + Neon TetrasAlso known as: The Gentle Giant (until it isn't) vs. Bite-Sized BeautiesWhy it's a no-no:While angelfish look peaceful, they develop a taste for sushi as they grow older. And guess who fits perfectly in their mouth? Yup, your adorable little neon tetras. One day they're schooling happily, next day they're...gone.Quirk check:It's giving: 'I love you until I'm hungry.'4. Cichlids + Pretty Much EveryoneAlso known as: The MafiaWhy it's a no-no:Cichlids are known for their beauty and their bad tempers. They're aggressive, territorial, and often treat tankmates like intruders. Unless you have a cichlid-only tank with lots of hideouts, don't even think about mixing.Quirk check:Think Regina George in fins. They will bully, bite, and boss around.5. Oscar Fish + Small Peaceful FishAlso known as: The Bulldozer vs. The BystandersWhy it's a no-no:Oscars grow big and have a big personality to match. They treat smaller fish like moving snacks and rearrange tank dcor like they're on TV. Your peaceful community tank isn't ready for this chaos.advertisementQuirk check:Oscars don't play well with others. They play with others as food, toys, or target practice.Bonus Tip:Never judge a fish by its cuteness. Always research their temperament, tank size needs, and water compatibility. Some fish are loners, some are socialites, and some are just... plain mean.Final SplashAn aquarium is not just a decorative bubble world. It's a delicate ecosystem, and a drama-free zone if you plan it right. Avoid these mismatched fish duos unless you're ready to referee aquatic brawls.- Ends