Fish that would be okay alone in a 20 gal?

[MrsMolly]

We got our new 20-gallon set up and cycled. I put a piece of driftwood and a couple plants in there. My husband thinks that since our 55-gallon is going to be densely planted an full of small fish, the 20-gallon should have minimal decor and one or two larger fish. What can we get that's pretty and good alone or in a pair?

[Lady Hobbs]

How about a puffer?

[MrJim]

Is it a 20 tall or 20 long?

[ddavis1979]

20 gals does tend to limit the size of fish.

Your Rainbow sharks are Red Tail sharks are good loners but typically need 3-4 feet of area to patrol, maybe able to get away with this in a 20 long, and still have room for a few tank mates.

All gourami's are good solo fish.

Some African Cichlids are good solo fish.

Its a bit cliche, but all bettas are good solo fish, and I like the half moons.

You might be able to get away with a pair of angel fish in a 20 tall.

Also if you wanted to do a cold water tank, there are plenty of fancy goldfish to choose from that do very well alone.

And as Hobbs said, Puffer fish :)

[RBSaleph]

20 gals does tend to limit the size of fish.

Your Rainbow sharks are Red Tail sharks are good loners but typically need 3-4 feet of area to patrol, maybe able to get away with this in a 20 long, and still have room for a few tank mates.

All gourami's are good solo fish.

Some African Cichlids are good solo fish.

Its a bit cliche, but all bettas are good solo fish, and I like the half moons.

You might be able to get away with a pair of angel fish in a 20 tall.

Also if you wanted to do a cold water tank, there are plenty of fancy goldfish to choose from that do very well alone.

And as Hobbs said, Puffer fish :)

Uhhh, I hate to disagree with the above - red tailed sharks in no way belong in a tank that small considering how large they potentially get

Angelfish fit into the same category - even for 1 of them.

Fancy goldfish need either very large tanks or ponds due to their potential size as well.

I agree on a betta or puffer.

[Cliff]

+1 to Andreahp

Also, have you consider a larger sized school of some of the smaller tetras?

Sometimes large schools can be just as interesting to watch as one or two larger fish

[Northerly]

Might wanna check out Arapaima or Whale sharks. They do excellently in 20g.

[genocidex]

doesnt look like any one else seems to think a nice lobster (crayfish) would do good in a 20g solo. i think that would be a great home for one.... at least one of the smaller ones. i mean some top out around 5" and are cool. i guess its not a "fish" but its a cool idea for a single creature in a tank.

[genocidex]

oh and i forgot to mention that they come in almost every color under the sun ( not really but theres like 6 or somthing.) just look for the scientific name "Procambarus..." and they will stay under 6" and be perfect for the tank.

[ddavis1979]

I have always been an advocate of the shrimp tank....except make it colorful!

Orange sakura shrimp
Yellow Neon Shrimp
Green Neon Shrimp
Red Crystal Shrimp
Blue Jelly Shrimp

All in the same tank, and call it a tank of lucky charms.