[Steelers]

I am looking for a new fish to add to my 55 gallon aquarium, at first I was going saltwater but that will cost around $1000 and I don't feel like spending that now.

Do you guys think a 6" elongatus will be good in a 55 gallon for life?

I'm looking for a less shy skittish fish even though alsmost all P's are, but the elongate is said to be the least likely. Here are the 3 speices I am looking at, what would you recommend. Thanks

Sarrasalmus Elongatus

Serrasalmus Irritans

Serrasalmus Rhombeus

 

[The_Spoot]

Rhoms are mighty fine fish. I'm gonna give him my new 55.

 

[Judazzz]

Your average 55g tank is unsuitable for Elongs bigger than say 5 inches. This because they are fast, active and agile swimmers, and a standard 55g tank is not deep enough to provide enough room.
So either get a Rhom for the 55g (only temporarily too), or get an Elong and provide him a tank that is at least 16-18" deep.

 

[elTwitcho]

The only thing that's going to work for life in there is an irritan, never had an elong but Judazz said pretty much what I've always heard in regards to them.

However, I think you should consider a rhom as well. If you buy one at 5 inches he'll be fine in a 55 gallon for 3 years minimum and you never know if you'll get sick of him in those three years or decide you want to put him in a monster 6 foot long tank either. I think in light of that it's definately a viable option you should consider. They're also very cool fish, I love my rhom. He's not the most active fish (might be due to his temporary small tank conditions ie 5 inch fish in a 20 gallon tank) since he has one corner he likes to hang out in but he's extremely interactive. He watches me constantly, darts at the glass hard enough that you can hear him hit against it if I come within a foot of the tank or make any sudden movements toward the tank, and comes to the front of the glass to stare at me when I'm in bed. He swims the tank every half hour or so just to check what's going on but usually returns to his corner immediately afterwards.

 

[b_ack51]

Go with the Irritan. Most members on the board are happy with them. My old one only took a few weeks to begin to chase fingers. I got mine to be hand fed.

 

[shutter13]

if i were you i would go with an irritan.... tank will hold him for life and they are great fish

 

[WorldBelow07]

irritan

 

[fishofury]

For a 55, I would also go with an Irritan only because I don't see Spilo on the list

 

[Steelers]

Here what I am down to

Irritan Piranha 5"- 6" (Serrasalmus Irritan)

Black Diamond Piranha 6" (Serrasalmus Rombeus)

I was leaning towards the Rhom but now everyone is saying Irritan. What one do you think is more active?

 

[HighOctane]

* Chanting Loudly*... SPILO! SPILO! SPILO!

Carefull....he's a tank smashing, head bashing , finger chaser

 

[eL ChiNo LoCo]

I thought you could keep 3 Rhoms in a 55? Or were those Pygos..?

 

[HighOctane]

3 Rhoms in a 55 would not work... 3 pygos would/might

 

[Cobra]

How big do irritans get?

 

[Guest]

They max at about 6". The smallest I believe. Cool fish though, I would have one if there were any about over here.