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Beginner fish for a child...

4K views 16 replies 8 participants last post by  SST 
#1 ·
Hi,

My son wants a goldfish, but after reading these forums, that's not a good plan for our house.

I've a two gallon bowl, with cycled water, that my betta will be vacating when he moves into a 5 gal. tank.

Is there a good fish for that bowl? Kiddo really wants "his" own fish and I'm not sure what to get.

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
Another betta would be the only option or some shrimps and snails.
 
#3 ·
I was afraid that would be the answer.

Hey, what about little frogs? My friend had two little frogs that were in this itty bitty container-looked kinda cruel-but my 2 gal bowl would be huge compared to those conditions.
 
#5 ·
The frogs don't live that way for long... most people simply end up with dead frogs when they begin to grow. I believe you're referring to the African Dwarf Frogs http://www.wetwebmedia.com/Amphibians/Hymenochirus_curtipesAQ.jpg
and even though they are dwarf, they still average almost 3 inches full grown, need a tropical setting (76 - 80 degrees), and a covered tank (yes, they will climb out if they can find a way).
The dwarf frogs are also very sensitive to water quality & stress. The best place for them is in an aquarium with peaceful fish (you could put a frog into the 5 gallon with the betta if there's a heater and decorations).
I agree with what was already listed... about the only thing suitable for a bowl is a betta and/or a snail.
 
#6 ·
Think about picking up an Apple Snail (Pomacea Bridgesii), they get pretty large, but one will do fine in a 2 Gallon.They move pretty quick, they float on a lung full of air. You also get to see them syphon their air when they go up to the waterline. Very nice indeed.

http://www.applesnail.net/content/photographs/pomacea_brid_walking.jpg

Good luck.
 
#7 ·
Apple snail it is!

Thanks so much. My son saw the picture and loved it. He's only 5 and wanted a goldfish because the character Franklin had gotten one. But one of Franklin's friends is Snail, so kiddo is happy with the change of plans.

Woo hoo!

I'm so glad I found this forum.
 
#11 ·
I would opt for a mystery snail instead of an apple snail. Apple snails grow really fast, and in a 2 gallon tank, they will leave enough of their own waste to make the water conditions unbearable. When snails die, especially large snails, the stink is the most awful thing you'll ever know. A mystery snail has the same habits but instead of the size of a soft ball you're talking about the size of a golf ball. Huge difference, same experience from both snails.
 
#15 ·
#16 ·
I would suggest 1 or 2 Japanese Trapdoor Snails. They stay fairly small,(compared to an apple snail.) They give live birth, which means you won't be overrun with eggs. Mine mostly had 1 offspring per birth, (though she did once have triplets.) And they are ok with cooler water.
 
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