5 hatchet fish, one pineapple platy, and one betta in a 10 gallon???

[freakumDRESS]

My fishy book i have says there are some species of hatchet fish that get up to an inch, and some male platies get up to 1.5 inches. Okay, my betta is about 2.75 inches. All that added together is a good stock for a 10 gallon, yes? But my handbook also says hatchet fish like groups of 6 or more, but it doesnt say hatchet fish can count or do math... Will the fish know the difference [pun]?

Oh, can i also add a snail and two shrimp?

Am i out of my mind? Will my betta be mean to such a bright colored platy?

[shinybetta]

Most hatchetfish get 1-2 inches. I would do 4-5 marbled/dwarf hatchetfish and your betta. Platies like groups.

[jespenguin]

Toss the inch per gallon rule, it doesn't look at bioloads. You wouldnt put a 10inch fish in your ten gallon right? Try aqadvisor.com, some like it some hate it. But its pretty conservative and it gives you schooling requirements and compatability. I dont think our fish count to makes sure there are enough in their school, but safety comes in numbers.

[freakumDRESS]

Okay, i'll try that websit. My book also says hatchets are carnivores, yes? They need seperate food?

[shinybetta]

Originally Posted by freakumDRESS

Okay, i'll try that websit. My book also says hatchets are carnivores, yes? They need seperate food?

Bettas are carnivores too. I feed mine the same things.

[freakumDRESS]

Wait! Can i replace the platy with a guppy instead, or do they like groups too? My book didnt say... A store near me has these weird guppies that aren't fancy and flamboyantly colorful like the usual guppies.

[Sweeda88]

Guppies require groups. I would skip them.

[shinybetta]

Either pick hatchets or platies. Both groups would overstock your tank.

[freakumDRESS]

Okay, 4-5 hatchet fish, one betta!

Can I still keep two shrimp and a snail? Or one shrimp and a snail, or...?

[shinybetta]

Originally Posted by freakumDRESS

Okay, 4-5 hatchet fish, one betta!

Can I still keep two shrimp and a snail? Or one shrimp and a snail, or...?

Yeah, you can keep the shrimp and snails. Shrimp have very low bioload.