Questions (nothing to do with algea consumption) concerning the American-flag fish

monkeyboy

Large Fish
Jul 9, 2003
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Rhode Island
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#1
I am looking for fish species that would be appropriate to house with a newt, and the american-flag fish has several advantages: it likes cooler water, eats some algea, is hardy, and is relatively small in size but probably too large to serve as a snack.

I have some questions regarding their care, however:

1. Do they like still waters? Do they mind a current?

2. Do they do well in shallow (7" or so) water?

3. Are they adorned with any spikes/rigid frills that would cause harm to a newt if somehow swallowed/eaten?

4. If you had to guess, would the american-flag fish nip at an 8" newt? The newt's toes are a particular concern.

5. I've read that they shoal, but I've also read that they do well in pairs. Is a mated pair the minimum recommended, or must they be placed in a larger school (6 minimum)?

6. Are they or aren't they a brackish water fish? I've read both.

I do not want to put any of the animals at risk, so feel free to just say "thats a bad idea" and leave it at that. My other (and probably less risky) option is to populate the tank with white cloud minnows and ghost shrimp. Thanks!

- mb