Fish survival guide

Question
Renee,
Which fish is small, cute, colorful, reproductive and can fit in a 8 gallon tank? (And survive...like...almost forever. O.K. I figure no fish can live forever but one that gives enough births to replace it's own death)

My friend has a approx 200 gallon tank with about 18 adult fish and even more babies. I want to know if I can support a fish like that. (I think she has a Platy but she isn't sure)
Write back soon!

Answer
Manahil,

Your friend has a 200 gallon tank.  Wow.  That's a big home for fish.

I do, indeed, think if you get a fish pair that lays babies, that they can have babies in your tank.

Wouldn't that be nice?

The type of fish who reproduce easily and who have babies don't usually live great long lives in captivity.  Livebearers are not long-lived fish.  2 to 6 years is pretty average.

Platys are easier than some kinds of fish.  This time, if you buy a male and a female platy, please PLEASE do not put the water they came in into your tank.  Just put them in a bowl of your tank's water to rinse the petstore water off of them and then gently put them into your tank.  Leave the other waters behind!  You don't want anymore diseases.:)

Renee