Suitable Tankmates

Question
I have a 20 gallon tank. So far I have 4 different types of gormis, a red fin shark, and a few ghost shrimp. They all get along fine. I'd like to add some other types of fish for visual interest. I thought about knife fish but they get to large. Any suggestions for some suitable take mates that are either unique or colorful. By the way I'd like to stick to larger fish, no tetras, mollies, or guppie type fish. Maybe a less agressive type of cichlid? If there is such a thing. Thank you!

Answer
Hello Ashley-

The tricky part with "designing" this tank is going to be the ghost shrimp. Unless they're fairly large, they might get eaten.

Personally, I stay away from cichlids, just because they all are aggressive and most grow very large. I wouldn't try adding them, but if you're feeling lucky, you can try. I haven't been able to find a docile cichlid yet.

Gouramis may get along with a betta fish (females would be better, if you can find attractively colored ones) but they can be on the small side.

You could also try a freshwater puffer fish (green puffer or leopard puffer) but they can get nippy so be sure to watch their behavior.

Peacock eels are interesting, but they hide a lot so you may never see it once you buy it. :(

Leaf fish (Leopard Ctenopoma) are also unique, but can be small when you purchase them.

I recommend browsing PETsMART and UncleBill's, as they have the most variety as to possible fish. In the end, it's up to you.

Hope this is helpful!
-Amber Worman