dead fish

Question
Hi renee, you answered a couple of questions for me this week about one of our platys. well, he finally died last night. this is my 6 yr. olds first fish tragedy!  eveyone else in the tank has always seemed healthy and active. we have 2 female mollies, 1 male platy, 1 bottom feeder and 1 pleco in a ten gallon tank.  My son wants a new fish. my question is-should we get a new fish quickly to introduce to the established group, or does that not matter when a new member comes along.  also, what other type of fish would go well with my current group?

Answer
Hi Carla,

You can basically introduce any peaceful, 1" to 2" fish alongside yours.  That could be another platty, molly, guppy, corydora catfish, kuli loach, tetra, zebra danio...there are a lot of small species which are much fun to have.

I'm so sorry you lost Platty!  Your poor little girl.  It's always hard on them the first time. :(

When my two daughters were little, we had to have a ceremony for their goldfish in the backyard.  

You could get a new fish quickly, but do a partial water change, first, to get rid of anything which toxified water from the dead fish.  25% of the water needs changed.

I hope this is helpful.  Please feel free to write all you like and if there's any additional information you need, please use the followup option.

Happy fish-keeping!

Renee