Aquascaping fish are a key component of any planted aquarium. Not only do they add color and movement, but they also play an important role in maintaining the health and balance of the tank. With so many fish options available, it can be difficult to know which ones will best suit your planted aquarium.
To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of the 14 best aquascaping fish for a planted aquarium. From small, peaceful varieties to colorful show-stoppers, these fish are sure to add beauty and interest to your aquascape.
Best aquascaping fish
Ember Tetra
The Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is an attractive and peaceful aquarium fish native to South America. Its small size and bright coloration make it an ideal choice for aquascaping. It is a schooling fish that needs to be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals.
The Ember Tetra is best kept in an aquarium with plenty of plants and open swimming space. It should also be kept with other similarly sized and peaceful species of fish.
The Ember Tetra is not difficult to care for and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They require a well-maintained aquarium with frequent partial water changes to keep the water clean and healthy. A dark substrate will help bring out the vibrant colors of this fish. They are omnivorous and will readily accept most types of live, frozen, and flake foods. They do best in an aquarium with temperatures between 72°F and 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
The Ember Tetra is an attractive and peaceful addition to any planted aquarium. With its bright color and small size, it makes a great choice for any aquascaping project. With the right care, these tetras can live up to three years or longer in the home aquarium.
Cardinal Tetras
Cardinal tetras are a beautiful addition to any aquascaped aquarium, and they’re one of the best options for planted aquariums. These small fish, native to South America, thrive in densely-planted tanks with plenty of covers. They can grow up to about 2 inches in length, so it’s important to make sure your tank is large enough to accommodate them.
Cardinal tetras are social fish that prefer to live in groups, so it’s recommended to purchase at least 6 of them. They should be kept in water temperatures between 73-81°F, with a pH of around 6.0-7.5. When it comes to diet, these fish will usually eat all types of flake and frozen foods, as well as live or freeze-dried bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Cardinal tetras are active fish that will spend their time swimming around the middle and top levels of the tank, making them a great choice for aquascaping with plants. These colorful fish do best in heavily planted tanks with plenty of hiding places and lots of open swimming space. They are peaceful, non-aggressive fish that get along with most other tank mates, provided they’re not too large or aggressive.
Neon tetra
The Neon tetra is a very popular fish in the aquarium hobby. This small and peaceful fish can grow up to 1.5 inches in length and adds a great pop of color to any planted tank. Neon tetras are very active and can often be seen schooling together throughout the tank. When it comes to aquascaping, they are an excellent choice as they can adapt to almost any water condition.
Neon tetras require a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places and areas of open water to swim. The aquarium should be set up with dark gravel, wood, and plants for the best aesthetic results. They prefer a temperature range between 72 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5.
These fish are quite hardy and easy to care for but will require regular water changes and a good diet. A balanced diet of flakes, frozen foods, live foods, and vegetables will keep them healthy and vibrant. Neon tetras are also very social creatures and should be kept in a school of at least 6-8 fish.
Overall, the Neon tetra is an excellent choice for any aquascaper looking for an attractive, peaceful, and colorful addition to their tank.
Harlequin Rasbora
Harlequin Rasbora is a great addition to a planted aquarium. They are small and peaceful fish, making them an ideal choice for the aquascaping enthusiast. They come in a variety of colors and can be found in both long-fin and short-fin varieties. These fish are perfect for adding movement and activity to your tank without competing with other fish. Harlequin Rasboras prefer a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places to hide.
They can be kept in groups of 5 or more and should be provided with plenty of food, including live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. A tank temperature between 73-79°F (23-26°C) is ideal for these fish, and they should have a pH level between 6.5-7.5. While Harlequin Rasboras are generally considered easy to care for, their diet and water conditions must be monitored regularly to ensure their health.
Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish are an excellent option for those looking to add some color and motion to their aquascaped aquarium. These fish come in a variety of bright colors, including blues, reds, yellows, and even metallic hues. Rainbowfish are omnivorous and will eat anything from flake food to frozen foods, but they should be fed a variety of diets in order to stay healthy.
In the wild, Rainbowfish inhabit bodies of water like streams, ponds, and lakes, so they appreciate some type of current in their home aquarium. They’re schooling fish and prefer to live in groups of 5 or more. These fish are generally peaceful and can live with other types of fish, however, some species can become territorial when kept with fish of the same species or those with a similar appearance.
Rainbowfish have moderate care needs, but they can be sensitive to changes in water parameters. Therefore, it’s important to keep the pH level and temperature consistent by performing regular water changes and testing the levels. They’re also sensitive to medications so any treatments should be done with caution.
Overall, Rainbowfish are beautiful, peaceful fish that makes a great addition to any aquascaped aquarium. With their bright colors and interesting behaviors, these fish will add plenty of life and color to your tank.
Angel Fish
Angel Fish (Pterophyllum scalare) are a unique species of fish that are well known for their large size and striking coloration. Native to the Amazon River Basin in South America, Angel Fish have become popular aquarium pets due to their bold personalities and relatively easy care.
The most common type of Angel Fish is the silver angelfish, which has metallic silver scales and black stripes along its body. However, there are other varieties of Angel Fish, such as the gold angel, marble angel, and even rarer variants like the blue or black phantom angelfish.
These fish typically grow up to 6 inches in length and are suitable for larger aquariums of 30 gallons or more. They need plenty of space to swim around in and are known to be quite active, so they require frequent water changes and weekly water testing to ensure the correct levels of pH, ammonia, and nitrates.
When it comes to diet, Angel Fish prefer high-quality flake food supplemented with live foods such as mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. They may also be offered frozen foods such as Daphnia, Mysis shrimp, and Cyclops.
These beautiful fish can add great character to your planted aquarium. If you’re looking for an eye-catching centerpiece for your aquarium, Angel Fish should be high on your list. Just make sure to provide them with plenty of space and keep up with regular maintenance to keep them healthy and happy!
Discus fish
Discus fish are a beautiful addition to any planted aquarium. Discus fish are known for their unique shape and coloring, and they come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, orange, yellow, and green. Discus fish are shoaling fish, meaning they should be kept in a group of at least six for optimal health and happiness.
They are sensitive to water quality and temperature, so the aquarium should be well-maintained with frequent water changes and regular temperature checks. As their tank mates, it’s important to choose fish that are peaceful and have similar needs. Tetras, rasboras, and other small species work best. Discus fish prefer live foods such as bloodworms, but they will also accept freeze-dried or frozen food. With proper care, discus fish can live up to 10 years in captivity.
Guppys
Guppys are among the most popular aquarium fish. Not only do they come in a variety of vibrant colors and patterns, but they are also easy to care for and are very hardy. Guppys are great for planted tanks as they help with algae control and can even eat certain types of aquatic plants.
They are sociable fish, so they should be kept in groups of at least five. To keep them healthy, provide plenty of space to swim around in, plenty of hiding spots, and feed them a balanced diet of flakes, live, and frozen foods.
Chili Rasbora
The Chili Rasbora is a beautiful fish that stands out from the crowd. These fish have bright orange bodies, with a black stripe running down the side and a red-orange tint on their fins. These fish are peaceful and can be kept in groups of six or more. The Chili Rasbora is a great choice for any planted aquarium. They prefer an aquarium that has plenty of covers, such as plants and decorations, as well as a gentle current.
They should also have a varied diet, including live, frozen, and dry foods. The Chili Rasbora is hardy and easy to care for, making it a great choice for any aquascape.
Bleeding Heart Tetras
Bleeding heart tetras (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma) are a popular choice for aquascaping. They are small fish that grow up to 1.5 inches long and have a bright red spot near the tail. The name comes from the shape of their body, which looks like a heart with a drop of red in the center. They’re easy to care for and require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for beginner aquarists.
These tetras prefer warm, well-oxygenated water and should be kept in an aquarium that is heated between 75-80F (24-27C). They do best in schools of six or more and are peaceful fish, so they can be kept with other small fish of similar size and temperament. Bleeding heart tetras are omnivores and need a varied diet of frozen, freeze-dried, and live foods.
When it comes to aquascaping, bleeding heart tetras will help you add some bright colors to your aquarium. These fish love densely planted areas, so adding plenty of live plants will create a natural habitat for them.
Floating plants will also provide plenty of shade and help keep their stress levels low. Additionally, you should add some driftwood or rocks to your tank to provide additional hiding places for these shy fish.
Overall, bleeding heart tetras are a great choice for any aquascaper. They’re colorful, peaceful, and hardy fish that will bring plenty of life to your tank!
Swordtails
Swordtails are a popular choice for aquascaping fish in a planted aquarium. They are colorful fish with interesting, wavy tails. Swordtails do best when kept in schools of at least four to six and prefer temperatures of between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
They are omnivorous, so they will eat both plant matter and small animals. Swordtails need plenty of hiding places, so adding rocks and plants is a great way to give them the protection they need. Swordtails tend to be quite hardy, but they should always be provided with clean water, free from ammonia and nitrite, in order to maintain their health.
Dwarf Cichlids
Dwarf Cichlids are a great choice for aquascaping due to their small size and interesting coloration. These fish are native to South America and live in shallow, slow-moving rivers and streams. They require well-oxygenated water and enjoy living in a planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots. Dwarf Cichlids come in a variety of colors including orange, yellow, blue, and black.
They are a peaceful species that can be kept in groups or pairs with other non-aggressive fish, but will not tolerate aggressive tankmates. While they prefer to live in small schools, these fish can become territorial when housed with too many of their own kind. When feeding Dwarf Cichlids, provide them with a diet rich in proteins such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
To keep them healthy and vibrant, provide them with regular water changes as well as an aquarium filter to maintain clean water conditions.
Killifish
Killifish are a type of freshwater fish that are often used in aquascaping. They are small, colorful fish that come in a variety of colors and patterns. They can grow to be up to 3 inches in length and do best in groups of six or more.
Killifish prefer a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places and plenty of open swimming space.
They do best when given live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms. They can also eat high-quality flake food, but they do need a regular supply of live foods to stay healthy.
These fish are relatively easy to care for and can be kept in a range of temperatures from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They are an active species so make sure the tank is adequately aerated. Water should be kept clean and the pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5.
Killifish can be great additions to any aquascaping setup, with their bright colors and peaceful demeanor. They are hardy fish and make a great choice for beginners. Make sure to keep them in a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places and live foods to keep them happy and healthy.
Dwarf Catfish
Dwarf Catfish are an ideal choice for aquascaping your planted aquarium. These small fish can be kept in schools of four or more and make a great addition to any tank. They tend to keep to the bottom of the tank and help to keep the substrate clean, which is important for maintaining the health of your aquarium plants. Dwarf Catfish can also bring a unique sense of movement and personality to your tank.
These fish come in a variety of colors and sizes, ranging from just a few inches to over an inch long. They are easy to care for, only requiring regular feedings of high-quality flakes or pellets. They should be kept in a tank with plenty of hiding places, as they do prefer to hide from time to time. Dwarf Catfish do not require much space and can be kept with other peaceful fish species without any issues.
Overall, Dwarf Catfish are a great choice for aquascaping any planted aquarium. They will bring a unique sense of movement and personality to your tank while helping to keep it clean. Be sure to provide plenty of hiding places and feed them regularly to ensure that they stay healthy and happy.