Aquariums aren’t just containers of water; they’re living, breathing ecosystems that can bring a bit of the wild into your home. Planted aquariums, in particular, offer a lush, vibrant backdrop that can make fish appear even more stunning. With the right combination of flora and fauna, your aquarium can become a mesmerizing underwater garden. If you’re a fish enthusiast or just starting out, selecting the right fish that thrive in such an environment is crucial. Here are 13 of the prettiest fish that can complement your planted aquarium beautifully.
1. Neon Tetra: The Jewel of the Tank
Neon Tetras are often the first choice for many aquarium enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. With their shimmering blue and red stripes, they resemble tiny jewels darting through the water. These small, peaceful fish are perfect for planted aquariums because they thrive in groups, adding vibrant movement to your tank. Their natural habitat is the Amazon basin, where they swim among dense vegetation, making them well-suited to a planted environment. Neon Tetras are relatively easy to care for, requiring stable water conditions and regular feeding. Watching a school of Neon Tetras glide through the plants can be a soothing experience, like watching a tiny galaxy in motion.
2. Betta Fish: A Splash of Elegance
Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are famous for their stunning fins and vibrant colors. Their flowing, delicate fins are reminiscent of a dancer’s skirt, and they come in a variety of shades ranging from deep blues to fiery reds. While they are often kept alone due to their territorial nature, Betta fish can coexist in a community tank with the right precautions. They prefer calm waters with plenty of hiding spots, making them a natural fit for planted aquariums. Betta fish are more than just a pretty face; they have a curious nature and can even recognize their owners, making them an engaging pet to have.
3. Angelfish: The Graceful Glider
Angelfish are renowned for their elegant, triangular bodies and long, graceful fins. Originating from the Amazon River, these fish are well-adapted to planted environments. Their silvery bodies with black stripes make them stand out against a green backdrop, creating a striking visual contrast. Angelfish are relatively easy to care for, but they do require a slightly larger tank due to their size. They are known for their calm demeanor, though they can show some aggression, especially during breeding. Watching an Angelfish glide through the water is like witnessing a ballet performance, a dance of grace and beauty.
4. Guppies: The Colorful Performers
Guppies are a favorite among aquarium keepers due to their vibrant colors and lively personalities. These fish are like living confetti, with males displaying brilliant hues of orange, blue, and green. Guppies are highly adaptable and breed easily, which can quickly fill your tank with a flurry of activity. They thrive in planted aquariums as the plants provide cover for fry (baby fish) and help maintain water quality. Guppies are social creatures and do best in groups, where they can show off their playful nature. Their constant movement and shimmering colors make them a delightful addition to any tank.
5. Discus Fish: The King of the Aquarium
Discus fish are often referred to as the “kings” of the aquarium due to their majestic appearance and regal demeanor. With their round, disc-like bodies and striking patterns, they are undeniably captivating. Discus fish come in a variety of colors, including turquoise, red, and brown, making them a centerpiece in any planted tank. They require specific water conditions and a bit more care than other fish, but their beauty is well worth the effort. Discus fish are social and thrive in groups, swimming gracefully among the plants. Their serene presence can transform an ordinary aquarium into a mesmerizing underwater world.
6. Cardinal Tetra: The Vibrant Cousin
Cardinal Tetras are closely related to Neon Tetras, and they share the same vibrant blue and red coloration. However, Cardinals have a more intense red stripe that runs the length of their bodies, making them even more eye-catching. These fish are native to the blackwater rivers of South America, where they swim in large schools among the dense vegetation. They thrive in planted aquariums, where the plants provide the soft, acidic water they prefer. Cardinal Tetras are peaceful and do best in groups, creating a lively display of color and movement in your tank.
7. Gourami: The Gentle Giant
Gouramis are known for their unique, labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe air directly from the surface. This adaptation makes them particularly interesting to watch, as they often come up for a gulp of air. Gouramis come in various colors and sizes, but the Dwarf Gourami, with its shimmering blue and red hues, is particularly popular in planted aquariums. These fish are generally peaceful and enjoy swimming among the plants, which offer them plenty of hiding spots. Gouramis add a sense of calm and elegance to your aquarium, their slow, deliberate movements creating a serene atmosphere.
8. Corydoras Catfish: The Bottom Dwellers
Corydoras Catfish are small, peaceful bottom-dwellers that are perfect for keeping the substrate of your aquarium clean. These fish have a friendly, almost comical appearance, with their whisker-like barbels and armored bodies. Corydoras are social creatures and thrive in groups, where they can often be seen darting around the bottom, searching for food. They are particularly well-suited to planted aquariums, as the plants provide shade and cover, adding to their sense of security. Corydoras are easy to care for and make excellent companions to other fish, their gentle nature ensuring they get along with everyone.
9. Killifish: The Seasonal Star
Killifish are known for their bright colors and fascinating life cycle. These fish often display vibrant patterns and hues, from electric blues to fiery reds. Killifish are unique in that they are often seasonal breeders, laying eggs that can survive dry periods, hatching only when conditions are favorable. This makes them a captivating species for enthusiasts interested in breeding. In a planted aquarium, Killifish thrive with plenty of space to swim and explore. Their lively personalities and striking colors make them a standout addition to any tank.
10. Rainbowfish: A Spectrum of Color
Rainbowfish are aptly named for their iridescent scales that shimmer in a spectrum of colors. These fish are a visual delight, with hues that can change depending on the light and angle. Native to Australia and New Guinea, Rainbowfish are well-suited to planted aquariums, where the plants provide the cover and water quality they need. They are social creatures and do best in schools, where their colors can truly shine. Rainbowfish are active swimmers, and their constant movement adds a dynamic energy to your tank.
11. Rasboras: The Subtle Beauties
Rasboras are small, peaceful fish that are perfect for community tanks. These fish are often overlooked, but their subtle beauty and graceful swimming make them a charming addition to any planted aquarium. Rasboras come in various colors, with the Harlequin Rasbora being particularly popular due to its striking black markings. These fish thrive in planted tanks, where the plants provide the soft, acidic water they prefer. Rasboras are social and do best in groups, where they can often be seen darting in and out of the foliage.
12. Swordtails: The Elegant Swimmers
Swordtails are named for the distinctive sword-like extension on the tail of the males, which adds to their graceful appearance. These fish come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, and green, making them a vibrant addition to any aquarium. Swordtails are hardy and adaptable, thriving in a range of water conditions. They are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young, which can quickly populate your tank. In a planted aquarium, the plants provide cover for the fry and help maintain water quality, making it an ideal environment for these elegant swimmers.
13. German Blue Ram: The Colorful Dwarf Cichlid
German Blue Rams are small, colorful cichlids that are a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts. With their bright blue bodies accented by orange and black markings, they are a stunning addition to any tank. These fish are relatively peaceful for cichlids and can coexist with other species in a community tank. German Blue Rams thrive in planted aquariums, where the plants provide the cover and water quality they need. They are curious and interactive, often exploring their surroundings and displaying their vibrant colors. Their lively personalities and striking appearance make them a captivating choice for any planted aquarium.
In conclusion, choosing the right fish for your planted aquarium can enhance its beauty and create a harmonious environment. Each of these 13 fish brings its own unique charm and personality, turning your tank into a living work of art. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant hues of Neon Tetras or the elegant grace of Angelfish, there’s a fish out there that will complement your underwater garden perfectly.
Linnea is a born and bred Swede but spends as much time as possible in Cape Town, South Africa. This is mainly due to Cape Town’s extraordinary scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere (in other words, because Cape Town is heaven on earth.) That being said, Sweden’s majestic forests forever hold a special place in her heart. Linnea spends as much time as she can close to the ocean collecting sea shells or in the park admiring puppies.
