What Makes a Good Aquascaping Fish?
In an aquascape the plants and hardscape are the main attraction, so the best fish are usually the ones that support that look rather than compete with it. Keepers commonly look for fish that are:
- Small, so the layout feels larger by comparison.
- Peaceful, so they do not harass each other or shy tankmates.
- Schooling, since a tight group gives movement and a sense of scale.
- Gentle on plants, meaning they do not dig, uproot, or eat the foliage.
- Suited to planted-tank water, which is often soft and slightly acidic, though many fish tolerate a range.
Species details vary, so always check adult size and temperament before buying.
Best Small Schooling Fish
Small schoolers are the usual first choice, and several come up again and again.
- Ember tetras stay under about an inch, and their orange color contrasts nicely with green plants.
- Celestial pearl danios are small, spotted fish with fiery fins that suit nano tanks. They can be shy, so cover helps.
- Rummy-nose tetras are known for tight schooling and a red nose. They are often described as sensitive to water quality, so they suit established tanks.
- Harlequin rasboras have a copper-orange body with a dark triangular patch and are generally a hardy, peaceful choice.
- Cardinal and neon tetras are classic planted-tank fish, though neons in particular are often bred commercially and vary in hardiness.
Group size matters. Schooling fish tend to look and behave better in groups of around eight or more, as long as the tank has room. Keep in mind the total number of fish; a small aquascape fills up faster than it looks.
Bottom Dwellers and Algae Eaters
Cleanup helpers can fit well in a scape, but pick them carefully.
- Corydoras catfish are peaceful, social bottom feeders that are usually kept in groups. They prefer soft substrate, such as sand or smooth fine gravel. For very small tanks, see our guide to pygmy cory size and tank capacity.
- Otocinclus are small algae eaters often kept in groups. They can be delicate after shipping, so established tanks with some biofilm and algae are usually recommended.
- Siamese algae eaters and similar fish are effective on algae but grow larger and can be active. Our flying fox care guide explains how this lookalike differs, including why it can become territorial as an adult.
Shrimp and snails are not fish, but they are common in planted tanks, and the fish you choose should not eat them.
Larger Centerpiece Fish
If you want one focal fish in a bigger tank, options keepers discuss include angelfish, which can work in tall, well-planted tanks but may eat very small fish; and gouramis. Some gouramis are peaceful, while others can be pushy. Smaller anabantoids like the spike-tailed paradise fish are modest in size and suit planted setups with floating plants and gentle flow, though they can be shy.
Hardy livebearers such as platies are sometimes used too. They are generally easy, but they breed readily, which can quickly change your stocking numbers. See how hardy platies really are if you are considering them.
Fish to Avoid in an Aquascape
Some fish are generally a poor match for a carefully arranged planted tank.
- Diggers and uprooters, such as many large cichlids and goldfish, which tend to rearrange substrate and pull up plants.
- Plant eaters, including some larger barbs, silver dollars, and pacus.
- Large, boisterous, or aggressive fish. For these, see our guide to aggressive freshwater fish.
- Fish that grow far beyond the tank, which often get sold small.
Stocking Tips for a Scape
- Plan the fish before the tank. Pick your fish first so the layout, flow, and water parameters suit them.
- Start with plants and let the tank cycle before adding fish.
- Add fish gradually so the filter and plants can keep up.
- Keep fish counts modest. A heavily stocked tank is harder to keep clear and algae-free; if algae appears, see our guide to killing algae in a fish tank safely.
- Quarantine new fish if you can, so you do not introduce illness to a mature scape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fish should an aquascape have? There is no single number. It depends on tank size, filtration, and species. Keeping it light is generally easier.
Do aquascapes need fish at all? No. Some aquascapes are kept with only shrimp or no animals, though many keepers like the life and movement fish add.