Planted aquariums are perfect habitats for a variety of fish, like Corydoras Catfish, Neon Tetra, Harlequin Rasbora, Guppies, and Betta Fish. Other popular choices include Cardinal Tetra, Angelfish, Dwarf Gourami, and Rummynose Tetra.
A planted aquarium can also house Black Skirt Tetra, Rainbowfish, and Otocinclus Catfish. Enjoy the beauty of your aquarium with these 25 fish! From Siamese Algae Eater to Mollies. Your tank is sure to be beautiful!
1. Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras Catfish are a perfect choice for planted aquariums. These small, peaceful fish have an active and entertaining personality that adds color and life to your tank. They are omnivores and will readily eat both plant material and small invertebrates, making them ideal for controlling any algae growth in your aquarium.
Corydoras Catfish prefer clean, well-oxygenated water with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. They also need plenty of hiding places and places to swim in the form of live plants or driftwood structures.
As they are schooling fish, it is best to keep at least six Corydoras together for them to feel safe and thrive in your tank. With their attractive coloration and active behavior, Corydoras Catfish are the perfect choice for any planted aquarium.
2. Neon Tetra
Neon Tetras are a species of freshwater fish native to South America and are an ideal addition to any planted aquarium. These peaceful yet vibrant fish are small in size, reaching only 1-2 inches in length, which makes them perfect for smaller tanks or aquascaping designs.
They thrive when kept in warm, slightly acidic water with plenty of vegetation in the form of live plants. Neon Tetras require a tight-knit school of at least six fish, as they are highly social creatures and will often hide if kept alone.
Neon tetras display unique coloration with bright red stripes along their sides and blue accents on the tips of their fins; this stunning display adds life and color to any planted aquarium. They are also quite hardy, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists. With their peaceful nature and vibrant colors, Neon Tetras are the perfect fish for any planted aquarium.
3. Harlequin Rasbora
The Harlequin Rasbora (Rasbora heteromorpha) is one of the most popular fish for planted aquariums. This vibrant and energetic schooling fish adds a brilliant splash of color to any tank, as its body is adorned with a deep black band outlined in striking red.
They are relatively small, peaceful, and undemanding. Harlequin Rasboras are active and social fish that prefer to school in groups of five or more, making them a great addition to any freshwater community tank.
They are incredibly hardy and can tolerate a range of water parameters, meaning they’re perfect for beginners who may not have the most ideal aquarium conditions yet. A planted tank with plenty of places to hide is a must for these fish, as they love exploring among the plants.
4. Guppies
Guppies are one of the most popular fish for planted aquariums due to their peaceful nature and vibrant colors. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a great addition to any tank.
Guppies are also hardy and easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Their small size also makes them a great choice for small tanks, as they don’t require a lot of space. They’re relatively disease-resistant and can coexist peacefully with other fish in the tank.
In addition to their beauty, guppies help control algae growth in your aquarium since they feed on it. With proper care, guppies can live up to five years and reproduce quickly. Their fast growth rate also makes them a good choice if you’re looking to populate your tank quickly. All in all, guppies are the perfect fish for planted aquariums.
5. Betta Fish
Betta fish, also known as Siamese Fighting Fish, is a popular choice for planted aquariums. These vibrant fish come in an array of colors and patterns, making them the perfect addition to any tank. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re active and quite hardy as well.
Bettas are best kept in a small tank with plenty of live plants for hiding and exploring. They can tolerate a wide range of water parameters but prefer slightly acidic conditions. Bettas are also known to form long-term pair bonds, making them an ideal species to keep in pairs or even small groups.
With their beautiful colors and peaceful demeanor, Betta Fish is the perfect choice for any planted aquarium. They’re a great way to add some beauty and personality to any tank!
6. Cardinal Tetra
The Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is an ideal choice for planted aquariums due to its stunning coloration, peaceful nature, and hardiness. These small fish are native to South America and are known for their distinctive coloration of bright red on the tips of their fins and tail.
Cardinal tetras are peaceful and social fish that love to school together in groups of five or more. They prefer warm, slightly acidic water with plenty of hiding places among the live plants in your aquarium.
These fish are also incredibly hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. With their vibrant coloration and active behavior, Cardinal Tetras are the perfect choice for any planted aquarium. They’re sure to add beauty and life to your tank!
7. Angelfish
Angelfish are beautiful, vibrant fish that make a great addition to any planted aquarium. They have long, graceful fins and often come in bright colors like yellow, orange, and white. In the wild, they live in slow-moving streams or rivers with plenty of vegetation and woody debris for hiding places.
This makes them well-suited to planted aquariums because they can use the plants as both hiding places and sources of food. Angelfish also eat a wide range of food items, including invertebrates, small fish, algae wafers, and flaked foods. They are also relatively hardy fish that are easy to care for and tend to be disease resistant.
8. Dwarf Gourami
The Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a small, peaceful tropical fish that make an excellent addition to any planted aquarium. The Dwarf gourami sports vibrant colors ranging from shades of blue and green to orange, making it a very attractive fish. They have a very calm demeanor and prefer slow-moving water, making them perfect for planted aquariums.
The Dwarf Gourami is an omnivore and can be fed a diet of live, frozen, and flake/pellet foods. They also enjoy eating algae off the sides of the tank and plants in your aquarium if you are not providing enough food.
Dwarf Gouramis also enjoy swimming among plants and will actively explore the planted parts of an aquarium. They are compatible with many other peaceful fish, so they can easily be kept in a community tank with other small fish.
9. Rummynose Tetra
The Rummynose Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri) is an ideal fish for planted aquariums. This schooling fish features deep red and white colors, adding a stunning contrast to any aquascape. It is an active swimmer that enjoys exploring its natural environment and interacting with other peaceful species.
Rummynose Tetras are also very hardy and can tolerate a wide variety of water parameters, which makes them perfect for beginner and experienced aquarists alike. They have an average size of about 2 inches, so they won’t take up too much space in the tank either.
Although Rummynose Tetras prefer planted aquariums, they can also thrive in tanks with rocks and driftwood. They prefer to be kept in groups of 6 or more to reduce aggression and encourage natural behavior.
10. Zebra Danio
The Zebra Danio (Danio rerio) is a small, peaceful fish that makes a great addition to any planted aquarium. It boasts vibrant yellow and blue stripes along its body that create a striking pattern in the tank.
Zebra Danios are active swimmers and love to explore their environment, making them perfect for aquascaping. They can be kept in schools and are known to happily interact with other fish species. Not only that, but they’re also very hardy, so they don’t require any special care when it comes to water parameters or diet.
11. Platy Fish
The Platy Fish is the perfect choice for a planted aquarium. This lively and active fish is known to be very social and can quickly adapt to its environment. It may come in various shades of orange, yellow, red, blue, or green with stripes or spots, offering a splash of color in the tank.
They are easy to care for, tolerant of other tank mates, and can live up to five years in the right environment. Platy Fish are omnivores that need a balanced diet that includes flakes, flake-based pellets, and frozen or freeze-dried foods. They also require clean water with an adequate filtration system to maintain their health.
With its vibrant colors, easy care, and peaceful nature, the Platy Fish is the perfect addition to any planted aquarium. By adding a few Platy Fish to your tank, you can expect an abundance of activity and life in your aquarium from their energetic swimming.
12. Black Skirt Tetra
Black Skirt Tetras (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) is a great choice for planted aquariums due to their peaceful nature, vibrant colors, and hardiness. These small fish feature a black stripe running along their silver body with bright red fins, adding beauty and color to any tank.
They prefer warm, slightly acidic water and like to school in groups of six or more. Black Skirt Tetras are omnivores, so they will readily feed on a diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods.
They also enjoy grazing on algae in the tank and can help maintain cleanliness in the aquarium. With their peaceful nature and attractive appearance, Black Skirt Tetras are the perfect addition to any planted aquarium.
13. Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia spp.) is perfect for planted aquariums due to their peaceful nature and bright, vibrant colors. This type of fish is native to Australia and New Guinea and can reach up to five inches in length.
Rainbowfish tend to school together in groups, making them an ideal choice if you’re looking for a community tank. Rainbowfish are omnivores and will feed on both plant material and small invertebrates. They prefer warm, slightly acidic water with plenty of vegetation to provide hiding places and shelter.
Additionally, they require good filtration and aeration to thrive in the aquarium environment. With their stunning colors and peaceful demeanor, Rainbowfish are the perfect choice for any planted aquarium.
14. Otocinclus Catfish
The Otocinclus Catfish is an ideal candidate for planted aquariums, as these small freshwater fish feed mainly on algae, so can help to keep it under control. They reach just an average size of 1.5 inches, so are suitable for even quite small aquarium tanks and require minimal care.
In addition to helping with algae control, this fish species is also peaceful and relatively inactive, so has no adverse impact on other tank inhabitants.
Moreover, their curved bodies and muted color pattern lend themselves beautifully to a planted aquarium. That said, they are shoaling fish that do best in groups of at least five or more, so should not be kept as singles.
15. Siamese Algae Eater
Siamese Algae Eaters are beloved fish that can add an extra layer of excitement to any planted aquarium. The SAE is not only pleasing to the eye with its vibrant colors but also a welcome addition to the health of the tank.
It has earned the name “Algae Eater” for good reason – its natural diet consists of soft and hard algae, giving it an admirable appetite to devour any nuisance algae in the vicinity. Being surprisingly hardy fish, SAEs also rarely succumb to external illnesses and can survive in both high and low-pH environments.
In addition, they’re peaceful and mostly stay at the bottom or middle regions, instead of competing over resources with other dwellers in the aquascapes. All said, this species truly is a great choice for a planted aquarium environment.
16. White Cloud Mountain Minnow
White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a species of freshwater fish native to Asia. Thanks to its hardy nature and small size, it is an ideal addition to almost any planted aquarium.
This fish grows up to 3 inches in length, schools well, and has minimal upkeep requirements. Paired with a filtered tank and monitored water parameters, this species will thrive in any aquascape! This colorful fish also adds vibrancy to any tank with its range of sharp hues; startlingly white on the underside and red, orange, or even black along the back.
With its peaceful temperament, resistance against ailments and disease, energetic behavior, and love for plants, this beauty is perfect for an effortless yet eye-catching set-up in any home or office aquascape.
17. Clown Pleco
The Clown Pleco (Panaqolus maccus) is the perfect fish for planted aquariums, thanks to its small size and peaceful temperament. These bottom-dwelling plecos come in a variety of colors ranging from deep black to bright yellow and orange, adding vibrant color and life to any tank.
Clown Plecos are also very hardy and can withstand a range of water parameters, making them perfect for both beginner and experienced aquarists. They prefer to inhabit the bottom of the tank where they will feed on algae and small invertebrates. Additionally, Clown Plecos love planted aquariums as they provide plenty of hiding places and areas to explore.
This species is also a great addition to any community tank as they’re peaceful and get along well with other fish. They are an ideal choice for aquarists looking to add colorful and entertaining personalities to their planted aquariums.
18. Mollies
Mollies are a popular choice for planted aquariums because of their peaceful nature and vibrant colors. These small fish come in a variety of shades, including black, yellow, orange, and white. Mollies prefer warm water with plenty of vegetation and structures to explore.
They also require good water quality and make great tank mates with other peaceful species. Mollies also tend to be very hardy and disease-resistant, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists.
When it comes to diet, mollies are omnivores that prefer a mix of plant-based and meaty foods. They also love grazing on algae in the tank, which can help keep the aquarium clean.
19. Glass Catfish
The Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus bicirrhis) is one of the most beautiful and unique fish to add to an aquarium. It is a great choice for planted aquariums due to its peaceful, non-aggressive nature that makes it compatible with other tankmates.
Additionally, the Glass Catfish is quite hardy and easy to care for, making them appropriate even for newer aquarists. They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of four or more individuals; it has been observed that they seem much happier when in the company of their species.
Glass catfish have delicate bodies and thin fins that can easily get damaged by larger, non-peaceful fish; so if you introduce them into a mature tank populated by other competing species, make sure there are plenty of hiding places available!
20. Gourami Fish
Gourami Fish are a peaceful, tropical freshwater species that thrive in planted aquariums. These fascinating fish are highly intelligent and relatively easy to care for. They come in several vivid colors and can reach sizes of up to three inches long.
With their striking coloration, active behavior, and peaceable demeanor, Gourami Fish make wonderful additions to any planted aquarium. Moreover, they are also known for their engaging interaction with humans – swimming through tank decorations as if they were exploring their surroundings or repeatedly peeking their heads out of the water surface in search of food or attention!
21. Kribensis Cichlid
Kribensis Cichlid is a type of fish that is perfect for planted aquariums because they are small, peaceful, and colorful. They are also known to be easy to care for and do well in a variety of water conditions. The Kribensis have vibrant colors ranging from yellow to red with a distinctive black stripe running down their sides.
They can be seen darting around the aquarium, scavenging for food, and swimming in schools. Due to their peaceful nature, they are perfect for planted tanks, as they will not disturb or uproot plants while swimming.
Although they are small in size, they still need plenty of space to swim and explore without overcrowding. Furthermore, they are easy to feed and do not require any special food items. All in all Kribensis Cichlids make a perfect addition to a planted aquarium setting.
22. Redline Rasbora
Redline Rasbora is a stunning fish that makes the perfect addition to any planted aquarium. This vibrant species has an eye-catching red stripe along its body, making it instantly recognizable and visually appealing. Redline Rasbora requires very minimal care and can thrive in both warm and cold water temperatures.
They are also extremely peaceful and shoaling fish, so they make an excellent addition to community aquariums. Redline Rasbora is also a great choice for planted tanks due to its affinity for grazing on algae that can quickly take over a tank if left unchecked. They are also quite hardy and can survive in low oxygen levels or water flow when compared to other species of fish.
23. Threadfin Rainbowfish
The Threadfin Rainbowfish (Iriatherina werneri) is an excellent species to keep in planted aquariums. These popular freshwater fish are small, generally growing no more than four centimeters, and they possess a beautiful silver body with elegantly flowing fins – hence the name!
They are very peaceful and actively swim throughout the water column and around aquatic plants. As such, thriving populations of Threadfin Rainbowfish can create a striking visual display while also helping improve water quality due to their efficient grazing habits.
Their low nutrient requirements also mean that they won’t produce too much waste or disturb their environment, making them an environmentally friendly species.
24. Killifish
Killifish are a type of aquarium fish that can add great beauty and interest to your planted aquarium. They are relatively small and peaceful, so it’s easy to maintain fry in shoals without overcrowding or aggression.
There is a huge range of spectacular killifish, each with its personalities and aesthetics that will bring joy to any aquascape. Their smaller size also makes them an ideal choice for smaller tanks. Furthermore, they are generally low maintenance and not picky eaters – making them very easy to care for, even for people with hectic lifestyles.
25. Honey Gourami
The Honey Gourami is a beautiful and peaceful fish that is perfect for planted aquariums. It has an attractive yellowish color, with vivid red stripes running along the body. The male of this species is particularly beautiful and has a bright orange-yellow coloration on its head and fins.
Honey Gouramis are an ideal addition to planted aquariums, as they help keep the water clean and clear by eating algae. They also require very little space, so they won’t overcrowd your tank. Additionally, they are easy to care for and peaceful with other fish species.
When it comes to planted tanks, Honey Gouramis provide many benefits. They are hardy and great for adding motion and color to your tank, as well as helping maintain water quality by consuming algae. Plus, their peaceful nature makes them easy to keep with other species in the same tank.
In Conclusion
Many different types of fish can make a beautiful addition to any planted aquarium. From peaceful tetras to hardy plecos and vibrant rainbowfish, each type of fish brings something unique to the aquascape.
Not only do these species provide visual beauty with their colors and movements, but they also help keep the tank clean and healthy. As long as you research the specific needs of each species and pay attention to water parameters, you can create a vibrant and thriving planted aquarium with any of these fish!
