Your planted aquarium isn’t complete without the right fish to bring it to life. The shimmering scales and playful movements of fish can turn a beautiful tank into a mesmerizing underwater world.
Choosing the perfect fish for your aquarium isn’t just about beauty—it’s about creating a balanced, thriving environment. The right fish will complement your plants, adding bursts of color and activity while maintaining harmony in the tank.
In this guide, we’ve curated 16 of the prettiest fish that will thrive in your planted aquarium. From tiny, iridescent gems to bold, striking species, these fish will turn your aquatic haven into a true masterpiece. Ready to see your tank shine?
Neon Tetra
Neon Tetras are small, colorful fish known for their striking blue and red stripes, making them stand out in any planted aquarium. These schooling fish thrive in groups, creating a mesmerizing display as they dart among the plants.
They prefer soft, acidic water and a peaceful environment, making them ideal companions for other non-aggressive species. Neon Tetras are hardy, adaptable, and easy to care for, which makes them a favorite among aquarists.
With their shimmering hues and dynamic movement, Neon Tetras add a lively splash of color that enhances the natural beauty of planted tanks.
Betta Splendens
Betta Splendens, often known as Siamese fighting fish, boast a dazzling array of colors and long flowing fins that bring elegance to planted aquariums.
While they can be territorial, providing a spacious tank with plenty of hiding spots from plants helps reduce stress. Bettas are surface breathers, so ensure there’s room at the top of the tank for them to access air.
Their unique personalities and stunning appearance make them captivating centerpieces. With proper care, Bettas thrive in solitary settings, complementing the serene aesthetics of a lush underwater landscape.
Discus Fish
Discus Fish are renowned for their distinct disc-shaped bodies and vibrant color patterns, making them a striking addition to any planted aquarium. They require stable water conditions, preferring warm, soft, and slightly acidic environments to thrive.
Discus are social fish that do well in groups, offering a stunning visual spectacle as they glide together through foliage. Their peaceful demeanor and need for a well-maintained habitat make them suitable for experienced aquarists.
The vivid array of colors and elegant movements of Discus Fish create a harmonious balance with the lush greenery of planted tanks.
Cherry Barb
Cherry Barbs are small, lively fish known for their vibrant red hues, adding a pop of color to planted aquariums. They are peaceful and do well in schools, often swimming playfully among plants and enhancing the dynamic feel of the tank.
Cherry Barbs are hardy and adaptable, thriving in various water conditions, though they prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Their active nature and compatibility with other species make them a popular choice for community tanks.
With their eye-catching colors and playful disposition, Cherry Barbs enliven the verdant scenery of planted environments.
Guppy
Guppies are beloved for their wide range of colors and patterns, offering endless visual appeal in planted aquariums. These vivacious fish are easy to care for, making them perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
Guppies thrive in varied water conditions, and their peaceful nature allows them to coexist with other non-aggressive fish. Their prolific breeding habits can quickly populate a tank, so monitoring numbers is essential.
With their vibrant beauty and lively demeanor, Guppies add a splash of excitement and a rainbow of colors to any lush, planted aquatic setting.
Angelfish
Angelfish are known for their majestic appearance and distinct triangular fins, creating a striking presence in planted aquariums. Their gentle, graceful swimming style contrasts beautifully with the more dynamic fish in a tank.
Angelfish require a spacious environment with tall plants that mimic their natural habitat, providing both shelter and visual appeal. While they are generally peaceful, they can exhibit territorial behavior, especially during breeding.
Angelfish thrive in stable water conditions, making them ideal for aquarists willing to maintain a consistent environment. Their elegance and unique form bring sophistication to any planted aquarium.
Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish are aptly named for their spectacular coloration, which adds a magical touch to planted aquariums. These fish are known for their peaceful temperament and ability to live in harmony with other species. Their vibrant colors become most vivid when they are kept in a well-maintained, planted environment.
Rainbowfish prefer to swim in schools, which allows them to exhibit their natural social behaviors. A spacious tank with ample swimming room and plenty of plants is ideal to keep these beauties happy.
Regular water changes and a nutritious diet rich in varied nutrients will ensure your Rainbowfish display their best colors. They are a captivating addition to any planted tank, offering both beauty and serenity.
Rummy Nose Tetra
Rummy Nose Tetras are easily recognized by their bright red noses and shimmering silver bodies, making them a unique and attractive choice for planted aquariums.
These schooling fish exhibit a captivating synchrony as they move through the tank, adding dynamic movement to the serene environment. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water and do well in established tanks with stable conditions.
Rummy Nose Tetras are peaceful and compatible with other gentle species, enhancing the community tank experience. Their distinctive appearance and engaging behavior bring a touch of elegance and charm to any planted aquarium setup.
Pearl Gourami
Pearl Gouramis are admired for their delicate beauty and unique pattern of iridescent spots that shimmer under light. Their graceful, slow movements add a sense of tranquility to planted aquariums, contrasting with more active species.
Pearl Gouramis thrive in calm waters with plenty of plant cover, offering them places to retreat and explore. They require warm, stable water conditions and benefit from a balanced diet.
Though they can be shy, their peaceful nature makes them suitable for community tanks. The serene elegance of Pearl Gouramis creates a calming, harmonious atmosphere in lush aquatic landscapes.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras Catfish are popular for their friendly demeanor and bottom-dwelling habits, adding a unique dimension to planted aquariums. These small, social fish thrive in groups, often seen scuttling along the substrate in search of food.
Corydoras prefer soft, sandy bottoms and benefit from the cover of plants, which provide safety and mimic their natural habitat. They are hardy and adaptable, suitable for a variety of tank conditions.
With their playful antics and gentle nature, Corydoras create a lively, engaging environment that complements the visual appeal of lush aquatic plantings.
Harlequin Rasbora
Harlequin Rasboras are known for their distinctive black triangle marking and vibrant coloration, making them a popular choice for planted aquariums. These schooling fish thrive in groups, displaying a mesmerizing synchrony as they weave through aquatic plants.
They prefer soft, slightly acidic water and are compatible with other peaceful species, enhancing the community tank dynamic. Harlequin Rasboras are hardy and adaptable, ideal for both novice and experienced aquarists.
Their lively presence and striking appearance contribute to the dynamic energy and visual splendor of lush, planted aquatic environments.
Zebra Danio
Zebra Danios are small, energetic fish recognized for their horizontal stripes and lively swimming patterns. These hardy fish are easy to care for, thriving in a range of water conditions, and are perfect for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
Zebra Danios are social creatures that do well in schools, adding a dynamic flow to planted aquariums. Their playful nature and ability to adapt to various environments make them a staple in community tanks.
With their striking patterns and spirited behavior, Zebra Danios bring a lively, energetic vibe to any aquatic setting.
Bolivian Ram
Bolivian Rams are cherished for their subtle beauty and peaceful nature, making them a delightful addition to planted aquariums. These cichlids exhibit gentle coloration with hints of blue and yellow, adding a touch of elegance to the tank.
Bolivian Rams prefer well-structured environments with plenty of plants and hiding spaces, mimicking their natural habitat. They are adaptable to various water conditions but thrive best in slightly acidic, warm waters.
Their calm demeanor and compatibility with other non-aggressive species make them ideal for community tanks. Bolivian Rams enhance the tranquil ambiance of lush aquatic settings.
Killifish
Killifish are admired for their stunning colors and intricate patterns, offering a breathtaking spectacle in planted aquariums. These small, hardy fish are well-suited for a variety of tank conditions, thriving in environments with abundant plant cover.
Killifish are often kept in pairs or small groups, where their vibrant display can be fully appreciated. They require stable water conditions and benefit from a varied diet.
Known for their unique breeding habits, Killifish add an element of intrigue and fascination. Their vibrant appearance and dynamic behavior make them a captivating addition to any aquatic landscape.
Electric Blue Acara
Electric Blue Acara are cichlids known for their stunning blue coloration that electrifies any planted aquarium. These medium-sized fish are relatively peaceful, making them suitable for community tanks with other non-aggressive species.
Electric Blue Acara prefer a well-structured environment with ample plant cover, providing them with hiding spots and room to explore. They thrive in stable water conditions with slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Their striking appearance and robust nature make them a favorite among aquarists. With their vibrant hues and gentle demeanor, Electric Blue Acara enhance the visual appeal of lush, planted settings.
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish, often called “Otos,” are small, algae-eating fish that play a vital role in maintaining the health of planted aquariums. Their gentle nature and hardworking demeanor make them ideal companions in community tanks.
Otos thrive in groups, where their social behavior can be observed as they diligently clean surfaces of algae. They prefer well-planted environments with stable water conditions and plenty of oxygenation.
While they are easy to care for, providing a consistent food source is vital to their health. Otocinclus Catfish contribute to a balanced, thriving ecosystem in any lush aquatic setting.