Best Fish for Planted Aquariums

Nothing beats the calm and balance of a lush, heavily planted aquascape. But not every fish is plant-friendly. Choosing the right species ensures your plants stay rooted, healthy, and vibrant while your tank remains balanced.

Plant-Safe Fish

Schooling Fish: Tetras, Rasboras, and small Barbs add movement and color without disturbing plants.

Bottom Dwellers: Corydoras catfish gently sift substrate without uprooting greenery.

Peaceful Mid-Dwellers: Dwarf Gouramis and small Rainbowfish blend well with planted setups.

Shrimp & Snails

Shrimp: Amano and Cherry shrimp act as a cleanup crew, eating algae and detritus.

Snails: Nerite snails and Bristlenose Plecos help control algae but won’t harm plants if managed properly.

Tips for Success

Avoid large, aggressive species that dig or eat plants.

Balance your tank with a mix of schooling fish, bottom dwellers, and algae eaters.

Use high-quality lighting like Illumagic Pixel LEDs to support plant growth.

Supplement with fertilisers such as Phat Pro Fertilizer and Phat Trace Elements for vibrant greenery.

Final Thoughts

Planted aquariums thrive when fish, shrimp, and snails complement the ecosystem instead of disrupting it. With the right species and gear, you’ll enjoy a balanced, natural aquascape full of life and color.