A beautifully planted aquarium isn’t just about the greenery – it’s also about choosing the right fish to complete the underwater paradise.
Some fish make perfect tank mates for lush, planted setups because they not only look stunning but also thrive among live plants.
The right fish can even help your plants stay healthy by keeping algae in check and avoiding plant damage.
If you’re setting up a planted tank or thinking about adding new fish, here’s a fun and helpful list of best fish for your underwater jungle, plus some perfect plant pairings for each species!
1. Neon Tetra
These little gems are the ultimate planted tank celebrities. With their shimmering blue and red stripes, Neon Tetras look amazing darting through greenery. I mean,they look amazing anyways, but you know what I mean!
They’re peaceful and thrive in schools, making them perfect for community tanks.
Pair them with plants like Java Moss and Amazon Swords, and voila – you’ve just made yourself a gorgeous aquarium!
2. Harlequin Rasbora
Harlequin Rasboras are the definition of graceful. Their copper-orange bodies with a striking black triangular patch stand out beautifully in a lush aquarium.
These peaceful swimmers love being in groups and will school together, creating mesmerizing displays.
They’re happiest with plants like Cryptocoryne and Java Fern since these plants offer plenty of cover while still leaving open space for schooling. Their color truly stands out between all these plants!
3. Otocinclus Catfish
Meet your tank’s personal cleaning crew! Otocinclus, or “Otos”, are tiny algae-eating catfish that work hard without disturbing your plants.
They’re perfect for keeping glass, leaves, and décor algae-free. These shy little guys love tanks with Anubias and Marimo Moss Balls since the wide leaves give them extra grazing space.
Plus, they’re just adorable as they stick to the glass, and of course they will do the hard cleaning instead of you!
4. Dwarf Gourami
Looking for some flair? Dwarf Gouramis bring stunning colors to the tank with their iridescent blues, reds, and oranges.
These calm fish enjoy exploring plants and occasionally building bubble nests, a fascinating behavior where males create bubbles at the water’s surface to protect their eggs. Adorable, right?
Pair them with Hornwort and Water Sprite – both provide gentle shelter without overwhelming the tank while offering surfaces for bubble nest building.
Bonus tip: they thrive in slightly denser setups where they can feel secure, so feel free to add some extra plants!
Adding floating plants like Amazon Frogbit can further reduce stress by mimicking their natural, shaded habitats.
Since they are labyrinth fish, meaning they can breathe air, make sure there’s space at the top for them to reach the surface. Dwarf Gouramis also do well in community tanks with other peaceful species, making them a versatile choice for planted aquariums.
5. Cardinal Tetra
Cardinal Tetras are like the neon tetra’s flashier cousin, with deeper red and blue hues. They’re a schooling species, happiest in groups of six or more, where they create a mesmerizing rainbow effect in planted tanks.
They look especially dazzling against Ludwigia and Amazon Swords, which add rich, bold greens to contrast their colors.
Honestly, this adorable fish is enough to convince me to go and set up my new aquarium!
6. Corydoras Catfish
These little bottom-dwellers are both cute and hardworking, making them a favorite for community tanks.
Corydoras (or “Cory Cats”) help keep the tank clean by scavenging leftovers without uprooting plants, making them ideal for planted setups.
Their gentle, peaceful nature allows them to coexist with a wide range of tankmates. Plus, they’re super social and thrive in groups, often seen playfully swimming together along the bottom.
Dwarf Hairgrass and Micro Swords are ideal for Corydoras, offering a soft, carpet-like feel while still giving them space to explore and root around.
These plants also help mimic their natural habitats of soft riverbeds, keeping them comfortable.
Since Cory Cats are sensitive to rough substrates, using sand or smooth gravel alongside these plants ensures they stay happy and healthy while gently foraging.
7. Cherry Barb
Talk about eye candy! Cherry Barbs have a fiery red hue that becomes even more intense during breeding season, with males turning a deep crimson to impress potential mates.
Their vibrant coloration adds a bold splash of color to any planted aquarium, especially when paired with lush greenery.
They’re playful yet peaceful, making them great for community tanks with other non-aggressive species.
Cherry Barbs also love swimming in small groups, so keeping them in a school of six or more brings out their natural behaviors.
For plants, consider Rotala Rotundifolia and Cryptocoryne Wendtii – the gentle sway of these plants beautifully complements their bold colors while offering hiding spots for shy individuals.
They also appreciate slightly denser plantings where they can retreat when feeling stressed. Providing floating plants like Amazon Frogbit can further create a calm environment, helping Cherry Barbs feel safe and at ease in their underwater paradise.
8. Rummy Nose Tetra
With their bright red noses and black-and-white striped tails, Rummy Nose Tetras bring a splash of style to planted tanks.
They’re incredible schoolers, often moving in perfect unison. They love tanks with Amazon Swords, Vallisneria, and Water Wisteria, which provide plenty of swimming space with tall, flowing leaves for contrast.
9. Siamese Algae Eater
Need another algae assassin? The Siamese Algae Eater has you covered. And if you’re an experienced aquarist like myself, you know just how frustrating it is to see algae build up despite your best efforts.
These fish are nature’s cleanup crew, constantly grazing on algae from glass, leaves, and décor to keep your tank looking pristine.
Not only are they efficient algae grazers, but they’re peaceful and leave other plants alone, making them a perfect fit for a planted community tank.
They do best with robust plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Amazon Swords, as they tend to explore every inch of the tank without disturbing rooted plants.
Their active nature makes them entertaining to watch, especially as they glide along broad leaves in search of food.
While they help control algae, it’s important to supplement their diet with sinking algae wafers to ensure they stay healthy.
Providing a well-planted environment also encourages their natural behavior, giving them plenty of surfaces to explore while keeping algae in check.
10. Guppy
Who doesn’t love guppies? I believe these are the most common fish in every home aquarium.
These vibrant little swimmers come in every color imaginable and are perfect for adding personality to a planted tank.
Plus, they’re easy to care for and breed readily. Try pairing them with Hornwort and Java Moss, which offer hiding spots for fry and create a stunning visual balance against their flowing fins.
11. Pearl Gourami
Pearl Gouramis are like the sophisticated artists of the aquarium world, with pearl-like patterns and flowing fins.
They’re peaceful and enjoy a calm, plant-filled environment. Water Sprite, Floating Salvinia, and Amazon Frogbit work great, providing top-level coverage where they feel safest while still allowing them to explore mid-level areas.
12. Endler’s Livebearer
A cousin of the guppy, Endler’s Livebearers are tiny, vibrant, and full of energy. They bring a lot of movement to a planted tank without disturbing plants. A perfect match, am I right?
They love Java Moss, Anacharis, and Water Wisteria, which give fry plenty of hiding spots and create a visually lush backdrop for their colorful patterns.
13. Ember Tetra
If you want a true gem for a planted tank, the Ember Tetra is it! These tiny, fiery orange-red fish practically glow against the lush greens of a well-planted aquarium, creating a mesmerizing contrast that turns your tank into a living work of art.
Their peaceful nature and small size make them ideal for community tanks where they can peacefully coexist with other gentle species.
Ember Tetras are best kept in groups of at least six, as they feel safer and display their most vibrant colors when schooling together.
They thrive with plants like Dwarf Hairgrass, Hydrocotyle Japan, and Rotala, which provide a soft, flowing backdrop that complements their warm hues beautifully.
The delicate, fine leaves of these plants also give Ember Tetras plenty of places to weave through and explore, mimicking their natural habitats in the wild.
Adding floating plants like Amazon Frogbit can create a shaded effect, which enhances their coloration even further.
With their dazzling appearance and peaceful demeanor, Ember Tetras are a perfect choice for aquarists looking to add both beauty and balance to their planted aquarium.