fish that look good with plants

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leestone
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:18 pm

fish that look good with plants

Post by leestone »

I'm setting up a new planted tank and wanna pick fish that'll really pop against the greenery. Any favorites that stand out? I've got a 20-gallon with moderate lighting and some Anubias, Java Fern, and a bit of Dwarf Hairgrass.
fennec
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:08 pm

Re: fish that look good with plants

Post by fennec »

Neon Tetras are a classic choice. Their bright blue and red stripes look insane against green plants. Just keep 'em in a school of at least six, and they'll thrive. Also, they're chill with most plants.
bunker
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:59 pm

Re: fish that look good with plants

Post by bunker »

I'd throw in some Cherry Barbs too. The males have this fiery red color that contrasts so well with plants. Plus, they're hardy and won't mess with your setup. My tank's got a bunch of them with Vallisneria, and it's a vibe.
Yield
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:09 pm

Re: fish that look good with plants

Post by Yield »

fennec wrote: Wed Jul 09, 2025 12:50 pm Neon Tetras are a classic choice. Their bright blue and red stripes look insane against green plants. Just keep 'em in a school of at least six, and they'll thrive. Also, they're chill with most plants.
Yep, Neon Tetras are solid. But if you wanna switch it up, Cardinal Tetras are even brighter and a tad bigger. They're like Neon Tetras on steroids, lol.
tide_walker
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:09 pm

Re: fish that look good with plants

Post by tide_walker »

What about Gouramis? I've seen some with cool colors.
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florinda
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:46 am

Re: fish that look good with plants

Post by florinda »

Dwarf Gouramis are pretty dope. Their colors are wild, and they don't bother plants much. Just watch out for aggressive males, tho.
leestone
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:18 pm

Re: fish that look good with plants

Post by leestone »

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! Gonna look into Neon Tetras and Cherry Barbs first. Appreciate the help.
fennec
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:08 pm

Re: fish that look good with plants

Post by fennec »

leestone wrote: Wed Jul 09, 2025 6:43 pm Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! Gonna look into Neon Tetras and Cherry Barbs first. Appreciate the help.
No prob! Post pics when it's set up. Would love to see how it turns out.
bunker
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:59 pm

Re: fish that look good with plants

Post by bunker »

If you're going for Tetras, make sure your water's soft and slightly acidic. They dig that. My tap's hard, so I mix in some RO water to get it right.
Yield
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:09 pm

Re: fish that look good with plants

Post by Yield »

bunker wrote: Wed Jul 09, 2025 8:31 pm If you're going for Tetras, make sure your water's soft and slightly acidic. They dig that. My tap's hard, so I mix in some RO water to get it right.
Good point. I use almond leaves to soften mine. Gives the tank a natural look too.
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