To make your aquarium more vibrant and visually appealing, shoaling ornamental fish are the best choice right now. These types of fish will fit any tank size. Let’s aquaplantshub.com reveal 5 beautiful and lively small ornamental fish that swim in schools for aquascaping enthusiasts to choose for their home tanks.
Neon Tetra
The first shoaling ornamental fish we want to mention is the Neon Tetra. This fish is also known by other names: glow fish, fluorescent, or phosphorescent fish. They are currently the most popular shoaling ornamental fish. Neon Tetras have a small, shimmering body and swim in schools. An aquarium will become truly special and attractive with a school of neon fish swimming around.
There are many different types of glow fish. They come in a variety of colors: blue neon, King neon (red), Emperor neon, Black neon… The average size of this fish is only about 2 – 3 cm. On the body of the neon fish, there are two long, glowing stripes. Their scales also shimmer with a silver sheen, making them very attractive. Despite their small size, the average lifespan of neon fish can reach up to 10 years. As long as you take good care of them, you can keep them living long by your side.
Red-Headed Tetra
The Red-Headed Tetra is known for being a very fast swimmer, often appearing and disappearing. Like neon fish, they are very popular among aquascaping enthusiasts. They are favored for their distinctive red cap on their heads, along with a silver body and a tail that is a mix of black and white.
This shoaling ornamental fish is quite small, with a length of only about 3 – 4 cm. The smallest ones can be around 2 – 2.5 cm. They are social fish that live in schools and are very easy to care for. You don’t need to prepare complicated food as they are omnivorous. To take good care of them, you should maintain the water temperature at 22 – 26 degrees Celsius. The water hardness should be between 5 – 11 (dH) and the pH around 5.5 – 7.
Triangle Tetra
The shoaling Triangle Tetra has a very unique appearance. Therefore, they are always chosen for specially designed aquascapes. Every time you look at Triangle Tetras, you will feel a sense of peace. They resemble a flock of birds migrating, searching for a calm place to settle.
They are called Triangle Tetras because their bodies have a black triangular shape. Compared to other small shoaling ornamental fish, Triangle Tetras are slightly larger. They look more prominent and eye-catching when kept in a tank with many aquatic plants. This fish can liven up the tank space with its agile movements.
Rasbora
Rasboras are very popular as food for other fish. In addition, this shoaling ornamental fish is also used for tank decoration. The size of Rasboras is only about 2 cm. Thanks to the highlights around their bodies, they look very beautiful. Moreover, this fish is also famous for its swimming ability.
Due to their small size, Rasboras can only eat small food. This fish is also very easy to raise and care for. You just need to adjust the water temperature to an average of 23 – 26 degrees Celsius. The water hardness should be between 5 – 12 dH and the pH 6 – 7.5. These are the ideal conditions for Rasboras to live and thrive best.
Penguin Tetra
The appearance of the shoaling Penguin Tetra is extremely impressive. They differ from the above fish by having a slender body that can reach up to 7 cm. With a grayish-white back and an underbelly with alternating orange stripes, the most striking feature of this fish is the wide black stripe running from the gills to the tail. Due to their impressive appearance, this ornamental fish is very popular.
To ensure that Penguin Tetras can live and thrive well, it is essential to maintain the water temperature in the tank between 22 – 28 degrees Celsius. Additionally, you must pay attention to the water hardness (5 – 20 dH) and pH 5.5 – 8.
Above are 5 types of shoaling ornamental fish suitable for all types of tanks. They will be the creatures that make your aquarium more attractive and lively. We hope this article helps you in choosing the most suitable ornamental fish.
Nguyễn Thị Thu Thảo
