Choosing fish for aquascaping
Aquascaping, with its emphasis on aquarium decoration, also places particular importance on the fish. At Aquarilis Paris, we prefer to avoid the label “ornamental fish” and ensure that our aquatic companions enjoy the best possible living conditions. How do you approach the subject of aquarium fish in aquascaping? We’ll guide you through every aspect!
A 100% natural ecosystem
Remember that an aquarium designed for aquascaping is intended to be a 100% natural, balanced ecosystem, offering an ideal habitat for its fauna. The IAPLC, a benchmark in aquascaping competitions, reinforced the importance of recreating a natural environment for aquatic life!
Our finned friends need hiding places, shaded areas and swimming spaces to suit them.
The main difference with a themed aquarium is that the aquascaping decor is not designed around a specific species or biotope, but rather around aesthetic criteria. Residents are selected on the basis of their adaptability to this environment.
Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) in their element.
Fish size in aquascaping
Although the volume of the aquarium is an important consideration, it is not usually the main criterion. Imagine an aquascape worked on a perspective with a beautiful depth effect on a detailed background. In this case, we’ll avoid introducing large fish such as scalarfish or discus, which could disrupt this perspective effect. We prefer schools of micro-fish, even in a large aquarium.
What about the biotope?
As far as biotope is concerned, we attach less importance to the geographical origin of plants, as long as they are adapted to the conditions we can offer them (light, CO2, etc.). We do, however, respect biotopes and species compatibility when choosing residents. Water parameters are also taken into account. Note that aquascapes are often built on technical soils, maintaining a pH of around 6.5 and relatively soft water (low Gh).
Some people wonder whether it’s possible to do without fish and just have a decorated aquarium. Although this is a possibility, we still recommend introducing fish and other aquatic organisms, as they contribute to the balance of the ecosystem. Fish add an undeniable touch of life, also helping plants to grow through their production of nitrates. What’s more, their presence adds life and dynamism to the aquarium.
The Royal Tetra (Inpaichthys kerri), on sale at “Aquarilis Paris”.
Here, Almond Grouse (Hyphessobrycon amandae)
Cardinalis (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
Hiding places, shaded areas and swimming spaces for these Ruby Danios (Danio choprai).
Which fish to choose?
There are many species we could recommend. Among the characids, “grouse” of American and African origin are popular. These include the bright orange almond tetra, the classic neon tetra with its fluorescent blue and red stripes, and the magnificent royal tetra with its sublime blue. Rasboras are also popular among Cyprinidae, as are microdevario kubotai, our favorite for their small size and liveliness.
Vampire crabs (geosesarma) are particularly captivating in closed paludariums.
Harlequin rasbora
The great celebrity in this field is the “Caridina Japonica”, otherwise known as the “Amano shrimp”.
In the Callichthyidae family, we generally prefer dwarf corydoras to avoid soil disturbance. Loricariidae should be avoided, with the exception of otocinclus, which serve a useful function without disturbing the decor. As for shrimps, they have become popular for their colorful appearance and detritivorous activity, contributing to the overall balance of the aquarium.
Would you like to find out more?
At Aquarilis Paris, our pet shop specializing in fish boutiques, our aquarium experts will be happy to answer all your questions and guide you in your choices, whether you’re looking to buy fish, plants or set up your aquarium according to your needs and preferences.
This post is also available in: French
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