Triops Longicaudatus
Triops Longicaudatus Red
Triops Longicaudatus
Triops Longicaudatus Red
Triops food
Sea almond leaf
Aquarium filter
Lighting
Substrate
Decoration
Heating
Cleaning
ThermometerGuide
Schooling fish for the aquarium – movement, harmony and life in the tank
If you are looking for lively movement and natural harmony in your aquarium, then you can’t go past schooling fish. These fascinating animals not only bring dynamism to the tank, but also exhibit impressive social behaviour that continues to delight aquarists. In this blog article, I explain what makes schooling fish so special for the aquarium, which species are suitable for beginners and what you should look out for when keeping them.
Schooling fish for the aquarium: What are schooling fish actually?
Schooling fish are fish species that move in large groups in the wild. This behaviour primarily has a protective factor: in a shoal, the animals feel safer, are better protected from predators and can search for food more effectively. This behaviour can be observed very well in the aquarium – but only if you keep enough conspecifics in the group. Because: A single schooling fish is not a happy fish.
Schooling fish for the aquarium: Why should you keep schooling fish?
The reasons why schooling fish are so popular are obvious:
- Lively movement: shoals move elegantly through the water and create a harmonious overall picture.
- Natural behaviour: In a sufficiently large group, the fish show their typical, exciting behaviour.
- Peaceful creatures: Most schooling fish are peaceful and socialise well with other species.
- Colourful variety: Many species stand out with their striking colours or interesting patterns.
The best schooling fish for your aquarium
If you are new to aquariums or simply want to create a harmonious tank, there are some shoaling fish species that have proved particularly successful. Here is a selection of popular representatives:
1. Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
The small, bright blue-red neons are real classics. They require soft, slightly acidic water and feel most comfortable in a shoal of at least ten animals. Their iridescent appearance provides great accents in the tank.
2. Cardinalfish (Tanichthys albonubes)
These robust fish are ideal for beginners. They tolerate cooler temperatures and are not very demanding. Their silvery body with bright red tail is a real eye-catcher – especially in a group of eight to 12 animals.
3. Reds from Rio (Hyphessobrycon flammeus)
With their intense red colouring and calm swimming behaviour, they create a pleasant atmosphere in the aquarium. They prefer slightly soft water and a shoal of at least six animals.
4. Wedge-spotted barbs (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
These small barbs are known for their pronounced shoaling behaviour. They show great group play and love planted tanks with some space to swim.
5. Copper tetra (Hasemania nana)
With their metallic shimmer, copper tetras bring a noble touch to the aquarium. They are active, robust and feel most comfortable in groups of at least eight animals.
What should you bear in mind when keeping them?
Schooling fish not only need company, but also the right conditions to thrive:
- Group size: The larger the shoal, the more comfortable the fish feel. As a rule of thumb: at least six to ten animals per species.
- Tank size: Even though many schooling fish are small, they need enough space to swim. A tank of 60 litres or more is often the minimum.
- Furnishings: Dense marginal planting provides security, while free swimming zones are important for movement.
- Water values: Make sure the water values are appropriate for the species – many schooling fish come from soft, slightly acidic waters.
- Social behaviour: Schooling fish are peaceful, but should not be socialised with aggressive or very large species.
Tip: Observe the behaviour
One of the biggest attractions of keeping schooling fish is their fascinating behaviour. Observe how they move together, react to each other or respond to food. It’s amazing how well the animals in the shoal communicate with each other.
Schooling fish for the aquarium – Conclusion
Schooling fish are a real asset to any aquarium – both visually and in terms of behaviour. If you provide them with enough space, company and suitable conditions, you will enjoy their elegant movements and peaceful existence for a long time. Whether neon tetras, wedge-spotted barbs or reds from Rio – there is a large selection to choose from and the effect in the tank is always impressive.
