Schooling Fish Ideas For Your Aquarium 2023

Schooling fish are incredibly popular in our hobby, the thought of multiple small fish swimming together often overtakes the idea of just having one or two larger fish in a tank. Generally, there is more happening in a schooling fish tank, small schooling fish help create a sense of scale within an aquarium, almost appearing like small birds flying in a flock above the landscape. Smaller schooling fish are more in keeping in terms of scale within a detail orientated aquascaped tank when compared to larger fish. Schooling fish are, and will always be, very popular in this hobby. The fact that schooling fish move together can be mesmerising. Schooling fish come in a variety of impactful colours and shapes, sometimes different species will even school together! In this article I will go over some good options for schooling fish. All schooling fish will appreciate horizontal swimming space over vertical space, because of this rectangular tanks are a better option over cube shaped tanks.

Pro Tip: Keep at least 6 schooling fish together of the same species. For example, if you want cardinal tetras, get at least 6. Schooling fish feel safe in larger numbers of their own species. A confident school of fish will eat well and be out in the open more often.

 

Cardinal Tetras – Cardinal Tetras are arguably the most popular tropical fish in the world. Cardinal Tetras often come to mind when people think about tropical fish. They are a small peaceful fish with striking red and blue coloured bodies. What is not to like?! Cardinal Tetras usually school close together in an aquarium and look fantastic against green live plants. They originate from South America and prefer softer water; they will also thrive in blackwater setups. Ensure your tank is at least 60cm in length as these fish will use all the horizontal space they are given. Keep them with other peaceful community fish which do not grow large, unfortunately larger fish like angelfish can make a quick meal out of a Cardinal Tetra.

 

Harlequin Rasboras – Harlequin Rasboras are an extremely popular fish, originating from Indonesia, South Thailand, Sumatra, Singapore and Malaysia. They are very different from most other schooling fish in terms of colour, harlequins have a unique black triangle on their body. Harlequin Rasboras have deeper bodies than Cardinal Tetras. Keep these fish with other peaceful community fish and ensure they are not kept with any large fish. Aim for a tank size of at least 60cm in length but bigger is better for this fish.

 

Ember Tetras – Ember Tetras are slightly less well known when compared with the two species I previously mentioned. Ember Tetras are small orange schooling fish, these little fish are very peaceful, I have even kept them with cherry shrimp before! In general, this species does not school as tightly as Cardinal Tetras, however they will school if they feel threatened. This fish can be kept in a tank as small as 10 gallons. A great little nano schooling fish for a planted tank! These little fish originate from the Araguaia River Basin in Central Brazil.

 

White Cloud Mountain Minnows – These are one of my favourite fish which are often underappreciated in the fishkeeping hobby. First off, these are a coldwater fish and do not need a heater. Sadly, I know many people try to put these fish in tropical tanks which dramatically reduces their lifespan. These small schooling fish originate from China and are incredibly hardy. White Cloud Mountain Minnows do well in tank of 10 gallons or more. They are not the best schoolers, but your chances of them schooling increases if you keep more than 10.

 

Chilli Rasboras – These are one of the smallest fish available in the hobby, reaching a maximum size of one inch. These tiny gems are best kept in a 10 gallon tank or larger. These fish are best kept in a planted setup with other small peaceful tankmates. Pygmy Corydoras and Cherry Shrimp make great tankmates for Chilli Rasboras!  These tiny fish originate from swamps in Southern Borneo and Indonesia

 

Pro Tip: Why not pair smaller schooling fish like Ember Tetras or Chilli Rasboras with Cherry Shrimp! Small schooling fish usually get on well with Cherry Shrimp, the mixture of the two species can make a really interesting, planted tank.

 

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By Alasdair McPhail