The incredible variety of fish, plants and invertebrates available to fishkeepers allows an underwater fantasy of colour if you know which species to keep together. Try out some of the combinations below to enjoy a mesmerizing explosion of colour in your freshwater aquarium.
A Riot of Reds, Oranges, and Yellows
- Puntigrus tetrazona (Tiger Barb): These striking, orange-striped fish create a beautiful contrast against a backdrop of green plants.
- Xiphophorus maculatus (Platy): These hardy fish come in various shades of red, orange, and yellow, and their active nature adds dynamism to your tank.
- Neocaridina davidi (Cherry Shrimp): These vibrant red invertebrates are not only beautiful but also act as a natural clean-up crew.
- Alternanthera reineckii ‘Mini’ (Red Scarlet Temple): Add a pop of red to your planted tank with this stunning, compact aquatic plant.
A Symphony of Blues and Purples
- Paracheirodon innesi (Neon Tetra): Known for their electric blue stripe, these small schooling fish bring a vibrant touch to any aquarium.
- Betta splendens (Betta Fish): With their flowing fins and a wide range of blue and purple shades, bettas add elegance and grace to your tank.
- Poecilia reticulata (Guppy): Guppies come in a variety of blue and purple hues, with their iridescent tails creating an eye-catching display.
- Salvinia natans (Floating Watermoss): This floating plant features silvery-blue undersides, adding an interesting splash of colour to your tank’s surface.
A Kaleidoscope of Greens
- Caridina multidentata (Amano Shrimp): These fascinating greenish-grey invertebrates help control algae and add interest to your tank.
- Pelvicachromis pulcher (Kribensis): Sporting a touch of iridescent green on their scales, these dwarf cichlids are a beautiful and active addition to your aquarium.
- Microsorum pteropus ‘Windelov’ (Java Fern Windelov): With its uniquely shaped leaves, this hardy and slow-growing plant adds depth and texture to your aquarium.
- Limnophila sessiliflora (Dwarf Ambulia): This fast-growing, bright green stem plant adds an attractive feathery texture to your underwater landscape.
A Tropical Sunset: Pinks and Oranges
- Hemigrammus erythrozonus (Glowlight Tetra): These pink-hued fish have a neon-like glow that adds a warm touch to any tank.
- Apistogramma cacatuoides (Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid): With vibrant orange and red accents, these small cichlids are a stunning addition to a community tank.
- Echinodorus ‘Rose’ (Rose Sword): This beautiful plant features pinkish-red leaves, adding a splash of colour to your planted tank.
- Neritina natalensis (Zebra Nerite Snail): Known for their unique striped shells, these snails are efficient algae eaters and bring visual interest to your aquarium.
Monochrome Magic: Black and White
- Panda Garra (Garra flavatra): These striking fish have bold black and white markings, making them a unique and attractive addition to your tank.
- Poecilia sphenops (Black Molly): The sleek black colour of these livebearers adds a touch of sophistication to your aquarium.
- Anubias barteri ‘Nana’ (Dwarf Anubias): This low-growing plant has deep green leaves that create a lush contrast against the black and white fish.
- Tylomelania sp. (Rabbit Snail): These intriguing snails feature elongated shells with dark or golden tones, adding an interesting element to your underwater landscape.
A Hint of Gold: Yellows and Golds
- Xiphophorus helleri (Gold Lyretail Swordtail): These elegant fish have a golden hue and beautiful lyre-shaped tails that catch the light.
- Melanochromis auratus (Golden Mbuna): These striking African cichlids feature gold and black horizontal bands, creating a dramatic appearance.
- Corydoras aeneus ‘Gold’ (Gold Cory Catfish): These bottom-dwellers have a shimmering gold appearance, adding a touch of sparkle to your tank.
- Vesicularia dubyana ‘Gold’ (Gold Java Moss): This golden variant of the popular Java moss is a versatile plant that can be attached to rocks or driftwood, providing a stunning contrast to other green plants in your tank.
Enchanted Forest: Greens and Browns
- Trichogaster chuna (Honey Gourami): These peaceful fish have a beautiful golden-brown hue, making them an attractive addition to any planted tank.
- Ancistrus sp. (Bristlenose Pleco): These fascinating bottom-dwellers blend in with their environment, featuring brown or greenish-brown patterns that create a subtle, natural appearance.
- Cryptocoryne wendtii (Wendt’s Crypt): This versatile plant features long, wavy green leaves with hints of brown, adding depth and texture to your underwater landscape.
- Atya gabonensis (African Giant Filter Shrimp): These intriguing shrimp have a subtle brown colouration and are excellent natural filter feeders that help maintain water quality.
Ocean-inspired: Cool Blues and Greys
- Melanotaenia boesemani (Boesemani Rainbowfish): With their striking gradient from blue to silver, these active swimmers add a touch of elegance to your aquarium.
- Kryptopterus vitreolus (Ghost Glass Catfish): These unique, translucent fish have a silvery-grey hue that gives them an ethereal appearance, creating an interesting visual effect in your tank.
- Egeria densa (Brazilian Waterweed): This fast-growing plant has bright green leaves that contrast beautifully with the cool tones of the fish in this combination.
- Cambarellus diminutus (Dwarf Crayfish): These tiny, blue-grey invertebrates add an interesting and playful touch to your underwater world.
A Hint of Royalty: Majestic Purples and Blues
- Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (German Blue Ram): These stunning cichlids feature vibrant blue and purple hues, making them a striking addition to your tank.
- Danio margaritatus (Celestial Pearl Danio): These small, schooling fish have iridescent blue and purple spots that create a shimmering display as they swim.
- Cabomba pulcherrima (Purple Cabomba): This aquatic plant has feathery leaves with hints of purple, adding a royal touch to your planted tank.
- Tylomelania gemmifera (Sulawesi Snail): These unique snails feature elongated shells with dark purple or brown tones, adding an interesting visual element to your aquarium.
Tropical Fiesta: Bright Yellows and Reds
- Labidochromis caeruleus (Yellow Lab Cichlid): These vibrant yellow African cichlids are a stunning addition to your tank, providing a bold splash of color.
- Rasbora borapetensis (Red-tailed Rasbora): These small schooling fish have red tails that contrast beautifully with their silvery bodies, creating a lively and dynamic display.
- Nymphaea lotus ‘Red’ (Red Tiger Lotus): This striking aquatic plant features deep red leaves and adds a touch of exotic flair to your underwater landscape.
- Caridina cantonensis ‘Crystal Red’ (Crystal Red Shrimp): These bright red and white shrimp not only add color but also help maintain water quality by consuming algae and leftover food.
Pastel Dreams: Soft Pinks and Blues
- Gymnocorymbus ternetzi ‘Albino’ (Albino Skirt Tetra): These elegant albino tetras have a soft pink hue, making them an attractive and unique addition to your aquarium.
- Iriatherina werneri (Threadfin Rainbowfish): These delicate fish feature iridescent blue and pink scales that create a mesmerizing shimmer as they swim.
- Echinodorus ‘Ozelot’ (Ozelot Sword): This aquatic plant has green leaves with pinkish-red spots, adding a touch of subtle color to your planted tank.
- Neocaridina davidi ‘Blue Dream’ (Blue Dream Shrimp): These dreamy blue shrimp bring a gentle pop of color to your aquarium while acting as natural cleaners.
Aquatic Contrast: Vibrant Oranges and Electric Blues
- Pseudotropheus saulosi (Saulosi Cichlid): These African cichlids feature bright blue males and vibrant orange females, creating a stunning contrast in your tank.
- Hyphessobrycon amandae (Ember Tetra): These tiny fish have a fiery orange hue, adding warmth and vibrancy to your underwater world.
- Hygrophila polysperma ‘Rosanervig’ (Sunset Hygro): This fast-growing aquatic plant features green leaves with pink veins, providing a beautiful backdrop for your fish.
- Planorbarius corneus (Great Ramshorn Snail): These large, spiral-shelled snails come in a variety of colors, including blue and orange, adding an interesting visual element to your aquarium.