Brightly coloured fish often take centre stage in a planted aquarium. But if you'd rather let your aquascape do the talking, these silver shoaling fish provide movement, elegance and contrast without stealing the show.
Choosing fish for an aquarium is a fun and exciting process. The hobby is full of wonderful species, and the variety available at your local fish store is likely better than it has ever been.
In a classic community tank, we would typically choose fish with a riot of colour, with activity at every level. Guppies, cardinal tetras, and cherry barbs are all excellent choices for this sort of display, depending on the tank's water chemistry.
For a meticulously planned aquascape, however, the fish shouldn't be the stars of the show. Indeed, many aquascapers may design their aquarium's layout before even picking a fish to stock in it. While in certain situations, shoals of green neon tetras, harlequin rasboras or ember tetras can look great in these sorts of aquariums, sometimes, something a little simpler is the best option.
In fact, those small, silver or grey shoaling fish that countless community aquarists walk past might be the perfect choice for your aquascape. Their subtle colours allow the hardscape and planting to take centre stage while still bringing movement and life to the aquarium. There's plenty of wonderful silver shoalers to choose from, but we've picked out five of our favourites.
Photo by George Farmer
Best Silver Shoaling Species
So, what are the key things we're looking for when selecting the perfect silver shoaling fish for a planted aquarium? While there are plenty of suitable candidates, we took the following characteristics into consideration when picking our favourites:
- Comfortable in bright conditions – Many aquascapes are illuminated by powerful lighting systems to support healthy plant growth. Fish that naturally inhabit clear, sunlit waters are less likely to be skittish and shy under the bright lights.
- Confident and active – We want fish that make use of the entire aquarium, forming attractive shoals that glide through the open water and between the plant stems rather than lurking in shaded corners.
- Peaceful temperament – An aquascape requires enough maintenance and attention without adding territorial disputes or fin-nipping behaviour to the mix. Calm, community-friendly species are generally preferable.
- Well suited to planted aquarium water parameters – Many aquascapes utilise nutrient-rich aquarium soils and CO₂ injection, both of which can contribute to slightly acidic water conditions. Species that naturally thrive in acidic or neutral pH are therefore often the best fit for these setups, although many of our choices are hardy and adaptable.
Fancy something that dwells closer to the substrate? We tried to find the perfect loach for a planted aquarium.
Eyespot Rasbora (Brevibora dorsiocellata)
The first fish to highlight is the delightful eyespot rasbora (Brevibora dorsiocellata), sometimes sold as the emerald eye rasbora. It features a predominantly silver body, accented by an iridescent blue-green eyespot and simple markings on the dorsal fin. These details are understated, yet add plenty of character without distracting from the aquascape.
Photo by Neil Hepworth
Most specimens available in the hobby today are likely captive bred and tend to be fairly adaptable. While they thrive in soft, acidic water, they will happily live in conditions with a pH of up to 7.5, making them a suitable choice for a wide range of aquariums.
They can be somewhat sensitive to poor water quality, particularly elevated nitrate levels and sudden swings in water parameters. However, these are issues that should rarely arise in a well-maintained aquascape. Otherwise, they are a peaceful community fish that is unlikely to trouble tank mates, including the adult shrimp that frequently feature in planted aquarium displays.
Although eyespot rasboras originate from blackwater forest streams and sluggish swamps, they adapt remarkably well to clearwater planted aquariums. Parts of their natural range are heavily vegetated, and they seem perfectly at home among lush aquatic plants. Kept in large groups, they form attractive shoals and confidently occupy the upper levels of the aquarium, making them an excellent choice for aquascapes.
Photo by Shutterstock
Care Considerations
- Keep in groups of at least 8.
- Ideal for aquariums 60cm (24") and longer.
- Can jump if startled; a lid is recommended.
- Most confident in densely planted aquariums with open swimming areas.
Reed Tetra (Hyphessobrycon elachys)
There's a bit of confusion surrounding the reed, or sedge, tetra (Hyphessobrycon elachys) in the aquarium trade. It is sometimes sold under the common name "kitty tetra", although that species tends to be more golden in colour. The reed tetra is unmistakably silver, with subtle blue iridescence on the flanks and beneath the eye that becomes particularly noticeable under the right lighting.
Photo by Shutterstock
In the wild, this species is found across parts of northern Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Throughout this range, temperatures can fluctuate considerably, making the reed tetra more adaptable than many South American characins. It can be maintained in unheated aquariums in warm homes, tolerating temperatures as low as 15°C (59°F) during winter and as high as 27°C (81°F) during summer.
Many of the habitats it occupies are exposed to intense sunlight and support dense growths of aquatic vegetation. As a result, reed tetras tend to be very comfortable in brightly lit planted aquariums, where their metallic sheen contrasts beautifully against vibrant green plants.
Peaceful but bold, reed tetras mix well with other community fish. Males will often engage in harmless sparring displays, raising their elongated dorsal fins as they compete for attention. Unlike some of the tighter-schooling species on this list, they tend to form loose groups rather than cohesive shoals, but this behaviour can look every bit as effective in a naturalistic aquascape.
Tail-spot corydoras shoaling with tetras in the wild - Photo by Tai Strietman
Did you know?
In the wild, reed tetras can be found in huge mixed-species shoals alongside other characins and the diminutive catfish Gastrodermus hastatus (formerly Corydoras hastatus). This tiny catfish shares a similar tail-spot pattern to the reed tetra and many other characins, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the shoal. By joining these larger groups, it gains additional protection from predators through safety in numbers. Why not replicate this association in your own aquarium by keeping the two species together?
X-Ray Tetra (Pristella maxillaris)
The x-ray tetra (Pristella maxillaris) is perhaps the most adaptable species on this list in terms of water chemistry, thriving in water with a pH as high as 8. It is also arguably the most colourful fish featured here, with settled adults displaying a red-orange tail and striking yellow, black and white markings on the dorsal fin. Despite these colourful accents, it remains very much a silver fish, and a beautiful one at that.
Photo by Shutterstock
Tai Strietman recently visited a habitat in the State of Maranhão, Brazil, where he encountered an x-ray tetra living amongst submerged palm fronds and aquatic plants. It was a striking scene and, after reading his account in the July 2026 issue of the magazine, I was reminded just how attractive this species can be. More importantly, it highlighted how naturally these fish fit into lush, plant-filled environments.
Naturally found in clearwater streams and flooded grasslands, a shoal of x-ray tetras will look perfectly at home in aquariums measuring 60cm (24") or longer. They are deeper-bodied and slightly larger than the previous species on this list, reaching around 5cm (2") in length, so they'd be an even better choice for more spacious aquascapes. They can even be combined with another silver species featured later in this article, the gold tetra, creating an attractive biotope-inspired display based on a naturally occurring fish community.
Most x-ray tetras available in the trade today are captive bred and quickly settle into aquarium life. They are bold, easy to feed – readily accepting a wide range of foods. Combined with their peaceful temperament and remarkable adaptability, it is easy to see why this species earned a place on this list.
Photo by Shutterstock
Aquascaping Top Tip
In the wild, x-ray tetras have been observed amongst dense stands of vibrant red aquatic lilies. To recreate a similar effect, consider incorporating a dwarf, red-leaved, Nymphaea species into your aquascape, positioned according to the rule of thirds as a focal point.
The rich red foliage complements the subtle red-orange tones of the tetra's tail, creating a link between the fish and the planting. With just a hint of red repeated throughout the display, the entire aquascape will feel cohesive and intentional.
Scissortail Rasbora (Rasbora trilineata)
This species is one for larger aquascapes only. Although scissortail rasboras (Rasbora trilineata) are often sold at just a few centimetres in length, they can eventually reach 15cm (6") and are highly active swimmers. An aquarium measuring at least 120cm (48") in length should be considered the minimum, although larger aquariums allow them to display their natural behaviour to even greater effect.
Photo by Shutterstock
Long and slender in shape, they feature striking tail markings accented with hints of yellow. Of all the fish on this list, the scissortail rasbora is perhaps the boldest and most eye-catching. However, when provided with ample swimming space, they complement an aquascape beautifully rather than overwhelming it.
Their natural distribution spans much of Southeast Asia, where they inhabit a remarkable variety of environments, from flowing hill streams to blackwater swamps and many habitats in between. This adaptability translates well to aquarium life, and they readily settle into a wide range of aquascapes.
When designing an aquarium for scissortail rasboras, it is important to leave plenty of open swimming space. Concentrate planting and hardscape towards the background and sides of the aquarium, allowing a broad expanse of open water through the centre and foreground. In return, a shoal of scissortails will provide a constant flash of silver as they glide effortlessly from one end of the tank to the other.
Photo by Shutterstock
Like This, Try This
If you don't have the space for an aquarium big enough to house scissortail rasboras, why not track down the lovely dwarf scissortail rasbora (Rasbosoma spilocerca). Reaching just 3cm (1.2") this delightful little fish is almost a miniature version of its larger relative.
Dwarf scissortail rasboras also thrive in planted aquariums, although they can be a little more reserved, which is understandable given their tiny size. They are not always easy to find in aquarium stores, but they are well worth seeking out.
Gold Tetra (Hemigrammus sp.)
You may have spotted two unusual things about the heading for our final species. Firstly, the name "gold tetra" doesn't exactly fit the silver theme of this article, and secondly, we haven't assigned a definitive scientific name.
Let's start with the colour. The gold tetra earned its common name because some wild individuals develop a striking metallic sheen as the result of a trematode parasite. The fish responds to the infection by depositing guanine within the skin, creating the characteristic golden appearance that gives the species its name.
Captive-bred fish, however, are not exposed to this parasite and therefore lack the intense golden sheen of their wild counterparts. Instead, they display a far more subdued silver appearance, making them a surprisingly fitting addition to this list. Wild-caught "gold" specimens are still imported and can live long, healthy lives. The parasite's main effect is making the fish more visible to fish-eating birds, something that is unlikely to be a concern in the average aquarium.
Now for the scientific name. Most gold tetras in the hobby are labelled as Hemigrammus rodwayi, a species found across Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana and Surinam. However, there is increasing evidence that many of the fish imported and sold under this name are actually Hyphessobrycon saizi, a very similar species originating from the Meta River basin of Colombia and Venezuela.
Distinguishing between the two can be challenging, with the key difference seeming to be the deeper body shape of H. rodwayi. For many aquarists it is simply easier to refer to them collectively as "gold tetras" as their care requirements are similar.
Whether you choose wild-caught golden specimens or not, "gold" tetras make an excellent addition to a planted aquarium. Their reflective bodies, peaceful nature and active shoaling behaviour provide plenty of movement and interest without detracting from the aquascape itself.
Aquascaper's Notes
Gold tetras strike a wonderful balance between subtlety and visual impact. Their reflective bodies shimmer as they move through the aquarium, creating flashes of light that draw the eye without overwhelming the layout.
Although they are often associated with blackwater habitats, gold tetras adapt readily to heavily planted aquariums. They provide plenty of movement and contrast while allowing the hardscape and planting to remain the stars of the show.
For the best effect, keep them in shoals of at least 10 specimens. In larger groups, their natural behaviour becomes more apparent, creating a dynamic display that looks just as at home in a carefully crafted aquascape as it does in a dedicated biotope aquarium.
Related article: Our favourite tanks for beginner aquascaping.
Final Thoughts
While brightly coloured fish undoubtedly have their place in the aquarium hobby, there is something particularly appealing about a shoal of understated silver fish weaving their way through a beautifully planted aquascape. Rather than competing with the hardscape and planting for attention, these species complement the layout, adding movement and life while allowing the design itself to remain the focal point.
Whether you opt for the delicate eyespot rasbora, the adaptable x-ray tetra, the elegant reed tetra, the graceful scissortail rasbora or the intriguing gold tetra, each of these species brings something slightly different to a planted aquarium. The key is to choose a fish that suits both the dimensions of your aquarium and the style of aquascape you are trying to create.
Most importantly, don't overlook those seemingly plain silver fish the next time you're browsing your local fish store. They may not immediately catch your eye in the sales tank, but once settled into a thoughtfully designed aquascape, they can be among the most effective and rewarding fish you will ever keep.
Want more ideas for suitable fish for your aquascape? Take a look at these more colourful options.