Who Gives A Fish Forums

I've got a 20 gallon planted tank with Java Fern and Anubias, but my Neon Tetras never seem to hide in them. Are there fish that actually use plants as cover? My tank has moderate lighting and a sponge filter.

Neons are more open swimmers. Try Pygmy Corydoras or Chili Rasboras. They'll hug the bottom and dart through dense plants like Cryptocoryne. My 15 gallon has a carpet of Dwarf Hairgrass, and the Pygmies vanish in it.

My Betta chills in the Amazon Sword all day. Not sure if it's hiding or just lazy, but the leaves are thick enough to block light. Tank's got Fluval Stratum and a hang-on-back filter.

pike wrote: ↑Sat Jun 07, 2025 12:03 pm Neons are more open swimmers. Try Pygmy Corydoras or Chili Rasboras. They'll hug the bottom and dart through dense plants like Cryptocoryne. My 15 gallon has a carpet of Dwarf Hairgrass, and the Pygmies vanish in it.

Yep, Chili Rasboras are tiny and love dense plants. Mine hide in the Rotala bushes when the lights are too bright.

Dwarf Gouramis might work. They're shy and will tuck themselves into thickets of Hornwort. Just make sure the plants are sturdy enough to handle their size. My tank's got a sand substrate and a low-flow canister filter.

Ever tried Celestial Pearl Danios? They're like tiny ninjas in the Monte Carlo. My 10 gallon's got CO2 injection, and those guys disappear faster than my paycheck on aquarium gear.

Thanks for the suggestions! Gonna look into Pygmy Corydoras and Chili Rasboras. My tank's got a pH of 7.0 and temp at 78°F, so hopefully they'll adapt.

Just avoid fast-flowing spots if you go with Pygmies. They're not strong swimmers. My tank's got a sponge filter and a ton of Java Moss, which they love.

torto wrote: ↑Sat Jun 07, 2025 4:29 pm Ever tried Celestial Pearl Danios? They're like tiny ninjas in the Monte Carlo. My 10 gallon's got CO2 injection, and those guys disappear faster than my paycheck on aquarium gear.

LOL, same. My CPDs vanish into the Pogostemon Helferi. Tank's got a cheap LED light and no CO2, but the plants are still thick.

If you want something bigger, consider a pair of Apistogramma. They'll claim a corner with dense plants like Vallisneria and defend it. My tank's got driftwood and leaf litter, which they love.