Top-dwelling fish are a great addition to any tank. Not only do they add vibrancy and diversity, but they may be necessary if you keep aggressive bottom-dwellers, like crayfish or crabs. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best top-dwelling fish for home tanks and explain their basic needs.
1. Silver Hatchetfish Are Peaceful Top-dwellers
This wonderful species has a very unique aesthetic with an unusually shaped body and shimmering scales. Hatchetfish are true top-dwellers and use their large pectoral fins to soar near the water’s surface.
Silver hatchetfish require a minimum tank size of 20 gallons. There should be a temperature of 72 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. This peaceful species is relatively shy. It’s not uncommon for their owners to accidentally startle them, so include plenty of hiding spaces and live plants! We recommend keeping a school of five or six hatchetfish, as they’re quite social.
2. Brown Pencilfish Have a Special Swimming Style
This is another fascinating species with an interesting quirk. Brown pencilfish have an unusual swimming style that helps them move through the water at a 45-degree angle. Hobbyists will enjoy watching them swim because it’s so different from most other common fish types. Like other top-dwellers, they’re a relatively social species, so it’s best to keep them in a school with several pencilfish. A 20-gallon tank is the best option for these peaceful pet fish. Meanwhile, there should be a constant temperature of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
3. Clown Killifish Come in Vibrant Colors
Originally hailing from West Africa, clown killifish are one of the most popular top-dwellers. Their peaceful nature makes them ideal for a community tank if you want to add more variety to your home aquarium. They have a bright aesthetic with multicolored bands wrapping around their bodies. They prefer a slightly cooler temperature of 72 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. However, we should warn that they are notorious escape artists and may try to jump out of their tank. Ensure you seal the lid tightly so these fish can’t leap out.
4. Ember Tetras Can Live 10+ Years
Most tetra species are middle-dwellers, but ember tetras prefer to live in the upper section of an aquarium. These beautiful South American river dwellers add a bright flash of color to any aquarium. They’re also very placid and won’t bother any tankmates. These small fish grow up to an inch long and eat regular fish flakes. One tip is to occasionally feed them live food like brine shrimp and worms because this will enhance the ember tetra’s color. Some ember tetras will live for up to a decade in captivity, so they enjoy a relatively long life.
5. Zebra Danios Are High-energy Fish
Zebra danios are another popular top-dweller, and they’re also one of the most active fish that you can get for your home aquarium. These small fish will zip around the tank searching for food. They may startle other tank mates, so be careful mixing them with certain species. These diurnal fish eat sinking food, but they’ll rarely dwell near the bottom of the tank.
Like most of the fish on this list, it’s best to keep a small school of zebra danios. They’re hardy, so they’re a great choice for new fish owners. Zebra danios will thrive in temperatures of 65 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit with a wide pH range of 6.5 to 8.0.
6. Halfbeaks Have Protruding Lower Jaws
Halfbeaks are fascinating fish with a curious appearance. Their lower jaw protrudes further than the upper section of their mouth. This unique adaptation helps them to feed on small insects on the surface of the water. They do grow larger than some of the other top-dwellers in this guide, so you should aim for a 30-gallon rather than a 20-gallon tank. Exercise caution if you plan on breeding these livebearers because they may eat their fry. They’re also notorious jumpers, so secure the lid to keep your halfbeaks safe.
7. Guppies Are Popular Top-dwellers
Guppies are one of the most common pet fish, so it won’t be a surprise to see them here. Yes, they will swim all over the tank, but they’re primarily top-dwellers. They prefer searching for food in the aquarium’s upper section and will also retreat there when they feel threatened. Their unique mouths help them to eat food from the surface. Guppies are an active species and spend their life exploring. Include plenty of plants in a tank with guppies. These hardy fish prefer a pH of 6.5 to 8.0 and a temperature range of 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Swordtails Come in Many Varieties
Swordtails are another popular livebearer species. They’re primarily top-dwellers but will occasionally dip into the middle of the tank. However, it’s safe to keep them in a tank with crustaceans because they won’t go near them. Swordtails are famous because of their iconic, saber-shaped tails. They are available in many colorations, so they’re great for a display tank. You should get about five or six, but remember to get mostly females unless you plan on breeding your swordfish. Exercise caution because you don’t want to wake up to an overpopulated tank!
9. White Cloud Mountain Minnows Suit Beginners
Another great fish for beginners, the white cloud mountain minnow has basic needs. It can survive wide temperature and pH ranges, so it’s difficult to make mistakes. Also, you can put them in a smaller tank than some of the other species in this guide. Experts recommend a 10-gallon tank at a minimum, but 15 gallons is better. Their modest size requirements make them perfect for apartment owners, too. They live for up to five years and have a beautiful appearance. Originally, hailing from China, this species has a wonderful mystique.
They’re also widely available, so you’ll have no problem finding them!
