*Freshwater fish are among the most popular aquarium pets for a reason—they’re colorful, diverse, and relatively easy to care for. The Freshwater Fish Education Hub covers everything from filtration and feeding to compatible tank mates and water quality.
Bottom dwelling fish, though often moving throughout the tank, spend most of their time near the substrate where they help clean up leftover food from fish swimming above them.
While they do provide this service, it is important to remember that these fish still need regular feeding, as their dietary needs are not fully met by stray food alone.
Sinking pellets or tablets usually work well, and herbivorous bottom dwellers like otocinclus and plecostomus benefit from leafy greens. The specific diet depends on the species, so knowing their needs is key to keeping them healthy and happy.
Here are 5 excellent bottom dwellers for freshwater aquariums. Kuhli loaches are secretive, nocturnal fish that enjoy hiding in caves or burrowing in gravel. Corydoras catfish thrive in groups on soft sand substrates to protect their sensitive barbels and appreciate sinking food. Plecostomus are great algae eaters but require large tanks and regular feeding, as many species grow quite large. Otocinclus are small, delicate algae eaters that need pristine water and plenty of live plants, while twig catfish rely on excellent water quality and a diet of algae and occasional frozen foods, blending seamlessly with driftwood thanks to their twig like appearance.
Each of these species, when properly cared for, adds a unique charm to your aquarium’s bottom layer.
Chewy editorial team hopes this guide inspires you to welcome these fascinating bottom dwellers into your aquarium, enriching both the environment and your enjoyment. With proper care and attention to their unique needs, these fish will bring life, balance, and beauty to the hidden world beneath the water’s surface.
