What Are Middle Water Tropical Fish?

Middle water fish are those that have a preference for the center level of the tank, being neither bottom feeders, nor the type that are attracted to light or "bugs" at the water's surface.

Unless you have referenced a tropical fish book, or talked about the different water preferences of certain fish, it can be hard to identify the middle water fish, because so many species are pretty much top to bottom inhabitants, with the exception that they don't stay on the bottom, but they will travel there, to root around a plant or the gravel.

Two of the more recognizable middle water fish, are the various types of platy and guppy. Since both come with varying fin shapes, and a broad range of colors, they make a nice addition to a community tank both for their brightness, and peaceful nature.

Many different tropical fish will travel the whole tank, but when it comes to feeding time, either because of their size, retiring nature, or natural preference, they will eat in the middle range of tank depth. These are the fish that pick up the flakes that have been soaked to the point where they are heavy enough to sink, as well as top feeding pellets that have started to break apart.

If your top feeders are too eager, the food may go quickly, and you'll need to feed a pinch more until there is some left for the mid-water fish, and the bottom cleaners.

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