Which Fish Species Are Luckiest for Aquariums?

Fish keeping for ornamental purposes is an ancient tradition believed to have started during the Sumerian period. Archeologists believe aquaculture and fish farming underwent a natural progression toward ornamental ponds around the year 4,500 B.C., and this probably caught the attention of visitors and invaders from Asia, where the aquarium hobby has always enjoyed a relation with spiritual beliefs. In Japan, koi ponds are often maintained as part of Buddhist temples because ornamental carp species are symbols of fortune and perseverance. In many regions of China, aquariums are placed in commercial and residential spaces as part of the feng shui practice, which advocates certain placement of objects for the purpose of establishing harmony with the universe and promoting luck. To this effect, some aquatic species are considered to be luckier than others. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a trusted aquarium supplier, has compiled a list of some of the luckiest fish you can keep.

Asian Dragon Fish

The arowana, part of the Osteoglossidae family of fish that are bonier than others, is considered to be the most fortunate fish among Chinese aquarists. As an extremely exotic species that can fetch up to $30,000 on the black market, arowana can grow to lengths of three feet, which means they must be kept in very large tanks. Since it’s a difficult fish to procure, keepers often say you have to be lucky to get one in the first place. These fish don’t necessarily look like dragons, but Chinese mythology venerates such fantastical creatures, hence its common name.

Black Moor

This goldfish is very interesting to look at because it resembles a floating dark specter. Black moors are fancy goldfish that grow slightly larger than their red and orange cousins, but they’re fairly easy to keep because of their resiliency and friendliness. The key here is to combine one black moor with eight other fancy goldfish of distinct colors. In Chinese numerology, keeping nine fish in a tank is considered to be good luck.

Clownfish

In a saltwater reef tank, keeping three clownfish is a practice that’s said to bring growth and expansion, which explains why you see these tanks placed in a corner of some Chinese restaurants and banks. The idea is that the good fortune bestowed by these three coral reef dwellers will bring about opportunities to open a second restaurant or another branch. Keep in mind clownfish are happier in aquariums with live rock and plants. If you want to make your luck grow, try to get the clowns from the same “clutch,” because siblings of this species get along better than non-siblings.

Chagoi and Ochiba

In Japan, gifting a healthy koi is a sign of kind friendship, and many people believe having good friends is the best luck you can hope for. Chagoi and ochiba koi are quite large, and they’re known to approach the water whenever keepers are around to feed them. They also need to be kept in a pond rather than an aquarium. Keeping these koi is supposed to make you generous and attract the generosity of others. Note that chagoi are messy eaters, so you’ll have to keep an eye on your pond water for cleanliness.

Whether you keep lucky fish in an aquarium or a pond, you’ll need several important supplies to keep them happy and healthy for many years to come. From filtration and nutritious fish food to submersible pond pumps and protein skimmers, Aquatic Warehouse has everything you need. Stop by our store in Kearny Mesa, check out our website to see all of the high-quality supplies we offer, and give us a call today at 858-467-9297 if you have any questions.