Do Fish Like Bubbles? Yes, Here’s 17 Fishes That Love Bubbles

Do fish like bubbles? Yes, some fish do like bubbles.

Sometimes, they even create bubbles around them. However, not all kinds of fish do this.

Bubbles can also be a sign that there is enough oxygen in your fish tank. Only when there is proper aeration can fish create tiny bubbles. Further, these bubbles help in the oxygenation of the water as well.

Want to know more about fish and bubbles? This article will shine some light on the relation between the two. So, let’s dive right in!

Are Bubbles Good for Fish?

From observing people, we’ve observed that they often love things even if it’s not good for them. If this is also true for fish, does that mean they enjoy bubbles even when they’re bad for them?

Yes, bubbles can be great for fish; however, there is a limit. If there are many bubbles around you should check what caused this because it means that there is too much air.

If your aquarium is supersaturated with gas, it can even lead to Gas Bubble Disease that is potentially lethal. Although it’s quite uncommon for fish to suffer from this, it is not entirely impossible. In such cases, the gas levels in the fish will increase to levels higher than usual

How Many Bubbles Is Too Much?

Let’s define how many bubbles are too many bubbles. It is only natural to see air bubbles in water even without any filters.

If you are using an air filter or air stones, it can create cascades of tiny bubbles. Furthermore, some species of fish create bubble nests as well. These nests are masses of foam on the water surface. 

The bubbles that coat every surface of the aquarium are usually bad for the fish.

If the bubbles do not naturally disappear from your tank in a few days, it is too many bubbles already, and that is bad for your fishes.

do fish like bubbles?

Which Fish Like Bubbles?

Many playful fish species like bubbles. I have listed some of them below:

Tetras 

Tetras are playful creatures, so they enjoy bubbles a lot. You can see them around bubbles most of the time.

Guppies

They occasionally enjoy bubbles, but it does not bother them too much.

Goldfish

Goldfish like bubbles. In fact, bubbles are essential for them to stay healthy.

Bettas

Similar to tetras, bettas love bubbles a lot.

Oscar

Oscar fish also enjoy bubbles occasionally.

Discus

Similar to guppies, they enjoy occasionally. They will do just fine without bubbles.

Angelfish

They like bubbles, and it is essential for some subspecies.

Golden Dwarf Barbs

They like bubbles, but they do not particularly play with them a lot.

Rainbowfish

It is a delight to watch rainbow fish play with bubbles since they like it a lot.

Mollies

Similar to guppies and discus, they enjoy occasionally. 

Zebra Danios

They sometimes like it but will do okay without bubbles. Yet, it can be very beautiful to see a bunch of these fish swim around bubbles.

Platies

Similar to tetras and bettas, platies love bubbles a lot.

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

They do enjoy bubbles occasionally.

Harlequin Rasbora

Harlequin Rasbora does not enjoy bubbles as much as other similar species.

Pea Puffer

Pea Puffer also likes bubbles like tetras and bettas.

Tiger Barb

Tiger barb fish do occasionally enjoy bubbles.

German Blue Ram

German Blue Ram is quite a high-maintenance fish. So, it is vital to take care of the bubbles even though they enjoy playing with them.

YouTube video

Do Fish Like Swimming In The Bubbles?

Yes, fish do love to swim in the bubbles. You can see them swimming in the bubbles, up and down.

They will swim down slowly on purpose and then swim back up to the top with the bubbles super-fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do fish like bubbles?

Although each fish vary from one another when it comes to their level of playfulness, they all exhibit some level of it.

This is common in species that are more prone to explore things like playing with bubbles.

For instance, tetras like to swim around bubbles. It keeps their mind stimulated and body healthy.

How are bubbles created in a fish tank?

In a water tank, oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged at the surface. When the water absorbs oxygen and releases carbon dioxide, the surface can agitate. This agitation can build bubbles.

You can use aquarium devices to create bubbles as well. They will pump air into water and create beautiful clusters of bubbles. Some of these devices are an air pump, filter, powerheads, spray bar aerator, and air stone.

Should I turn off the bubbles in my fish tank at night?

You should not turn off the bubbles in the fish tank at night. If you want to turn it off, you must test the oxygen level. If there is enough oxygen, you can switch it off for about five to six hours.

Final Words

Some fish species like bubbles more than others. But you should be cautious about the cause and quantity of the bubbles in your fish tank.

So, if you can add bubbles in your tank, go ahead and add some. You will not regret it when you see these tiny creatures make a big deal out of it!