Exercise & Enrichment Guide

What enrichment means for fish

For aquarium fish, enrichment is best considered as an environment that allows natural behaviours. Appropriate swimming space, shelter, plants, wood, rocks and open areas can all contribute when selected for the species. The aim is not to fill the aquarium with decorations but to create a stable habitat in which fish can move, rest, explore, feed and interact normally.

Design around the species

Research the natural environment and behaviour of the exact fish before choosing layout and equipment. Active swimmers may need substantial uninterrupted space, while shy species may benefit from cover. Shoaling fish may require appropriate group sizes, whereas territorial species may need carefully planned boundaries and hiding places. Flow also matters: equipment should provide adequate circulation and oxygenation without creating conditions that are unsuitable for weaker swimmers.

Keep enrichment safe

Every decoration must be stable, aquarium-safe and free from sharp edges or contaminants. Avoid structures that can collapse or trap fish, and leave sufficient room for normal movement. Enrichment must never be allowed to compromise filtration, water quality or safe maintenance^★. RSPCA guidance stresses that aquarium conditions, water quality and species-specific needs are central to fish welfare, so enrichment should support those fundamentals rather than replace them.