There’s something about being near water that always calms the soul, which is why looking at all the fish swimming in their aquarium always leaves you feeling dreamy. It makes sense, as their world is quiet, fluid and simple, a far cry from the chaos that exists on the other side of the glass. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering which fish you would be, based on your zodiac sign, then let’s dive into all the many freshwater fish you might find yourself adopting for your at-home tank.
While you can’t cuddle with your pet fish, the love you share for them is deep and unwavering in its own unique way. After all, something drew you to that species and brought you to the fish that was always meant to be yours. And because you spend time and money searching for a suitable tank, finding the right temperature, learning about their diets and decorating their environments to perfection, it’s clear that you care. You make sure you remember to feed them and you know you could spend hours staring at them floating around, back and forth. If that isn’t love, what is?
Only Pisces is ruled by a fish in astrology, but every zodiac sign has a particular freshwater fish that captures their style, personality and underwater flair. Here’s the fish that aligns with yours, according to your sun sign, moon sign and/or rising sign:
The Oscar fish may look innocent enough, but don’t be fooled by their chill and slow-moving vibe. These freshwater fish are warriors and will do whatever it takes to defend their young. It doesn’t take a genius to understand why the Oscar would be deemed “one of the most aggressive fish,” as this cardinal fire sign is ruled by fighter Mars. Plus, Aries is the zodiac sign of identity, and this fish literally has a first name. How much more Aries can it get?
The golfish is a mainstay in fish tanks all over the world (and for good reason). Since ancient China, these fish have been bred for their beauty and attribution to luck and good fortune, solidifying the Carassius auratus as a symbol of status and luxury. Taurus can relate, as this zodiac sign is literally ruled by Venus, planet of wealth and beauty. Don’t believe the negative hype—the goldfish remembers everything, just like a Taurus, and is anything but forgetful. In fact, their memory lasts several months, if not longer.
This high energy and multifaceted freshwater fish could be nothing less than a Gemini. As they dart back and forth around their tank, their iridescent scales shift in the light, lighting up the room as they hang out with a school of five or six other fish. Gemini, too, prefers the company of their clique, as well as having the option to change their outfit at a moment’s notice. With Gemini season taking place in June—when Pride Month is in full swing—the rainbow fish is always in the mood to celebrate.
Despite their small size and cozy demeanor, the guppy comes in a vast array of colors, shapes and styles. And like the Cancer, they demand just enough of your attention to feel special without being forced into the spotlight. However, the real reason the guppy is associated with Cancer is that they do not lay eggs and are one of the few fishies who give live birth to their young. Having guppies in your aquarium means getting to watch their babies grow in their translucent bellies, making you think about Cancerian themes such as love and motherhood.
The Siamese fighting fish—better known as the betta fish—has done more than enough to prove its status as a Leo breed. Take their colorful, whimsical, ornate and feather-light fins that seem to peacock with every turn, for example. Or the fact that they can be quite moody and need to be separated from every other member of their species, or else they’ll start fights. Fixed fire sign Leo understands the need to have the tank to themselves, where they can decorate it to their desires and eliminate competition altogether.
The beauty of the pearl gourami lies in the details, as this dazzling freshwater fish is always emblazoned with intricate polka dots and arresting accents. Virgo is one of the most detail-oriented zodiac signs of them all and this fish gives you plenty to stare at and analyze. Plus, these intelligent fish are always a bit anxious—like your average Virgo—as they’re constantly coming up for air. And because Mercury-ruled Virgos are so opinionated, you might even occasionally hear your pearl poking their head out of the water and croaking at the surface.
Libra is the zodiac sign of balance, grace and unity. And when you’re sitting beside a koi pond filled with colorful, big-bellied beauties, you feel nothing but a sweeping sense of peace and calm. This ravenous fish is eager to eat, but also willing to share and live in harmony with the rest of its friends. They often live in gloriously decorated ponds situated in high-end landscapes, fitting this Venus-ruled air sign’s flare for style like a glove.
Scorpio is the master of sneaking around, evading capture and cloaking themselves in disguise, which is why they move like the kuhli loach. This shy and enigmatic water sign is the master of transformation, which is why they approve of the way the kuhli loach may be a fish, but it looks way more like an eel. This mysterious creature is also a bottom feeder, where it can linger in the shadows and maintain control over its corner of the tank. Scorpio much?
Sagittarius is one of the most positive and adventure-seeking zodiac signs of them all, which is why the angelfish aligns with their life purpose. Not only do they know how to pick a cute name, but they’re also highly opportunistic feeders that will eat pretty much whatever they can fit in their cavity. Sagittarius is spontaneous to its core (as well as famous for their big mouths). Bigger is always better with this zodiac sign, as Sag is ruled by gas giant Jupiter. The angelfish agrees, as it settles for nothing less than a 55-gallon tank.
Every Capricorn has a flare for darkness and deviousness, which is why their style and aesthetic meshes with the red-tailed shark so well. Its shark-like appearance is so Saturnian of this fish, as their black bodies mesh with the shadows, but their blood-red tails remind you to get off their front lawn. This fish can be incredibly territorial and is always in the mood to fight for dominance. Let’s not forget that Mars—planet of drive and aggression—is literally exalted when in Capricorn. This cardinal earth sign is not to be trifled with.
Air sign Aquarius is nothing if not community-oriented. This zodiac sign is always prioritizing the collective over their own needs, which is why they understand the neon tetra’s need to swim in groups of six or more. Although this shoaling species moves unanimously, their eccentric and electrifying appearance sets them apart from other fish and makes them the highlight of your average at-home fish tank. With those vibrant neon bodies that change color depending on the light, these Aquarian fish are ready to swim over to the nearest rave.
Let’s be honest—Pisces barely even wants to be here. This Neptune-ruled zodiac sign is always daydreaming another world and dreaming of escaping from reality. In fact, Pisces lives right next to the spirit world, which is why the ghost catfish—otherwise known as the glass catfish—captures their essence so well. However, just because Pisces loves the idea of being invisible doesn’t mean they don’t care about how they look, because the ghost catfish disappears in skeletal style. Let’s not forget that Venus—planet of beauty—is exalted in Pisces.
