The vast majority of community fish are more mid-water swimmers. When I'm looking to fill the top part of the tank the best bet is hatchet fish (tetra family) Can be hard to find sometimes, but are excellent schooling topwater fish. Some killifish also tend to stay toward the top. Not sure on the species.
Hatchetfish at the top? Over the top, more likely.
I once had them. Not for long, though. The tank needs to be FULLY covered.
Unless another species has evicted them from the bottom, zebra danios swim at all levels. Mine try to mimic little cruise missles, skimming along the bottom and using the plants as slalom poles.
hatchets and balloon mollies would be a good choice, though, as with most other molies, you run the risk of buying an already impregnated fish, thus possibly leading to an unwanted surplus of fry.
if you have some time, browse through some pictures of community fish. You can usually tell what part of the water column the fish has adapted to spend most of its time in by looking at the placement of the mouth.
another option... I know this type was not not listed in your acceptable list: is the Africian Butterfly fish.
They most def stay at the top of the water exclusively. I've had them... however as they get bigger... some of those smaller community fish could be at risk... although mine never ate anything but pellets and flakes...
they are really awesome looking and are a great showcase fish (many people are amazed by their interesting fins and looks).
i know its not exactly what you were looking for, but I'm just throwing out some more ideas for you... :idea:
I had 2 gold white cloud minnows in my 37G tall tank that never left the top. So those might work. But, since they are in my 10G they are exploring other areas, even though for the most part they do hang out on top.
I had 2 gold white cloud minnows in my 37G tall tank that never left the top. So those might work. But, since they are in my 10G they are exploring other areas, even though for the most part they do hang out on top.
Mine also do that. I have three Golden Clouds. They all prefer the top. Sometimes they will swim a bit lower, but they refuse to swim all the way to the bottom. Not even for food. Which my guppy and platies have no problem doing. I would recommend at least three or more though. They are extremely active, but don't bother the other fish if they have each other to chase I also like their coloring. Its what caught my eye at the store. And for me, their color even got better after a week.