When you visit a Fish store in your local neighborhood or at the mall, you will notice that the center of attraction is a big aquarium tank with a colorful background and lots of lights and ornaments.

Danios, Barbs, and the really popular GloFish Tetra are in high demand in the market due to their color brightness. I am personally fascinated by beautiful setups and Fishes, but the minimalist side of me is still biased, which is why I lean toward the beauty of simplicity. Black has always been my main preference for clothing, cars, and even room decor. Most of all, my tank setups always have a black theme.

My main celebrities for this article are dominant black-colored aquarium and pond Fishes. These Fishes are all-time favorites,given how timeless they are.

IS BLACK A COLOR?

But first, let me share some views.

The question of whether black is considered a color or not can be answered from both a scientific and an artistic perspective.

ACCORDING TO SCIENCE

In physics and color theory, black is not considered a color. Colors are typically associated with wavelengths of light, and black is the absence or complete absorption of light. When all wavelengths of light are absorbed or when no light is present, the result is perceived as black.

ACCORDING TO ART

In the context of art and design, black is often treated as a color. Artists use pigments or materials to create a visual impression of black on surfaces. In this sense, black is considered a color in the artistic palette, and it plays a crucial role in creating contrast, shading, and depth in visual compositions.

So, while black may not be a color in the scientific sense, it is commonly treated as a color in the context of art and design due to its importance in creating visual effects and conveying meaning in various forms of expression.

WHY BLACK?

These are the reasons I celebrate the color black in terms of Fishes and aquarium background.

ELEGANCE AND SOPHISTICATION

Black is associated with elegance and sophistication. In fashion, a black dress or suit is considered a classic and timeless choice for formal occasions, imparting a sense of refinement.

MYSTERY AND DRAMA

The color is associated with mystery and drama. In art and design, the use of black can evoke a sense of depth and intensity, adding an element of intrigue.

CONTRAST AND HIGHLIGHT

Black makes for an excellent background or contrast color. It can make other colors and elements stand out, enhancing their visual impact.

TIMELESSNESS

Black is timeless; it transcends trends. It is not subject to the fluctuations of what is popular and can maintain its appeal over time.

BOLDNESS AND EDGINESS

Black creates bold and edgy looks. Its association with rebellion and non-conformity adds to its appeal in artistic expressions.

VISUAL IMPACT

It has a strong visual impact, especially when used in high-contrast combinations. Its boldness can draw attention and create a striking aesthetic. While perceptions of beauty are highly subjective, the appreciation of black as a beautiful color is influenced by cultural, historical, and personal factors.

BLACK FISHES

Here are a few Black Fishes who, true to color, are the embodiment of timeless elegance.

BACKGROUND

I still choose dark-colored backgrounds and use white decor, such as artificial cave rocks. Light-colored backgrounds go well with dark ornaments, such as driftwood and dark slate.

SUBSTRATE

Black or white gravel or sand works well as long as there is contrast with the background and decor.

LIGHTING

Several choices can be used, depending on preference and intended result.

LED

A popular choice for aquariums due to their energy efficiency and adjustable spectrum. Look for LED that allows you to customize the color spectrum to enhance the visibility of your black-colored Fishes.

NATURAL SUNLIGHT SIMULATION

Some LED bulbs are designed to simulate natural sunlight, which can showcase the colors of Fishes more accurately.

MOONLIGHT MODE

Aquarium lights also come with a moonlight mode, which provides a soft, low-intensity light during the evening.

This can create a calming atmosphere and allow you to observe black-colored Fishes in a different light.

DIMMABLE LIGHTS

Lights with dimmable features allow you to control the intensity of the light. This is useful for adjusting the lighting to different times of the day or for creating a more subdued environment in the evening. Additionally, it’s essential to provide a consistent day-night cycle to support the natural behavior and well-being of aquarium inhabitants.

For questions, please email [email protected].

“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 ESV

Author

Manuel Yap is a contributor for Manila Bulletin's Animal Scene magazine.