SCUBA diving is one of the most exploration-based sports in a world where not much exploring seems left to be done. Indeed, most people are somewhat familiar with oceanic SCUBA diving or saltwater diving; many of its potential wonders and opportunities for discovery continuously come from it. But unbeknownst to many, freshwater diving can be just as excellent, if not more so.
Some of the best places to experience freshwater diving are in Asia. This world of dryland wonders is also a world of underwater magnificence, a place where aquatic life can be as bright and beautiful as anywhere else. Here are just 5 of the incredibly colorful freshwater fish of Asia.
Clown Loach
The clown loach lives in many of the inland waters around Indonesia. Its color pattern is best described as golden-bronze stripes over a black background. Its appendages are also touched with red. The clown loach typically grows 7-10 inches long and is harmless and social.
Glowlight Rasbora
As the name implies, the glowlight rasbora looks magnificent in the right lighting, a neon orange spark. A school of this fish can be absolutely enamoring. Up close, this Singapore-area beauty has a translucent body with very bright orange, yellow, and black solid marking patterns.
Tiger Barb
The tiger barb is aptly named for its gorgeous tiger-stripe pattern. This small, harmless fish features bright yellows, orange accents, and some slight silver tones. This particular breed is a notable freshwater aquarium favorite found mainly near the Malay Peninsula.
Bleeding Eye Barb
Yet another aptly named fish is the bleeding eye barb. Featuring a translucent, stream-lined body, this barb also showcases a set of curious and bright, horizontal color stripes running from head to tail. Red, yellow, and black are its primary colors, with red seeming to come from the eye, hence the “bleeding eye.”
Pearl Gourami
Often referred to as the “leerii,” the pearl gourami is visually stunning. Its body is a combination of brown, purple, silver, and black, and over this color scheme are hundreds of scattered white dots, or pearls. This delightfully colorful freshwater fish is found throughout waterways in Malaysia and Sumatra.
