But from a Feng Shui perspective, what does an aquarium truly symbolize?
And what are the key rules to follow when keeping Feng Shui fish for wealth?
Let’s explore their meanings, lucky colors, ideal numbers, and the best placement for prosperity.
The Feng Shui Meaning of Keeping Fish
In Feng Shui, there is an old saying: “Mountains govern people, water governs wealth.”
This means that water represents continuous financial fortune.
Fish, pronounced as “yu” in Chinese, sounds like “abundance” or “surplus.”
Therefore, placing an aquarium at home or in the office not only enhances beauty and vitality but also serves as a powerful symbol for attracting wealth and abundance.
Lucky Fish Colors and Numbers by Zodiac Sign
Each person has unique elemental attributes based on their Chinese zodiac sign.
The color and number of fish you keep should align with your personal element to enhance good fortune.
Below are recommended colors and numbers according to the twelve zodiac signs:
- Rat and Pig (Water element): Best with black or blue fish. Ideal numbers: 1, 6, or numbers ending in 1 or 6.
- Tiger and Rabbit (Wood element): Green or cyan fish bring luck. Ideal numbers: 3, 8, or numbers ending in 3 or 8.
- Snake and Horse (Fire element): Red or brown fish suit this sign. Ideal numbers: 2, 7, or numbers ending in 2 or 7.
- Monkey and Rooster (Metal element): White or golden fish are most auspicious. Ideal numbers: 4, 9, or numbers ending in 4 or 9.
- Ox, Dragon, Goat, and Dog (Earth element): Yellow or coffee-colored fish are best. Ideal numbers: 5, 10, or numbers ending in 5 or 0.
Best Aquarium Placement for Wealth
1. Wealth Corner (Cai Wei)
In Feng Shui, the corner diagonally opposite the main entrance in the living room is the “wealth corner.”
This is considered the area where financial energy gathers.
Placing your fish tank here helps attract wealth and prosperity into your home or business.
2. Southeast Direction
The southeast area of a house is associated with sunlight, growth, and abundance, ruled by the Wood element.
Since water nourishes wood, positioning an aquarium here forms the auspicious “Water Nurtures Wood” relationship—enhancing fortune and prosperity.
3. Near the Main Entrance
The main door is the key channel for energy flow.
Placing a fish tank near the entrance helps draw wealth energy into the space, symbolizing a steady inflow of fortune.
4. Facing Direction
Feng Shui follows the principle of “back to the mountain, facing the water.”
Facing water symbolizes facing wealth.
Therefore, position your aquarium in the direction people usually face when sitting—such as in front of the sofa or desk—to attract positive financial energy.
Favorable and Unfavorable Aquarium Directions
The placement of an aquarium plays a critical role in home Feng Shui.
Correct positioning can bring wealth and harmony, while improper placement may invite negative energy.
Since aquariums belong to the Water element, here’s how they interact with other directions based on the Five Elements theory:
- East (Wood element): Water nourishes wood—favorable for increasing a son’s fortune.
- Southeast (Wood element): Also auspicious; benefits daughters’ prosperity.
- South (Fire element): Water and fire conflict—initially brings wealth but may later lead to decline.
- Southwest (Earth element): Water moistens earth—favorable for the female head of the household.
- West (Metal element): May attract romantic troubles (peach blossom luck)—unfavorable for relationships.
- Northwest (Metal element): Water drains metal—unfavorable for the male head of the household.
- North (Water element): Water strengthens water—brings financial stability and prevents loss.
- Northeast (Earth element): Water nourishes earth—good for children’s health and intelligence.
Important Feng Shui Aquarium Taboos
- Avoid placing a fish tank behind the sofa or chair: This violates the “back to the mountain, face the water” principle and may cause career instability or financial loss.
- Remove dead or sick fish immediately: They symbolize decline or misfortune and may negatively affect financial energy if left unattended.
- Keep the tank away from sharp objects: Avoid placing it near knives, metal edges, or radiation sources like elevators or electrical panels.
- Do not place the tank in kitchens or bathrooms: These humid areas disrupt energy flow and may cause financial instability or loss.
Conclusion
In Feng Shui, keeping fish symbolizes abundance, harmony, and wealth.
By choosing the right fish colors, numbers, and placement, and maintaining a clean, healthy aquarium,
you can enhance prosperity energy in your home or office.
Remember, true wealth comes not only from symbols but also from consistent care and positive energy.
