You unlock the aquarium by catching 20 different fish species

The aquarium in Fisch becomes available once you have caught and logged 20 different types of fish in your collection. This is a progression milestone rather than a purchase or quest reward — the game tracks every species you catch, and when you reach 20 unique entries in your fish log, the aquarium feature activates automatically.

The aquarium itself is a display tank where you can place and view the fish you have caught. Once unlocked, you can access it from your main menu and arrange your collection however you want. It serves as both a visual showcase and a way to track your progress toward completing the full fish log.

Key Takeaways

  • You need to catch 20 different fish species to unlock the aquarium — the game counts unique types, not total fish caught.
  • The aquarium unlocks automatically once you hit 20 species; there is no button to press or quest to complete.
  • Fishing in different biomes and at different times of day helps you encounter more species faster.
  • Once unlocked, you can place caught fish in the aquarium to display them and track your collection progress.

Which fish count toward the 20-species requirement

Every fish species you catch for the first time adds one entry to your log, and that entry counts toward the 20 needed to unlock the aquarium. Catching the same species multiple times does not add to the count — only the first catch of each new type matters.

Common fish like bass, trout, and perch are easier to find early on, but you will also need to catch rarer species to reach 20. The game does not require you to catch fish in any particular order or location, so you can work through the log at your own pace by exploring different areas and fishing conditions.

How to find new fish species faster

Different biomes in Fisch contain different fish. Freshwater areas like ponds and rivers hold species like trout and catfish, while ocean zones have saltwater fish such as cod and flounder. Moving between these environments as you fish increases the variety you encounter and speeds up your progress toward 20 species.

Time of day also affects which fish appear. Some species are more active at dawn, others at dusk, and some only at night. Fishing at different times — not just different locations — exposes you to a wider range of the fish available in the game. If you are stuck seeing the same few species, try returning to the same spot at a different time.

Your fishing rod and bait choice can also influence which fish bite. Better rods and specialized baits attract different species than basic equipment does. As you progress and unlock better gear, you will naturally encounter fish you could not catch before, which helps you fill out your log more quickly.

What happens after you unlock the aquarium

Once the aquarium is unlocked, you can place fish from your collection into it to create a display. You choose which fish to show and how to arrange them. The aquarium becomes a visual record of your progress and a place to admire the fish you have caught.

Unlocking the aquarium does not change how fishing works or give you new abilities. It is purely a feature for organizing and displaying your catches. You can continue fishing and catching new species after the aquarium is unlocked, and each new fish you catch can be added to the display if you want.

Tracking your progress toward 20 species

Your fish log shows every species you have caught and marks which ones are new. Open your log regularly to see how many unique species you have logged so far. The log also tells you which biomes and times of day each species prefers, which helps you plan where to fish next.

The game does not show a progress bar counting down to the aquarium unlock, so you have to check your log manually to see how close you are. Once you catch your 20th unique species, the aquarium will unlock the next time you access your menu or return to a fishing spot.

Common mistakes that slow down your progress

Fishing in only one location or at only one time of day limits the species you see. If you have caught 15 species and cannot find the last 5, try moving to a different biome or coming back at a different time. The fish you need are likely in a zone or time window you have not explored yet.

Focusing only on catching the biggest or rarest fish can also slow you down. Early on, it is faster to catch whatever bites, even common species, because you need variety more than size. Once you have unlocked the aquarium, you can focus on hunting specific fish if you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to catch 20 fish at once or can I catch them over time?

You can catch them over time. The game tracks your total unique species caught across all your fishing sessions. You do not need to catch all 20 in one play session — just keep fishing and the aquarium will unlock once you reach 20 different types.

What if I catch the same fish twice — does that count as two toward the 20?

No. Only the first catch of each species counts. Catching the same fish 10 times still counts as just one species toward your 20. The game tracks unique types, not total catches.

Can I unlock the aquarium faster by fishing in a specific spot?

No single spot has all 20 species. You will unlock it faster by moving between different biomes and fishing at different times of day. Variety in location and time is what exposes you to the most species.

Does the aquarium give me any gameplay benefits after I unlock it?

The aquarium is a display and collection feature only. It does not give you bonuses to fishing, better rods, or extra rewards. It is a way to showcase the fish you have caught and track your progress.

What if I have caught 20 species but the aquarium has not unlocked yet?

Try closing and reopening your menu, or move to a new fishing location and return. The unlock should trigger automatically once you hit 20 unique species, but sometimes the game needs a moment to register the milestone.