Who moves in first: bottom-dwelling fish, mid-level schoolers, or centerpieces?

[CA Dad]

When stocking in aquarium, has it worked best for you to have started with the bottom dwellers (like Corydoras), then other schooling fish (like smaller Rasboras or Tetras), and then centerpiece fish (like gourami)?

[Deku-Corydoras]

That generally makes the most sense, and it's what I do. I think the biggest part is that it's best to add centerpiece fish or any other aggressive fish last, because otherwise they may see new fish as intruding on their territory. Though this isn't a hard and fast rule, more of just a best practice.

In my case, this has led to the unintended consequence of my Cherry Barbs and Siamese Algae Eaters being intimidated by my Cories, who are completely and utterly oblivious to the effect they have.