My otos are constantly out and about the tank scooting over leaves and hardscape. I don't think I've ever looked in the tank and not immediately been able to spot at least 2-3 of them. My pleco, who I was told I'd never see again once I put him in the tank, routinely rests in full view and isn't particulary skittish about movements around the tank.
My aquascaping,though, is more about creating a good environment for the fish rather than showcasing the plants (though I try to do that as well).
Ditto for lighting, hardscape etc. So I have a wild messy thicket of rotala that the corys pile into during the day, my gourami has several sheltered areas he can tuck himself into and I try to keep a good mix of open areas, shaded areas, and leaf surfaces. So far my wild-life oriented terrestial gardening habits seem to be translating well in my aquarium efforts.
Fish are remarkably similar in their habits to birds when it comes to designing habitat that keeps them comfortable and performing natural behaviors while still keeping them in reasonable view!