5 Easy Plants for Goldfish Aquariums

Goldfish are notorious for munching on or digging up aquatic plants, which is a shame because live plants are both beautiful and beneficial, capable of consuming the toxic chemicals produced by fish waste. We’ve discovered several species of plants that are easy to care for and durable enough to withstand the curious nibbling of your goldfish.

1. Crinum calamistratum

The slow-growing bulb plant is well-known for its long, crinkly and slender leaves. It can grow to 4 feet (1.2m) in length. Like goldfish, it does well in higher pH and harder water. Because the plant is so tough and thick, it does not get damaged when goldfish bump or chomp into the leaves. Unlike most of the other plants in this list, crinums are planted into the substrate and therefore risk being uprooted by your fish. Consider protecting your newly planted bulb with a ring or large stone with holes in the middle.

Your crinum may be a bit sad looking when it first arrives. It isn’t used to your water conditions and might have some melting leaves. However, if you give it low to medium light and keep it from being moved, it will become well-established and produce ruffled, flowy tendrils that reach the surface of your aquarium.

2. Anubias

Anubias are a popular beginner plant. They have low light requirements, easy to care for, and a wide variety of shapes and colors. Anubias congensis and Anubias caféfolia are larger varieties. Their thicker leaves and thicker roots can withstand heavy use. Because anubias don’t require substrate, an easy way to plant them in a goldfish tank is to tightly wedge them between rocks or attach them to wood using sewing thread or super glue gel. You can also simply drop the anubias with its plastic pot inside an Easy Planter decoration to prevent it from being knocked over.

Keep your fish from eating your plants with an Easy Planter decoration

3. Marimo Moss Ball

The velvety green algae orb is actually a type of algae that keeps its shape by being bounced around in the bottom of lakes. You can place it in your aquarium, and your goldfish will kick it around. They prefer cooler water and low light levels. To clean off any bits of debris that have collected on their fuzzy surfaces, you can just rinse it in some aquarium water. You can find more information about their care requirements here.

4. Java Fern

Java ferns are very similar to anubias in that they are a great beginner plant that don’t require high light or substrate to grow in. There are a few varieties of Java ferns available, but they are not as popular as others. The most popular include the regular java, Windelov (or laces) java, and the narrow leaf java. Attach them to rocks and driftwood or place the plant in a plastic pot with Easy Planter decorations. You can easily propagate them either by 1) cutting the rhizome into two pieces or 2) trimming off a leaf, floating it in the aquarium, and letting little plantlets sprout from the black dots on the leaf.

5. Bolbitis Fern

Also known as the African water fern, this beautiful species has textured, emerald green leaves that are not commonly seen in other aquatic plants. It hails from Africa like the Crinum calamistratum and therefore also enjoys waters with higher pH and water hardness. The bolbitis fern is similar to anubias. It likes to be attached in aquarium decorations and hardscape. This will ensure that the rhizome of its plant does not become buried. The bolbitis fern will eventually grow into a large bush if it is given low-to-medium lighting and some liquid fertiliser. It can even live with monster fish.

These plants are great for goldfish. They will soon realize they don’t like or can’t eat the leaves. To keep them away from temptation, offer them plenty of plant matter and algae foods. Have fun planting your goldfish aquarium, and enjoy nature daily.

You can find out more about caring for your goldfish by reading this care guide.