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. It is similar to goldfish in that it can tolerate water with a higher pH than hard water. The plant is strong and thick so that it won’t be damaged if goldfish bump into it. Crinums, unlike other plants on this list, are planted directly into the substrate. This means that they can be easily ripped out by fish. Protect the bulb you just planted by putting it in a ring of stones or in the middle a large, hollow stone.

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 plants make a great beginner plant due to their easy care, low light requirements and large variety of colors. Anubias congensis and Anubias caféfolia are larger varieties. Their thicker leaves and thicker roots can withstand heavy use. Anubias don’t need substrate. To plant them in your goldfish tank, you can simply place them between rocks or attach them with super glue gel. To prevent anubias from being knocked down, you can simply place the plastic pot in an Easy Planter.

Keep fish away from your plants by placing your anubias in 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. Place it in an aquarium and let your fish kick it around. They are slow to grow, prefer cool water, and need less light. To clean off any bits of debris that have collected on their fuzzy surfaces, you can just rinse it in some aquarium water. Our care guide contains more information.

4. Java Fern

Anubias and Java ferns have a lot in common. They are great for beginners because they don’t need much light or substrate. 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

This gorgeous species is also known by the African water fern. Its textured leaves are emerald and green, something that is not common in aquatic plants. It is a Crinum calamistratum ancestor and enjoys water with a higher pH and 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. If you offer low to medium lighting and some liquid fertilizer, it will gradually grow into an impressive bush that can even live with some 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 with your goldfish aquarium and take in the beauty of nature each day.

This care guide will provide more details on how to care for your fancy fish.