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

This bulb plant that grows slowly is known for its long, crinkly foliage. It can grow up to four feet (1.2 m). Like goldfish, it does well in higher pH and harder water. The plant is strong and thick so that it won’t be damaged if goldfish bump into it. Crinums are planted in the substrate, which is a different approach to most other plants. Your fish could also uproot them. Therefore, considering protecting the newly planted bulb by surrounding it with a ring of rocks or putting it in the middle of a large stone with a hole in the center.

It may appear a bit sad when you first get your Crinum. This is because it hasn’t been exposed to the water conditions. 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. Anubias do not require substrate so you can plant them in a tank with goldfish. You can either attach them to wood with super glue gel or sewing thread to secure them. To prevent anubias from being knocked down, you can simply place the plastic pot in an Easy Planter.

Place your anubias inside an Easy Planter decoration to prevent fish from digging up your plants.

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 grow extremely slowly, enjoy cooler waters, and prefer low amounts of light. 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. Simply attach them to driftwood or rock, or place the plant with its plastic pot inside an Easy Planter decoration. It is easy to propagate them by 1) cutting the Rhizome into two pieces, 2) trimming a leaf, and then floating it in the aquarium. Little plantlets will grow from the tiny black dots.

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. Similar to anubias or java ferns, the Bolbitis Fern likes to be attached with aquarium decorations or hardscape so its rhizome does not get buried. It will grow slowly if you provide low to moderate lighting and some liquid fertilizer.

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. Enjoy the process of planting your goldfish tank and taking in nature every day.

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