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 can tolerate higher pH water and harder water, just like goldfish. The plant is tough and sturdy, so it doesn’t get hurt when goldfish bump into or chew on the leaves. Crinums are planted in the substrate, which is a different approach to most other plants. Your fish could also uproot them. Protect the bulb you just planted by putting it in a ring of stones or in the middle a large, hollow stone.

When you first get your crinum, it may look a little sad with melting leaves because it’s not used to your water conditions. If you keep your crinum in low to moderate light and don’t move it, it will establish itself and start producing ruffled tendrils that reach the aquarium’s surface.

2. Anubias

Anubias plants are a very popular beginner plant because of their ease of care, low light requirements, and wide assortment 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 keep anubias from getting knocked over, you can place them 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 prefer cooler water and low light levels. You can clean their fuzzy surface by swishing it in an aquarium bucket. Our care guide contains more information.

4. Java Fern

Java ferns look very similar to anubias. They can be grown in any environment that is suitable for beginners, such as low light and a good 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 beautiful aquatic plant is also known as the African waterfern. It has unique texture and emerald-green leaves, which are uncommon in other aquatic plants. It comes from Africa, like the Crinum Calamistratum. Therefore, it can thrive in water with higher pH or 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. 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. Plus, you can help distract them by feeding them plenty of foods that contain plant matter and algae so they won’t be as tempted to take a bite. Enjoy the process of planting your goldfish tank and taking in nature every day.

For more information about how to house, feed, and care for your fancy goldfish, read this care guide next.