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 well-known for its long, curled leaves. They can grow up to four feet (1.2 m). It can tolerate higher pH water and harder water, just like goldfish. The plant is strong and sturdy so goldfish don’t damage it. Unlike most of the other plants in this list, crinums are planted into the substrate and therefore risk being uprooted by your 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. 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 make a great beginner plant due to their easy care, low light requirements and large variety of colors. Anubias congensis, Anubias caféfolia, or Anubias barberi have larger leaves. Their thicker rhizomes 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 protect the anubias, simply drop them inside an Easy Planter.

Turn your anubias into an Easy Planter decoration, to stop fish from eating 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. Simply place it into your aquarium and let the goldfish play with it. They grow extremely slowly, enjoy cooler waters, and prefer low amounts of light. If their fuzzy surface starts collecting bits of detritus, just swish it around in a bucket of aquarium water to clean it off. You can find more information about their care requirements here.

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. While they don’t come in as many varieties, the most popular ones include regular java fern, Windelov (or lace) java fern, and narrow leaf java fern. You can attach them to rocks or driftwood, or place the plastic pot in an Easy Planter decoration. They can be easily propagated by either cutting the rhizome in two pieces, or trimming a leaf and floating it in an aquarium. Then watch little plants grow from the black dots.

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. It will grow slowly if you provide low to moderate lighting and some liquid fertilizer.

You might find that your goldfish won’t be able to or won’t eat these 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. Have fun planting your goldfish aquarium, and enjoy nature daily.

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