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 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.
It may appear a bit sad when you first get your Crinum. This is because it hasn’t been exposed to the water conditions. It will grow into a well-established fish if it is kept in low to medium light and not moved.
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, Anubias coffeefolia and Anubias barteri are the best choices. They have thicker leaves and can withstand a beating. 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.
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 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. For more details about their requirements, read our care guide here.
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. They don’t come as many varieties as anubias, but the most common ones are regular Java fern, Windelov (or “lace”) javafern, and narrow-leaf javafern. 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 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 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. 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.
You might find that your goldfish won’t be able to or won’t eat these leaves. You can also distract them by giving them lots of food that is rich in plant matter and alga to keep them from getting too excited about eating. 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.
