Live Plants for Goldfish

According to AquariumFish.net, live plants are useful alternatives to artificial plants in goldfish tanks because live plants provide oxygen and food for fish. Live plants also reduce the amount of algae in water because these plants compete for the same nutrients algae needs to survive. Moreover, live plants absorb nitrates, which can be deadly to goldfish in nitrate-rich aquariums.

  1. Java Fern and Java Moss

    • Both java ferns and mosses are sturdy live plants that can thrive in goldfish tanks without getting eaten or uprooted by goldfish, according to the Goldfish and Aquarium Board. Java fern can be tied to gravel to provide decoration and java moss is even sometimes used as a goldfish aid during breeding, since goldfish like to lay their eggs in the plant.

    Hornwort

    • Hornwort is a live plant alternative that can easily float in the water or can be planted in gravel. If you do decide to plant hornwort in the gravel of your goldfish aquarium and your goldfish uproot it, you don't have to replant it right away. Hornwort gets plenty of light floating at the surface and does an excellent job reducing nitrate levels.

    Duckweed

    • Duckweed is a floating live plant compatible for goldfish, according to Tothefish.com. Though it presents a tasty treat for goldfish, duckweed can spread rapidly. This makes it popular with many goldfish hobbyists. However, duckweed may get clogged in filters if there is too much of it.

    Anacharis

    • Anacharis complements a goldfish aquarium nicely because anacharis and goldfish both prefer cool temperatures, and anacharis can float in the water if it is not planted. Goldfish react to anacharis in different ways. Some goldfish will make a meal out of anacharis, while others will not bother it at all.

    Water Sprite

    • Though water sprite is a hardy stem plant, it also has soft leaves. Because of this, goldfish often eat the leaves. Water sprite can survive if it is ever uprooted by your goldfish after being planted and the plant does well with lots of light.

    Echinodorus

    • The echinodorus species of live plants are beautiful in any goldfish aquarium. However, echinodorus need to be rooted in order to thrive and cannot survive while floating. Therefore, take care when planting echinodorus in your goldfish aquarium.