Keeping live plants with goldfish

Can you keep live plants with goldfish? Will they all get eaten? What kind of live plants are suitable for a goldfish tank?

The answer to the first question is a very definite yes! You absolutely can keep live plants with goldfish, and you don’t have to be an expert to do it. As long as you choose the right kind of plant then there’s no reason to avoid live plants in favor of plastic or silk fakes.

But won’t they get eaten? Yes, they will!

It is true that goldfish will eat almost anything, and that they eat a lot. That’s why we say that you need to choose the right kind of aquarium plant. Some plants grow quite slowly and will be completely eaten away before they have chance to grow… but others grow more quickly than goldfish eat, and can therefore survive a bit of goldfish nibbling!

Even with fast-growing plants though, one potential problem with keeping live plants with goldfish is that they may get dislodged from the substrate. Goldfish like to dig around in gravel and pull on plants, which can cause your nicely arranged display to become uprooted and float around the tank. However, this problem can usually be solved by attaching a weighted base to the plant or tying it to a rock or ornament.

Finally, all aquarium plants require a reasonable amount of light in order to survive. We discuss the lighting requirements of each plant in the following articles, along with other aspects of their care.

Takeaways

1. Yes, You Can! – Goldfish tanks can have live plants if you choose the right species.
2. Goldfish Will Nibble – They eat most plants, so fast-growing varieties are essential.
3. Uprooting Risk – Goldfish dig and may dislodge plants; anchor them with weights or rocks.
4. Light Matters – Plants need adequate lighting to outgrow goldfish munching.
5. Best Plant Choices – Hardy, fast-growing plants like Java Fern, Anubias, Hornwort, and Elodea.

What are the best live plants to keep with goldfish?

In these articles, we look at some of the very best live plants for keeping with goldfish. All of these plants are relatively low maintenance and grow quickly enough to not be eaten away!

FAQ’s

1. Can goldfish live with real plants?

Yes! But choose fast-growing, hardy plants that can handle nibbling.

2. Will goldfish eat all live plants?

They’ll try, but tough, fast-growing plants (e.g., Java Fern, Hornwort) can survive.

3. How do I stop goldfish from uprooting plants?

• Weight the base (lead strips/plant weights).
• Tie plants to rocks/driftwood.
• Use potted plants (buried in substrate).

4. What are the best plants for goldfish tanks?

Top picks:

• Java Fern (attach to decor, goldfish-resistant).
• Anubias (hardy, slow to eat).
• Hornwort (floats or anchors, grows fast).
• Elodea/Anacharis (quick growth, survives nibbling).
• Amazon Sword (if anchored well).

5. Do goldfish need live plants?

Not required, but benefits include:

• Better water quality (absorbs nitrates).
• Natural grazing behavior.
• Hiding spots (reduces stress).

6. Can I use floating plants with goldfish?

Yes, but goldfish may eat them. Try:

• Frogbit
• Water Lettuce (if large enough).

7. How much light do goldfish tank plants need?

• Low to moderate light (Java Fern/Anubias).
• 6–8 hours daily for most plants.

8. Will fertilizer harm goldfish?

Liquid fertilizers are usually safe if dosed correctly. Avoid root tabs (goldfish may dig them up).

9. Can I keep carpeting plants with goldfish?

Unlikely—goldfish will dig them up. Stick to anchored plants.

10. Do plants reduce goldfish waste?

Yes! They absorb nitrates, but you still need filtration & water changes.