Best Plants for Goldfish and Cold-Water Tanks

Goldfish and other cold-water fish are notorious plant destroyers — they graze, uproot, and generally treat soft-leaved plants like a snack bar. That doesn't mean a cold-water tank can't be planted, it just means the plant list looks different than a typical tropical setup.

Anubias

Anubias leaves are thick and tough enough that most goldfish leave them alone, and since the rhizome is tied to hardscape rather than planted in substrate, there's nothing for a digging fish to uproot. It also tolerates the cooler temperatures common in unheated or lightly heated cold-water setups.

Java Fern

Like Anubias, Java Fern is an epiphyte with tough, leathery leaves that goldfish generally won't bother eating, and it handles cool water without issue. Tying it to driftwood or rock keeps it out of reach of fish that like to dig through substrate.

Vallisneria

Vallisneria is one of the few substrate-rooted plants that holds up reasonably well against goldfish grazing, thanks to its tough, grass-like leaves. It also spreads via runners, so even if outer leaves get nibbled, the plant tends to keep multiplying. Giant Vallisneria in particular is sturdy enough to handle moderate grazing pressure.

Hornwort

Hornwort is fast-growing enough to outpace most grazing damage, and since it can be left floating rather than rooted, digging fish can't uproot it. It also does well in cooler water and helps soak up the extra bioload that goldfish are known for. See our Hornwort Care Guide for more.

A Good Starting Point

Anubias Petite is the safest bet for a goldfish or cold-water tank — tough leaves, no substrate to dig up, and tolerant of cooler temperatures than most tropical plants.

Keep Reading

• The Hornwort (Ceratophyllum) Care Guide
• Best Low-Light Aquarium Plants