4 Plants For Your Cichlid Tank

Aquascaping a cichlid tank can feel like a losing battle.

Cichlids are notorious for digging, uprooting, and sometimes even nibbling on plants, making aquascaping a challenge. Many plants get uprooted, shredded, or destroyed within days.

But don’t give up just yet! The key is choosing hardy plants that can handle the tough love of cichlids while thriving in their unique water conditions.

Anubias Barteri

Anubias Barteri is a rock-solid choice for cichlid tanks, thanks to its thick, durable leaves that most cichlids won’t bother with. Unlike delicate stem plants that can be uprooted, Anubias doesn’t need to be planted in the substrate.

Instead, it thrives when attached to driftwood or rocks, making it easy to position securely in your tank. It’s also a slow grower, meaning it won’t need constant trimming.

Anubias prefers moderate to low lighting and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including the hard, alkaline water that many cichlids thrive in.

Java Fern

Java Fern is one of the most adaptable plants for a cichlid setup. Its thick, sturdy leaves are unappealing to herbivorous cichlids, and since it grows best when attached to wood or rocks, it won’t get uprooted during your fish’s digging sprees.

Java Fern is also incredibly low-maintenance, requiring only low to moderate light and no special fertilizers to grow well. If you notice small plantlets forming on its leaves, don’t worry—this is how it propagates!

Simply detach them and attach them elsewhere in the tank for more coverage.

Bolbitis

Bolbitis, also known as African Water Fern, adds a unique, flowing texture to a cichlid tank while offering durability against aggressive fish. This slow-growing plant prefers to be attached to hard surfaces like driftwood or porous rocks, keeping it safe from being uprooted.

Bolbitis does well in moderate lighting with steady water flow, which helps keep its delicate, feathery fronds looking their best. While it can tolerate the harder water of a cichlid tank, it prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions, so it’s best suited for species that don’t require extreme alkalinity.

Jungle Vallisneria

Jungle Vallisneria is a powerhouse plant for cichlid tanks. Its long, ribbon-like leaves create a lush, natural background while providing excellent cover for fish.

Unlike many other plants, Vallisneria can handle being planted in the substrate—even in tanks with enthusiastic diggers—because of its deep, fast-spreading root system. It thrives in moderate to high lighting and benefits from regular nutrient supplementation.

 If left unchecked, it can quickly grow to the surface, creating a jungle-like effect that can help diffuse light and reduce algae growth.

Give Your Cichlid Tank a Green Makeover

Adding plants to a cichlid tank doesn’t have to be an exercise in frustration. By choosing sturdy, adaptable species like Anubias, Java Fern, Bolbitis, and Jungle Vallisneria, you can enjoy the benefits of live plants without constant replacements.

These plants not only enhance the beauty of your aquarium but also help maintain water quality, provide shelter, and create a more natural environment for your fish.

With the right setup, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—a thriving cichlid tank with lush, living greenery.