4 Low-Light Plants for Your Goldfish Tank

Goldfish are beautiful, active fish, but they have a reputation for being rough on aquarium plants. They love to nibble, dig, and uproot greenery, which makes it challenging to keep a lush tank.

However, some hardy plants can thrive even with goldfish's playful antics. These low-light, tough species not only survive goldfish tanks but also improve water quality, provide oxygen, and create a natural-looking environment.

If you’re looking for plants that can handle goldfish while keeping your aquarium vibrant and healthy, these are some of the best options.

Amazon Sword Plant

Amazon Sword is a popular choice for goldfish tanks thanks to its broad, sturdy leaves and deep-rooting system. This plant thrives in low to medium light and can grow quite large, making it an excellent background plant that provides shade and shelter.

While goldfish might nibble on the leaves occasionally, Amazon Sword can handle light grazing without falling apart.

To keep it thriving, plant it in a nutrient-rich substrate and consider adding root tabs for extra support. Its ability to absorb excess nutrients helps reduce algae growth, keeping your tank cleaner.

Duckweed

Floating plants like Duckweed are a perfect match for goldfish tanks. Not only does it provide excellent surface coverage—reducing excess light and discouraging algae growth—but it also serves as a natural snack for your fish. 

Goldfish enjoy eating it, but because Duckweed grows so quickly, it continuously replenishes itself, making it a sustainable food source. This fast-growing plant also absorbs excess nitrates, improving water quality and reducing the need for frequent water changes.

While some aquarists find duckweed a bit invasive, its benefits in a goldfish tank outweigh the maintenance needed to keep it in check.

Anubias Coffeefolia

Anubias Coffeefolia is one of the best plants for goldfish tanks because of its thick, leathery leaves that are highly resistant to goldfish nibbling. Unlike delicate stem plants that easily fall apart, this plant is built to last.

It grows slowly and prefers low to medium light, making it ideal for tanks without high-tech lighting. Since Anubias doesn't need to be planted in the substrate, you can attach it to rocks or driftwood, keeping it safe from being uprooted.

Plus, its textured, deep-green leaves add a unique, jungle-like aesthetic to your aquarium.

Java Fern

Java Fern is a hardy, easy-care plant that goldfish generally leave alone due to its tough, bitter-tasting leaves. It thrives in low light and doesn’t require soil, as it attaches itself to driftwood or rocks.

This makes it an excellent choice for tanks with digging goldfish. Even if a few leaves get damaged, Java Fern can regenerate quickly, making it a resilient option for long-term plant growth.

Additionally, its broad, flowing leaves provide a natural hiding place for fish, reducing stress and creating a more enriching environment for your goldfish.

Jungle Vallisneria

If you want a plant that can handle goldfish while growing into a lush, underwater forest, Jungle Vallisneria (Jungle Val) is a fantastic choice. This tall, grass-like plant can grow rapidly, even in low light, and its long, ribbon-like leaves sway beautifully in the current.

Goldfish may nibble on it, but Jungle Val grows fast enough to recover. It’s also excellent at oxygenating the water and absorbing excess nutrients, helping to maintain water quality.

To encourage healthy growth, plant it in a fine substrate, and once established, it will continuously spread through runners, creating a thick, natural-looking background in your tank.

Keep Your Goldfish Tank Green and Thriving

Even with their plant-munching habits, goldfish can coexist with the right aquarium plants. Choosing tough, low-light species like Amazon Sword, Giant Duckweed, Anubias Coffeefolia, Java Fern, and Jungle Vallisneria allows you to enjoy a thriving, green tank without constant replanting.

These plants not only enhance the beauty of your aquarium but also improve water quality and provide shelter for your fish. With the right balance, you can create a goldfish-friendly planted tank that’s both low-maintenance and visually stunning.