3 Best Plants for Breeding Shrimp & Fish

If you’re breeding shrimp or livebearer fish like guppies, swordtails, or mollies, having the right plants can make a huge difference in survival rates.

Fry and shrimplets need plenty of hiding spaces to avoid being eaten, and breeder-friendly plants provide both shelter and a natural grazing ground. The best part? Some of the top choices don’t even need to be planted! They grow fast, require little maintenance, and thrive in a variety of water conditions.

Here are three of the best plants to drop in your breeder tank and watch your baby shrimp and fish thrive.

Hornwort

Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a hardy, fast-growing plant that can float freely or be loosely anchored in your tank.

Its needle-like leaves form dense, bushy clumps, creating the perfect hiding spots for fry and shrimp. This plant is an excellent natural water purifier, soaking up excess nutrients and helping to prevent algae growth.

Because it tolerates a wide range of temperatures, it’s a great option for both heated and unheated tanks.

Guppy Grass

Guppy Grass (Najas guadalupensis) is a breeder’s dream plant. It grows in tangled mats, making it an excellent refuge for baby fish and shrimp.

It’s called "Guppy Grass" for a reason—guppy fry instinctively swim into its dense, interwoven stems to hide from their parents, which might otherwise snack on them. This plant also provides a rich surface for biofilm growth, a crucial food source for baby shrimp.

Guppy Grass can grow submerged or floating, and while it may send out tiny anchoring roots, it doesn’t need to be planted. It thrives under a variety of conditions, making it an easy-care option for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

Java Moss

Java Moss (Vesicularia dubyana) is one of the most popular plants for shrimp and fish breeding tanks. It forms thick, cushion-like patches that provide excellent cover, allowing fry and shrimplets to hide and forage safely.

This slow-growing moss attaches easily to driftwood, rocks, and decorations, creating natural-looking aquascapes with minimal effort. Java Moss requires little light and can thrive in a wide range of water parameters, making it a perfect choice for low-tech and filterless tanks.

Because it naturally collects biofilm, shrimp will spend hours grazing on it, benefiting from the extra nutrients. Whether used in a high-tech aquascape or a simple breeder tank, Java Moss is an essential plant for fry and shrimp survival.

Set Up Your Tank for Success

A well-planted breeder tank isn’t just about aesthetics—it directly impacts survival rates and growth.

Hornwort, Guppy Grass, and Java Moss provide essential cover, improve water quality, and support natural food sources for young shrimp and fish. Whether you’re setting up a high-tech breeding setup or a simple filterless tank, these plants will thrive with minimal care.

If you want to take it a step further, consider adding a piece of Cholla wood—it creates additional hiding spots and fosters even more biofilm for shrimp.

Drop these plants in, and you’ll have a thriving, self-sustaining breeding environment in no time!