Do Cichlids Eat Anubia Plants – A Cichlid Keeper’S Survival Guide

Written ByHoward Parker

Let’s be honest, keeping a lush, green planted tank with cichlids can feel like an impossible dream. You spend hours aquascaping, only to find your beautiful plants shredded, uprooted, or turned into a fishy salad bar overnight. It’s a common frustration that makes many cichlid lovers give up on live plants entirely.

But what if I told you there’s a nearly ‘cichlid-proof’ plant that can thrive even with these boisterous fish? What if you could have that beautiful, natural aquascape without the constant destruction? This is where the mighty Anubias plant comes in.

In this complete guide, we’ll finally answer the big question: do cichlids eat anubia plants? We promise to give you the clear, expert-backed answer you’ve been looking for. We’ll explore which cichlids are safe, which are risky, and provide a step-by-step guide to planting Anubias for maximum, long-term success in your aquarium.

The Short Answer: Do Cichlids Eat Anubia Plants?

Here’s the fantastic news: Generally, no, most cichlids do not eat Anubias plants. This is the single biggest reason why Anubias is the go-to plant for cichlid keepers, from beginners to seasoned pros.

But why do they leave it alone? It’s not by accident. Anubias has a few secret weapons that make it incredibly unappetizing to even the most determined plant-eater.

  • Tough, Leathery Leaves: Anubias leaves are incredibly thick, waxy, and durable. For a fish, trying to take a bite is like trying to chew through a piece of plastic. It’s simply not worth the effort.
  • Bitter Taste: The leaves contain compounds that give them a bitter, unpleasant taste. Most fish will take an exploratory nibble, realize it’s disgusting, and leave it alone for good.
  • Slow Growth: Its slow growth means the leaves are built for endurance, not for being a tender, tasty snack.

However, “generally no” isn’t “absolutely never.” There are always exceptions to the rule, which usually depend more on the type of cichlid you keep than the plant itself. Let’s break that down.

Not All Cichlids Are Created Equal: A Cichlid-by-Cichlid Breakdown

Thinking about keeping cichlids and Anubias together is less about the plant and more about the fish. Cichlids are a massive, diverse family with wildly different temperaments and diets. Understanding where your fish falls on this spectrum is the key to success. This is one of the most important do cichlids eat anubia plants tips we can offer.

The “Plant-Safe” Cichlids

These cichlids are your best bet for a peaceful, planted aquarium. They are typically smaller, less aggressive, and not primarily herbivores. They will almost certainly leave your Anubias completely untouched.

  • Dwarf Cichlids: Think German Blue Rams, Bolivian Rams, Apistogramma, and Kribensis. These fish are small and primarily focused on tiny crustaceans and worms in the substrate. Don’t worry—these fish are perfect for beginners!
  • Angelfish and Discus: While larger, these elegant cichlids are generally peaceful and not known for eating plants. They appreciate the cover Anubias provides and will gracefully swim amongst its leaves.

The “Calculated Risk” Cichlids

This group is where things get interesting. These cichlids likely won’t eat your Anubias, but their natural behaviors might still pose a threat. They are known diggers and redecorators.

  • African Rift Lake Cichlids (Mbuna and Peacocks): Many Mbuna are voracious algae and plant eaters. While they might leave the tough Anubias leaves alone, they will relentlessly dig around the base, potentially uprooting it if it’s not secured properly. Peacocks are less herbivorous but still love to dig.
  • Convict Cichlids and Jack Dempseys: These Central American cichlids are notorious excavators, especially when breeding. They will move gravel, sand, and anything else that gets in their way. Your Anubias won’t be eaten, but it might be relocated to the other side of the tank without your permission.

The “Notorious Plant Destroyers”

If you keep these fish, you should be prepared for a challenge. These large, intelligent, and often herbivorous cichlids are the most likely to damage or even attempt to eat Anubias, especially if they are bored or not fed a proper diet.

  • Oscars, Midas, and Red Devils: These are the bulldozers of the aquarium world. They are large, powerful, and see everything in the tank as a potential toy or obstacle. While they may not eat the Anubias, they are very likely to tear it up or uproot it out of sheer curiosity or aggression.
  • Uaru and Severums: These South American cichlids are known herbivores. They are among the few cichlids that might actually try to make a meal out of Anubias leaves, especially if their diet is lacking in vegetable matter.

The Ultimate Do Cichlids Eat Anubia Plants Care Guide for Success

Knowing your cichlid is half the battle. The other half is setting your Anubias up for success from day one. Following these do cichlids eat anubia plants best practices will give your plant the best possible chance to thrive, no matter who its tank mates are.

Step 1: Choose the Right Anubias Species

While most Anubias are tough, some are tougher than others. Stick with the most common and hardy varieties for a cichlid tank.

  • Anubias barteri var. nana (Anubias Nana): The king of cichlid-tank plants. It’s compact, incredibly tough, and has low light requirements.
  • Anubias barteri (Broad Leaf Anubias): A larger version of Nana, perfect for filling bigger spaces in larger tanks.
  • Anubias coffeefolia: Known for its beautiful, ridged leaves, it is just as hardy as its cousins.

Step 2: The Golden Rule: Never Bury the Rhizome!

This is the most critical piece of advice in any Anubias care guide. The thick, horizontal stem that the leaves and roots grow from is called the rhizome. If you bury the rhizome in your substrate (sand or gravel), it will rot, and the entire plant will die.

The roots are for anchoring, but the rhizome needs to be exposed to the water column to absorb nutrients. This is a common mistake beginners make, so remember: rhizome high and dry!

Step 3: Attach Your Anubias Securely

Since you can’t plant it in the substrate, you need to attach your Anubias to something heavy. This is how you prevent diggers from uprooting it. You have a few great options:

  1. The Super Glue Method (Our Favorite): Use a gel-type super glue (any brand of cyanoacrylate is aquarium-safe). Pat the spot on your rock or driftwood dry, apply a small amount of glue, and press the rhizome (or a few roots) onto it for 30 seconds. You can place it back in the tank immediately.
  2. The Fishing Line Method: Simply tie the Anubias rhizome to your hardscape using a clear fishing line. Over time, the plant’s roots will grip the surface, and you can eventually cut the line away if you wish.
  3. The Thread Method: Use 100% cotton thread. It works just like fishing line but has the added benefit of dissolving on its own after a few months, once the plant has attached itself.

Benefits of Anubias in a Cichlid Tank (It’s More Than Just Greenery!)

You might wonder if it’s worth the effort. Absolutely! The benefits of do cichlids eat anubia plants setups go far beyond just looking pretty. Adding Anubias creates a healthier and more stable environment for your fish.

  • Provides Natural Cover and Territory: Cichlids are territorial fish. The broad leaves of Anubias create natural hiding spots and visual barriers, which can significantly reduce stress and aggression.
  • Improves Water Quality: Like any live plant, Anubias absorbs nitrates from the water. Nitrates are the end product of the nitrogen cycle and can be harmful in high concentrations. Your plants act as a small, natural filter.
  • Promotes a Sustainable Aquarium: Anubias is incredibly easy to propagate. As it grows, you can simply snip the rhizome (making sure each piece has a few leaves) to create new plants. This is an easy, eco-friendly do cichlids eat anubia plants practice that saves you money.
  • Low Maintenance and Undemanding: Anubias does not require high light, CO2 injection, or special fertilizers, making it a perfect low-tech plant for any setup.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Cichlids and Anubias

Even with the best planning, you might run into a few snags. Don’t worry, these are usually easy to fix. Here’s a quick guide to some common problems with do cichlids eat anubia plants.

“My Cichlid IS Nibbling My Anubias! What Now?”

If you catch one of your fish in the act, it’s usually due to one of two things: diet or boredom. First, ensure you are feeding a high-quality food appropriate for your cichlid. Many cichlids, especially Mbuna and some Central Americans, need significant vegetable matter in their diet. Try supplementing with spirulina-based flakes or pellets, or even blanched vegetables like zucchini or peas. This often stops the plant-eating behavior in its tracks.

Dealing with Uprooting and Digging

If your fish are constantly redecorating, your Anubias might not be anchored well enough. Try attaching it to a much larger, heavier piece of driftwood or a flat, wide rock that is difficult for them to move. Placing it higher up on the hardscape can also keep it out of the primary “dig zone.”

Anubias Leaf Melt or Algae Issues

Sometimes, the problem isn’t the fish at all! If your Anubias leaves are turning yellow or transparent and mushy, it could be “Anubias melt,” which often happens when a plant is adjusting to a new tank. Simply trim off the affected leaves, and the plant will usually recover. If you’re seeing algae on the slow-growing leaves, it’s often a sign of too much light. Try moving the Anubias to a shadier spot in the tank.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cichlids and Anubias Plants

Can I plant Anubias in a substrate like sand or gravel?

No, this is the most common mistake. You can bury the thin, stringy roots in the substrate for anchoring, but the thick, horizontal rhizome must remain above the substrate. If the rhizome is buried, it will rot and kill the plant.

What other plants are good for cichlid tanks?

While Anubias is the top choice, other tough plants can also work. Java Fern is another excellent option that is also attached to hardscape. For very large tanks with less destructive cichlids, robust plants like Amazon Swords or giant Vallisneria can sometimes succeed, but they are a bigger risk than Anubias.

Do I need special lighting or CO2 for Anubias?

Not at all! This is one of their biggest advantages. Anubias thrive in low-to-moderate light and do not require any CO2 supplementation. They are the definition of a low-maintenance plant, making them perfect for simple cichlid setups.

How can I make my cichlid diet more sustainable to prevent plant eating?

A great way to promote a sustainable do cichlids eat anubia plants environment is through diet. For herbivorous or omnivorous cichlids, ensure their main food contains spirulina or chlorella. You can also offer blanched veggies like spinach, zucchini, or shelled peas a few times a week. A well-fed fish with proper nutrition is far less likely to see your plants as food.

Your Thriving Cichlid Tank Awaits!

So, there you have it. The myth that you can’t keep plants with cichlids is just that—a myth. While you may not be able to create a delicate Dutch-style aquascape, you can absolutely have a beautiful, natural, and thriving tank with the help of the indestructible Anubias.

The key is to choose the right cichlids, understand their behavior, and plant your Anubias for success by keeping its rhizome unburied and securely attached. By following this complete do cichlids eat anubia plants guide, you’re no longer just hoping for the best; you’re setting yourself and your aquarium up for a stunning, long-lasting display.

Now you have the knowledge and the confidence. Go create that beautiful, green, and lively cichlid tank you’ve always wanted!

Howard Parker
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