Will My Goldfish Eat My Anubias Plant – A Guide To Peaceful

Written ByHoward Parker

You’ve just brought home a beautiful, lush Anubias plant. You can already picture it adding a vibrant splash of green to your aquarium, creating a natural paradise for your beloved goldfish. But then, a nagging worry creeps in: are your charming, but notoriously hungry, goldfish going to turn your new plant into an expensive salad bar?

It’s a classic question, and trust me, you’re not alone in asking it. The fear of shredded leaves and wasted money is real for many goldfish keepers. But I’m here to promise you something: not only is it possible to keep Anubias with goldfish, but it’s one of the best plant pairings you can possibly make. This is the definitive will my goldfish eat my anubias plant guide you’ve been searching for.

In this article, we’re going to put those fears to rest. We’ll dive deep into why this pairing works so well, how to set your tank up for success, and the exact steps to ensure your fish and plants live in perfect harmony. Get ready to build that thriving, beautiful goldfish tank you’ve always dreamed of!

Understanding the Goldfish-Plant Dynamic: Why the Worry?

First, let’s get on the same page. Why are goldfish known as plant destroyers in the first place? It really comes down to their natural instincts. Goldfish are omnivores with a hearty appetite, and they are constant foragers.

In the wild, they would spend their days sifting through substrate, nibbling on algae, and munching on tender plant shoots. This behavior doesn’t just disappear when they’re in our home aquariums. They are curious and will often “taste test” anything new in their environment, including your plants.

This is especially true for plants with soft, delicate leaves like Cabomba or Hornwort. To a goldfish, these look and feel like a delicious, easy meal. This is where the reputation comes from, and for many plants, it’s well-deserved. But Anubias, my friend, is a completely different story.

So, Will My Goldfish Eat My Anubias Plant? The Short and Long Answer

Let’s cut right to the chase. The short answer is: very unlikely. While a particularly bored or curious goldfish might take an exploratory nibble, they almost never actively eat or destroy Anubias plants.

Now for the long answer, which explains why Anubias is the superstar of the goldfish tank. There are two main reasons this plant stands up to even the most determined goldfish:

  1. The Leaves are Tough as Nails: Anubias leaves are incredibly thick, waxy, and robust. They feel more like plastic or leather than a delicate plant. For a goldfish, trying to tear a piece off an Anubias leaf is like us trying to take a bite out of a credit card. It’s simply too much work for too little reward. They quickly learn to leave it alone.
  2. They Just Don’t Taste Good: It’s widely believed in the aquarium community that Anubias leaves have a bitter, unpalatable taste to most fish, including goldfish. After that initial “taste test,” they realize it’s not a pleasant snack and will move on to search for something better, like the delicious food you provide them.

Because of these two factors, Anubias has earned its reputation as being virtually “goldfish-proof.” It’s the perfect starting point for aquarists who want the beauty of live plants without the constant worry of them being devoured.

The Unbeatable Benefits of Pairing Goldfish with Anubias

Beyond just surviving, keeping Anubias with your goldfish offers a host of incredible advantages for your aquarium’s ecosystem. These are the benefits of will my goldfish eat my anubias plant that make this pairing so powerful for creating a healthy, balanced environment.

  • Improved Water Quality: Like all live plants, Anubias absorbs nitrates from the water. Nitrates are the end product of the nitrogen cycle and, in high concentrations, are stressful for your fish. Your Anubias acts as a natural, living filter, helping to keep your water cleaner and healthier, which means less stress on your goldfish and fewer water changes for you.
  • Oxygenation: Through photosynthesis, Anubias releases oxygen into the water column. This helps ensure your goldfish have a well-oxygenated environment, which is crucial for their respiratory health and overall vitality.
  • Enrichment and Shelter: The broad leaves of an Anubias plant provide shade and hiding spots. This makes your goldfish feel more secure and reduces stress. They will enjoy swimming through the leaves and exploring their environment, which provides valuable mental stimulation.
  • Aesthetic Beauty: Let’s be honest—it just looks amazing! The deep green of Anubias provides a stunning, natural contrast to the vibrant colors of goldfish. It transforms a simple tank into a beautiful, living piece of art. This is a key part of creating a sustainable and eco-friendly will my goldfish eat my anubias plant setup that you can enjoy for years.

Your Step-by-Step Anubias Care Guide for a Goldfish Tank

Anubias is famously low-maintenance, which is another reason it’s perfect for beginners. Don’t worry—these plants are incredibly forgiving! However, following a few key steps will ensure it doesn’t just survive, but truly thrives. This is your simple will my goldfish eat my anubias plant care guide.

How to Plant Anubias the Right Way (This is Crucial!)

This is the most important rule of Anubias care. Anubias plants have a thick, horizontal stem called a rhizome. This is where the leaves and roots sprout from. You must not bury the rhizome in your substrate (gravel or sand).

If the rhizome is buried, it will rot, and the entire plant will die. Instead, you need to attach it to something:

  • Driftwood or Rocks: This is the most popular method. Use a small amount of aquarium-safe super glue (cyanoacrylate) or some cotton thread to attach the rhizome to a piece of wood or a rock. The roots will eventually grow and anchor themselves firmly.
  • Suction Cups: You can tie the rhizome to a small suction cup and attach it to the glass of your tank for a unique look.
  • Let it Float (Temporarily): While not a long-term solution, you can let it float for a bit, but attaching it is always the best practice.

Lighting and Water Parameters

Anubias is a low-light plant, which is perfect because goldfish tanks typically don’t have the high-intensity lighting that other plants demand. Bright light can actually cause ugly algae to grow on its slow-growing leaves.

  • Lighting: A standard aquarium LED light on for 6-8 hours a day is more than enough.
  • Temperature: Anubias is happy in a wide range of temperatures, but the ideal range of 68-82°F (20-28°C) overlaps perfectly with the comfort zone for fancy goldfish.
  • pH and Hardness: It’s not picky! Anubias will do well in the typical pH range of 6.0-8.0 that most goldfish are kept in.

Best Practices: 5 Pro Tips to Stop Goldfish from Nibbling Plants

Even though Anubias is tough, you can take a few extra steps to ensure your goldfish have zero interest in it. These are the will my goldfish eat my anubias plant best practices that I’ve learned over years of fishkeeping.

  1. Keep Them Well-Fed: A hungry goldfish is a mischievous goldfish. Ensure you’re feeding them a high-quality, varied diet. This includes a good staple pellet or flake, supplemented with other foods. A well-fed fish is far less likely to go looking for snacks.
  2. Offer Them Veggies: This is my secret weapon. Give your goldfish something else to graze on! Offer them blanched (quickly boiled) vegetables like shelled peas, spinach, or zucchini. This satisfies their natural desire to eat greens and keeps their attention away from your decorative plants.
  3. Provide Plenty of Space: Goldfish are large, active fish. A cramped tank can lead to boredom and destructive behavior. Make sure your tank is adequately sized for your fish. A bigger environment with more to explore means they’re less likely to fixate on your plants.
  4. Choose Larger, Mature Plants: When buying your Anubias, opt for a larger, more established plant if possible. A tiny, delicate plantlet might be more tempting for a curious fish to uproot or nibble on than a big, robust specimen.
  5. Add More Than One: A single plant can become a focal point for a bored fish. By adding a few Anubias plants or other tough plants like Java Fern, you distribute any potential curiosity and create a more natural, less tempting environment.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Goldfish and Anubias

Even with the best planning, you might run into a snag. Don’t panic! Here’s how to handle some common problems with will my goldfish eat my anubias plant setups.

“Help! My Goldfish IS Nibbling the Leaves!”

If you see definite bite marks, review the best practices above. Is your goldfish’s diet varied enough? Are they getting enough food? Try adding blanched veggies to their diet immediately. This usually solves the problem 99% of the time. It’s often a sign of dietary boredom rather than a genuine attempt to eat the plant.

“My Anubias Leaves are Turning Yellow or Brown.”

This is almost always one of two things. First, check your rhizome! Make sure it isn’t buried in the substrate. If it is, gently dig it up and attach it to a rock or piece of driftwood. Second, it could be a nutrient deficiency. While Anubias are light feeders, they do benefit from a comprehensive liquid fertilizer dosed once or twice a week.

“There’s Algae Growing on the Leaves.”

This is common because Anubias leaves grow so slowly. It’s usually a sign of too much light. Try reducing your lighting period to 6 hours a day. You can also gently wipe the algae off the leaves with your finger or a soft toothbrush during your regular water changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Goldfish and Anubias Plants

What type of Anubias is best for a goldfish tank?

All varieties are great! However, larger species like Anubias barteri or Anubias congensis are particularly robust and look fantastic in larger goldfish tanks. For smaller tanks, Anubias nana or its ‘petite’ variant are excellent choices.

Can I keep other plants with goldfish and Anubias?

Absolutely! Other tough, low-light plants make great companions. Try Java Fern (also attached to wood/rock), Marimo Moss Balls, or Crinum (Onion Plant). These are all generally considered “goldfish-safe.”

Do I need special fertilizer or CO2 for my Anubias?

Nope! That’s the beauty of it. Anubias does not require CO2 injection. While it appreciates a good all-in-one liquid fertilizer, it can often get enough nutrients from fish waste and food in a well-established goldfish tank. Fertilizing is a good practice but not strictly necessary for survival.

My goldfish uprooted my Anubias! What do I do?

Goldfish are clumsy and love to dig. If they knock your plant loose, don’t worry. Simply re-secure it. Try using a stronger method, like a bit more fishing line or a dab of super glue gel, to anchor it more firmly to its rock or driftwood.

Conclusion: Creating Your Thriving, Sustainable Goldfish Paradise

So, the final verdict on “will my goldfish eat my anubias plant” is a resounding and confident “no, they almost certainly will not.”

By choosing this hardy, beautiful plant, you’re not just decorating your tank; you’re creating a healthier, more stable, and more engaging environment for your fish. You’re adding a natural filter that improves water quality and a piece of living art that brings tranquility and beauty to your home. It’s a truly sustainable and eco-friendly way to elevate your fishkeeping hobby.

Follow the simple care and planting guidelines we’ve covered, ensure your goldfish are happy and well-fed, and you will be rewarded with a stunning underwater garden that thrives for years to come. Now go forth and create that beautiful goldfish paradise. Happy planting!

Howard Parker
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