Best Plants for a Shrimp Tank: 7 Easy Choices
The best plants for a shrimp tank are mosses, slow-growing rhizome plants, easy stems, rosette plants, and controlled floaters that fit the aquarium's light and maintenance routine. Java moss is the most versatile first choice, but a mix of plant shapes creates more grazing area and cover than relying on one plant alone.
By Razz Aquatics
Updated August 25, 2026
At Razz Aquatics, we pair shrimp with plants that provide usable surface area without making the tank impossible to maintain. Plants support biofilm and shelter, but they do not replace a cycled filter, stable water, or appropriate feeding.
Seven practical plant choices for shrimp tanks
1. Java moss
Placement: Attach to wood, rock, mesh, or a mat.
Its fine branches create grazing surface and cover. Keep it trimmed and remove trapped debris. Read the complete Java moss care guide.
2. Christmas or Weeping moss
Placement: Attach to hardscape or use a prepared mat.
These mosses offer different growth forms while serving a similar habitat role. Choose by appearance and maintenance needs, not by claims that one guarantees better survival.
3. Anubias
Placement: Attach the rhizome above the substrate.
Broad leaves provide durable grazing surfaces. Do not bury the rhizome, and keep light moderate if algae repeatedly coats the slow-growing leaves.
4. Java fern
Placement: Attach the rhizome to hardscape.
Java fern adds height without requiring nutrient-rich substrate. Older leaves may develop plantlets; remove damaged leaves at the base rather than burying the rhizome.
5. Dwarf Sagittaria
Placement: Plant the roots while leaving the crown exposed.
This rosette plant can spread through runners when conditions suit it. Growth height and density vary with light, nutrients, and competition.
6. Easy stem plants
Examples: Water wisteria, Moneywort, and other species matched to the tank.
Stem plants add vertical structure and can take up nutrients as they grow. Trim and replant healthy tops to control density.
7. Floating plants
Placement: Keep at the surface with access to light and calm areas.
Floaters provide roots and shade, but uncontrolled coverage can block light and gas exchange. Remove excess growth during maintenance.
How to choose plants for a shrimp tank
- Match the light: Choose plants that can grow under the fixture and schedule you actually use.
- Plan the substrate: Moss, Anubias, and Java fern do not require active aquasoil. Rooted plants may need root-zone nutrients. See our shrimp substrate guide.
- Leave maintenance access: Dense planting is useful only when debris can still be removed and flow can reach the plants.
- Inspect new plants: Rinse and inspect plants, and follow a quarantine or treatment process appropriate for the tank.
- Use fertilizers carefully: Use aquarium fertilizers according to the label and confirm they are suitable for an invertebrate aquarium. Trace copper in a correctly dosed aquarium fertilizer is not the same as adding an unapproved copper treatment.
A simple planting plan
- Place moss or another fine plant on accessible hardscape.
- Add one rhizome plant for broad leaves and structure.
- Use a rooted or stem plant where the substrate and light support it.
- Leave an open feeding and siphoning area.
- Trim gradually so the aquarium does not lose most of its plant mass at once.
Shop aquarium plants
Browse the current aquarium plant collection and moss collection. Pair plant selection with our Freshwater Shrimp Care Guide before adding livestock.
Frequently asked questions
Do shrimp need live plants?
No single plant is mandatory, but live plants add useful surface area and cover. A shrimp tank still needs proper cycling, filtration, and stable water.
What is the easiest plant for a shrimp tank?
Java moss is a flexible starting choice because it can be attached rather than planted. Its success still depends on light, flow, and maintenance.
Can Anubias be planted in substrate?
The roots can reach substrate, but the thick rhizome should remain exposed. Burying the rhizome can lead to decline.
Are plant fertilizers safe for shrimp?
Use only aquarium products whose label and dose fit an invertebrate tank. Avoid overdosing or using medication-style copper products as fertilizer.