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Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Plants Are Important for Shrimp Tanks
- Key Features of Shrimp-Safe Plants
- Top 10 Shrimp-Friendly Plants (With Care Tips)
- How to Plant and Arrange in a Shrimp Tank
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Final Thoughts
1. Introduction
Adding live plants to your shrimp tank isn’t just for looks — it’s one of the best ways to keep your freshwater shrimp healthy and stress-free. If you’re keeping shrimp in the UK and want a thriving planted tank, this list of shrimp safe plants will help you choose the right greenery.
2. Why Plants Are Important for Shrimp Tanks
- Natural biofilm: Plants grow biofilm — a crucial food source for shrimp.
- Hiding places: Shrimp feel secure when they have cover.
- Improved water quality: Plants absorb nitrates and release oxygen.
- Support breeding: Shrimplets hide and forage in dense plant zones.
3. Key Features of Shrimp-Safe Plants
When choosing plants for a shrimp tank, look for:
- No sharp edges
- No chemical treatments (avoid dyed or pesticide-treated plants)
- Low to moderate lighting needs
- Easy to grow in small tanks
4. Top 10 Shrimp-Friendly Plants (With Care Tips)
| Plant Name | Type | Care Level | Notes |
| Java Moss | Moss | Very Easy | Biofilm haven, great for breeding |
| Anubias nana | Rhizome | Easy | Hardy, attach to driftwood |
| Java Fern | Rhizome | Easy | Low light, grows on rocks |
| Subwassertang | Fern-like | Easy | Dense cover for shrimplets |
| Hornwort | Stem | Easy | Fast-growing nitrate sponge |
| Marimo Moss Balls | Algae ball | Very Easy | Grazing surface, ornamental |
| Bucephalandra | Rhizome | Moderate | Colourful, slow grower |
| Water Sprite | Stem/Floater | Easy | Can float or plant, shrimp love it |
| Frogbit | Floater | Easy | Provides shade, reduces algae |
| Cryptocoryne wendtii | Rosette | Easy | Shrimp-friendly mid-ground |
5. How to Plant and Arrange in a Shrimp Tank
- Use low-tech lighting and a shrimp-safe substrate (e.g. dark sand or shrimp soil)
- Place moss and Subwassertang near the bottom or on wood
- Attach rhizome plants like Anubias or Java Fern to hardscape
- Floaters should cover no more than 50% of the surface to avoid blocking too much light
Add plants gradually and observe how your shrimp interact with them.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding plants treated with pesticides
- Burying rhizomes (causes rot)
- Overcrowding — limits flow and reduces biofilm growth
- Choosing high-tech plants that need CO2 and intense lighting
Stick to hardy, low-maintenance species especially if you’re just starting out.
7. Final Thoughts
A well-planted shrimp tank does more than just look good — it’s essential for the health, safety, and happiness of your shrimp. Choosing shrimp-safe plants like Java Moss, Anubias, and Hornwort can boost your shrimp breeding success and reduce stress.
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