Best Plants for Shrimp Tanks: A Guide for Neocaridina & Caridina Shrimp Keepers
Whether you're just dipping your toes into the shrimp-keeping world or you’ve got a shrimp colony that’s practically its own crustacean city, adding live plants to your tank is one of the best decisions you can make. For both Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp, the right greenery provides shelter, boosts water quality, and creates a more natural, low-stress environment, a true shrimp paradise!
In this guide, we’ll explore the best aquarium plants for shrimp, why they’re important, and how to pick the perfect leafy companions for your tiny tank mates.
Why Plants Are Important in Shrimp Tanks
Live plants are more than just underwater decor—they’re vital for a thriving shrimp setup. Here’s why your shrimp will thank you (in tiny dances and happy grazing):
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🦐 Protection & Hideouts: Plants offer safe spots for shrimp to rest, molt, and for shrimplets to grow up away from potential threats.
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🌿 All-You-Can-Eat Biofilm Buffet: Shrimp love nibbling on the biofilm and algae that naturally grow on plant surfaces.
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💧 Water Wizards: Plants help absorb excess nitrates and improve oxygen levels kind of like live-in water conditioners.
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🌱 Natural Vibes: A lush tank not only looks stunning but helps replicate the shrimp’s native habitat, making them feel right at home.
Top 9 Best Plants for Shrimp Tanks
1. Java Moss
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Perfect for: Neocaridina & Caridina shrimp
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Why shrimp love it: Thick, mossy hideout, also buffet line for biofilm? Yes, please!
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Care level: Very easy. Grows like a champ in low light.
2. Anubias Nana
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Perfect for: All shrimp types
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Why shrimp love it: Sturdy leaves makes prime grazing real estate.
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Care level: Easy. Just attach it to a rock or driftwood and let it do its thing, lovely colouration.
3. Marimo Moss Balls
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Perfect for: Nano tanks or minimalist setups
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Why shrimp love it: They eat from it. They play on it. They nap next to it. It’s the shrimp equivalent of a bean bag chair.
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Care level: Very easy. Give it a rinse now and then. Dont forget to turn them.
4. Subwassertang
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Perfect for: Caridina shrimp
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Why shrimp love it: It’s like a shrimp jungle gym.
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Care level: Medium. Enjoys soft flow and moderate light.
5. Hornwort
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Perfect for: Big shrimp families
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Why shrimp love it: Fast growing and excellent for sucking up nitrates fantastic for shrimp tanks.
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Care level: Easy. Just don’t panic if it drops a few needles under stress.
6. Bucephalandra
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Perfect for: Display-worthy shrimp tanks
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Why shrimp love it: Textured leaves and cosy hiding spots. It’s shrimp-chic.
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Care level: Moderate. Grows slowly, but it’s a keeper.
7. Dwarf Water Lettuce (Floating Plant)
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Perfect for: Light-sensitive shrimp
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Why shrimp love it: Provides shade, reduces algae, and shrimp enjoy exploring its roots.
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Care level: Easy. Keep the roots trimmed to avoid a jungle takeover.
8. Amazon Frogbit
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Perfect for: Calm, low-flow shrimp tanks, beautiful to watch grow.
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Why shrimp love it: Long roots make the perfect hangout spot (literally).
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Care level: Easy. Thin it out occasionally, this one is a fast grower.
9. Fissidens Moss
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Perfect for: Caridina shrimp & aquascaped tanks
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Why shrimp love it: Delicate texture equals ultimate shrimp lounge.
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Care level: Medium. Likes soft water and stable conditions.
Tips for a Shrimptastic Planted Tank Setup
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Use shrimp-safe substrate: Active soil for Caridina, or inert sand/gravel for Neocaridina.
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Say no to copper: Avoid fertilizers with copper, it’s super toxic to your little crew.
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Light it right: Shrimp aren’t fans of intense lighting. Keep things gentle and calm.
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Cycle your tank: Plants help with cycling, but give the tank time before adding shrimp. A patient start leads to a healthy shrimp party later on.
Final Thoughts
A well planted shrimp tank isn’t just a treat for your eyes, it’s the key to happy, healthy shrimp. Whether you're caring for bright and bubbly cherry shrimp or more sensitive Caridina varieties like Crystal Reds, live plants will take your setup from basic to beautifully balanced.
So go ahead, give your shrimp the leafy lounge they deserve. You’ll have healthier water, happier shrimp, and a tank that’s as fun to watch as it is to care for.
Your shrimp will be forever grateful. Happy tank, happy shrimp! 🦐💚