Cherry shrimp thrive in planted aquariums because plants provide biofilm, hiding spaces, and stable water conditions. The best plants for cherry shrimp are hardy species that grow easily, support beneficial microorganisms, and create safe areas for baby shrimp to hide.

Shrimp spend most of their time grazing on algae and biofilm that grows on plant surfaces. Mosses, floating plants, and slow-growing leafy plants are particularly beneficial because they create natural feeding surfaces and shelter.

Many shrimp keepers prefer low-maintenance plants that tolerate different lighting and water conditions. These plants help maintain water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and reducing algae growth.

In this guide, you will discover the 10 best plants for cherry shrimp aquariums, including beginner-friendly options that improve shrimp survival, breeding success, and overall tank health.

10 Best Plants For Cherry Shrimp

1. Java Moss – Best Overall Plant for Cherry Shrimp Tanks

Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) by AquaCulture is perfect for shrimp tanks because it thrives in low-light conditions and adapts to nearly all water types. Its dense growth provides excellent hiding spots for baby shrimp. Shrimp also graze on algae and microorganisms that accumulate on the moss surface.

This plant creates a natural feeding ground, improving shrimp survival rates. It helps absorb excess nutrients, maintaining stable water quality. Many hobbyists use it to increase shrimp colony health in nano tanks.

Java Moss is low-maintenance and beginner-friendly, making it ideal for first-time shrimp keepers. Its fast growth ensures constant grazing surfaces. Overall, it balances beauty, functionality, and shrimp safety.

Pros:
• Easy care
• Dense cover
• Biofilm surface
• Low light
• Fast growth
• Breeding aid
• Shrimp safe

Cons:
• Messy growth
• Needs trimming
• Can spread

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2. Anubias Nana – Best Low-Maintenance Shrimp Plant

Anubias Nana by Seachem is ideal for shrimp tanks needing hardy, slow-growing plants. Its broad leaves provide surface areas for algae and biofilm grazing. It attaches easily to driftwood or rocks, making it perfect for aquascaped setups.

This plant is durable and resistant to damage, ensuring long-term growth. It thrives in low light without CO₂ injection. Shrimp benefit from the leaf coverage for safety and feeding.

Anubias Nana is low-maintenance and visually appealing, ideal for both beginners and advanced shrimp keepers. Its slow growth keeps tanks tidy. Overall, it is a reliable, safe choice for planted shrimp aquariums.

Pros:
• Very hardy
• Low light
• Slow growth
• Easy care
• Broad leaves
• Shrimp safe
• Long lasting

Cons:
• Slow growth
• Algae buildup
• Higher cost

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3. Java Fern – Best Beginner Plant for Shrimp Tanks

Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) by Aquarium Co-Op is extremely easy to grow and adaptable to most water conditions. Shrimp enjoy the shaded areas created by its long leaves. The plant can attach to rocks or driftwood, avoiding substrate planting.

It collects biofilm and algae, providing natural feeding surfaces. Java Fern is highly durable and resilient, reducing maintenance. Many hobbyists use it to improve shrimp survival and tank aesthetics.

Its hardy nature makes it a top choice for beginners. It supports shrimp grazing and shelter. Overall, it is a low-maintenance, safe, and attractive plant.

Pros:
• Beginner friendly
• Low light
• Hardy plant
• Easy care
• Biofilm surface
• Durable leaves
• Shrimp safe

Cons:
• Slow growth
• Large leaves
• Algae buildup

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4. Hornwort – Best Fast-Growing Plant for Shrimp Tanks

Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum by Carolina Aquarium) grows rapidly, absorbing excess nutrients to improve water quality. Its feathery structure provides excellent shelter for shrimp and baby shrimplets. It can float or be anchored in substrate for versatility.

Fast growth stabilizes the aquarium ecosystem during cycling or stocking. Shrimp use its foliage for grazing and hiding. Many keepers add Hornwort to boost plant density and water cleanliness.

Hornwort is easy to maintain and hardy, making it ideal for beginners. It helps control algae and stabilize water chemistry. Overall, it combines functionality, shelter, and growth speed.

Pros:
• Fast growth
• Water cleaner
• Dense cover
• Easy care
• Floating option
• Shrimp shelter
• Hardy plant

Cons:
• Frequent trimming
• Needle shedding
• Can overgrow

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5. Water Wisteria – Best Oxygenating Shrimp Plant

Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis by Fluval) grows quickly and enhances water quality. Its bright green leaves offer hiding spaces for shrimp. It can be planted or floated, adding versatility.

Shrimp graze on algae and biofilm forming on its leaves. It improves oxygenation and nutrient absorption. The plant’s fast growth helps maintain tank balance.

Water Wisteria is beginner-friendly and visually appealing. It competes with algae while creating natural grazing areas. Overall, it is functional, aesthetic, and shrimp-safe.

Pros:
• Fast growth
• Oxygen boost
• Easy care
• Bright green
• Shrimp shelter
• Algae control
• Flexible growth

Cons:
• Needs trimming
• Moderate light
• Rapid spread

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6. Marimo Moss Balls – Best Decorative Shrimp Plant

Marimo Moss Balls (Aegagropila linnaei by AquaForest) are unique, low-maintenance algae spheres. Shrimp climb and graze on the moss surface. They absorb nutrients, helping stabilize water quality.

These moss balls are slow-growing and compact, making them perfect for nano tanks. Their spherical shape adds a decorative touch. Shrimp also enjoy hiding among them.

Marimo Moss Balls are easy to care for, visually striking, and shrimp-safe. They are ideal for both beginner and experienced shrimp keepers. Overall, they provide grazing, decoration, and nutrient control.

Pros:
• Unique shape
• Low maintenance
• Shrimp grazing
• Compact size
• Beginner friendly
• Slow growth
• Decorative

Cons:
• Slow growth
• Limited cover
• Light sensitive

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7. Amazon Frogbit – Best Floating Plant for Cherry Shrimp

Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum by Tropica) floats and creates root-based hiding spots for shrimp. Shrimp feed on biofilm that grows on the roots. Floating plants reduce light intensity, helping control algae.

The roots provide continuous grazing and shelter. Frogbit spreads quickly, covering tank surfaces efficiently. It adds shade, nutrient absorption, and aesthetic appeal.

Amazon Frogbit is easy to grow and shrimp-safe, perfect for beginners. Its floating nature enhances natural tank dynamics. Overall, it is a practical and attractive shrimp plant.

Pros:
• Floating plant
• Root shelter
• Biofilm growth
• Fast spread
• Easy care
• Algae control
• Shrimp friendly

Cons:
• Surface coverage
• Fast spread
• Needs pruning

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8. Pearl Weed – Best Carpet Plant for Shrimp Tanks

Pearl Weed (Hemianthus micranthemoides by ADA) forms dense carpets providing hiding spots for shrimp. Shrimp graze on biofilm growing on its leaves. Its low profile helps baby shrimp survive and feed safely.

Depending on light, it can grow upright or spread as a carpet. Fast growth makes it ideal for shrimp aquascaping. Shrimp use it extensively for grazing and hiding.

Pearl Weed is versatile and visually appealing. It stabilizes tank nutrients and creates natural grazing areas. Overall, it is shrimp-safe and beginner-friendly.

Pros:
• Dense growth
• Carpet plant
• Shrimp shelter
• Biofilm surface
• Attractive look
• Fast growth
• Aquascaping friendly

Cons:
• Needs trimming
• Moderate light
• Can spread

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9. Cryptocoryne Wendtii – Best Background Shrimp Plant

Cryptocoryne Wendtii by Tropica thrives in low to medium light and adapts to various water types. Its broad leaves provide shelter and shade for shrimp. It is hardy and long-lasting once established.

Shrimp hide and feed on biofilm on the leaves. The plant enhances tank aesthetics and safety for shrimp. Its resilience makes it low-maintenance and reliable.

Cryptocoryne Wendtii is easy to grow and shrimp-friendly. It balances appearance, shelter, and feeding surfaces. Overall, it is ideal for beginner shrimp tanks.

Pros:
• Hardy plant
• Broad leaves
• Shrimp shelter
• Low light
• Easy care
• Attractive colors
• Long lifespan

Cons:
• Melt phase
• Slow growth
• Root feeder

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10. Dwarf Water Lettuce – Best Floating Shrimp Plant

Dwarf Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes by Fluval) floats and provides surface shade with hanging roots. Shrimp hide and graze among the roots. Its fast growth absorbs excess nutrients and improves water quality.

Floating plants reduce algae growth and light intensity, stabilizing tank conditions. Shrimp benefit from continuous shelter and natural food. The plant is easy to care for and beginner-friendly.

Dwarf Water Lettuce is decorative, functional, and shrimp-safe. It enhances tank dynamics and aesthetics. Overall, it is perfect for nano and planted shrimp aquariums.

Pros:
• Floating plant
• Fast growth
• Root shelter
• Water cleaner
• Shrimp safe
• Easy care
• Algae control

Cons:
• Surface spread
• Needs pruning
• Strong light

Best Plants For Cherry Shrimp (FAQs)

1. What is the best plant for cherry shrimp tanks?

Java moss is widely considered the best plant for cherry shrimp. It provides hiding places and supports biofilm growth, which shrimp feed on.

2. Do cherry shrimp need live plants?

Live plants are not mandatory but greatly improve shrimp health. They provide natural food sources, oxygen, and shelter.

3. What floating plants are best for cherry shrimp?

Amazon frogbit and dwarf water lettuce are excellent choices because their roots provide shelter and biofilm surfaces.

4. Can cherry shrimp live in heavily planted tanks?

Yes. Cherry shrimp actually thrive in densely planted aquariums because they provide hiding places and stable water conditions.

5. Do plants help cherry shrimp breed?

Yes. Mosses and dense plants help protect baby shrimp from predators and provide grazing surfaces.

6. Do shrimp eat aquarium plants?

Cherry shrimp rarely eat healthy plants. They mainly consume algae, biofilm, and decaying plant matter.

7. Do shrimp tanks need fertilizer for plants?

Sometimes, but shrimp-safe fertilizers should be used carefully to avoid harming shrimp.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best plants for cherry shrimp is essential for creating a healthy and natural aquarium environment. The Java Moss stands out as the best choice, while Anubias Nana earns the runner-up position because of its hardy nature and shrimp-friendly leaves.

Both plants provide excellent grazing surfaces for biofilm and algae. They also create hiding spaces that improve shrimp survival and breeding success.

Adding live plants also stabilizes water quality and reduces algae growth. This makes planted aquariums far easier to maintain.

If you want a thriving shrimp colony, start by adding these shrimp-friendly plants and build a lush planted aquarium today.