Anubias and Fish: Do Goldfish Eat Anubias?

Goldfish are the classic aquarium pet, but keeping a planted tank with them can be a challenge. Known for their voracious appetites and constant foraging, goldfish will happily dig up, shred, and devour most common aquarium plants. This leads many frustrated owners to ask a critical question: is there any plant that can survive in a goldfish tank? The answer for many has been Anubias. This guide explores the relationship between Anubias and goldfish and explains why it is one of the few plants that stands a chance against these lovable bulldozers.

Why Goldfish Destroy Most Plants

Understanding why goldfish are so destructive is key to choosing the right plants. It’s not because they are malicious; it’s simply their nature.

• They are Omnivores: Goldfish are not picky eaters. In the wild, a significant portion of their diet consists of plant matter. Soft, tender-leaved plants like Cabomba or Hornwort are seen as a delicious salad.
• They are Foragers: Goldfish constantly sift through the substrate, digging and searching for leftover food and tasty morsels. This behavior naturally uproots any plants that are not deeply rooted or securely attached.
• They are Large and Clumsy: A full-grown goldfish is a large, powerful fish. As they swim around, they can easily dislodge or break delicate plants by accident.

Why Anubias is the Perfect Goldfish-Proof Plant

Anubias succeeds where other plants fail because its very nature seems custom-made to counter the destructive habits of a goldfish.

1. The Leaves are Tough and Unpalatable

This is the most important reason. The leaves of an Anubias plant are incredibly thick, leathery, and robust. They have a waxy texture and are slightly bitter. To a goldfish, trying to take a bite out of an Anubias leaf is like a human trying to chew on tough, uncooked kale. It’s simply not worth the effort when there are easier food sources available. While a very determined goldfish might occasionally nibble or tear at a leaf, they will not systematically devour the plant.

2. The Planting Method is Goldfish-Proof

As we detail in our guide on the correct way to plant Anubias, you should never bury the rhizome in the substrate. Instead, you attach it to heavy objects like driftwood or large rocks. This completely bypasses the goldfish’s digging behavior. Since the plant is not in the substrate, the goldfish cannot uproot it while foraging. A large Anubias attached to a heavy piece of rock or wood is an immovable object, even for a large, clumsy goldfish.

3. It Tolerates Goldfish Water Parameters

Goldfish are hardy fish that can produce a lot of waste, leading to higher nitrate levels. They also prefer cooler water than many tropical fish. Anubias is extremely adaptable and handles these conditions perfectly. It will happily absorb the excess nitrates produced by the goldfish and is perfectly comfortable at the cooler end of the tropical temperature range.

Tips for Success When Keeping Anubias with Goldfish

To give your plants the best possible chance, follow these tips:

• Choose Mature Plants: Start with a larger, more mature Anubias specimen. A bigger plant with tougher leaves is an even greater deterrent than a small, young one.
• Use Heavy Hardscape: Attach your Anubias to a piece of rock or driftwood that is too heavy for the goldfish to push around.
• Keep Your Goldfish Well-Fed: While they won’t eat the Anubias for pleasure, a starving goldfish might try to eat anything. Ensure you are feeding your goldfish a high-quality, balanced diet with some vegetable matter (like blanched peas or specialized gel food ) to satisfy their omnivorous cravings.
• Expect Some Minor Damage: Even with the toughest plant, you might see an occasional torn leaf from a curious goldfish. This is normal. The plant is tough enough to handle it. Simply prune away any heavily damaged leaves.

So, do goldfish eat Anubias? The answer is a resounding “not usually.” Thanks to its tough, unappetizing leaves and its method of being attached to heavy hardscape, Anubias is arguably the number one best plant for a goldfish aquarium. It allows goldfish keepers to finally enjoy the beauty of a planted tank without the constant frustration of seeing their investment turned into a snack.