Shrimp Tank Plants: 12 Best Plants for Cherry Shrimp & More

Shrimp tank plants are essential for a thriving shrimp colony. Live plants provide the biofilm that shrimp graze on, shelter for molting and baby shrimp, and natural water filtration that keeps parameters stable. A heavily planted shrimp tank isn't just prettier — it's a healthier, more productive environment where shrimp breed and survive at much higher rates.

Whether you keep Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp, or Blue Dream Shrimp, the right plants make the difference between a struggling colony and an exploding population.

At Canton Aquatics, we ship live shrimp-safe aquarium plants directly to your door with a Live Arrival Guarantee. Below, you'll find our expert guide to the best species, tank setup advice, and shrimp-specific care tips.

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Why Live Plants Are Critical for Shrimp Tanks

Shrimp have fundamentally different needs from fish when it comes to plants. Here's why plants aren't optional in a shrimp tank — they're a necessity:

• Biofilm production — This is #1. Shrimp are grazers that spend all day picking biofilm (a thin layer of bacteria, algae, and microorganisms) off surfaces. Plants — especially mosses and fine-leaved species — have massive surface area that grows biofilm for shrimp to feed on continuously.
• Baby shrimp survival — Shrimplets (baby shrimp) are tiny and vulnerable. Dense plant growth, especially mosses and fine-leaved carpets, provides hiding spots where babies can graze and grow without being eaten by fish or even adult shrimp.
• Molting safety — Shrimp are extremely vulnerable during molting (shedding their exoskeleton). Dense plant cover gives them places to hide during this critical period.
• Water stability — Plants absorb ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates — the compounds most dangerous to sensitive shrimp species. A heavily planted tank maintains much more stable water parameters.
• Natural tank maturation — Established plants help develop the microfauna (infusoria, copepods, etc.) that supplement shrimp diets. A mature, planted tank essentially feeds your shrimp automatically.

12 Best Plants for Shrimp Tanks (2026)

We've ranked these by how beneficial they are specifically for shrimp — not just general planted tank favorites.

Mosses — The #1 Category for Shrimp

1. Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri)

Java Moss is the single most important plant for any shrimp tank. Its dense, branching structure creates enormous surface area for biofilm growth — and shrimp spend all day picking through it. Baby shrimp hide in Java Moss mats and graze their way to adulthood. Available in 5-portion value packs for maximum coverage.

• Light: Any (extremely adaptable)
• CO₂: Not needed
• Shrimp benefit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Maximum biofilm, #1 baby shrimp shelter
• Placement: On driftwood, rocks, mesh walls, or floating clumps

Pro tip: Tie Java Moss to driftwood or stainless steel mesh pads. Shrimp will graze the entire surface. For breeding tanks, the more Java Moss the better.

2. Christmas Moss (Vesicularia montagnei)

Christmas Moss has a distinctive branching pattern that resembles tiny Christmas tree fronds. It's denser than Java Moss and creates an even more intricate biofilm-rich surface. Considered the premium moss for serious shrimp breeders.

• Light: Low to moderate
• CO₂: Not needed
• Shrimp benefit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Dense structure, excellent biofilm host

3. Flame Moss (Taxiphyllum sp.)

Flame Moss grows uniquely upward in spiraling, flame-like columns. Attached to driftwood, it creates a stunning vertical accent that shrimp love climbing and grazing. Its upward growth pattern makes it easier to maintain than Java Moss.

• Light: Low to moderate
• CO₂: Not needed
• Shrimp benefit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Vertical grazing surface, unique look

Epiphytes — Slow-Growing Biofilm Factories

4. Anubias Nana Petite

Anubias Nana Petite is the ideal Anubias for shrimp tanks. Its tiny, thick leaves grow slowly enough to develop a rich biofilm coating that shrimp graze continuously. The compact size fits perfectly in nano shrimp tanks. Other great options: Anubias Nana, Mini Coin, and Golden Nana.

• Light: Very low to moderate
• CO₂: Not needed
• Shrimp benefit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Biofilm-coated leaves, compact nano size

5. Bucephalandra

Bucephalandra is a premium epiphyte that shrimp keepers adore. Its compact, colorful leaves develop excellent biofilm, and the plant stays small enough for the densely planted nano tanks that shrimp thrive in. Many color varieties available.

• Light: Low to moderate
• CO₂: Not needed
• Shrimp benefit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Premium biofilm surface, nano-friendly

6. Java Fern

Java Fern adds midground-to-background structure in shrimp tanks. Its textured leaves provide ample grazing surface, and shrimp love exploring the root network. The plant is essentially indestructible — perfect for focusing your attention on shrimp care instead of plant care.

• Light: Low to moderate
• CO₂: Not needed
• Shrimp benefit: ⭐⭐⭐ Textured grazing surface, zero maintenance

Carpet & Foreground Plants — Ground-Level Grazing

7. Monte Carlo (Micranthemum tweediei)

Monte Carlo creates a beautiful low carpet that shrimp love grazing across. The dense leaf structure traps detritus and grows biofilm at the substrate level — right where shrimp spend most of their time. Baby shrimp also hide between the leaves.

• Light: Medium to high
• CO₂: Recommended
• Shrimp benefit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ground-level grazing, baby shrimp shelter

8. Dwarf Hairgrass

Dwarf Hairgrass creates a grass-like carpet where shrimp graze between the blades. The dense root structure also hosts beneficial bacteria. Available as pre-grown mats for instant ground cover.

• Light: Low to high
• CO₂: Helpful
• Shrimp benefit: ⭐⭐⭐ Substrate-level grazing habitat

Floating Plants — Surface Cover & Water Quality

9. Amazon Frogbit

Amazon Frogbit is the best floating plant for shrimp tanks. Its long, dangling roots become biofilm highways — shrimp climb them and graze continuously. The roots also provide cover for baby shrimp near the surface. The floating pads shade the tank, which reduces stress and algae.

• Light: Low to high
• CO₂: Not needed
• Shrimp benefit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Root biofilm grazing, shade, nutrient absorption

10. Salvinia

Salvinia is a fast-growing floating fern that absorbs nitrates aggressively — keeping water parameters stable for sensitive shrimp species. Its short root network provides additional grazing surface.

• Light: Low to high
• CO₂: Not needed
• Shrimp benefit: ⭐⭐⭐ Fast nitrate removal, stable parameters

Stem & Rosette Plants — Structure & Variety

11. Cryptocoryne (Crypts)

Cryptocoryne plants add beautiful texture and hide-and-seek opportunities at the substrate level. Crypto Parva is especially popular in shrimp tanks for its tiny size, while Crypto Wendtii creates larger cover in the midground.

• Light: Low to moderate
• CO₂: Not needed
• Shrimp benefit: ⭐⭐⭐ Substrate-level cover, natural habitat

12. Subwassertang

Subwassertang (also called Round Pellia) is a liverwort that forms dense, tangled mats — essentially a biofilm factory. Shrimp breeders consider it a secret weapon because it's incredibly easy to grow and provides constant grazing opportunities. Just drop it in — it sinks and grows into dense clumps.

• Light: Low to moderate
• CO₂: Not needed
• Shrimp benefit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Maximum biofilm production, effortless to grow

Shrimp Tank Plant Comparison Table

Plant	Type	Light	CO₂?	Shrimp Rating	Key Benefit
Java Moss	Moss	Any	No	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Biofilm + baby shelter
Christmas Moss	Moss	Low	No	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Dense biofilm structure
Subwassertang	Liverwort	Low	No	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Biofilm factory
Anubias Nana Petite	Epiphyte	Low	No	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Nano-sized grazing
Bucephalandra	Epiphyte	Low	No	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Premium compact cover
Amazon Frogbit	Floating	Low–High	No	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Root grazing + shade
Monte Carlo	Carpet	Med–High	Recommended	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Ground-level carpet
Cryptocoryne	Rosette	Low	No	⭐⭐⭐	Substrate cover

Setting Up a Planted Shrimp Tank

Tank Size

Shrimp thrive in tanks as small as 5 gallons, though 10–20 gallons is ideal for a stable, breeding colony. Nano tanks (5–10 gallons) are the most popular for shrimp keeping — and they're perfect for densely planting.

Substrate

For Neocaridina shrimp (Cherry Shrimp, Blue Dream, etc.), any substrate works — gravel, sand, or aqua soil. For Caridina shrimp (Crystal Red, Taiwan Bee, etc.), use an active buffering substrate like ADA Amazonia or Fluval Stratum to maintain the lower pH they require.

The Ideal Shrimp Tank Plant Layout

• Substrate level: Mosses on driftwood/rocks, Monte Carlo or Dwarf Hairgrass carpet, Cryptocoryne Parva
• Midground: Anubias Nana Petite and Bucephalandra on hardscape, Java Fern
• Background: Java Fern, Cryptocoryne Wendtii, more moss
• Surface: Frogbit or Salvinia (cover 30–50%)
• Secret weapon: A clump of Subwassertang dropped anywhere — shrimp will find it

Let the Tank Mature

The most important shrimp tank tip: patience. Set up and plant the tank 4–8 weeks before adding shrimp. This allows:

• Plants to root and establish
• Biofilm to develop on leaves, wood, and rocks
• The nitrogen cycle to complete
• Microfauna (infusoria, copepods) to colonize — free food for shrimp

A mature, well-planted tank is the difference between a shrimp colony that thrives and one that struggles.

Plant Care Tips Specific to Shrimp Tanks

Fertilizers and Shrimp Safety

Most liquid aquarium fertilizers are shrimp-safe at recommended doses. However:

• Avoid copper-based treatments (lethal to shrimp even in small amounts)
• Use shrimp-safe fertilizers or dose conservatively
• Root tabs are generally safer than liquid ferts since they stay in the substrate
• In a well-stocked shrimp tank, shrimp waste often provides enough nutrients for low-light plants

CO₂ and Shrimp

Injected CO₂ is safe for shrimp at normal planted tank levels. However, CO₂ lowers pH, which can stress sensitive species if it fluctuates between day (CO₂ on) and night (CO₂ off). For Caridina species, many keepers skip CO₂ and choose plants that don't require it.

Trimming in Shrimp Tanks

Be gentle when trimming in shrimp tanks — baby shrimp hide in plant growth. Before trimming mosses, gently shake them in the water to dislodge any hiding shrimplets. Trim in small sections rather than clearing large areas at once.

Best Plants by Shrimp Species

Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Cherry Shrimp are hardy and thrive with any of the plants on this list. For maximum breeding success, focus on mosses (Java Moss, Christmas Moss) and floating plants (Frogbit). They're not picky about parameters, so you have full freedom with plant choices.

Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

Amano Shrimp are larger and excellent algae eaters. They do well with all plant types and are particularly valuable in tanks with carpet plants, where they help keep the carpet clean.

Crystal Red / Crystal Black Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis)

These sensitive species need stable, soft, slightly acidic water. Stick to low-tech plants that don't require CO₂: mosses, Anubias, Bucephalandra, Java Fern, and Frogbit. Use active buffering substrate and avoid large water parameter swings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best plants for shrimp tanks?

Mosses are the #1 plant category for shrimp. Java Moss, Christmas Moss, and Subwassertang provide maximum biofilm and baby shrimp shelter. After mosses, Anubias Nana Petite, Bucephalandra, and floating plants like Frogbit are excellent choices.

Do shrimp need live plants?

While shrimp can technically survive without plants, live plants dramatically improve survival rates, breeding success, and overall colony health. Plants provide biofilm (the primary shrimp food source), hiding spots for molting and babies, and natural water filtration. A shrimp tank without plants requires much more supplemental feeding and water changes.

Are aquarium plants safe for shrimp?

Yes — all common aquarium plants are safe for shrimp. The main risk comes from pesticides on newly purchased plants. To be safe, rinse new plants thoroughly or quarantine them for a few days before adding to a shrimp tank. Plants from reputable sellers like Canton Aquatics are grown without harmful pesticides.

What is the best moss for shrimp?

Java Moss is the best all-around moss for shrimp — it's cheap, easy to grow, and provides incredible biofilm surface area. Christmas Moss is denser and more visually appealing. Both are excellent choices, and many shrimp keepers use both.

Do shrimp eat aquarium plants?

Shrimp don't eat healthy plant tissue — they eat the biofilm that grows on plant surfaces. You'll see them constantly "picking" at leaves and moss, but they're eating microorganisms, not the plant itself. Shrimp may eat decomposing plant matter, which is actually helpful for tank cleanliness.

Can I use CO₂ in a shrimp tank?

Yes, CO₂ injection is safe for shrimp at normal planted tank concentrations. However, the pH swings caused by CO₂ on/off cycles can stress sensitive Caridina species. For most shrimp keepers, choosing low-light plants that don't need CO₂ is simpler and safer.

Where can I buy plants for shrimp tanks?

Canton Aquatics ships live shrimp tank plants across the United States with a Live Arrival Guarantee. We carry all the top shrimp plants including Java Moss, Christmas Moss, Anubias, Bucephalandra, floating plants, and more.