plants that survive fish digging

Talk about your fresh water plants here
Humblevibe
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:18 pm

plants that survive fish digging

Post by Humblevibe »

My cichlids keep uprooting everything. What plants can handle their digging? I've tried Java Fern but they just rip it out. Tank's a 55g with sand substrate, 78F, and moderate lighting. Need something tough.
User avatar
florik
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:46 am

Re: plants that survive fish digging

Post by florik »

Anubias might work. Tie it to driftwood or rocks so the roots aren't exposed. My Oscars messed with everything else but left Anubias alone. Weird vibe, but it worked.
Linxel
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:10 pm

Re: plants that survive fish digging

Post by Linxel »

Seconding Anubias. Also, try Cryptocoryne Wendtii. It's got a strong root system once established. Mine survived a pair of digging Geophagus. Just give it time to settle.
User avatar
reef_lord9
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 9:46 pm

Re: plants that survive fish digging

Post by reef_lord9 »

Dude, my goldfish are the same. I gave up and went fake. But if you're set on real, maybe Vallisneria? Grows fast and roots deep.
FryBoys
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:59 pm

Re: plants that survive fish digging

Post by FryBoys »

Vallisneria's a gamble. My cichlids shredded it. Try Amazon Swords with root tabs. They're beefy enough to handle some abuse. Just don't expect 'em to stay pretty.
coralwave_7
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:16 pm

Re: plants that survive fish digging

Post by coralwave_7 »

Java Fern and Anubias are your best bets. Attach them to hardscape. Floating plants like Frogbit might also distract the fish from digging.
Raghad
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 10:13 pm

Re: plants that survive fish digging

Post by Raghad »

My Severums destroyed everything until I tied down some Bolbitis. It's not the fastest grower, but it's tough. Also, more hiding spots might reduce their digging.
Violeta7
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:40 pm

Re: plants that survive fish digging

Post by Violeta7 »

FryBoys wrote: Sat Jun 21, 2025 11:19 am Vallisneria's a gamble. My cichlids shredded it. Try Amazon Swords with root tabs. They're beefy enough to handle some abuse. Just don't expect 'em to stay pretty.
Amazon Swords are solid, but they need heavy root feeding. If your substrate's sand, you'll need root tabs for sure.
User avatar
sandie
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 9:32 pm

Re: plants that survive fish digging

Post by sandie »

I've had luck with Crinum Calamistratum. Its leaves are tough, and the roots go deep. My digging fish gave up after a while. Plus, it looks gorgeous.
User avatar
Vocalist9
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:37 am

Re: plants that survive fish digging

Post by Vocalist9 »

For heavy diggers, focus on plants with rhizomes or those that attach to hardscape. Anubias, Bolbitis, and Java Fern are the top choices. Avoid stem plants entirely.
Post Reply