IntrovertedInvertebrates

Plants for shrimp habitats

More cover.
More life.

Plants create shelter, feeding surfaces, and living structure. Here’s a short guide to the plants we grow or use in shrimp habitats.

Java moss, Süsswassertang, hornwort, and guppy grass portions are available by enquiry. Portion size, price, and availability are confirmed individually.

Ask about plant portions →

Photographs are species or trade-group references. Familiar trade names are used with qualified scientific names where identification remains provisional.

Java moss reference photograph
Reference photograph

Java moss

Taxiphyllum cf. barbieri

Fine branching cover for shrimplets and a generous surface for grazing.

Light
Low to moderate
Growth
Moderate

Growing it

Attach loosely to rock, wood, or mesh. Keep some flow through the moss and trim shaded or crowded growth.

Propagation

Divide a healthy clump or reattach trimmings.

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Süsswassertang reference photograph
Reference photograph

Süsswassertang

Lomariopsis cf. lineata

Soft folds form sheltered clumps and fine feeding surfaces for young shrimp.

Light
Low to moderate
Growth
Slow to moderate

Growing it

Keep as a loose clump or secure lightly. Thin dense growth so water can move through it and remove trapped debris.

Propagation

Separate healthy fragments and let them settle into new clumps.

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Hornwort

Ceratophyllum sp.

Feathery stems provide floating cover and help take up nutrients as they grow.

Light
Moderate
Growth
Fast when established

Growing it

Grow floating or loosely supported with room for light and water movement. Remove shed material and shaded stems.

Propagation

Separate healthy stem sections.

Ask about portions →
Guppy grass reference photograph
Reference photograph

Guppy grass

Najas cf. guadalupensis

Fine branching stems make dense cover for shrimp and nursery tanks.

Light
Low to moderate
Growth
Fast when established

Growing it

Leave loose or lightly anchor. Thin crowded tangles before the shaded centre declines; stems break easily during handling.

Propagation

Healthy stem fragments readily form new growth.

Ask about portions →
Anubias reference photograph
Reference photograph

Anubias

Anubias sp.

Durable leaves and roots add lasting structure and grazing surfaces.

Light
Low to moderate
Growth
Slow

Growing it

Mount with the thick horizontal rhizome exposed. Roots can enter the substrate; keep the rhizome above it.

Propagation

Divide a healthy rhizome with leaves and roots on each section.

Pearl weed reference photograph
Reference photograph

Pearl weed

Micranthemum sp.

Small leaves and branching stems make useful planted cover.

Light
Moderate
Growth
Moderate to fast

Growing it

Plant stems with room to branch. Trim and replant healthy tops when lower growth becomes shaded.

Propagation

Tip and side-shoot cuttings.

Amazon frogbit reference photograph
Reference photograph

Amazon frogbit

Hydrocharis laevigata

Floating rosettes add shade while hanging roots provide refuge and grazing surfaces.

Light
Moderate overhead
Growth
Fast in suitable conditions

Growing it

Keep leaf tops dry and preserve some open surface. Thin daughter plants before they block too much light below.

Propagation

Separate daughter rosettes formed on runners.

A little care goes a long way.

Keep growth open enough for light and water movement, remove decaying material, and inspect new portions for hitchhikers. Contain trimmings and never release aquarium plants outdoors.

Plants, including Anubias and pearl weed, are also part of our habitats; a care entry alone does not mean a plant is offered for sale.

Sources and photo credits

Selected references

Reference photographs

All photographs were locally resized and centre-cropped. The linked originals retain full file and licence details.