13 Best Aquarium Plants for Shrimp 2026

Aquarigram’s Red Root Floaters deliver vibrant red roots and leaves that outshine most floating plants in a low-flow shrimp tank. Unlike the top pick, which offers pest-free reliability under low light, these floaters require moderate to high light and a still surface to keep their color and prevent melt. Shrimp eagerly graze the long roots, and buyers may receive bonus plants.

This plant suits shrimp keepers who prioritize visual impact and can provide a calm surface, gentle filtration, and consistent parameters. It is not ideal for high-flow HOB filters or tanks with sudden parameter shifts; in those conditions, the plant may brown and melt quickly. For aquascapers wanting a red accent at the surface and willing to dial in their setup, the health and beauty are worth the extra care.

These Marcus Amazon Swords arrive noticeably healthier and larger than the mixed-quality swords common at lower price points. Deep green leaves with well-developed roots establish quickly in medium light, forming a dense backdrop within weeks. Unlike slower-growing epiphytes that anchor to hardscape, these rooted plants shoot upward and create the tall, shade-providing cover that shrimp breeders value for molting and grazing.

Shrimp keepers with tanks over 10 gallons who want a fast-growing background plant will find these a good fit. The main tradeoff is that bladder snails occasionally hitch a ride on the leaves, so a quick inspection or dip before planting is wise. These swords also rely on root nutrients; they thrive best in tanks with a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs, and may stall in inert gravel. They are not suited for nano tanks or for keepers who demand a completely snail-free setup.

Three Java Ferns for the cost of one from other sellers makes this the best bulk epiphyte deal for low-light shrimp tanks. Unlike premium nano Anubias that command a higher price per plant, this pack lets you fill multiple driftwood perches without straining a budget. Java Fern thrives in dim conditions without CO2, so it slots easily into a shrimp-only tank. The broad, leathery leaves double as biofilm grazing stations and dense cover for shrimplets.

Budget-minded shrimp keepers aiming to fill background gaps on a tight budget will find this pack a strong value. Rhizomes can arrive on the small side, with only a leaf or two, but Java Fern is resilient—trimming away a meager leaf and attaching the rhizome to wood often leads to fresh growth within weeks. A plant may occasionally struggle to establish, so if you want every specimen flawless from day one, a higher-priced, single-pot Anubias is a safer bet.

The Marcus Anubias Nana Petite arrives with consistently vibrant green leaves and strong root systems, making it one of the healthiest live aquatic plants available for nano setups. Its compact size is exactly as advertised — ideal for foreground use in 5-10 gallon tanks where a low, bushy accent is desired without overwhelming the space.

This petite Anubias is best matched to shrimp tanks where every leaf provides valuable biofilm surface and hiding spots for fry. Because it stays compact and thrives under low light with no CO2 injection, it reduces maintenance while maintaining water quality through gentle nutrient uptake. Keepers who measure their tank space precisely and understand the naturally slow spread of Anubias will get exactly what they paid for — a healthy, pest-free foreground plant that looks established from day one.

These Water Spangles arrive in excellent condition and grow quickly, providing shrimp with surface cover and biofilm. The limited track record means consistency over time is unproven, making this a cautious pick for those who prefer established sellers.

These Red Root Floaters arrive in exceptional condition, with vivid red roots and leaves that make them one of the most striking floating plants available. The health and pest-free arrival are among the best in this category. However, the portion is small relative to the premium price – expect a cup that covers only a small area of a 5-gallon tank. Additionally, they are sensitive to condensation and strong water flow, so covered tanks or high-current setups may cause deterioration. Best suited for shrimp keepers who want a colorful accent rather than full surface coverage.

The Big Pete’s Java Fern and Anubias bundle delivers two hardy, low-light epiphytes that shrimp keepers value for grazing and cover. These are entry-level specimens: plants may arrive small and some leaves can melt during acclimation. Growth to fill a tank takes months, and those expecting instant coverage or large individual plants will be disappointed. For the price, however, it’s a reasonable way to add both species to a nano tank or starter setup. If you’d rather skip the variability, spending a bit more on a single reliable Anubias from SubstrateSource is a safer bet.

Generous 25 sq inch portion supports shrimp breeding with hiding spots and biofilm. A notable portion of the moss may arrive brown or brittle, requiring trimming before use. After cutting away dead sections, the usable amount is smaller than the size suggests, making the premium price less attractive for those seeking consistent health. Best suited for breeders who need volume and can handle some dead material.

As a floating plant for shrimp tanks, the Water Spangle offers attractive tiny leaves that shrimp enjoy gathering under, and it grows well in low light with minimal flow. However, some shipments arrive with blackened leaves or melt shortly after — a quality inconsistency that matters when you need a reliable cover. For shrimp keepers who already have healthy water spangles and just need a booster, this budget pack can work, but first-time plant buyers should expect variance.

When this tiger lotus takes off, the red and green leaves add serious visual depth to a planted tank. The bulb can produce new leaves within days under moderate to high light. But the bulb itself arrives small — sometimes under an inch — and may not sprout at all or rot before growth begins. That makes it a risk for shrimp keepers who need reliable cover and biofilm; it’s better suited to experienced growers who can coax a bulb back to health and accept the possibility of failure.

These Amazon swords provide the tall, broad leaves shrimp use for hiding, perching, and biofilm grazing — beneficial coverage when the plants arrive healthy. The pack costs less than the Marcus alternative for a similar species, but a notable share of shipments include plants that are dead or half-dead on arrival, and the size may be smaller than listed. This makes the set a better fit for experienced keepers who can quarantine and revive plants rather than those needing immediate, dependable establishment.

Grows quickly enough to strip nitrates from a pond or quarantine tank within days, making it a low-cost nutrient export tool. Batches can arrive with snail or worm hitchhikers, and the plant requires consistent skimming to prevent blocking light to rooted plants. For shrimp tanks where clean conditions and control are priorities, this floating plant demands more management than it provides.