Adding aquatic plants to your Neocaridina shrimp tank is one of the best decisions any aquarist can make. These hardy freshwater shrimp thrive in planted aquariums where plants provide food, shelter, and stable water quality. Beyond aesthetics, live plants help recreate a natural ecosystem — balancing nutrients, oxygen, and biological filtration.
Whether you keep Red Cherry Shrimp, Blue Dream Shrimp, or other Neocaridina varieties, choosing the right plants will make a major difference in their health and activity. This guide highlights the best live aquarium plants for Neocaridina shrimp, how they benefit shrimp behavior, and how to care for them successfully.
Why Aquatic Plants Are Essential for Neocaridina Shrimp
1. Shelter and Security
Neocaridina shrimp are small and vulnerable. Live plants offer safe hiding spaces for molting shrimp and baby shrimplets, helping reduce stress and predation risk.
2. Natural Food Source
Plants support the growth of biofilm and algae, which are primary food sources for shrimp. As leaves age, microorganisms grow on their surfaces, providing a constant, natural buffet.
3. Better Water Quality
Aquatic plants absorb ammonia, nitrate, and other toxins, keeping the water cleaner and more stable — crucial for shrimp health and breeding success.
4. Oxygenation and Aesthetic Balance
Through photosynthesis, plants release oxygen and help maintain healthy tank chemistry. They also enhance the aquarium’s visual appeal, creating a lush, natural habitat that highlights shrimp colors.
1. Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri)

Overview
Java Moss is arguably the best plant for Neocaridina shrimp tanks. It’s hardy, fast-growing, and thrives in a wide range of water conditions.
Benefits for Shrimp
- Provides dense cover for baby shrimp.
- Offers a large surface area for biofilm and algae growth.
- Ideal spawning site for shrimp and small fish.
Care Requirements
- Lighting: Low to medium
- Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
- pH: 6.0–7.8
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Attach Java Moss to rocks, driftwood, or mesh to create carpets or moss walls. Trim regularly to keep it tidy and promote thick regrowth.
2. Anubias Nana (Anubias barteri var. nana)

Overview
Anubias Nana is a slow-growing, hardy plant that thrives in low light — perfect for shrimp tanks.
Benefits for Shrimp
- Broad, smooth leaves provide grazing surfaces for biofilm.
- Thick roots and rhizomes create small hiding spots for shrimp.
- Resistant to algae and doesn’t require substrate planting.
Care Requirements
- Lighting: Low
- Temperature: 70–80°F (21–27°C)
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Placement: Attach to wood or rocks using thread or glue.
Because of its slow growth and low maintenance, Anubias Nana is a great foreground or midground choice for Neocaridina shrimp aquariums.
3. Marimo Moss Ball (Aegagropila linnaei)
Overview
The Marimo Moss Ball isn’t a true moss but a form of algae that grows into soft, spherical shapes. It’s popular for both its simplicity and functionality.
Benefits for Shrimp
- Shrimp love grazing on its surface for algae and biofilm.
- Helps absorb excess nutrients and nitrates from the water.
- Adds a natural, minimalistic look to shrimp tanks.
Care Requirements
- Lighting: Low
- Temperature: 68–78°F (20–25°C)
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- Maintenance: Rinse gently and rotate weekly to maintain shape.
Marimo Moss Balls are safe, decorative, and practical for small or nano shrimp setups.
4. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
Overview
Another favorite among aquarists, Java Fern is a tough, undemanding plant that thrives in low-tech shrimp tanks.
Benefits for Shrimp
- Large leaves serve as natural grazing areas.
- Provides cover and shade, reducing stress for shrimp.
- Grows well when attached to hardscape, saving substrate space.
Care Requirements
- Lighting: Low to medium
- Temperature: 68–80°F (20–26°C)
- pH: 6.0–7.8
Attach Java Fern to driftwood or stones and avoid burying the rhizome. It’s one of the most forgiving plants for beginners.
5. Cryptocoryne Wendtii (Cryptocoryne wendtii)
Overview
Cryptocoryne Wendtii is a versatile foreground or midground plant available in colors like green, brown, and red.
Benefits for Shrimp
- Root structure offers great shelter for shrimp.
- Broad leaves host natural algae growth for grazing.
- Adds color contrast and texture to planted tanks.
Care Requirements
- Lighting: Low to moderate
- Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Substrate: Nutrient-rich; root tabs recommended.
This plant adapts easily and pairs well with mosses and other shade-tolerant plants.
6. Subwassertang (Lomariopsis lineata)
Overview
Subwassertang, also known as “Round Pellia,” is a unique liverwort that resembles a cross between moss and seaweed.
Benefits for Shrimp
- Excellent hiding and breeding ground for baby shrimp.
- Dense texture collects biofilm for constant feeding.
- Free-floating or attachable to driftwood.
Care Requirements
- Lighting: Low to medium
- Temperature: 70–80°F (21–27°C)
- pH: 6.5–7.5
Subwassertang forms bushy mats that look natural and blend perfectly into planted shrimp tanks.
7. Vallisneria Spiralis (Italian Vallisneria)
Overview
Vallisneria spiralis adds height and background structure to shrimp tanks. Its long ribbon-like leaves gently sway in water currents, mimicking natural aquatic grass.
Benefits for Shrimp
- Provides shade and security for shrimp.
- Supports biofilm development on older leaves.
- Excellent for large tanks with vertical depth.
Care Requirements
- Lighting: Moderate
- Temperature: 70–82°F (21–28°C)
- pH: 6.5–8.0
- Substrate: Nutrient-rich or supplemented with root tabs.
Vallisneria is fast-growing, hardy, and one of the best background plants for freshwater shrimp tanks.
8. Dwarf Sagittaria (Sagittaria subulata)
Overview
Dwarf Sagittaria is a compact, grass-like foreground plant ideal for creating shrimp-friendly ground cover.
Benefits for Shrimp
- Dense growth offers hiding spots for baby shrimp.
- Acts as a natural filter by absorbing excess nutrients.
- Helps oxygenate the substrate and supports biofilm.
Care Requirements
- Lighting: Medium
- Temperature: 70–82°F (21–28°C)
- pH: 6.5–7.8
Easy to propagate and maintain, this plant adds texture and coverage to the bottom of the shrimp aquarium.
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Neocaridina Shrimp
When selecting plants, consider these factors:
- Tank Size: Tall plants like Vallisneria fit larger tanks; mosses and Anubias are perfect for nano tanks.
- Lighting Level: If you’re running a low-light setup, stick to hardy species such as Java Moss, Anubias Nana, and Java Fern.
- Substrate: Some plants like Cryptocoryne or Vallisneria need nutrient-rich bases, while others attach to driftwood or rock.
- Maintenance Level: Choose plants that match your maintenance routine; slow growers need less trimming.
- Purpose: Combine mosses for breeding, broad-leaf plants for grazing, and tall plants for shading.
Maintenance Tips for Planted Shrimp Tanks
- Perform small weekly water changes (10–20%) to maintain cleanliness.
- Trim plants regularly to prevent overgrowth and improve light penetration.
- Avoid using fertilizers that contain copper, as it’s toxic to shrimp.
- Provide gentle water circulation to keep nutrients evenly distributed.
- Use natural light or moderate LED lighting to encourage steady plant growth.
A balanced, well-planted shrimp tank stabilizes water quality and supports a self-sustaining ecosystem where shrimp thrive naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do Neocaridina shrimp need live plants?
While not mandatory, live plants are highly recommended. They provide natural grazing areas, enhance water stability, and improve shrimp survival rates, especially for juveniles.
2. What are the best plants for shrimp breeding tanks?
Java Moss, Subwassertang, and Marimo Moss Balls are top choices because they create dense cover where baby shrimp can hide and feed safely.
3. Can I grow plants in a shrimp-only tank without CO₂?
Yes. Most beginner-friendly plants like Java Fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, and mosses thrive in low-tech setups without added CO₂.
4. How do I prevent algae on my plants?
Maintain proper lighting duration (6–8 hours daily), avoid overfeeding, and include shrimp and snails that naturally help manage algae growth.
5. Are floating plants good for shrimp tanks?
Yes, species like Amazon Frogbit or Red Root Floater add shade, reduce stress, and help absorb excess nutrients — though they’re best combined with submerged plants for balance.
Conclusion
Healthy, vibrant Neocaridina shrimp depend on a stable environment — and nothing supports that better than live aquatic plants. Mosses like Java Moss and Subwassertang create safe havens for breeding; leafy species such as Anubias Nana and Java Fern provide grazing surfaces; and rooted plants like Cryptocoryne and Vallisneria keep water parameters balanced.
By combining these aquarium plants for shrimp tanks, you’ll build a natural ecosystem that enhances shrimp color, encourages breeding, and maintains crystal-clear water quality.
For both beginners and advanced aquarists, a planted Neocaridina shrimp tank isn’t just beautiful — it’s the key to long-term success.