Do Angelfish Eat Plants? Tips To Keep Plants Safe

Many fish owners wonder do angelfish eat plants and how to keep their plants safe from these curious creatures. As an aquarist, nothing is more frustrating than coming home to find your beloved angelfish have ravaged your carefully cultivated aquarium plants.

In this article, we will explore do angelfish eat plants, provide tips to prevent angelfish from eating plants in your aquarium, and suggest angelfish tank plant species that are less likely to be eaten. So, let’s dive in and uncover the truth about do angelfish eat aquarium plants!

Understanding Angelfish Behavior

Before we address the question of whether angelfish eat plants, it’s essential to understand their behavior. Angelfish are omnivorous, meaning they consume both animal and plant matter. In the wild, their natural habitat is filled with plants, which serve as hiding places and breeding platforms. However, angelfish primarily eat plants for specific purposes, rather than as a staple part of their diet.

Also Read: Complete angelfish feeding Guide..

Why Do Angelfish Eat Plants?

Several factors can influence angelfish to eat plants. One of the main reasons is boredom. Just like humans, angelfish can become bored and may turn to nibbling on plants for entertainment. Additionally, malnourished angelfish or those accustomed to a diet lacking in vegetables may resort to eating plants to compensate for nutrient deficiencies.

Young angelfish, in particular, may experiment with nibbling on plants out of curiosity. While this behavior is usually harmless and temporary, it can become a habit in some cases. Furthermore, if angelfish have developed a taste for vegetables, they may turn to eating plants in the aquarium as a substitute.

Which Plants Do Angelfish Eat?

Angelfish are opportunistic plant-eaters and will sample any vegetation within reach. However, some species seem to be particularly irresistible. Common targets include:

• Soft, delicate leaves like cabomba, ambulia, guppy grass, hornwort, anacharis
• Floating plants like duckweed, frogbit, water lettuce
• Moss like Java moss, Christmas moss

Meanwhile, plants with tougher leaves like anubias and java fern tend to avoid attention. Angelfish also dislike plants with hard protective coatings like cryptocorynes.

Tips to Prevent Angelfish from Eating Plants

Here are some effective tips to consider to protect angelfish tank plants.

1. Providing a Balanced Diet

One of the primary reasons angelfish eat plants is due to a lack of certain nutrients in their diet. To prevent this, make sure to provide a balanced diet that includes both meaty foods and vegetables. Add vegetables such as zucchini, leafy greens, and broccoli florets to their meals to fulfill their nutritional needs. However, avoid reinforcing plant-eating behavior by feeding your fish every time they nibble on your plants.

2. Adjusting Meal Portions

Sometimes, angelfish may eat plants because they are not receiving enough food. Ensure you are feeding your angelfish sufficient amounts of food, and consider increasing the size of their individual meals. Angelfish typically require feeding twice a day to maintain their health and prevent them from resorting to eating plants.

3. Choosing Plant Species Wisely

If you want to keep your plants safe from angelfish, selecting plant species that grow quickly is crucial. Plants such as Hygrophila, Cabomba, and Duckweed are known for their fast growth, ensuring that any portions eaten by angelfish will be replaced in due time. Avoid slow-growing plants, as they are more likely to be consumed before they can establish themselves. The Amazon sword plant and water sprite are examples of plants that angelfish are less likely to eat due to their unappetizing taste or tough texture.

4. Avoiding Overcrowding

Overstocking your tank can lead to increased competition over food, which may result in angelfish eating your plants. While angelfish thrive in groups, it’s important to strike a balance. Keep your tank appropriately stocked with a recommended number of angelfish and avoid introducing other fish species that may contribute to plant destruction.

Also Read: Guide To Angelfish Tank Setup..

5. Using Fake Plants

If all else fails and your angelfish continue to eat your live plants, using artificial plants can be an effective solution. Fake plants provide hiding places and aesthetic appeal for your angelfish without the risk of being consumed. However, it’s important to note that fake plants do not offer the same benefits as live plants, such as waste elimination, oxygen production, and algae control.

Safe Angelfish Tank Plants Species

While angelfish may occasionally nibble on plants, there are several plant species that they are less likely to eat. Consider adding these plants to your aquarium to provide a beautiful environment for your angelfish while minimizing the risk of them being consumed:

1. Amazon Sword

The Amazon sword plant is a popular choice for angelfish tanks. Its long leaves offer a perfect surface for angelfish to lay their eggs, and it serves as a hiding place for fish. This plant grows up to 20 inches and requires anchoring in the substrate to thrive.

2. Water Sprite

The water sprite plant is a slow-growing species with long, leafy stems that provide angelfish with hiding spots and privacy. It can reach a height of 13 inches, making it suitable for larger tanks. The water sprite is also beneficial for angelfish breeding, as it offers a safe surface for egg-laying.

3. Java Fern

The Java fern is another excellent choice for angelfish tanks. It has thin leaves that angelfish can swim through, providing them with cover and a place to rest. Java ferns are hardy plants that can survive in various tank conditions, and they offer a suitable surface for angelfish eggs during mating.

4. Wisteria

Wisteria is a plant with bright green leaves and narrow protrusions that provide angelfish with hiding places. This fast-growing plant can grow up to 20 inches, so regular trimming may be necessary to prevent it from overtaking the tank. Wisteria also holds and conceals angelfish eggs, protecting them from potential predators.

5. Anubias

Anubias Nana is a versatile plant that can be planted in the substrate or left to float in the tank. It has a unique appearance that resembles land plants, adding visual interest to the aquarium. While angelfish may not swim through it, they can still use it as cover, making it a suitable addition to their environment.

6. Java Fern

Java moss is a plant that requires tying to objects in the tank, as it does not root in the substrate. It forms a soft carpet-like surface that angelfish can rest on or lay their eggs upon. Java moss is low-maintenance and grows slowly, providing a lush and comfortable environment for angelfish.

7. Hornwort

Hornwort is a tall plant that can be used in conjunction with other plant species to protect angelfish eggs. It grows rapidly, so regular trimming is necessary to prevent it from overwhelming the aquarium. Hornwort provides additional hiding places for angelfish and contributes to the overall aesthetics of the tank.

8. Vallisneria

Jungle Vallisneria, also known as tall grass, is ideal for larger aquariums. It can grow up to 6 feet, providing angelfish with an excellent environment for playing and hiding. Vallisneria has thin, green leaves that angelfish can swim through, offering them privacy and security.

Also read: Do Angelfish Eat Algae?

Conclusion

In conclusion, do angelfish eat plants? answer is yes but it is not a behavior for which they are known. They primarily consume plants for specific purposes such as hiding and egg-laying. By following the tips mentioned above, such as providing a balanced diet, choosing suitable plant species, and avoiding overcrowding, you can prevent angelfish from eating plants. Additionally, incorporating plant species that angelfish are less likely to eat, such as the Amazon sword and water sprite, can enhance the beauty of your tank while keeping your plants safe. Remember to observe your angelfish’s behavior and adjust accordingly to create a harmonious environment for both your fish and plants.