Tetra fish are a popular aquarium fish beloved for their small size, unique colors, and schooling patterns. These fish are generally easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners. Many species of tetras have natural habitats full of natural plant life, providing them plenty of shade and hiding spots from predators. You will find that these fish flourish alongside the best plants for Tetra fish, as these aquatic plants offer many benefits to both the fish and the water quality. Let’s explore the perfect choices for companionship!
Table of Contents
What are the Best Plants for Tetra Fish Tanks?
The best plants for tetra fish tanks are those that have soft foliage that will not damage the delicate fins of the fish. Tetra fish enjoy live plants that can provide them with an environment that creates plenty of hiding spots and coverage. Additionally, the most optimal plants will thrive in the same water conditions as these fish, making them tank-compatible. For most aquarium owners, the ideal plants are easy to grow and demand minimal care.
Anubias
| Recommended pH 6.0-8.0 | Water Temperature 72°F-82°F | Light Requirements Low to Moderate |
Anubias is one of the most commonly recommended plants for tetra fish, and they are suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarium owners. This resilient and slow-growing plant originates from the rivers of Africa. Anubias are easy to grow and hardy, with minimal light and growth requirements. This tough plant can endure a wide range of water conditions. Additionally, you can buy different varieties that match your desired size and color for your tank. You can find sizes that range from very large to extremely small.
Tetras enjoy Anubias because they provide them with cover and hiding spots, creating a fun environment as they swim around their leaves. Not only does this plant contribute to the natural look of the fish tank, but it also helps to maintain good water quality. Due to their beginner-friendliness and ease of care, Anubias is one of the best plants for Tetra fish that you can grow.
Java Fern
| Recommended pH 6.0-7.5 | Water Temperature 68°F to 82°F | Light Requirements Low to Moderate |
The Java Fern is a favorite among aquarium owners due to its distinctive appearance and slow growth pattern. It is a very tolerant plant, able to adapt to many types of water and light conditions. You will find that this plant is easily propagated since it grows new baby plantlets on its leaves. These baby plants will eventually fall off and begin growing within the tank. Due to this ease of propagation, Java Ferns are easy to purchase at an affordable price. These plants are often regarded as some of the best plants for Tetra fish due to their adaptability and ease of care.
One of the big perks of the Java Fern is that it is an overall low-maintenance plant that is easy for anyone to grow. Additionally, you will have many options for where to grow it within your tank because it is an epiphyte plant. These are plants that can grow on many different surfaces for support. Many people opt to plant it within the substrate on the bottom of their tanks for a clean look. However, you can allow it to float or attach it to driftwood and other decor to fit the desired appearance. This plant does not require CO2 injection to grow, however, this will make the plant grow more quickly. This makes the Java Fern an amazing choice for tetra enthusiasts who want to add a touch of natural beauty to their aquarium.
Guppy Grass
| Recommended pH 6.0-8.0 | Water Temperature 68°F to 79°F | Light Requirements Low to Moderate |
Guppy Grass, also known as Najas grass, is a lush foliage that is a North American native plant. It gets its name from being a popular choice among guppy breeders and owners, as both the fry and adults enjoy hiding and swimming within the plant. Despite its name, many other types of fish species also enjoy it, making it a welcomed addition to a Tetra fish tank. Tetras enjoy swimming around or within its foliage which is why it’s one of the best plants for Tetra fish. It even makes an excellent live plant for community tanks. Additionally, Guppy grass is known for its rapid growth and ability to tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
This grass can be planted within the substrate of your tank or allowed to float, depending on what type of visual appeal you are going for. This plant will provide excellent coverage and plant life to the bottom or top of your aquarium. Guppy grass will propagate itself by producing more shoots that begin to grow. Due to their quick growth, they have the potential to overtake a tank if they are not trimmed. This is a visually appealing aquatic plant that will add a natural look of an underwater environment to your Tetra aquarium.
Java Moss
| Recommended pH 5.0-8.0 | Water Temperature 70°F to 75°F | Light Requirements Low to Moderate |
Java Moss is a very unique-looking plant that is native to Southeast Asia. This aquatic plant is another excellent choice for tetra tanks due to its low maintenance and rapid growth. The look of the moss within an aquarium can give a lush appearance. This plant is perfect for tetras that are breeding, giving the fry plenty of coverage. You can even grow this plant on many different surfaces within a tetra tank, such as decor, substrate, rocks, or driftwood pieces. This can allow for many different creative choices for decorating an aquarium. Due to its thick growth, java moss can provide excellent coverage and hiding spots for Tetras.
The only maintenance that this plant needs is trimming to keep the plant looking neat and tidy. This plant will also benefit your tank’s water quality by increasing the oxygen levels and decreasing waste. Propagating this plant is extremely easy as well, simply divide the plant into different pieces and attach it to another surface where it will begin to grow! This will allow you to expand your plant coverage with ease. Overall, Java Moss is considered one of the best plants for Tetra fish, offering plenty of hiding spots and a very aesthetically pleasing look.
Amazon Sword
| Recommended pH 6.5-7.5 | Water Temperature 72°F to 82°F | Light Requirements Moderate to High |
The Amazon Sword plant is another popular choice for aquariums, especially those that have Tetra fish. Known for its ease of care, this plant can tolerate many different types of water conditions in a fish tank. With long sword-like leaves, the Amazon sword adds an attractive and natural look to any aquarium. It can even grow quite tall under optimal conditions. This impressive growth can give it a stunning look within the background of a Tetra tank.
Due to its size, the Amazon Sword plant provides ample hiding spots for fish that enjoy shelter. In addition, this aquatic plant will help maintain good water quality while producing plenty of oxygen and absorbing waste from the water. To make them even more beginner-friendly, you will not need to worry about CO2 injection. These are valuable additions to a tank with Tetra fish for both their visual appeal and their positive impact on the ecosystem.
Water Sprite
| Recommended pH 6.5-7.5 | Water Temperature 70°F to 82°F | Light Requirements Moderate to High |
Water Sprite is a widely used aquarium plant that pairs very well with Tetra fish. Valued for being easy to grow and low maintenance, it is often listed among the best plants for Tetra fish. The plant grows quickly, so it will rapidly begin establishing itself within the tank. Water Sprite helps to maintain good water quality by absorbing wastes while providing oxygen, and contributing to the good health of the aquarium. Tetra fish enjoy having plenty of hiding spots and shelter, so they will benefit from the growth pattern of this plant.
Water Sprite does great when planted in the substrate of a tank or can thrive when floating as well, however, you will see the roots hanging within the water. The hanging roots of this plant can be an undesirable look to some. This plant can do well without CO2 injection, but like many plants on this list, it will grow more quickly with it. This aspect makes the plant excellent for beginners and those who are not experienced with growing aquatic plants. The only maintenance that is typically necessary for the Water Sprite is some pruning to remove any discolored leaves. The self-propagation that is done by the plant makes it even more appealing. It does this by producing plantlets, which can be removed and planted to grow into another adult plant. Otherwise, these baby plants will drop off by themselves eventually.
Frogbit
| Recommended pH 6.0-7.5 | Water Temperature 64°F to 82°F | Light Requirements Moderate to High |
Frogbit is a resilient and commonly grown floating plant for aquariums, offering several benefits for your tetra fish. This plant has a look that is reminiscent of lily pads and floats on top of the water. The roots will dangle into the water, and have a fuzzy or furry appearance to them. The hanging roots give an aquarium a very natural feel. The unique look, low maintenance, and compatibility put it on the list of the best plants for Tetra fish to add to your tank. Even more beginner-friendly, this plant does not require CO2 injection, although it can benefit from liquid fertilizer.
The plant stays afloat at the top of the water, which can mitigate some of the intensity of the light. This gives the fish plenty of shade and shelter that they often enjoy. In addition to its visual appeal, it also adds oxygen and helps keep the water maintained. This low-maintenance plant will propagate itself by making new plantlets. It’s important to make sure that this plant doesn’t grow too much and overwhelm the top of the tank. If you experience this, simply remove some of the plants!
Dwarf Water Lettuce
| Recommended pH 6.0-7.5 | Water Temperature 70°F to 82°F | Light Requirements Moderate |
Dwarf Water Lettuce is another aquatic favorite that floats at the top of the water. The plant grows with small circular leaves that connect at a center point, featuring a slightly rippled look on the surface. Since they are floating plants, their roots will dangle within the water and have a feathery look to them. Tetra fish tend to enjoy swimming among the roots as well. Similarly to Frogbit, this plant will block out some of the light and provide the tetra fish with plenty of shade, while helping to control algae growth. It will assist with oxygenating the water and absorbing excess waste, which will help maintain good water quality.
Dwarf Water Lettuce is a low-maintenance plant that makes it an ideal choice for many tetra owners. It will effortlessly propagate itself by producing plantlets. However, it’s important to be mindful of how much it grows and not let it take over the entire top of the water.
Vallisneria
| Recommended pH 6.5-8 | Water Temperature 68°F to 82°F | Light Requirements Moderate to High |
Vallisneria is an easy-to-grow aquarium plant that is a great choice for Tetra fish. This is a common aquatic plant that is easy to find at pet and fish stores. The long slim leaves have a grassy look to them and can grow quite tall under optimal conditions. If you find that the plant is growing too tall for your preferences or outgrowing your tank, simply trim the leaves back! Be sure to check out the many varieties that this plant comes in, offering different heights and looks.
This grassy plant grows within the substrate on the bottom of the tank. Vallisneria is versatile and can handle a variety of water conditions. Like all plants, it supplies oxygen to the water and helps eliminate wastes to make a beneficial ecosystem. CO2 injection is not a necessity for this plant, however, it will benefit from some fertilizer being applied to the water. For these reasons, Vallisneria is an excellent beginner-friendly aquatic plant to grow in your Tetra aquarium.
Cryptocoryne
| Recommended pH 6.0-7.5 | Water Temperature 72°F to 82°F | Light Requirements Low to Moderate |
Cryptocoryne, also called Crypts, is the final recommendation on our list of the best plants for tetra fish. This plant boasts an appealing look that provides the fish with plenty of shelter as they swim among the leaves, adding to the beauty of the tank. With many different sizes and color varieties, there are many choices to explore! These plants grow within the substrate on the bottom of the tank, allowing their roots to spread and anchor them in place. You can expect this plant to grow rather slowly, so you will not have to trim the plant much in comparison to others on this list.
Beyond their decorative role in an aquarium, these plants contribute significantly to the overall health of a tank setup by enhancing water quality. Crypts are known to adapt to a lot of different water conditions and tend to tolerate both soft and hard water. However, they do appreciate the stability of their water conditions, which reduces stress for the plant. Root tabs are often recommended to help the plant’s growth as well. This is a great option for those who have tetra fish and want to add some flare to their tanks.