Best Plants for Shrimp Tanks That Double as Natural Baby Hideouts
Shrimp are some of the most fun and fascinating creatures to watch in a freshwater tank—but if you’ve ever tried breeding them, you know how quickly baby shrimp can disappear. The truth is: most shrimp babies (aka shrimplets) don’t survive unless they have safe hiding spots in their earliest days.
That’s where aquarium plants come in. Not only do they boost water quality and create a natural look—they also give baby shrimp a fighting chance.
Here are the best plants to add to your shrimp tank if you want to keep your colony thriving:
1. Java Moss
Low light, no CO2, low maintenance.
This is the #1 plant for baby shrimp survival. The dense, tangled structure is perfect for microscopic food to collect, and it gives shrimplets tons of cover. Grows easily on driftwood, rocks, or just floating freely. If you want babies to make it—get Java Moss.
2. Christmas Moss
Thicker and more structured than Java Moss, Christmas Moss grows in layers and fans out like a mini evergreen tree underwater. It makes an excellent shrimplet nursery, especially when tied to driftwood or mesh pads.
3. Subwassertang
It looks like a cross between moss and seaweed—and shrimp absolutely love it. Subwassertang forms soft, bushy clusters that trap biofilm and particles for shrimplets to graze on. A hidden gem for shrimp keepers.
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4. Anubias Nana Petite
With its small, hardy leaves and slow growth, Anubias Nana Petite creates excellent mid-level cover. Shrimplets will dart under the leaves and graze all day. It doesn’t need substrate and can grow on wood or rock.
5. Floating Plants (Salvinia, Frogbit, or Red Root Floater)
Floating plants create shade and dangling roots that shrimp use as shelter and feeding grounds. Baby shrimp love to explore the jungle of roots, especially in tanks with high light or larger fish.
6. Hornwort
This fast-growing plant floats or anchors, and it naturally sheds fluffy needles. Shrimplets love hiding in the loose leaves—and it also helps prevent algae by soaking up excess nutrients.
Final Tip: Create Layers
The best shrimp tanks have plants at every level—floating, midground, and bottom. This gives shrimp plenty of places to hide, molt, and graze.
Want to help your shrimp colony explode?
Start with moss + floaters, and watch your babies survive and thrive.