6 Best Plants For African Cichlids in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

You are about to find out that keeping African Cichlids in a planted tank is not all that easy. This is true for a variety of reasons.  However, we are here to help by giving you a little list of the best plants for African Cichlids.

The list is not huge, but it sure has extraordinary aquatic plants! Keep in mind that African Cichlids have their own personalities and their own tastes, so each one may react differently to various plants. The plants we list here have the best overall chance of surviving in an African Cichlid tank, but there are no guarantees (this plant one is our top pick).

Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating	Image	Product	Details
		Jungle Vallisneria Spiralis	Not likely to be eaten by African Cichlids Has a strong root system Does not require too much light	Check Price
		Anubias	Can be easily anchored down Does not require much care Hardy plant	Check Price
		Java Moss	Does not require much care Has a strong root system Can survive in the same water parameters as African Cichlids	Check Price
		Java Fern	Hardy plant Has a strong root system Fairly low maintenance	Check Price
		Hornwort	Floating plant Versatile Can survive any water conditions	Check Price

The 6 Best Plants For African Cichlids

1. Jungle Vallisneria Spiralis

Vallisneria Spiralis has a really good chance of surviving and making it to old age inside of an African Cichlid tank. This is true for various reasons. First off, the plant can easily survive in fairly basic (alkaline) conditions, which is important because African Cichlids need basic water.

Moreover, African Cichlids tend to not nibble on this plant, maybe because they don’t like the taste or maybe because of something else. The point is that your Vallisneria Spiralis will not likely be eaten by your African Cichlids.

Also, these plants develop a strong root system and can also be anchored down to rocks or driftwood. This is really useful because African Cichlids like to root plants up, thus destroying them in the process. Vallisneria Spiralis is not easily uprooted, especially when anchored down, which makes it a prime choice.

Taking care of Vallisneria Spiralis is very easy. It grows very fast but can be easily trimmed down to size whenever you see fit. Vallisneria Spiralis does not require too much light or any special treatment either, making it an awesome choice for any African Cichlid tank. Also, the plant looks nice and helps to recreate a natural habitat for any fish.

2. Anubias

There are many species of Anubias, and all will work fairly well for a Cichlid tank. They can be easily anchored down to something in the tank, and they are not very tasty either.

They are hardy and can easily survive in the same conditions as an African Cichlid. Most varieties of Anubias do not require very much care.

3. Java Moss

Java Moss is another plant that can easily survive in the same water parameters as African Cichlids. Also, just like Anubias, java moss does not require much care or maintenance. It is a hardy plant that is almost harder to kill than it is to make it thrive.

This moss develops a really strong root system, it can be easily anchored down, and Cichlids don’t seem to be too big on eating it.

4. Java Fern

The Java Fern is another plant with a strong root system, and therefore African Cichlids are not likely to dig it up.

Also, just like with java moss, Cichlids don’t seem to be too big on eating it. Moreover, the java fern is a hardy and resilient plant that will do just fine in the same water conditions as the African Cichlid, and it is fairly low maintenance.

5. Hornwort

Hornwort is actually a great plant to keep with African Cichlids. They are not known to be fond of the taste of it. Also, hornwort is a floating plant and does not have any roots.

Therefore, there is nothing for the Cichlid to uproot. Hornwort is pretty versatile and does not mind the water conditions which an African Cichlid needs to survive.

6. Moneywort

Our final option, moneywort, is also a good choice. It has roots, but they grow dense and fast, thus minimizing the chances of being uprooted by an African Cichlid.

Some fish have been known to nibble on this plant, but not nearly as much when compared to other plants. Moneywort can easily survive in the same water conditions as the African Cichlid requires, and it is fairly easy to maintain.

Plants & African Cichlids – Some Considerations

When housing plants with African Cichlids, some problems can arise. Generally speaking, for one reason or another, African Cichlids tend to not be very friendly towards plants, and there are some other issues too;

Commonly Asked Questions

Do Cichlids Eat Plants?

Yes, they are big plant nibblers, and you need to be very selective about which plants you add. Stick to some of our suggestions, and you should be fine.

Do Cichlids Eat Moss?

When it comes to cichlid-proof plants, various mosses are a pretty safe bet. Although cichlids eat and disturb many aquarium plants, they don’t seem to enjoy moss too much.

They might nibble on it on occasion, but for the most part, they do not enjoy eating it.

Do Cichlids Eat Java Fern?

In terms of plants compatible with African cichlids, the java fern is another fairly safe bet. It has a fairly strong root system, and cichlids usually won’t be able to dig them up.

Also, just like with java moss, cichlids do not seem to be attracted to java ferns, nor do they seem to enjoy eating the plant.

Do Cichlids Eat Algae?

It really depends on the type of cichlid involved. Most will try eating it on occasion, but for the most part cichlids don’t particularly enjoy eating algae.

Can You Really Have Cichlids In A Planted Tank?

Yes, you can absolutely have cichlids in a planted tank, as long as you get cichlid-safe plants. The plants they do not eat may still get dug up, thus killing their root systems.

Some plants that are ideal for cichlid tanks include anubias, java ferns, java moss, crinum, vallisneria, echinodorus, and cryptocoryne. As long as the cichlid does not like to eat the plant, and as long as the plant has a strong root system, it should be fine.

So, What Are The Best Plants For Cichlids?

In our opinion, these six have the best chances of survival:

Conclusion

The bottom line is that even though keeping plants with African Cichlids can be challenging, it is not impossible. There are more species to use than we listed, but we discussed the ones with the very best chance of survival (Vallisneria Spiralis is our top pick). The best plants for African Cichlids are ones that can survive in the same water, are not too tasty, and have a good root system (or no roots at all).

See also:

• 9 Safe Rocks For Cichlids
• African Cichlid Water Temperature Guide: Ideal Conditions Explained

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay