Which fish are safe for a freshwater planted tank? Which fish eat plants?
Most planted tanks are tropical, so I’ll list tropical fish. You should avoid most large South American Cichlids– really only dwarfs, Discus, Keyholes, and a select few others will not eat plants. African Cichlids will also terrorize your plants. Digging fish such as Loaches, Catfish, and other burrowing species can be problematic as they often uproot plants, while herbivorous fish such as Silver Dollars and most species of Plecostomus will readily devour your plants. Small fish like Tetras, Rasboras, Barbs, Danios, Minnows, Gouramis, Dwarf Cichlids, Discus, Kuhli Loaches, Glass Catfish, Killifish, Rainbowfish, and freshwater Gobies and Blennies would all make great displays. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
