The Roles Of Aquatic Plants

As far as most fish hobbyists are concerned, aquatic plants are primarily used for beautifying aquarium. Some are loath to use them as they can be hard to maintain. Special attention needs to be given to ensure that the proper levels of carbon dioxide, iron, phosphates and other trace elements are available for their survival.

However, plants can be a vital addition to the aquarium as they mimic the fishes’ natural habitat, and provide them with food and shelter.

Green Sanctuary: Fish need security in the aquarium if they are to feel completely at home. Plants create shade and hiding places. They offer convenient retreats when a fish needs to avoid danger, or simply wants to get away from it all, and provide protection for female fish which are often ardently chased during mating.

Certain species, like the Java Moss, are an excellent spawning medium for egg-laying fish. Their tiny leaves provide a dense “egg-trap” as the spawning fish dart through them.

Floating plants with long trailing roots and those with dense foliage make very good hiding places for young fry.

Oxygen Provider: In the photosynthesis process, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the water and give off oxygen. Plants, especially those with dense, fine foliage, possess a large surface area and can release a large amount of oxygen into the water, thus helping in aeration.

Water Cleaner: Many types of plants use large amount of ammonia or nitrates, which are by-products of fish waste. Thus, they help remove these toxic compounds from the water.

Food Source: In their natural habitat, fish do not live exclusively on animal or plant food. When carnivorous species, such as cichlids, devour their prey, they also ingest their intestines which contain green algae and other plant life. These fish need plant food as an occasional supplement to their diet.

Tips on Picking Aquatic Plants

• Learn the habits of your fish before you buy them and your plants. Big cichlids that like to dig should not be kept in an aquarium with rooted plants, though floating (or ephiphytic) plants are fine.
• Herbivorous fish should not be kept in a tank with plants they like to eat, unless the plants grow at a faster pace than the fish can devour them!
• Generally, most small fish, such as tetras, gouramis, discus, betas, angelfish and dwarf cichlids, can be kept with virtually any plants.

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