Do you want to add aquatic plants to your betta fish tank? That’s why you might want to know about toxic plants for betta fish. Yes, indeed, some plants can be toxic to betta fish. You should keep your fish away from these toxic plants, as they may experience sickness and die eventually.
Aquatic plants are a great addition to a betta fish tank. They provide a natural environment for the fish and help to keep the water clean and oxygenated. Live plants can also help to stabilize the pH of the water, reduce algal bloom, and enhance the aesthetics of the tank. Additionally, they provide a safe place for the fry to grow until they are big enough to defend themselves.
Despite the many benefits of live plants, you must be careful with some plants, as they can produce toxins that mix with the water and harm your betta fish.
How toxins enter the body of fish
Toxins can enter the fish body from living plants in two ways. Firstly, it enters the body of fish as food, and secondly, it mixes with water and produces poison.
There are some plants whose leaves or stems are harmful to fish. Fortunately, betta fish are carnivores. They don’t eat plants. Therefore, plant toxins as food are unlikely to enter the betta fish body.
However, if the fish that are herbivores or omnivores eat the leaves of those plants directly, the plant toxins will directly enter their bodies.
Some plants release toxins into the water. Those substances mix in the water and cause poisoning. Which is harmful to betta fish and may even lead to fish death.
What are toxic plants for betta fish?
Betta fish do not eat plants. In the wild, their main diet is small insects and larvae. They will graze the plants from time to time, but it is for curiosity, not for eating.
However, you need to be sure that the plants you add to your betta fish tank do not spread toxins in any way.
Now we will tell you about some plants that are harmful to betta fish. Let’s get started.
Toxic Plants for Betta Fish
Now, the plants we are going to discuss should never be added to a Betta fish tank.
1. Peace Lily
Peace lily is a plant harmful to betta fish. It is a popular tree
which is kept indoors. It is very easy to care for and maintain.
They have beautiful white flowers. Peace lily helps reduce air pollution by absorbing toxins from the air.
However, the roots and body of this plant contain toxic calcium oxalate crystals. If the betta fish ever chews the leaves of this plant, it can be harmful to them.
This plant is good for humans but not for betta fish.
Because of the toxic calcium oxalate crystals, the body of the fish is irritated. and the body swells. In many cases, toxic calcium oxalate crystals can cause fish to suffocate and even die.
| Peace Lily | Contain toxic calcium oxalate crystals |
| what’s the problem? | The body of the fish may experience a burning sensation, swelling of the body, and even death. |
2. Money Plant/Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Money Plant It is also known as pothos, or devil’s ivy. It is a beautiful and popular tree. It is kept in many offices and homes. It helps reduce air pollution by absorbing air pollutants. It can grow in both water and land. It does not require much care.
Money Plant is harmful to betta fish. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate. Betta fish can be poisoned if they ever eat its leaves. This can cause damage to the fish's nervous system. Also fish can cause stomach irritation and bloating.Therefore, despite the many benefits of the money plant, it is harmful to betta fish. So it is better not to keep this plant in the betta fish tank.
| Money Plant/Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) | It contains insoluble calcium oxalate |
| what’s the problem? | This can cause damage to the fish’s nervous system |
3. Water Lettuce
The plant, called water lettuce, floats on water. Its leaves are beautiful and make any aquarium attractive.
Water lettuce contains harmful saponins. If it enters the body of the fish, they become sick.
Betta fish have a special respiratory system called the labyrinth organ, with which they take air from the surface of the water. During this time, floating water lettuce can enter their bodies.
Water lettuce is a very fast-spreading plant. Due to this, it spreads rapidly across the surface of the tank water.
Water lettuce can grow quickly under ideal conditions. If not managed properly, it can cover the surface of the tank, blocking light and potentially reducing oxygen exchange. This is why regular maintenance is necessary.
| Water Lettuce | It contains harmful saponins |
| what’s the problem? | If it enters the body of the fish, they become sick. |
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4. Hygrophila balsamic
Hygrophylla balsamica has beautiful, green leaves that can add a natural and visually appealing look to your betta fish tank. This creates a more natural habitat for your betta.
Hygrophylla improves water quality by reducing nitrate and phosphate levels. Which is very beneficial for your betta fish.
These plants release toxins after germination. As a result, the aquatic environment becomes toxic.
Interestingly, this plant is no longer toxic after it is submerged, making it safe for all aquatic life, including betta fish.
So it is better to avoid this plant to avoid any risk.
| Hygrophila balsamic | These plants release toxins after germination |
| What’s the problem? | The aquatic environment becomes toxic. |
5. Philodendron
Philodendron plants are a great addition to a Betta fish tank. They help improve water quality by absorbing nitrates. It provides a good hiding place for your betta. Jabeh philodendrons also have some downsides that you should know about:
The leaves of this plant contain oxalic acid, which is toxic to other aquatic animals, including betta fish.
The sting of a philodendron leaf can kill your betta fish. If your fish ever eats it, their mouth and body parts will swell, making it difficult to breathe.
For this reason, philodendron plants should not be kept in betta fish tanks.
| Philodendron | The leaves of this plant contain oxalic acid |
| What’s the problem? | Betta’s mouth and body parts will swell, making it difficult to breathe |
6. Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is a popular indoor plant. They have large, variegated leaves. Some fish keepers may be tempted to add them to their Betta tank. Unfortunately, this plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate.
Eating them causes irritation and swelling in the mouth and throat.
Dieffenbachia leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals. which is toxic to both humans and pets. If your betta fish tears off or eats any part of the plant, it can cause health problems or even be fatal to the fish.
Dieffenbachia plants release compounds and substances into the water that can affect the water quality of your betta tank. This can include changes in pH levels and increased accumulation of organic matter, leading to deterioration of water quality.
Dieffenbachia is primarily a terrestrial plant. It may not be compatible with the aquatic ecosystem your betta needs.
| Dieffenbachia | It’s leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals. |
| What’s the problem? | Eating them causes irritation and swelling in the mouth and throat. |
7. Water Hemlock
Water hemlock is a highly toxic plant that grows near bodies of water. It contains cicutoxin, which can harm the central nervous system of living pets, including betta fish. Therefore, it is not recommended to add water hemlock to your betta fish tank.
If a betta fish ingests or ingests any part of a water hemlock plant, it can potentially cause severe poisoning and death. Betta fish are curious and may explore new plants in their environment, making the presence of water hemlock extremely dangerous.
Water hemlock can release toxins into the water, potentially harming other aquatic life in the tank. This can disrupt the balance of the aquarium ecosystem and lead to more problems.
Therefore, it is not recommended to add water hemlock to your betta fish tank.
| Water Hemlock | It contains cicutoxin |
| What’s the problem? | It can harm the central nervous system of living pets, including betta fish. |
8. Water Buttercup
Water buttercup, also known as Ranunculus aquatilis, is a species of aquatic plant commonly found in many parts of the world. It belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and is characterized by its delicate, bright yellow flowers and deeply divided leaves. This aquatic plant usually grows in shallow freshwater areas such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.
However, it is important to note that some species of buttercup, including the water buttercup, can be toxic to other aquatic animals, including betta fish.
This plant contains toxic glycosides. If a betta fish ever ingests these plants, they can cause digestive problems, convulsions, and even death. It also contains a compound called ranunculin. For that reason, this plant should not be kept in betta fish tanks.
| Water Buttercup | This plant contains toxic glycosides |
| What’s the problem? | If a betta fish ever ingests these plants, they can cause digestive problems, convulsions, and even death |
9. Water Arum
Water arum, also known as wild call or wild arum (Calla palustris), is a herbaceous perennial plant found in wetland habitats. While this has some beneficial aspects, it also comes with some disadvantages and concerns, including
Toxicity: Water arum contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and a burning sensation if ingested or if its juice comes into contact with skin and mucous membranes. It can be potentially harmful to betta fish and animals.
| Water Arum | Water arum contains calcium oxalate crystals |
| What’s the problem? | which can cause irritation and a burning sensation |
10. Water Parsnip
Water Parsnip (Siam Suave), also known as European water parsnip, is a type of aquatic plant. While this can be a worthy addition to a betta fish tank, it also has some disadvantages to consider:
The dense growth of water parsnips can affect water circulation and oxygen exchange. In some cases, this can contribute to stagnant areas in the tank, affecting water quality.
Some aquatic plants, including water parsnips, can release toxins when they decay.
Water parsnips have small, white flowers, and their leaves are feathery green. It contains toxic alkaloids. Betta fish can cause suffocation and death.
| Water Parsnip | It contains toxic alkaloids |
| What’s the problem? | Betta fish can cause suffocation and death. |
What Live plants are safe for Betta fish?
Anacharis (Egeria densa)
Anacharis is a freshwater plant species that belongs to the Hydrocharitaceae family. It is a stem plant that can be planted or left alone to float. Anacharis can grow roots, but they take quite a while to grow out. Aquatic plants are good for bettas because they remove carbon dioxide and nitrates from the water, oxygenate the water, and serve as a source of food for betta fish.
Anacharis provides several benefits for Betta fish. Here are some of them:
Provides good hiding places and shade: Anacharis can provide your Betta with a safe hiding place and enrich its environment.
Promotes breathability in tanks: Anacharis leaves are known to promote breathability in tanks. They are also great if you have algae problems in your water. Anacharis actually inhibits algae growth.
Serves as a source of food: Anacharis serves as a source of food for betta fish.
Anubias Nana
Anubias nana is a freshwater plant species that belongs to the Araceae family. It is a small plant with broad leaves and a dark green color, which makes it an attractive plant for aquariums.
It is a very hardy, beautiful little plant that is slow-growing and long-lasting. It can thrive in a variety of water conditions but will require aquarium lighting. Apart from light requirements, this plant is very easy to grow and care for in your Betta tank.
Anubias Nana provides several benefits for Betta fish. Here are some of them:
Provides good hiding places and shelter: Betas like to spend time alone. Being around other fish can be stressful. Anubias Nana provides your betta with a safe place to rest for as long as needed.
Provides a safe place to rest: Anubias nana’s dense foliage provides plenty of security, so your betta can rest as long as needed. Good rest means a healthy immune system and fewer health problems.
Other fish hide: Anubias nana will hide your betta tankmates and protect them if your betta becomes stressed and aggressive.
Anubias nana leaves are ideal for this and act as natural beta hammocks. This is normal behavior for a betta and indicates that your pet fish is comfortable in its aquarium. We recommend trying Anubias Nana for a 5-gallon tank. Because the various leaf sizes are suitable for small tanks.
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
Java fern is a species of freshwater plant belonging to the Polypodiaceae family. It is a hardy plant that can withstand a wide range of water conditions and provides plenty of places for betta fish to hide and feel more secure. Java fern also provides beneficial bacteria and can absorb some ammonia in water, especially when water parameters are optimal.
Java fern provides several benefits to betta fish. Here are some of them:
Acts like a live biological filter: But actually, Java ferns act like small live biological filters since technically they help break down ammonia into nitrates, which are less harmful.
Provides good hiding places and shade: Java fern can provide your betta with a safe hiding place and enrich its environment.
Increases aeration in the tank: Java fern leaves are known to increase respiration in the tank. These are also great if you have an algae problem in your water. Java fern actually inhibits algae growth.
Another reason Java ferns are popular among betta keepers is that these plants require minimal light yet can reproduce quickly.
Java Moss
Java moss is a good plant for your betta fish. Betta fish will love to swim around Java moss. The plant mimics the natural habitat of fish, giving it a perfect water condition.
Provides resting and hiding places: Java moss will create a hiding place for your aquatic friend where fish can hide and be stress-free. When betta fish fry, they can protect themselves by hiding behind java moss.
Better Immunity Boost: Java Moss keeps the water purified by absorbing the toxins and chemicals in the water. It can help improve water quality and clarity for fish suffering from fish diseases or poor water quality.
Improving aquarium water clarity, oxygenation, and pH levels: Java moss can help filter water and improve water quality. It also provides your Betta with a place to hide and feel safe
Marimo Moss Balls
Marimo Moss Balls are a type of algae found naturally in the forest and are harmless to Betta fish. They help improve water quality by absorbing toxins, releasing oxygen, and providing a safe place for betta fish to rest and hide.
Marimo moss balls can exist in the same water parameters in which bettas grow. However, they grow faster in colder temperatures. When they are completely saturated with aquarium water they will sink to the bottom. Moss balls also help retain good tank bacteria and reduce nitrate levels that can stress betta fish health.
Here are some benefits of adding Marimo Moss Balls to your Better Aquarium:
Waste Removal and Oxygen Production: Marimo Moss Balls help remove waste products from your tank and produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
Less Algae Growth: If you have no other plants in your tank, you will likely start to notice algae growth. Marimo moss balls inhibit the growth of algae.
Extremely hardy: A Marimo moss can live for a long time. They are essentially indestructible and will require only occasional maintenance.
Water Sprite
Water sprite is a species of freshwater plant belonging to the family Ceratopteridaceae. It is a fine-leaf plant that can grow in any tank size and is versatile and easy to grow.
Water sprites can be planted or left alone to float and are often used as a natural way to help keep betta tanks clean. This plant will consume algae and decaying matter in the water, helping to keep your tank clean and clear.
This plant acts like a nitrate sponge in the aquarium, which is great because most new betta owners tend to start with a small tank.
Aesthetic appeal: Water sprites have fine, feathery leaves that can add a touch of beauty and natural aesthetics to your betta fish tank. It can serve as both a functional and decorative element.
Natural shade and hiding places: Dense, floating growths of water sprites can provide your betta fish with shaded areas, which can be especially beneficial in tanks with strong lighting. Betas often appreciate a place to rest or hide in the shade, which can help reduce their stress levels.
Improve Water Quality: Water sprites can help improve water quality. Like other aquatic plants, it absorbs nitrates, ammonia, and other waste products produced by your betta fish, thereby helping to maintain stable water conditions and reducing the potential for harmful water parameters.
Oxygenation: It promotes oxygenation in the tank. During photosynthesis, water sprites release oxygen into the water, which is vital to the well-being of your betta and other tank inhabitants.
Natural filtration: Plants help filter water by trapping particles and debris on their leaves and roots. This can contribute to cleaner water and less maintenance.
Breeding space: Water sprites provide a safe and secluded place for bettas to build bubble nests while they breed. The plant’s floating structure gives bettas a sense of privacy and security for their young.
Compatibility: Water sprites are generally non-aggressive and can coexist peacefully with betta fish. It will not damage or cause any damage to their delicate fins.
Betta Bulb
Beta bulbs are specialized stems that plants use to store food during the dormant period. These bulbs grow into beautiful green plants that can quickly fill up extra space in your aquarium. Betta bulbs are usually of the Aponozeton species, which are aquatic plants that can grow in any tank size and are versatile and easy to grow.
Aesthetic Enhancement: Betta bulbs can add beauty and natural aesthetics to your betta fish tank. These plants usually have attractive foliage, often with green or red leaves, which can provide a pleasing backdrop for your betta.
Oxygenation: Like all aquatic plants, beta bulbs perform photosynthesis and release oxygen into the water during the day. This can help maintain optimal oxygen levels in the tank, which is crucial to the health and well-being of your betta fish.
Imitation of natural habitat: Betta fish are native to the slow-moving waters of Southeast Asia, where they encounter a variety of aquatic plants. Adding Betta bulbs can create a more natural and comfortable environment for your Betta, reducing potential stress and mimicking their native habitat.
Water Filtration: Betta bulbs can help improve water quality by absorbing nitrates, ammonia, and other waste products produced by your Betta fish. This natural filtration can reduce the need for frequent water changes and help maintain stable water parameters.
Sword Plant
Sword plant is a freshwater plant species belonging to the family Alismataceae. It is a large and robust plant that can grow up to 20 inches in height. This plant is favored for its large, broad leaves that provide resting and hiding places for aquatic animals.
Tank Aesthetics: Sword plants add beauty and visual appeal to your betta tank. Their vibrant green color and elegant structure can make the aquarium more attractive, benefiting both the aquarist and the betta fish.
Oxygenation: Like all aquatic plants, sword plants photosynthesize and release oxygen into the water during the day. This helps improve the oxygen content in the aquarium, creating a healthy environment for your betta fish.
Nitrate Reduction: Sword plants can help control water quality by absorbing nitrates, which are harmful to bettas in high concentrations. This can reduce the need for frequent water changes and help maintain stable water conditions.
Hiding and Resting Areas: Betta fish often appreciate the presence of live plants such as sword plants as they provide hiding and resting areas. Bettas can take shelter in the leaves of plants and feel more secure by reducing stress.
Natural Behavior Stimulation: Bettas are curious and active fish. The presence of sword trees allows them to engage in natural behaviors, such as exploring, hunting for food, and swimming in and around tree foliage.
Q: What should I do if my betta fish ingests a toxic plant?
Ans: If you suspect your betta has ingested a toxic plant, isolate the fish and contact a veterinarian who specializes in fish health.
Q: Can I keep betta fish with plastic plants?
Ans: Yes, you can use plastic plants, but live plants offer more benefits. If using plastic plants, ensure they have no sharp edges that could harm your betta.
Q: Can I keep live plants in my betta fish tank?
Ans: Yes, live plants are excellent for betta fish tanks, as they provide oxygen and enrich the environment. Just ensure they are non-toxic.
Q: Are spider plants toxic to betta fish?
Ans: Spider plants are generally considered non-toxic to betta fish.
However, the roots of the spider plant contain high levels of cicutoxin, which can have lethal effects on fish.
Q: Are live plants better for aquariums?
Ans: Living plants have many benefits. They increase the production of beneficial bacteria in your newly installed aquarium. They remove carbon dioxide from water. They add oxygen to the water.
FINAL WORDS
It is very important to do thorough research before adding any plants to your betta fish tank.
Add the plant to the tank only if you are absolutely certain that the plant you find is safe for your fish.
Do not add anything based on guesswork or assumptions.
Hopefully you have learned a lot about which plants are poisonous and which plants are beneficial for betta fish.
If you have any opinion about this then share it with us. Write in the comment box below.