Can Water-Grown Elephant Ear (Alocasia) Be Kept Together with Fish?

I. Fish Cannot Be Kept

Many gardening enthusiasts like to keep fish in the containers of water-grown plants, because the fish waste can serve as nutrients for the plants, and keeping them this way also looks great and has a very high aesthetic appeal. However, fish cannot be kept in the container of a water-grown Elephant Ear. The reason is simple: it is itself toxic.

First, its roots, stems, and leaves contain toxic sap, and if it gets injured and this sap flows into the water, it will poison the small fish. More importantly, the water it drips is also toxic and can easily fall into the water, poisoning the small fish.

II. Plants Suitable for Keeping Together with Fish

Some small plants such as pothos and spider plants can be kept together with fish. They are not toxic and will not harm the small fish. In addition, their rotten and decaying roots can serve as food for the small fish, while the fish waste can serve as fertilizer for the plants. Keeping them this way allows fish and plants to live together symbiotically, which is not only full of charm but also very beautiful.

III. Fish Suitable for Keeping Together with Plants

Fish kept together with water-grown plants must be small in size. Large fish have a relatively high demand for oxygen, so they will compete with the plants for the already limited oxygen in the water, causing "mutual destruction" where neither can grow well. The number of fish kept should also not be too many, otherwise similar problems will occur. Small goldfish are recommended here; they are not only small but also beautiful, making them very suitable for keeping together with water-grown plants.