Livestock compatible with African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
6 rated pairings from the African Water Fern care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why.
Excellent matches
5 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage delicate fronds and help maintain plant health
Emerald Dwarf Rasbora
Danio erythromicron
10 gal min · 1" adult · Peaceful
Small, peaceful schooling fish that won't uproot or damage the fern's rhizome
Red Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
5 gal min · 1.2" adult · Peaceful
Beneficial algae cleaners that thrive in soft water and won't harm the plant
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Excellent companion plant with similar care requirements and attachment-based growth habit
Java Fern
Microsorum pteropus
Compatible fern species with identical rhizome attachment needs and low-light tolerance
Good matches
1 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.