Anubias Barteri

Anubias barteri

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Araceae

📍 West & Central Africa

Anubias barteri is a robust, slow-growing plant with dark-green, waxy leaves that are resistant to herbivorous fish. Like java fern, the rhizome must not be buried. It thrives under low light, though algae can colonise the leaves in high-light environments; shading by taller plants helps.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Algae-eating fish that will not damage Anubias leaves and help control algae that may colonize the plant

excellent

German Blue Ram

Peaceful dwarf cichlid that respects plants and thrives in the same warm water parameters

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Shrimp graze on algae and biofilm without damaging Anubias; excellent for planted tanks

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp that actively consume algae and will not harm the plant's waxy leaves

excellent

Java Fern

Companion plant with identical care requirements; both attach to hardscape and thrive in low light

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that will not uproot or damage the plant

good

Common Diseases

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green, brown, or black algae coating the leaves; reduced light penetration; plant appears smothered

Treatment

Increase shading with taller plants, reduce light duration to 6-8 hours daily, add algae-eating fish (Otocinclus, Amano Shrimp), and manually remove algae with a soft brush

Rhizome Rot

Symptoms

Rhizome becomes soft, mushy, or discolored; leaves yellow and detach; foul odor from the plant base

Treatment

Ensure the rhizome is not buried in substrate; improve water circulation; perform partial water changes; remove affected portions with a sterile knife if necessary

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Slow or stunted growth; yellowing or pale leaves; new growth appears weak or deformed

Treatment

Dose liquid all-in-one fertilizer 1-2 times weekly; ensure adequate fish waste in the tank; check that water parameters (pH 6.0–8.0, hardness 2–25 dGH) are within range

Leaf Spot (Fungal/Bacterial)

Symptoms

Brown or black spots on leaves; spots may have a halo; affected tissue becomes translucent or decays

Treatment

Remove affected leaves; improve water circulation and reduce humidity around the plant; maintain stable water parameters; avoid overcrowding; consider a broad-spectrum aquarium fungicide if severe