Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Also known as Anubias, Anubias Barteri Standard, Anubias Medium
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Alismatales›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.
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 20 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Anubias Barteri.
Compatible Livestock
Algae-eating fish that will not damage Anubias leaves and help control algae that may colonize the plant
Peaceful dwarf cichlid that respects plants and thrives in the same warm water parameters
Shrimp graze on algae and biofilm without damaging Anubias; excellent for planted tanks
Larger shrimp that actively consume algae and will not harm the plant's waxy leaves
Companion plant with identical care requirements; both attach to hardscape and thrive in low light
Small, peaceful schooling fish that will not uproot or damage the plant
Common Diseases
Algae Overgrowth
Green, brown, or black algae coating the leaves; reduced light penetration; plant appears smothered
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
Rhizome becomes soft, mushy, or discolored; leaves yellow and detach; foul odor from the plant base
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
Slow or stunted growth; yellowing or pale leaves; new growth appears weak or deformed
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)
Brown or black spots on leaves; spots may have a halo; affected tissue becomes translucent or decays
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
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Not required
- light
- Low to medium (15–50 PAR)
- placement
- Foreground / midground; attach to hardscape
- substrate
- Not planted in substrate
- growth rate
- Very slow
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–8.0
- nitrate
- <30 ppm
- hardness
- 2–25 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.