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Ceratophyllum Submersum
Ceratophyllum submersum
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Ceratophyllaceae
📍 Widespread
Soft Hornwort is the more delicate relative of the common Hornwort (C. demersum) with even finer, softer leaves. It floats freely in the water column, requiring no substrate or roots. Grows rapidly and absorbs ammonia and nutrients aggressively. Excellent for cycling tanks, fry tanks, and shrimp tanks where it provides cover and nutrient absorption.
Tank Mates
Shrimp benefit from dense plant cover and will not damage soft leaves; excellent for nutrient cycling
Small peaceful fish that graze algae without harming delicate plant structure
Fry use dense hornwort as shelter; adults rarely damage the soft foliage
Tiny peaceful schooling fish that thrive in planted tanks with cover
Complementary plant that creates layered cover and shares similar low-light tolerance
Large shrimp that will not damage plant and helps control algae growth
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, leaf deterioration
Add comprehensive liquid fertilizer (all-in-one or separate macro/micro nutrients) weekly; ensure adequate lighting and CO2 if available
Algae Overgrowth on Plant
Green or brown algae coating leaves, reduced light penetration, plant appears dirty
Increase water changes, reduce light duration to 8-10 hours daily, add algae-eating fish or shrimp, manually remove affected portions
Melting
Leaves becoming translucent, mushy texture, rapid deterioration after introduction
Ensure stable water parameters (pH 6.0-8.5), maintain consistent temperature, perform gradual acclimation, improve water circulation
Pest Infestation (Snails/Hydra)
Visible snails or tiny hydra on plant, slow plant decline, holes in leaves
Remove plant and quarantine, manually remove pests, use snail-eating fish or targeted treatments; avoid broad pesticides that harm shrimp
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Not required
- light
- Low–High
- placement
- Floating or weighted background
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- growth rate
- Very fast
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–8.5
- hardness
- 2–20 dGH
- temperature
- 59–86°F (15–30°C)
Stats
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