Dwarf Hairgrass

Eleocharis parvula

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Cyperaceae

📍 Worldwide temperate & tropical

Dwarf hairgrass forms a lush, grass-like carpet in the foreground of aquascapes. It requires moderate to high light and injected CO2 to spread effectively, otherwise growth is sparse and slow. Regular trimming encourages lateral runners and a denser mat.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Algae-eating fish that graze on carpet without uprooting plants; very peaceful and small

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Gentle invertebrates that clean algae and detritus without damaging delicate shoots

excellent

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Small, peaceful schooling fish that inhabit mid-water and won't disturb the carpet

good

Monte Carlo

Companion foreground plant with similar care requirements; creates layered carpet effect

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp that efficiently removes algae and debris without harming plant structure

excellent

German Blue Ram

May dig in substrate during spawning, potentially uprooting carpet sections; monitor behavior

caution

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)

Symptoms

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, leaf holes or transparent patches

Treatment

Increase fertilizer dosing; ensure CO2 injection is active; test water parameters and adjust macronutrient balance (NPK); consider all-in-one fertilizers

Algae Overgrowth (Black Beard/Hair Algae)

Symptoms

Dark filamentous or brush-like algae coating plant leaves and runners, reducing light penetration

Treatment

Increase water changes (30-50% weekly); reduce photoperiod to 6-8 hours; boost CO2 levels; add algae-eating fish or shrimp; manually remove affected portions

Melting/Decay

Symptoms

Leaves turning translucent, mushy texture, rapid deterioration of new growth

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent changes; ensure adequate light (80-150 PAR) and CO2; reduce plant density if overcrowded; remove decaying portions immediately

Poor Growth/Stunting

Symptoms

Minimal lateral runner development, thin weak leaves, slow height increase despite adequate conditions

Treatment

Verify CO2 injection is functioning; increase light intensity; boost fertilizer regimen; check substrate quality and ensure nutrient-rich aquasoil; allow 4-6 weeks for acclimation