Flora & Fauna
673 entries β care guides, placement tips, and notes from the community
Water Net Algae
Hydrodictyon reticulatum
Remarkable bright green net-like colonies β a tessellated honeycomb of cells visible to the naked eye. Beautiful under a microscope but a serious nuisance in garden ponds. Thrives in warm, nutrient-rich water. Manual removal is the primary method as few animals eat it effectively.
Water Violet
Hottonia palustris
Stunning cold-water stem plant with whorls of feathery leaves. One of the most beautiful temperate aquarium plants. Challenging to keep in tropical tanks β prefers cool, clear, well-oxygenated water.
Whorly Rotala
Rotala wallichii
Delicate, feathery pink-to-red stem plant. One of the most visually striking rotala species. Demanding β needs high light, CO2 injection, and pristine water to colour up.
Wine Red Shrimp
Caridina cf. cantonensis
Deep maroon-red Caridina with little to no white markings. A striking colour mutation of the Crystal Red lineage. Requires the same demanding soft, acidic water parameters as other high-grade Caridina.
Zebra Pleco
Hypancistrus zebra
The zebra pleco is one of the most sought-after pleco species, with bold black and white striping. It is a carnivorous cave-dweller from the Xingu River, which is threatened in the wild. It requires warm, well-oxygenated water and protein-rich foods.