Species Catalogue
1,376 species — care guides, community photos, water parameters, and tank-mate compatibility.
Twostripe Aphyosemion
Aphyosemion bivittatum
Uaru
Uaru amphiacanthoides
Umbrella Hairgrass
Eleocharis vivipara
Eleocharis Vivipara, Umbrella Hairgrass, is uniquely different from other hairgrass species — when grown submerged its slender stems branch repeatedly into arching, umbrella-like tufts rather than simple grass blades, creating a highly textural midground accent. Each stem tip can produce plantlets that anchor to substrate, aiding natural propagation. It needs moderate light and benefits from CO2.
Upside-Down Catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Utricularia Graminifolia
Utricularia graminifolia
Carnivorous aquatic plant used as a fine-leaved carpet alternative. Forms a delicate bright-green lawn. Requires CO2, high light, and soft water. Rewarding when established.
Valentini Puffer
Canthigaster valentini
Vallisneria Americana
Vallisneria americana
A tall, ribbon-leaved background plant that spreads aggressively by runners to create natural-looking grass beds. Leaves can reach 50–100 cm, making it ideal for very tall tanks or ponds. Very adaptable and grows without CO2 injection in moderate to hard water. An excellent fish habitat plant that oxygenates the water actively.
Vallisneria Caulescens
Vallisneria caulescens
Unique Vallisneria that grows from a stem rather than a rosette. Long, narrow leaves cascade from branching stems. Unusual and attractive.
Vallisneria Nana
Vallisneria nana
Vallisneria nana is a dwarf vallisneria with narrow, grass-like leaves that stay much shorter than spiral vallisneria. It spreads prolifically via runners and creates natural-looking meadow backgrounds. Excellent for tanks with moderate lighting and no CO2.
Vallisneria Spiralis
Vallisneria spiralis
Vallisneria spiralis is a fast-growing ribbon grass that produces long, narrow, strap-like leaves that spiral slightly as they grow, creating a graceful waving motion in moderate current. It is one of the easiest and most forgiving background plants available, tolerating hard, alkaline water that challenges most aquatic plants. It spreads rapidly via runners and can quickly fill the background of large aquariums without CO2 injection.
Vallisneria Tortifolia
Vallisneria tortifolia
The corkscrew Vallisneria produces striking, tightly twisted ribbon leaves that spiral as they grow. Unlike straight Vallisneria species it stays at a medium height (20–40 cm), making it more versatile in mid-sized tanks. A distinctive textural element in planted tank backgrounds, especially effective in Dutch Style rows.
Vampire Crab
Geosesarma dennerle
Vampire Shrimp
Atya gabonensis
Veil Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Veiltail Betta
Betta splendens
Venezuelan Corydoras
Corydoras venezuelanus
Venustus Cichlid
Nimbochromis venustus
Viejita Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma viejita
Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow
Tanichthys micagemmae
Volitans Lionfish
Pterois volitans
Von Rio Tetra
Hyphessobrycon flammeus
Wagtail Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
Walker's Killifish
Fundulopanchax walkeri
Water Caltrop
Trapa natans
Unusual floating plant with diamond-shaped surface leaves and feathery submerged leaves. Historically important food plant in Asia.
Water Lettuce
Pistia stratiotes
Water lettuce is a floating rosette plant with velvety, pale green leaves and a substantial root system. It provides excellent shade, nutrient export, and shelter for surface-shy fish. It grows rapidly in bright conditions and may become invasive outdoors.
Water Net Algae
Hydrodictyon reticulatum
Remarkable bright green net-like colonies — 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 Sprite
Ceratopteris thalictroides
Water Sprite is a versatile aquatic fern that can be grown both floating and rooted. The finely dissected, lacy fronds give it a delicate, feathery appearance. Floating specimens develop broader, more deeply lobed leaves and provide excellent surface cover and fry refuge. A classic, beginner-friendly plant that grows vigorously.
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 — prefers cool, clear, well-oxygenated water.
Water Wisteria
Hygrophila difformis
Water wisteria is a fast-growing stem plant with deeply lobed, feathery leaves that vary in form depending on light intensity. It is an excellent nutrient sponge that helps control algae in new setups. Cuttings root readily and it adapts to a wide range of water parameters.
Waterwort
Elatine triandra
One of the finest-leaved carpet plants in existence — creates an almost moss-like lawn of tiny round leaves. Extremely challenging; requires CO2, very high light, and excellent nutrient control. The pinnacle of carpeting plants.
Weeping Moss
Vesicularia ferriei
Weeping Moss is prized for the elegant downward-drooping habit of its fine fronds, which cascade gracefully off driftwood and rocks like a willow tree in miniature. This weeping growth pattern is most pronounced in moderate flow and makes it one of the most aesthetically distinct mosses for aquascaping. It is slightly slower growing than Java Moss but creates a more refined, delicate textural effect.
Weitzmani Corydoras
Corydoras weitzmani
Western Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia australis
Whiptail Catfish
Rineloricaria lanceolata
Whisker Shrimp
Macrobrachium lanchesteri
beginnerWhite Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes