Anubia Barteri Plant (Small)
Anubia Barteri Plant (Small)
Species: Anubias barteri
Growth Form:
Rhizomatous freshwater plant with thick, broad leaves growing from a horizontal rhizome. Slow-growing and durable.
Coloration:
Deep green, glossy, leathery leaves.
Temperament:
Hardy and non-invasive; very easy to manage.
Tank Size:
10 gallons and up (suitable for nano to large aquariums).
Placement:
Foreground to midground. Best attached to driftwood or rocks.
⚠️ Do not bury the rhizome.
Lighting:
Low to moderate lighting.
Flow:
Low to moderate flow.
Diet:
Absorbs nutrients from the water column.
Feeding / Fertilization:
Occasional liquid fertilizer; CO₂ optional.
Reef Safe:
Not applicable (freshwater plant).
Care Level:
Easy; ideal for beginners and low-tech planted tanks.
Anubias Barteri
Species: Anubias barteri
Growth Form:
Rhizomatous freshwater plant with broad, thick, leathery leaves that grow from a creeping horizontal rhizome. Leaves are sturdy and slow-growing, making it ideal for long-term aquascapes.
Coloration:
Deep green to dark emerald leaves with a slightly glossy finish. Mature leaves are firm and highly durable, resistant to herbivorous fish.
Temperament:
Hardy and undemanding. Not invasive and grows slowly, making it easy to manage in planted aquariums.
Tank Size:
Suitable for nano tanks and larger aquariums alike (10 gallons and up).
Placement:
Foreground to midground depending on variety and leaf size. Best attached to driftwood, rocks, or décor.
Do not bury the rhizome in substrate, as this can cause rot.
Lighting:
Low to moderate lighting.
Thrives in low-light setups and is ideal for beginner planted tanks. Excessive lighting may encourage algae growth on leaves.
Flow:
Low to moderate flow.
Performs well in a variety of flow conditions.
Diet:
Absorbs nutrients primarily from the water column. Benefits from liquid fertilizers and stable nutrient levels.
Feeding / Fertilization:
Occasional dosing of comprehensive liquid fertilizer is sufficient. CO₂ injection is not required but can encourage slightly faster growth.
Reef Safe:
Not applicable (freshwater plant). Safe with most freshwater fish and invertebrates.
Care Level:
Easy.
Excellent for beginners due to its durability, low light requirements, and tolerance to a wide range of water parameters.
Ideal Parameters:
-
Temperature: 72–82°F
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pH: 6.0–7.8
-
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
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CO₂: Optional
-
Lighting: Low to moderate
Fun Fact:
Anubias barteri is native to West Africa and is commonly found growing attached to rocks and wood along riverbanks — which is why it performs best when attached rather than planted in substrate.

