Skip to main content
Anubias Nana — photograph (Wikimedia Commons; see site attributions)

Image: Wikimedia Commons — attribution available on this site.

Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.

easylow lightNo CO2 neededslow growthrhizome

Anubias Nana

Anubias barteri var. nana

Also: Dwarf Anubias, Nana

Anubias nana is the miniature version of Anubias barteri, forming compact clusters of small dark-green leaves. It is ideal for foreground or hardscape attachment. Extremely slow-growing and tolerant of low light, a favourite in low-tech and shrimp tanks.

Livestock warningAnubias Nana is at moderate-to-high risk from herbivores and fin-nippers — check your fish list before buying.

Care at a glance

Difficultyeasy
Lightlow
CO2Not needed
FertiliserNot essential
Growth rateslow
Max height10cm
Placementforeground
Min tank10L

Water parameters

Temperature2228°C
pH68
Shrimp safeYes
Herbivore riskmoderate
Propagationrhizome division

Beginner guidance

Tie or superglue to hardscape; roots will grip the surface. Never bury the rhizome. Under very high light, algae may grow on the slow leaves, moderate light prevents this. Long-lived once established.

Cautions

  • Rhizome must not be buried in substrate.

Similar plants

Explore further