Anubias
Anubias is a shade-tolerant aquatic plant native to West Africa, prized for its ability to grow steadily even in low-light conditions. Its thick, firm leaves resist nibbling from herbivorous fish, making it a reliable choice for aquarists of all skill levels. Attaching it to driftwood or rocks is the classic approach, giving any aquascape a lush, natural appearance.
First 3 sales - 0% commission!Register as a grower by August 31, 2026 → Your first 3 sales are commission-free!
Grower Wanted!
List your plants on GrowerDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
6 Transparency Commitments from BotatChoku
Grower provide complete information for all Aquatic Plants listings. We guarantee transparency in variety, origin, light requirements, and difficulty level.
- Variety Clarity
- Live Photos
- Color Details
- Origin Transparency
- Light Requirements
- Difficulty Level
Difficulty Level
No listings match your filters
Adjust your filters, or get notified when new listings arrive.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Are you growing aquatic plants?
Register as a grower and connect with buyers directly.
Apply as a growerAbout Anubias
Anubias belongs to the family Araceae and is native to the streams and swamps of tropical West African rainforests. The genus name is said to derive from Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god, and its mysterious, sculptural appearance has long captivated aquarists worldwide. Its distinguishing features include rounded, deep-green leaves with a glossy surface and a creeping rhizome that spreads horizontally. As an amphibious plant, it adapts to both submerged and emergent cultivation. Its temperament is remarkably forgiving—it can be maintained in low light with minimal fertilization and without CO2 injection, making it ideal for simple, low-tech setups. Although its slow growth makes it somewhat prone to algae accumulation on the leaves, that same slow pace means a carefully composed layout remains intact for months or even years. Attached to driftwood or rock, Anubias brings depth and a sense of the wild to any aquarium and pairs well with virtually any tropical fish.
6 things to know before growing Anubias
1Never Bury the Rhizome
Burying the rhizome in substrate causes it to rot, which can kill the entire plant. Instead, tie or glue it onto driftwood or rocks, or simply rest it on the surface of the substrate. Keeping the rhizome exposed to water flow is the key to long-term health.
2Thrives in Low Light
Anubias is one of the few aquatic plants that thrives under low-intensity lighting. When kept alongside high-light plants, position it in shaded spots such as behind driftwood. Extended exposure to strong light tends to encourage algae growth on its slow-growing leaves.
3Algae Prone on Leaves
Because its leaves grow very slowly, algae—especially black beard algae—can colonize the surface, which is the plant's main vulnerability. Limit lighting to 8 hours or fewer per day, maintain moderate water flow, and perform regular water changes to control nutrients. Keeping Amano shrimp or otocinclus catfish as tankmates is also an effective preventive measure.
4Very Slow Grower
Anubias typically puts out only a few new leaves per month, making it one of the slowest-growing aquatic plants. It is not the best choice if you want rapid layout changes, but once established it can thrive for years, rewarding patient aquarists with lasting beauty.
5Adaptable Water Conditions
Anubias tolerates a wide range of conditions, thriving at temperatures of 20–30°C and pH levels of 6.0–7.5, making it compatible with most tropical fish setups. It prefers soft, slightly acidic water but adapts well to moderately hard water, so precise water chemistry is not critical. Avoid sudden temperature swings.
6CO2 Not Required
Anubias grows without CO2 injection, making it ideal for beginners who want to keep equipment costs low. Adding CO2 can produce richer leaf color and slightly faster growth, but excess CO2 may promote algae, so start with a low dose if you choose to inject. Use liquid fertilizers sparingly as well.
Frequently asked questions about Anubias
- Q.Is CO2 injection necessary?
- A.Anubias is one of the few aquatic plants that grows well without CO2 injection. That said, supplementing CO2 can improve leaf color and luster and may modestly accelerate growth.
- Q.Black beard algae keeps growing on my leaves
- A.Black beard algae is commonly caused by excess phosphate or stagnant water flow. Increasing water changes to reduce phosphate levels and introducing Amano shrimp can help keep it under control.
- Q.Can I bury the rhizome in the substrate?
- A.Burying the rhizome in substrate deprives it of oxygen and leads to rot, so always keep it exposed. If planting in substrate, insert only the roots lightly, leaving the rhizome fully above the surface.
- Q.Why are my leaves turning yellow?
- A.Yellowing is usually caused by nitrogen or potassium deficiency, or stress from excess light encouraging algae competition. Try adding a small dose of liquid fertilizer and reviewing your lighting duration and intensity.
- Q.Can Anubias grow in a goldfish tank?
- A.Goldfish tend to eat most aquatic plants, but Anubias is relatively resistant to grazing thanks to its tough leaves. However, it is not completely immune—some goldfish varieties or individual fish may still nibble at the leaves.
Handy Growing Tools for Anubias
Anubias related articles
Rare Rhizophytic Aquatic Plants Beyond Anubias, Bucephalandra, and Willow Moss | The Appeal of Distinctive Varieties Such as Bolbitis
Beyond the standard rhizophytic aquatic plants Anubias, Bucephalandra, and Willow Moss, there are distinctive rhizophytic species such as Bolbitis. This article explores their appeal, cultivation tips, and how to incorporate them into your layout.
Complete Guide to Low-Tech Aquatic Plant Tanks Without CO2 in Low Light | Recommended Aquatic Plants and Setup Methods
A guide to selecting aquatic plants that can grow without CO2 addition and in low light, and how to set up an aquarium. From hardy species like Willow Moss, Anubias, and Microsorum to planting methods and maintenance techniques—this article provides a detailed introduction to low-tech aquatic plant tanks that even beginners can manage.
10 Beginner-Friendly Aquatic Plants That Grow Without CO2 | Easy-to-Grow Species and Care Tips
Introducing 10 CO2-free aquatic plants perfect for beginners who want to start growing aquatic plants with minimal failure risk. This guide covers the characteristics, growing methods, and recommended uses for species like Anubias, Microsorum, and Willow Moss in detail.
Low-Tech No-CO2 Aquatic Plant Guide — Creating Beautiful Layouts Without High-Tech Equipment
Guide to growing aquatic plants without CO2: selecting low-light tolerant species, managing nutrients, and creating beautiful layouts with Elodea, Anubias, Java Fern, and Willow Moss.
Complete Anubias Guide — The Best Epiphytic Plant for Beginners
Complete Anubias guide: varieties, attachment methods, trimming, propagation, and why it's the best beginner aquatic plant.
10 Recommended Water Plants for Beginners | Carefully Selected Easy-to-Grow Species
10 beginner-friendly water plants that grow without CO2. We introduce hardy species like Anubias, Microsorum, and Vallisneria.