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Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino'

Beginner

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino'

A nana selection with some of the smallest leaves of any Anubias. Narrow dark green leaves overlap like the scales of a pangolin. Selected from 'Bonsai' stock, it suits the hardscape of nano tanks.

Growing Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
22〜26℃
Lifespan
Perennial; maintained by division
Size
Plants about 1–3 cm
Watering
Grows without CO2 or fertiliser

About

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino' was selected at the Dennerle nursery in Germany from stands of 'Bonsai'. The Italian aquarist Massimo Iannella trialled it for a long time submerged and emersed and gave it the cultivar name. The name comes from the pangolin: the small, lanceolate, dark green leaves overlap like its scales. It is recognised by leaf size and overlap, being smaller and denser than its source 'Bonsai' or ordinary var. nana. Sellers give a plant size of about 1–3 cm. Growth is extremely slow, taking months to add a few leaves, so many small plantlets from tissue-culture cups are often used together. It is as robust as other nana forms and is ideal for attaching to stones or wood in nano and small tanks. Tissue-culture plants are sold by specialist shops in Japan.

Size of the Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino'

The Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino' grows to Plants about 1–3 cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino'

The ideal temperature for the Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino' is 22〜26℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Cultivar (selected from 'Bonsai' stock at the Dennerle nursery)

Lifespan

Perennial; maintained by division

Size

Plants about 1–3 cm

Temperature

22〜26℃

Watering & Fertilizer

Grows without CO2 or fertiliser

Growing Tips

Lighting

Like other nana it grows in low light; avoid excessive light, which lets algae settle on the tiny leaves.

CO2 & Fertilizer

CO2 is not required but speeds growth somewhat.

Water Temperature & Quality

The optimum for var. nana is 22–26°C; not fussy about water chemistry.

Substrate & Attachment

The rhizome rots easily if buried. Tie it to driftwood or stone with fishing line, or plant it with the rhizome resting on top of the substrate.

Trimming & Propagation

Extremely slow. It can be divided at the rhizome, but do not split it into very small pieces.

Cautions

Rinse the agar off tissue-culture plantlets before use. Never release plants into the wild.

Shade-tolerantEpiphyteMiniatureNano tank

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino' FAQ

QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino'?
A

Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.

QWhat is the ideal temperature for Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino'?
A

The ideal temperature for Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino' is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

QHow large does Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino' get?
A

The mature size of Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino' is Plants about 1–3 cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.

QHow should I water and fertilize Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino'?
A

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino': watering & fertilizer — Grows without CO2 or fertiliser. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.

QWhat is the typical price for Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino'?
A

The price of Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino' varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.

Last updated: September 23, 2026

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team

The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Anubias barteri var. nana (Engl.) Crusio 'Pangolino'

Synonyms: Anubias nana Engl.

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listed

Not listed in CITES (no match in Species+). Not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act or Species Conservation Act. No Anubias variety is registered in Japan's plant variety protection database (as of September 2026). Never dump aquatic plants into rivers, ponds or ditches, or flush them away with tank water. Drain unwanted plants and trimmings and dispose of them as household waste.

Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species (Invasive Alien Species Act)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.

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