
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cabomba
BeginnerCabomba caroliniana
A stem plant with beautiful delicate fan-shaped leaves. A longtime staple of goldfish tanks.
About
Cabomba caroliniana is a perennial aquatic plant in the family Cabombaceae, native to tropical and subtropical North and South America. Its submerged leaves are finely divided into fan-like segments with a feathery, graceful appearance; emersed growth produces small white to yellow flowers. In the aquarium it serves as a classic soft-textured background plant, long sold under the name 'fanwort' or 'Carolina fanwort,' and has historically been popular in goldfish tanks. Despite its delicate appearance, it requires attention to water quality — sensitivity to temperature fluctuations and mineral imbalances can cause rapid deterioration — and CO2 supplementation markedly improves growth consistency. Fast-growing stems require regular trimming. Cabomba caroliniana has become a serious invasive weed in Australia, where it has choked waterways after aquarium escapes, leading to legal restrictions on its importation and sale in several countries.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
Tropical and subtropical North and South America
Lifespan
Perennial
Size
20-60cm
Temperature
18〜26℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Liquid fertilizer
Growing Tips
Lighting
Medium or higher lighting needed
Water Quality
Prefers slightly acidic to neutral water
Propagation
Easy to propagate by replanting cuttings
Notes
May melt in high temperature or strong alkaline
Cabomba FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Cabomba?
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 Cabomba?
The ideal temperature for Cabomba is 18〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Cabomba?
The average lifespan of Cabomba is Perennial. With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.
QHow large does Cabomba get?
The mature size of Cabomba is 20-60cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Cabomba?
Cabomba: watering & fertilizer — Liquid fertilizer. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Cabomba?
The price of Cabomba varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check ボタちょく's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BoTachoku Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Domestic law: 特定外来生物には未指定だが、環境省の旧「要注意外来生物」(現・生態系被害防止外来種リスト)に掲載。野外への遺棄・放流は厳禁。
Sources: 環境省 特定外来生物等一覧(外来生物法) / 国立環境研究所 侵入生物DB: ハゴロモモ(要注意外来生物) / CITES Appendix II 植物掲載分類群(科・属レベル)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
Beginner-Friendly Aquatic Plants Without CO2 Supplementation | Cultivation Conditions and Tank Layout Strategies
You can create a beautiful aquarium without expensive CO2 equipment. This guide explains practical methods for selecting CO2-free aquatic plants that beginners can successfully grow, from cultivation conditions to tank layout strategies.
How to Cultivate Rotala and Bring Out Beautiful Red Color | Lighting, CO2, and Trimming Techniques to Achieve Vibrant Red
This guide explains the Rotala genus, popular in aquatic plant layouts, covering light intensity, CO2, and fertilizer management to bring out red coloration, as well as trimming techniques for maintaining beautiful, dense growth.
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.
Tissue Culture Aquatic Plants vs. Standard Aquatic Plants: Pesticide Risk Comparison | Safe Aquatic Plant Selection for Shrimp Tanks
Comprehensive comparison of pesticide residue risks between tissue culture aquatic plants (TC plants) and standard aquatic plants. We explain why tissue culture plants are safe, the time required for pesticide removal in standard plants, and how to choose aquatic plants by category (foreground, midground, background) considering pesticide risks from a shrimp tank perspective.





