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Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.
easylow lightNo CO2slow 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.
Evidence: verifiedConfidence: high
Livestock warningAnubias Nana is at moderate-to-high risk from herbivores and fin-nippers — check your fish list before buying.
Care at a glance
Water parameters
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.
Sources
- Anubias barteri var. nana. Wikipedia — Dwarf variety: compact rhizome, slow growth, and tolerance of low light and varying pH.
- Anubias barteri var. nana. Flowgrow — Light, temperature, and attachment requirements; suitable for shrimp tanks.
Fish whose water overlaps
Peaceful freshwater species with overlapping temperature and pH — still run a pair check for the real mix.
Similar plants
- Java Mosseasy · low light · no CO2
- Anubiaseasy · low light · no CO2
- Java Ferneasy · low light · no CO2
- Amazon Swordeasy · medium light · no CO2
- Hornworteasy · low light · no CO2
- Water Wisteriaeasy · medium light · no CO2
Plan the tank around this plant
Set a 10L+ footprint, then verify livestock before you buy Anubias Nana.
Tank hubs: 30L
Related plant guides
Easy beginner aquarium plantsLow-light aquarium plantsPlants for shrimp tanks
Common questions about Anubias Nana
- Does Anubias Nana need CO2?
- No. Anubias Nana grows in low-tech tanks without CO2 injection or liquid carbon supplementation.
- What light does Anubias Nana need?
- Anubias Nana is a low-light plant. Standard aquarium LEDs cover this with room to spare. It is one of the plants you can light from a basic shop hood and still get growth.
- Is Anubias Nana beginner-friendly?
- Anubias Nana is rated easy for difficulty. 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.
- Is Anubias Nana safe for shrimp?
- Yes. Anubias Nana is safe in shrimp tanks. The usual quarantine still applies: any plant from a commercial nursery should be soaked and rinsed first to flush copper and pesticide residue.