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Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.
easymedium lightNo CO2fast growthfern
Water Sprite
Ceratopteris thalictroides
Also: Indian Fern, Water Fern
Water Sprite is a versatile, fast-growing fern that can be planted in substrate or floated on the surface. When floating, it shades the tank and provides excellent cover for surface-dwelling fish and fry. Effective at nutrient uptake and algae competition.
Evidence: verifiedConfidence: high
Care at a glance
Water parameters
Beginner guidance
Works planted or floating. Floating growth is faster; planted stems stay upright in fine substrate. Produces numerous plantlets, trim or remove excess to prevent it blocking all surface light.
Sources
- Ceratopteris thalictroides. Wikipedia — Pantropical species overview; floating or rooted growth, fast nitrate uptake.
- Ceratopteris thalictroides. Flowgrow — Aquarium parameters and use as floating cover plant.
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 20L+ footprint, then verify livestock before you buy Water Sprite.
Tank hubs: 30L
Related plant guides
Easy beginner aquarium plantsPlants that grow without CO2Fast-growing aquarium plants
Common questions about Water Sprite
- Does Water Sprite need CO2?
- No. Water Sprite grows in low-tech tanks without CO2 injection or liquid carbon supplementation.
- What light does Water Sprite need?
- Water Sprite is a medium-light plant. Most modern aquarium LEDs cover this. Anything sold as planted-tank-ready works. The stock hood on a basic shop tank usually does not.
- Is Water Sprite beginner-friendly?
- Water Sprite is rated easy for difficulty. Works planted or floating. Floating growth is faster; planted stems stay upright in fine substrate. Produces numerous plantlets, trim or remove excess to prevent it blocking all surface light.
- Is Water Sprite safe for shrimp?
- Yes. Water Sprite 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.