Anubias nana
Anubias barteri var. nana
Also known asdwarf anubias
Water parameters
Light and nutrients
Substrate type: epiphyte. Propagation: rhizome division.
Substrate compatibility
| Substrate | pH effect | Nutrient load |
|---|---|---|
| Wood and rock mounts (Hardscape mount) | varies | none |
| Inert sand (Pool filter sand) | neutral / inert | none |
| Inert gravel (Aquarium gravel) | neutral / inert | none |
| Limestone gravel (Crushed coral) | raises pH | none |
| Bare bottom (no substrate) (Bare bottom) | n/a | none |
| Aquasoil (ADA Amazonia) | lowers pH | very high |
| Mineralized clay substrate (Seachem Fluorite) | neutral / inert | moderate |
With fish
Origin and habitat
Originally described as Anubias barteri var. nana, native to tropical West Africa (Cameroon, Nigeria). The most popular Anubias variety in the aquarium hobby due to its compact size: leaves reach only 3–6 cm long, making it suitable for nano tanks and foreground placement in larger setups. The plant grows as a creeping rhizome with small, rounded, dark green leaves. Like all Anubias, it's a rheophyte that naturally grows on rocks and submerged wood in streams. Tissue culture (in vitro) specimens are widely available and are the preferred way to buy Anubias nana because they're guaranteed free of algae, snails, and pests. Several cultivars exist beyond the standard form: 'Petite' (even smaller), 'Golden' (yellow-green leaves), 'Snow White' (white-veined), and 'Pangolino' (miniature).
Care notes
Same care as Anubias barteri but the smaller leaf size makes it more versatile in aquascaping. Attach to hardscape using super glue (gel type, not liquid) or thread. Do not bury the rhizome in substrate. The small, rounded leaves (3–6 cm) are useful for creating a carpeted look on wood and stone in low-tech tanks where true carpeting plants (HC Cuba, dwarf hairgrass, Monte Carlo) won't survive without CO2 injection. A piece of driftwood covered in Anubias nana is one of the most reliable low-tech aquascaping techniques. Growth is very slow; a single plant takes months to spread visibly across a piece of driftwood. Under high light, algae colonizes the slow-growing leaves faster than the plant produces new ones. Keep light moderate, or if using strong lighting, ensure CO2 and nutrients are balanced and maintain a cleanup crew. Trim dead or heavily algae-covered leaves at the base using sharp scissors. Propagation: divide the rhizome once it has extended enough to cut a section with 3-4 leaves. Each piece continues growing independently. In shrimp tanks, Anubias nana is a top choice because the small leaves and root structure provide excellent grazing surface for biofilm (which shrimp eat) and hiding cover for baby shrimp. The tissue culture (in vitro) form is the best way to buy: pest-free, algae-free, and generally more vigorous than pot-grown specimens from nurseries.