Hornwort

Ceratophyllum demersum

Family : Ceratophyllaceae

PlantFreshwatertige

Fast-growing floating or stem plant, excellent for oxygenation and filtration.

Hornwort — photo 1 sur 4
Christian Fischer · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 4
Popularity
Stem plant
fast growing, needs trimming
Availability
Common in shops
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern

Description

Ceratophyllum demersum is a rootless aquatic plant with thin, branched stems. Its leaves are whorled, fine and serrated, giving a feathery appearance. It can float freely or be planted in the substrate. Growth is very fast, effectively absorbing nitrates. It provides shelter for fry and invertebrates. In the aquarium, it prefers moderate to high light. No CO2 needed and tolerates a wide range of parameters.

Habitat

Region :

Stagnant or slow-moving waters, nutrient-rich

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature1028 °C
pH68
GH520 °dGH
KH315 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 40 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 3 mg/L
CO₂
≤ 0 mg/L
Light
Medium

Care

Difficulty
1/5
Diet
Photosynthetic
Min. tank
20 L
Min. group
1
Adult size
100 cm
Lifespan
2 years
Temperament
Peaceful
Propagation
cuttings

Care notes

Very easy plant. Temperature 10-28°C, pH 6-8. Moderate to high light. No CO2 needed. Soft to hard water. Fast growth, trim regularly to prevent overgrowth. Can be left floating or planted. Compatible with all fish. Avoid very strong currents. Ideal for breeding tanks. Absorbs nitrates and phosphates.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References