Anubias Barteri (Anubias barteri) Care Guide
Robust West African rhizome plant with thick, dark-green leaves. Tolerates low light and rough handling, an excellent choice for cichlid and goldfish tanks.
Overview
Anubias barteri is a robust aroid native to West Africa, valued in aquaria for its thick, leathery leaves that resist herbivory and tolerate a wide range of conditions. The species was first described in 1860 and is the parent of several popular varieties including var. nana, var. caladiifolia, var. glabra and var. angustifolia.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Anubias
- Scientific name: Anubias barteri
Habitat
Native to southeastern Nigeria, Cameroon and Bioko, where it occurs on rocks and wood in shaded forest streams. The plant grows both fully submerged and emersed in nature, anchored by a creeping rhizome.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 3-10 °dGH
- Substrate: any (epiphytic; rhizome must stay above substrate)
- Maximum height: about 30 cm
- Growth rate: slow
Placement
Best used as a midground specimen plant attached to driftwood or rock. The leathery leaves are unpalatable to most fish, including African cichlids and goldfish, that would damage softer plants. Avoid burying the rhizome.
Propagation
Multiplies vegetatively by rhizome division. Cut the rhizome with a sharp blade into sections each carrying at least two or three leaves with their own roots, then attach each piece to new hardscape. Side shoots can also be detached once they develop independent roots.
Common issues
The most common problem is rhizome rot from substrate burial or poor circulation; trim any black soft tissue and reattach the healthy portion. Brown spot algae on slow-growing leaves can be reduced by lowering lighting intensity.