10+ Popular Anubias Species For Planted Aquariums

This is a very popular plant for aquariums with low lighting. While this plant will thrive under higher light intensity, a darker spot is preferred to avoid algae on the slow-growing leaves. Anubias barteri var. barteri grows large, and therefore it is only suitable for large planted aquarium layouts, 50 gallons up. It can grow to form a large plant up to 16 inches across but can be easily kept under control simply by pruning the leaves nearest to the rhizome.

Anubias barteri var. nana is one of the representative Anubias species. Due to its moderate leaf size, the species is a beautiful plant for the foreground and very suitable for tying to driftwood or stones in low-light spots in the midground. When planting in the substrate, do not plant it directly in the soil; but instead, attach the plant to a small stone and place it on the substrate.

The plant is highly recommended for planting under large specimen plants such as Echinodorus species. It would be a great idea to mix this with Anubias nana “Golden” to enjoy different colors of leaves. This Anubias species having rigid-looking leaves will not be an excellent choice for the layout using many stem plants.

Unlike the most popular Anubias var. nana that is suitable for large tanks, this Anubias with smaller leaves is more useful and suited for detailed expressions within smaller tanks. As the smallest of the Anubias, it is an ideal plant for miniature landscapes in nano planted tanks. The small leaves help to give the appearance the tank is larger.

This plant can handle most lighting conditions offered in the home planted aquarium, does not require or need any special lighting. It grows slowly with tiny leaves reaching a maximum of less than 0.5 inches. The leaves are dark green and robust and can’t be eaten by snails and herbivorous fish. Add some shrimps to keep them algae free.

This beautiful variety of Anubias nana has light green, almost yellow foliage. Its culture requirements are similar to other A. nana species with its growth being even slower. A. nana Golden is a valuable addition not just for aquariums with lots of green leaved Anubias.

It is a very beautiful variety with coin-shaped leaves. The leaves are attracting and last for a long time. Many shrimps and Otocinclus are recommended to keep the leaves healthy and clean. The size of this species is very similar to Anubias nana making it suitable for many types of planted aquariums from small to large.

Wonderful Anubias with slightly crinkled leaves. The leaves live for several years, so Anubias barteri Coffeefolia can easily form large groups despite its slow growth. A group of this beautiful plant growing more than 50 cm wide in a few years is not unusual. It is very easy to keep, like all Anubias species but strikingly beautiful if not kept in too bright spots.

Anubias gracilis is probably one of the most elegant Anubias species. It features lush green triangular-shaped leaves which grow from a rhizome. The plant is hardy and great for new aquariums. When planting in the aquarium, do not bury the rhizome into the substrate to prevent rotting and death. This plant benefits from leaving the rhizome undisturbed. It will put out side shoots when water conditions are right. The leaves can reach out of the water.

With its long, narrow leaves, this species makes a nice contrast if combined with other Anubias. Comes from West Africa, it makes an interesting center-piece for the tropical tank. It grows very slow and the growth requirements are the same as Anubias nana.