Origins and Classification
- Scientific Group: Includes several popular genera such as Egeria, Cabomba, Hygrophila, Ludwigia, and Bacopa.
- Family: Varies by species (commonly Hydrocharitaceae, Acanthaceae, and Onagraceae).
- Origin: Found in tropical and subtropical freshwater environments across Asia, South America, and Africa.
- Popularity: Highly favored by aquarists for beautifying aquariums, improving oxygen levels, and providing shelter for fish and fry.
🌿 Appearance
- Color: Usually bright to dark green, depending on species and light intensity.
- Structure:
- Sold in bunches of stems tied together with plant weights or bands.
- Leaves can be fine and feathery (like Cabomba) or broad and oval (like Hygrophila).
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast, depending on lighting and nutrients.
- Height: Typically 6–20 inches (15–50 cm).
🏡 Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: Suitable for any freshwater aquarium, from nano to large community setups.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
- pH: 6.0–7.8
- Hardness: 3–15 dGH
- Lighting: Moderate to bright; stronger light promotes compact and vibrant growth.
- Substrate: Can be planted in gravel or sand, or left floating for shade and fry protection.
- Placement: Ideal for background or midground areas in planted tanks.
