Medium light; medium CO2 (about 6–14 mg/L) speeds growth
Flow
Moderate flow appreciated
Care
African or Congo fern (family Dryopteridaceae) is a West African fern of fast streams and rivers, with translucent dark green, deeply cut fronds. Tropica gives 15–40 cm tall and wide. Attach it to a root or stone rather than planting it, tied with fishing line until it anchors, and keep the rhizome uncovered, since burying it causes rot. It suits the midground, ideally near the filter outlet, as it likes moving water. Tropica rates it medium difficulty and slow-growing, with medium light and medium CO2 needs; CO2 noticeably speeds growth. It grows best in soft, slightly acidic water. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Split the horizontal rhizome, keeping several fronds on each piece (Tropica).
Compatibility and tank mates
Tough fronds are generally left alone by fish, including many plant-eaters. Good with shrimp, which graze on the fronds. Tropical. Good with African cichlids that leave rhizome plants alone.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
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Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
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