Anubias barteri var. glabra (Anubias barteri var. glabra) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Anubias glabra, Anubias barteri var. angustifolia (often included here)
Family
Araceae (arum family)
Origin
West Africa
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
20 cm
Temperature
22–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH (estimate)
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low light; CO2 not needed

Care

Anubias barteri var. glabra (family Araceae) is a West African Anubias with long, narrow leaves on a rhizome that can reach 10–15 cm or more. Tropica gives a height of 10–20 cm. It tolerates a wide range of conditions but should be kept out of strong light; a shaded spot under taller plants is ideal. Do not bury the rhizome, which rots; tie or glue it to wood or rock, or plant it with only the roots in the substrate. Tropica rates it easy, needing low light and low CO2, and notes herbivorous fish do not eat it. 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

Divide the rhizome with a clean blade, leaving several leaves on each piece, and attach or plant the pieces as before. New side shoots also form on older rhizomes. Can be grown from seed, but this is rarely done.

Compatibility and tank mates

Tough, bitter leaves are left alone by almost all fish, including goldfish, large cichlids and plant-eaters, which makes Anubias one of the safest choices for such tanks. Safe with shrimp and snails. Tropical.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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