Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, DR Congo
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
40 cm
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH (estimate)
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Moderate to strong light; CO2 not needed but helps
Care
The usual spelling of this plant's name is Anubias gilletii (family Araceae); "gilletti" is a common misspelling. It grows in muddy ground near or in streams in Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon and the two Congos, sometimes fully underwater, with long-stalked, medium-green, spear-shaped leaves up to about 40 cm. It grows best partly submerged and uncrowded, so a paludarium or a large, open aquarium suits it. Unlike most Anubias, Wikipedia says it needs plenty of nutrients, a loose, iron-rich substrate and moderate to strong light. 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. Wikipedia gives 22–26 °C. pH and hardness are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anubiasgilletii); 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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