Eleocharis pusilla 'Mini', Mini hairgrass, Dwarf spikerush
Family
Cyperaceae (sedge family)
Origin
Wild species: Australia and New Zealand (not stated by Tropica); 'Mini' is a cultivar
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
5 cm
Temperature
18–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium light; medium CO2 (about 6–14 mg/l)
Care
Eleocharis pusilla is a tiny hairgrass. Tropica sells the cultivar 'Mini', a lower-growing relative of the common Eleocharis parvula, given to Tropica by Thomas Barr in the USA. Its short, fine leaves stay about 3–5 cm tall and form a dense, grassy lawn. Tropica rates it medium difficulty, with medium light and CO2 needs and slow growth, and calls it one of the most reliable carpeting plants, suitable even for nano tanks. Plant small portions spaced across the foreground to cover a large area; the short leaves need little trimming. Good light is important. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants). Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Spreads by runners under the substrate. Split the mat into small clumps and replant them; Tropica supplies it as tissue culture in cups.
Compatibility and tank mates
Good for aquascapes with small fish and shrimp. Digging fish and large cichlids pull it up, and goldfish will graze it.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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