Low to high light; CO2 not needed but speeds up carpeting
Care
A very common, almost worldwide spikerush with fine, needle-like green leaves. It is the classic "dwarf hairgrass" used to make a grassy lawn in the foreground. Plant it in small tufts a couple of centimetres apart in an open spot that taller plants do not shade. Its roots then spread through the substrate and it forms a carpet about 6–15 cm tall. If the carpet grows too tall, trim it carefully with scissors. Tropica rates it as easy: it grows at a medium rate in almost all aquarium conditions, with low light and no added CO2, though more light, CO2 and a rich substrate give a denser carpet faster. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Because it is found in temperate as well as tropical regions, it also suits unheated tanks. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Spreads by runners through the substrate. Pull up a rooted clump, split it into small tufts and replant them a few centimetres apart.
Compatibility and tank mates
Leaves are not eaten by most fish, and shrimp graze among them. Digging fish (larger cichlids, goldfish, some loaches) uproot new tufts. Suits tropical and coldwater tanks.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
About Aquatic-Auctions
Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
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.
Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
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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