Asia, Africa and Australia (scattered); invasive in the USA
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
200 cm
Temperature
10–30°C
pH
6–8.5
Hardness
2–20 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low to high light; CO2 not needed
Care
Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries. Hydrilla was released from aquariums into Florida in the 1950s and 1960s and is now a serious invasive weed across much of the USA, from Connecticut to Texas and California. A submerged waterweed of lakes and rivers, scattered naturally across Asia, Africa and Australia. Its stems reach 2 m and carry whorls of two to eight small, toothed leaves 5–20 mm long, forming dense mats. It tolerates more salt than many freshwater plants. It was once sold as "Indian star-vine". It is very easy and fast-growing in almost any conditions, looking similar to Elodea and Egeria. Use it as a fast background plant, but keep it under control. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrilla); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Spreads by fragments, rhizomes, overwintering buds (turions) and tubers that can lie dormant in mud for years. In tanks, replant any stem piece.
Compatibility and tank mates
Goldfish and plant-eating fish will eat it; it gives cover for fry. Keep it only in closed indoor tanks, and bin or compost unwanted pieces rather than flushing them.
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).
Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.