Aponogeton fenestralis is an older name for the Madagascar lace plant, now included in Aponogeton madagascariensis; Wikipedia's page for this name redirects there. See that page for full care. The lace plant grows in Madagascar and has oblong leaves made of a lattice of veins with no tissue between them, spreading just beneath the surface. It is regarded as difficult: Wikipedia gives 15–26 °C and pH 5–7.5, a nutrient-rich substrate, and notes that the bright light it needs encourages algae on the leaves, and that imported bulbs often do well in their first year and fail in their second. Strong water movement and good filtration are often recommended. Over-collection once brought it close to extinction in Madagascar, so buy cultivated plants. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aponogetonmadagascariensis); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Seed often fails; bulbs may divide. See Aponogeton madagascariensis.
Compatibility and tank mates
Snails and plant-eating fish (goldfish, large cichlids, silver dollars) may damage the soft leaves. Best with peaceful tropical community fish that do not dig up the bulb. Snails and algae-prone tanks spoil the lace leaves.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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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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