Araliaceae (ivy family; formerly placed in Apiaceae)
Origin
South-East Asia; introduced in the eastern USA, California and south-eastern Australia
Water
freshwater
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
5–7
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Strong light for full growth; CO2 helps
Care
A small creeping pennywort from South-East Asia with round to kidney-shaped, scalloped leaves 0.5–2 cm across and tiny pale yellow flowers. It grows almost anywhere, from fairly dry ground to places that are sometimes flooded, and even in pavement cracks and lawns. It is common in the aquarium trade, used as a creeping foreground or midground plant. It grows at a moderate rate and needs strong light to grow fully. Wikipedia gives 20–28 °C and a soil pH of 5–7 as best. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries. It is spreading as a lawn weed in the USA and south-eastern Australia. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocotylesibthorpioides); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Mostly propagated by cuttings; runners root at each node, so cut and replant rooted sections.
Compatibility and tank mates
Not usually eaten by community fish; goldfish and large plant-eaters may graze it. Good with shrimp.
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).
Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.