Nitella capillaris (Nitella capillaris) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Stonewort
Family
Characeae (stoneworts; a green alga)
Origin
Europe and North America
Water
freshwater
Temperature
10–22°C
pH
6–7.5
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Low to medium light; CO2 not needed

Care

Nitella capillaris is a stonewort: not a true plant but a large, branched green alga of the Charales, related to the ancestors of land plants. It grows on the beds of clear lakes and ponds in Europe and North America. Like other Nitella it forms fine, whorled branches on thin stems and looks like a delicate, glassy stem plant. The sources say nothing about its aquarium use. Stoneworts are best kept in clear, clean, cool water and are often sensitive to high nutrient levels and to plant fertilisers containing copper. It is a temperate species, so it suits coldwater tanks and ponds better than tropical tanks. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitellacapillaris); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Grows on from pieces of its branched stems; stoneworts also produce resting spores (oospores) that can survive drying.

Compatibility and tank mates

Delicate; snails and plant-eating fish may graze it. Best in a coldwater or unheated tank or pond with small, peaceful fish or shrimp.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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