Nitella gracilis (Nitella gracilis) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Stonewort
Family
Characeae (stoneworts; a green alga)
Origin
Cosmopolitan (found worldwide)
Water
freshwater
Temperature
12–24°C
pH
6–7.5
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Low to medium light; CO2 not needed

Care

Nitella gracilis is a stonewort, a branched green alga of the Charales rather than a true plant, recorded from fresh waters across the world. The sources give no description of its size or habitat, and nothing about its aquarium use. If you keep it, treat it like other Nitella: clear, clean water, gentle light, and little or no fertiliser (stoneworts are often harmed by copper and high nutrients). It can be planted loosely or allowed to drift. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitellagracilis); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Expect it to regrow from stem pieces; stoneworts also form resting spores.

Compatibility and tank mates

Fine and soft, so plant-eating fish and snails may graze it. Best with small peaceful fish and shrimp.

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

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