Nymphaea pygmea, Nymphaea tetragona, Castalia pygmaea, Nymphaea minima
Family
Nymphaeaceae (water lily family)
Origin
Asia (East Asia)
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
24 cm
Temperature
4–24°C
pH
6–7.5
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
High light or full sun
Flow
Still water
Care
Nymphaea pygmaea is a small white water lily from Asia. The list spells it pygmea. It is widely treated as the same species as Nymphaea tetragona, the pygmy water lily, though some botanists keep East Asian plants separate. Its leaves are 5.5–24 cm long (green to purple above) and its white flowers only 3–6 cm across. It grows in lakes, ponds, marshes and rice fields. The sources say nothing about aquarium use. As a hardy temperate lily it is best grown in small ponds, tubs and patio containers in full sun, where it needs a cold winter rest; it is unlikely to thrive long term in a heated tank. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. The maximum size is the leaf length. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphaeapygmaea); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
It has an upright rhizome without runners, so it is mainly raised from seed; offsets can be separated from older crowns.
Compatibility and tank mates
Ideal for small ponds and tubs with goldfish or native fish; koi may dig it up. Not suited to tropical tanks.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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