High light; CO2 injection and regular fertiliser needed
Care
Red cabomba or forked fanwort (family Cabombaceae) is a rhizomatous perennial from tropical America, growing in lagoons, ponds, streams, lakes and floodplains. Its submerged leaves are mostly whorled, deep purple to red and forked, and it bears purple flowers. Cabomba piauhyensis is the same plant under an older name. It is a showy background stem plant. Wikipedia says it usually needs added CO2, high light and regular fertiliser to grow well; without them it fades and falls apart. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabombafurcata); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Cut stems and replant the tops; remove the lowest few centimetres of leaves first. Side shoots can also be planted.
Compatibility and tank mates
Soft, fine leaves are eaten by goldfish, large cichlids and herbivores, and can be clogged by debris from diggers. Good with small community fish and shrimp.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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