South-eastern United States, from eastern Texas to eastern Virginia
Water
freshwater
Temperature
18–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium to high light; CO2 helps
Care
A spikerush from the south-eastern United States, growing in water or on land at the edges of ponds, marshes and ditches. It forms a clump of very thin stems, each tipped with a flower spike; the stem tips can also sprout new plantlets, which gives the "umbrella" look when grown under water. Our sources give little aquarium detail. It is generally a tall background grass, best in groups in an open spot with good light. Wikipedia notes that it switches its type of photosynthesis between water and air (not well referenced). Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleocharisvivipara); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Spreads by runners and by plantlets that sprout from the stem tips. Detach rooted plantlets or split the clump.
Compatibility and tank mates
Fish and snails leave it alone; the fine stems give cover to small fish and fry.
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.
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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.