Much of Europe (including Britain), north-west Africa and south-west Asia; introduced elsewhere
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
90 cm
Temperature
4–22°C
pH
6–8
Hardness
3–20 dGH
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium to high light; CO2 helpful underwater
Care
Water mint is a creeping perennial of stream and pond margins, ditches, marshes and fens, native to Britain and much of Europe. It has square stems, toothed oval leaves 2–6 cm long that smell strongly of mint, and dense round heads of lilac flowers in late summer. Above water it reaches about 90 cm. It is one parent of peppermint. It is really a marginal plant. Our sources do not cover submerged growth; it can grow underwater for a while in cool water but is happiest with its stems above the surface. It suits coldwater tanks, wildlife ponds and paludariums far better than warm tropical aquariums. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Leaves are edible and used for herbal tea. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menthaaquatica); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Spreads by rhizomes and rooting stems: divide clumps or take cuttings, which root easily in water.
Compatibility and tank mates
Best in unheated or coldwater tanks and ponds with temperate fish such as minnows, sticklebacks or small goldfish; large goldfish and koi may eat or uproot it. It suits tropical tanks poorly over the long term.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
About Aquatic-Auctions
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.
Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
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.