More info
Datasheet
| Aquarium Compatible | yes |
| Plant Outdoor | unknown |
| Plant Emersed Growth | yes |
| Plant Growth | very fast |
| Temperature Tolerance | 18°C / 64.40°F - 30°C / 86.00°F |
| Temperature | 22°C / 71.60°F - 28°C / 82.40°F |
| Carbonate Hardness | 0-21 kh |
| pH Value | 5-8 ph |
| Light | medium-high |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | 0-40mg/lmg/l |
| Nitrate (NO3-) | 10-50mg/lmg/l |
| Phosphate (PO43-) | 0.1-3mg/lmg/l |
| Potassium (K+) | 5-30mg/lmg/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01-0.5mg/lmg/l |
General Description
Floating antlerfern, known scientifically as Ceratopteris pteridoides, is a plant species found in the subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas, including areas such as Florida and Louisiana, as well as Vietnam. This plant solely grows floating on water or as a bog plant on muddy ground, with its appearance and size varying depending on its habitat conditions. Young plants have entire floating leaves, while older, larger plants develop broad lobes, resembling a wide triangle. Interestingly, young plants also propagate from bulblets within the lobes of the older leaves.
Aquarium Suitability
Floating antlerfern is deemed suitable for aquariums, presenting an easy level of care. Notably, it exhibits very fast growth, making it an attractive addition for aquarists looking to fill out their tank with lush greenery. For precise water condition requirements, one may refer to the provided table for optimal parameters.
Aquascaping & Usage
In aquariums, Ceratopteris pteridoides can be used for both aesthetic and functional purposes. Its floating nature adds a dynamic dimension to aquascaping designs, especially for recreating natural underwater environments. Moreover, it serves as a useful plant for spawning fish due to its surface coverage and buoyant nature.
Propagation
This plant species propagates through proliferating leaves and spores. When cultivated emersed on nutrient-rich substrate and exposed to high light intensities, it has a higher probability of producing spore-carrying fronds, although this occurrence is rare in tank environments.
Habitat and Distribution
In the wild, Ceratopteris pteridoides can be found in habitats across Southeastern North America (specifically Florida and Louisiana), Central and South America, China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. It thrives in warm, tropical climates and predominantly grows in water bodies or boggy areas with muddy substrates to support its floating growth habit.