
Rhizome · Background
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
IntermediateLight · mediumCO₂ · low
Type
Rhizome
Placement
Background
Max height
16″
Light need
medium
CO₂ need
low
Temperature
68–78°F
Notes
Lacy dark-green fronds. Needs flow, stagnant water kills it. Attach to wood like Java Fern. Slow grower.
Compatible Fish
Fish that pair well with African Water Fern
African Water Fern works with almost any peaceful community fish. The list below highlights the ones most commonly kept alongside it, with any known grazers flagged so you can avoid a shredded plant tank.

Adolfo's Cory
SafeAdolfo's Cory coexists with African Water Fern — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

African Butterfly Fish
SafeAfrican Butterfly Fish coexists with African Water Fern — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

African Dwarf Frog
SafeAfrican Dwarf Frog coexists with African Water Fern — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Agassizi's Dwarf Cichlid
SafeAgassizi's Dwarf Cichlid coexists with African Water Fern — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Angelfish
SafeAngelfish coexists with African Water Fern — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Assassin Snail
SafeAssassin Snail coexists with African Water Fern — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Auratus Cichlid
SafeAuratus Cichlid coexists with African Water Fern — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Australian Rainbowfish
SafeAustralian Rainbowfish coexists with African Water Fern — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Bala Shark
SafeBala Shark coexists with African Water Fern — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Banjo Catfish
SafeBanjo Catfish coexists with African Water Fern — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Black Ghost Knife
SafeBlack Ghost Knife coexists with African Water Fern — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Black Moor Goldfish
SafeBlack Moor Goldfish is a persistent grazer, but African Water Fern's leathery leaves shrug off the pressure.
Community photos
No community photos of African Water Fern yet — contribute one of yours.