
Stem · Background
Hornwort
Ceratophyllum demersum
BeginnerLight · lowCO₂ · low
Type
Stem
Placement
Background
Max height
24″
Light need
low
CO₂ need
low
Temperature
59–86°F
Notes
Fast-growing nitrate sponge. Sheds needles when stressed, vacuum the bottom after planting. Floats happily.
Compatible Fish
Fish that pair well with Hornwort
Hornwort 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 Hornwort — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

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

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

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

Angelfish
SafeAngelfish coexists with Hornwort — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Assassin Snail
SafeAssassin Snail coexists with Hornwort — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Auratus Cichlid
SafeAuratus Cichlid coexists with Hornwort — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Australian Rainbowfish
SafeAustralian Rainbowfish coexists with Hornwort — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Bala Shark
SafeBala Shark coexists with Hornwort — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Banjo Catfish
SafeBanjo Catfish coexists with Hornwort — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Black Ghost Knife
SafeBlack Ghost Knife coexists with Hornwort — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

Black Neon Tetra
SafeBlack Neon Tetra coexists with Hornwort — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.
Fish to avoid

Black Moor Goldfish
AvoidBlack Moor Goldfish is a persistent grazer and will shred Hornwort within weeks. Stick to Anubias, Java Fern, Bolbitis, or moss for a grazer tank.

Buenos Aires Tetra
AvoidBuenos Aires Tetra is a persistent grazer and will shred Hornwort within weeks. Stick to Anubias, Java Fern, Bolbitis, or moss for a grazer tank.

Comet Goldfish
AvoidComet Goldfish is a persistent grazer and will shred Hornwort within weeks. Stick to Anubias, Java Fern, Bolbitis, or moss for a grazer tank.

Common Goldfish
AvoidCommon Goldfish is a persistent grazer and will shred Hornwort within weeks. Stick to Anubias, Java Fern, Bolbitis, or moss for a grazer tank.

Fantail Goldfish
AvoidFantail Goldfish is a persistent grazer and will shred Hornwort within weeks. Stick to Anubias, Java Fern, Bolbitis, or moss for a grazer tank.

Lionhead Goldfish
AvoidLionhead Goldfish is a persistent grazer and will shred Hornwort within weeks. Stick to Anubias, Java Fern, Bolbitis, or moss for a grazer tank.

Oranda Goldfish
AvoidOranda Goldfish is a persistent grazer and will shred Hornwort within weeks. Stick to Anubias, Java Fern, Bolbitis, or moss for a grazer tank.

Oscar
AvoidOscar is a persistent grazer and will shred Hornwort within weeks. Stick to Anubias, Java Fern, Bolbitis, or moss for a grazer tank.
Community photos
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