
Stem · Background
Hygrophila polysperma
Hygrophila polysperma
BeginnerLight · lowCO₂ · low
Type
Stem
Placement
Background
Max height
24″
Light need
low
CO₂ need
low
Temperature
68–82°F
Notes
Vigorous stem plant; grows in low light + no CO2. Banned in some US states (invasive). Pinch off the tips to bush out.
Compatible Fish
Fish that pair well with Hygrophila polysperma
Hygrophila polysperma 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 Hygrophila polysperma — no grazing, no uprooting, no leaf damage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oscar
AvoidOscar is a persistent grazer and will shred Hygrophila polysperma within weeks. Stick to Anubias, Java Fern, Bolbitis, or moss for a grazer tank.
Community photos
No community photos of Hygrophila polysperma yet — contribute one of yours.