Hornwort Foxtail – Live Aquarium Plant

Introduction

Hornwort Foxtail (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a versatile and fast-growing aquatic plant that adds volume and texture to any freshwater aquarium. Known for its feathery, bushy appearance, it provides a great natural habitat for fish, acting as a hiding place and oxygenating the water. Ideal for beginner and expert aquarists alike, Hornwort Foxtail thrives in a wide range of conditions and helps control nutrient levels, promoting a cleaner tank environment.

Origin

Hornwort Foxtail is native to North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, where it thrives in slow-moving waters, lakes, and ponds. It can be found in a variety of freshwater environments, from shallow streams to deeper water.

Scientific Name

Ceratophyllum demersum (commonly known as Hornwort Foxtail)

Lighting Requirements

• Low to moderate lighting is sufficient for Hornwort Foxtail.
• It can tolerate low light, but higher lighting speeds up growth and enhances its vibrant green coloration.
• 8-12 hours of light per day is ideal for optimal growth.

Care Level

Easy – Hornwort Foxtail is known for being one of the easiest plants to care for. It requires little attention and thrives in a variety of water conditions, making it an excellent choice for beginner aquarists.

Preferred Water Parameters

• Temperature: 18-28°C (64-82°F)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Hardness: 4-12 dGH
  Hornwort Foxtail thrives in soft to moderately hard water, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.

Placement

• Floating or Submerged – Hornwort Foxtail can be placed floating on the surface or anchored in the substrate.
• If submerged, it will develop long branch-like stems with feathery leaves that form dense bushy clusters, ideal for creating a natural background or a floating forest effect in your tank.

Growth Rate

Very fast – Hornwort Foxtail is a rapid grower that quickly fills tank space. It can easily become overgrown if not regularly trimmed. Pruning can help maintain its shape and promote healthy new growth.

CO2 and Fertilizer

• CO2 supplementation is not required but may speed up its growth.
• Liquid fertilizers can be beneficial, especially in low-nutrient water, to support its rapid growth.
• Root tabs are not necessary as Hornwort Foxtail absorbs nutrients primarily through the water column.

Potential Problems

• Overgrowth: Due to its fast growth, regular trimming is necessary to keep it from overtaking the aquarium.
• Algae growth: If left unchecked, Hornwort Foxtail may promote algae growth by competing for light and nutrients.
• Floating debris: Detached stems can sometimes float on the water surface, requiring occasional removal.

Compatible Fishes

• Tetras, Rasboras, and Guppies – Love the dense clusters and use them for shelter and foraging.
• Corydoras and Loaches – Appreciate the cover provided by Hornwort’s long stems.
• Shrimp – Amano Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp find refuge in the plant’s dense structure, helping to clean any biofilm that forms.

Other Suitable Plants

• Java Moss – Adds a more compact structure and provides a good contrast to the feathery appearance of Hornwort.
• Amazon Sword – Complements Hornwort Foxtail with broad-leaved plants that create a more structured landscape.
• Cryptocoryne species – Offers contrast in size and texture while thriving in similar water conditions.

Tropical or Cold Water?

Tropical and Temperate. Hornwort Foxtail is adaptable to both tropical and cooler freshwater aquariums, with a wide range of temperature tolerance. It does well in temperatures from 18°C (64°F) to 28°C (82°F).

What Fish Can Eat It?

• Goldfish and Silver Dollars may nibble on Hornwort’s leaves.
• Some herbivorous species, such as plecos or tropical fish, might graze on the plant, but it is generally not consumed heavily by most species.
• Shrimp enjoy grazing on the biofilm that forms on its feathery leaves.

A Fun Fact

Hornwort is often considered a “natural filter” in aquariums. It is one of the few plants that can absorb excess nutrients like nitrites and nitrates, helping to reduce the chances of algae outbreaks while keeping the water clean. Its oxygenating properties make it an excellent choice for improving water quality in both small and large aquariums.