Keeping Anubias in an aquarium

Among exotic underwater plants, there are many surprising ones. One such example is Anubias. This is a marsh plant from the Araceae family, native to the humid tropics of Africa. It is primarily found on rocks along streams and rivers, where in some places it can be completely submerged. This plant is notable in that it is often found in home aquariums, where it is used for decorative purposes. However, Anubias thrives best in humid greenhouses called paludariums.

If you often find yourself in a pet store, you might be interested in these unusual ornamental plantsFirst and foremost, they are distinguished by their appearance, which is quite different from most aquarium plants. Anubias is quite diverse: its species range from lush, multi-leafed plants resembling dwarf bonsai trees to low-growing plants adorned with leaves reminiscent of turtle shells.

Among them are plants with upward-pointing, sharp leaves resembling a blade. Anubias are truly unique plants, with no comparable aquarium plant. Although this class of aquatic plants includes many subspecies, they share one common characteristic: dense, glossy foliage and a robust texture rarely seen in other aquarium inhabitants.

Habitat

The first samples were collected by scientists discovered in the tropics of Africa in the western part of the continent.

• Anubias are most often found in the wild in shady, marshy areas. Their favorite habitat is the banks of tropical rivers with dim light. Being emergent plants, they are also found in coastal areas where they receive the necessary moisture during the rainy season. Sometimes they are also found on various rocks and driftwood located directly in the water column.
• Anubias species are abundant in Cameroon, most often found near the famous Victoria Falls. The water here is very soft, lacking magnesium and calcium molecules, as well as various nitrates and nitrites. These locations are ideal for the growth of plants similar to Anubias.
• This representative of the aquatic world can also be found in running water. In such places, it forms a continuous carpet that decorates driftwood and rocks on the bottom. Many owners have even adapted to growing them at home. It's not uncommon to find not only this exotic representative of the flora in aquariums, but also an aquatic plant called Bolbitis heudelotii.

Anubias: photo, appearance

First information about Anubias date back to 1899, and they are contained in the works of biologist Engler. However, several decades passed before Anubias specimens appeared in Europe. At first, many considered one of its varieties, Anubias lanceolata, also native to Cameroon, to be the species Anubias nana. However, they share certain characteristics that prevent them from being confused. The difference is primarily evident in the leaves: those of lanceolata are narrower and more lance-shaped.

According to official sources, Anubias first appeared on the European continent in the early 1980s. Credit for this discovery goes to a member of an expedition collecting aquarium fish, who discovered it in Cameroon. The rest of the world subsequently became acquainted with this species.

External signs

When grown at home, aquarium anubias can grow up to 15 cmIt has a very unusual and beautiful appearance, which has made it popular among aquarium owners. The leaves are characterized by a wide, round shape and a vibrant green color. If you look closely, you can see numerous veins on the surface. When mature, some Anubias specimens, planted at a short distance from each other, begin to form small thickets that become a striking addition to any aquarium.

• As it grows, Anubias forms a fairly dense, branched creeping root system.
• The leaves reach 2-4 cm in length and are about 4-8 cm in width.
• The leaf petioles are not as long as the leaf blades, usually their size is 4 cm.
• The formation of the peduncle occurs slightly above the leaves, and it itself reaches 10-12 cm in length.
• The pistils traditionally grow in the shape of a ball, have shortened styles and small rounded stigmas.
• Anubias seeds are elliptical and the fruits are egg-shaped.

Conditions of detention

Growing the Anubias nana aquarium plant at home is quite easy due to its low maintenance requirements. This is largely due to its ability to quickly adapt They are resistant to any environmental changes. Even if they are left without moisture and light for long periods, they will not die. Therefore, they are often chosen by novice aquarists who lack extensive experience in growing aquatic and submerged plants.

Landing features

When planting anubias, it's best to use a rhizome: it needs to be securely anchored to the bottom of the aquarium. Rocks or a wooden base can be used as a support. A variety of substrates also benefit these plants. They can be grown not only on a sandy bottom, but also on a surface, including a mixture of clay and peatHowever, when planting, special attention must be paid to choosing the optimal soil layer thickness. It's crucial to choose the correct depth, as this determines whether the root system can develop horizontally.

In natural conditions, the rhizomes of Anubias nana grow so vigorously that they can twine around boulders and driftwood, which serve as their support. Therefore, simply placing the plant on the bottom of the aquarium will allow it to grow naturally, without any further intervention. Keep in mind that burying the root system with a thick layer of substrate is not recommended.

Aquarium lighting

Experienced aquarists know that Anubias is so called because doesn't like bright light too muchAccording to legend, in ancient Egyptian mythology, Anubis was the god of the dark realm, whose habitat was always immersed in darkness. Considering that Anubias thrives without a constant light source and can form thickets even in tropical forests, this is what gave it its unusual name. Information about this characteristic is cited in many literary sources.

Few people know that Anubias nano is a very versatile plant. This species of Anubias is abundant in Cameroon, where there is ample light. This further confirms that the plant can grow in virtually any climate. Therefore, if you decide to add this plant to your aquarium, you can choose either darkened corners, as well as places with bright lighting.

Water requirements

In the wild, Anubias often grows in soft water, but this doesn't mean it needs a specific water composition for indoor cultivation. In an apartment, it can grow in regular tap water. However, if you want your Anubias to thrive, you should adjust the water according to the season. temperature of the aquatic environment:

• in the warm season it must be maintained at 22-24 degrees;
• In winter, when Anubias is dormant, it's recommended to lower the temperature to 20-22 degrees Celsius. Failure to do so may cause some plants to die.

Breeding conditions

The flowering phase of these amphibious plants occurs at the same time as all other plants—in the spring. Unfortunately, plants that are completely submerged in water lack this opportunity. At home, they can only be propagated by using the vegetative methodAs they grow, mature plants develop a developed root system with numerous branches, which can be used for division.

Anubias nana stands out among other aquatic inhabitants with its unusual and attractive appearance. Therefore, it can be an excellent addition to a home aquarium. If planted densely enough, it can eventually develop into a dense thicket, which can be used to grow plants. make an aquarium background Or use it as the main element of a composition. With the addition of greenery to the aquarium, small fish will quickly fall in love with it, providing them with reliable shelter from larger inhabitants. Unfortunately, however, Anubias has a serious drawback: it takes a very long time to grow, and algae can negatively impact its development.

Conclusion

The underwater world's fauna is extremely diverse, including many amazing plants. Only specialists know about Anubias, as it's an exotic plant, most often found in tropical Africa, and therefore rare in our country. Anubias attracts both beginner and non-aquarists with its appearance, which is quite originalAnd for such beauty to appear in an aquarium, you don't need to create special conditions for the plant.

Anubis is very undemanding when it comes to growing conditions, so even if you plant it in a dimly lit area of ​​the aquarium, it will still thrive and begin to grow. However, keep in mind that water temperature can significantly affect the growth rate of Anubias. Therefore, ensure that the temperature does not drop below 20-22 degrees Celsius during the warmer months. This way, this plant will delight you with its bright, lush leaves right up until the end of its growing season.