Why is my Water Sprite melting?

Melting is common when the plant is first introduced to a new aquarium as it adjusts to new water parameters. It can also be caused by insufficient lighting, sudden changes in temperature, or burying the crown of the plant in the substrate.

Can I leave Water Sprite floating?

Yes, Water Sprite excels as a floating plant. Its long, trailing roots will hang down into the water column, absorbing nutrients directly and providing excellent cover for small fish and fry.

How do I plant Water Sprite in the substrate?

When planting Water Sprite in gravel or soil, you must ensure that the 'crown'—the thick central base where the roots and stems meet—remains above the substrate. Burying the crown will cause the entire plant to rot.

Does Water Sprite need CO2 injection?

No, it does not require CO2 injection and will grow very well in a standard low-tech aquarium, provided it has adequate light and liquid nutrients. Adding CO2 will simply accelerate its already fast growth rate.

How do I trim or prune Water Sprite?

You can trim Water Sprite by cleanly snipping off older or overly large outer leaves near the base using sharp aquascaping scissors. Avoid cutting the centre of the rosette, as this is where new growth emerges.

Photo coming soon

FreshwaterPlantsBeginner

Water Sprite

Ceratopteris thalictroides

A highly versatile, fast-growing aquatic fern that can be planted or floated, making it a staple for beginners and breeding tanks alike.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 20 – 28 °C
pH range: 5.5 – 8
Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 30 – 60 cm
Min. volume: 40 litres+
Lifespan: 1 – 5 years
Diet: Photosynthetic
Water flow: Low to moderate
Preferred setup: Can be rooted in the substrate (leaving the crown exposed) or allowed to float freely at the surface.

About the Water Sprite

Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides) is a beloved and highly versatile fern that has graced freshwater aquariums for decades. Characterised by its fine, lace-like fronds and vibrant green colouration, it brings a lush, natural aesthetic to any aquascape. This fast-growing species is incredibly adaptable, thriving equally well when rooted in the substrate or left floating at the surface. Its vigorous growth makes it an excellent choice for absorbing excess nutrients and combating algae.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Water Sprite against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Water Sprite comes from

Native range

Southeast Asia, Central America, South America, East Africa, Northern Australia

Countries / regions

Thailand, Vietnam, India, Australia, Brazil, United States

Habitat

Shallow, slow-moving or stagnant tropical waters, including marshes, swamps, and rice paddies.

Possesses a truly pan-tropical distribution, naturally occurring in suitable wetland habitats across multiple continents.

Similar species

Water Fern
Ceratopteris cornuta
Water Wisteria
Hygrophila difformis
Indian Water Star
Hygrophila pinnatifida

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
The dense, trailing roots of floating Water Sprite provide an ideal, safe grazing ground and hiding place for shrimp.
Great
Siamese Fighting Fish
Betta splendens
Bettas appreciate the shaded, calm areas created by the surface canopy, which also serves as a perfect anchor for bubble nests.
Great
Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
Livebearer fry naturally seek out the dense foliage of this fern to shelter from hungry adult fish.
Great
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Goldfish are prone to nibbling on the delicate leaves or completely uprooting the plant if it is anchored in the substrate.
Compatible with caution
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Silver Dollars are avid herbivores and will quickly devour the soft, delicate fronds of this fern.
Not recommended

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