Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides) is a beginner-level aquarium plant. A fast, feathery fern that soaks up nutrients quickly and gives fry and shy fish cover. It can be planted in the substrate or left floating.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Ceratopteris thalictroides |
|---|---|
| Family | Pteridaceae |
| Origin | Tropical regions worldwide |
| Height | 6-20 in |
| Light | Low to high |
| CO2 | Not needed |
| Placement | Planted or floating |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Temperature | 68-82°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Propagation | Plantlets and cuttings |
Quick tips
- Remove or replant the baby plantlets that form on old leaves.
- Floating plants soften the light for fish that like shade.
- Trim often to keep it from shading other plants.
San Diego water
Captive-bred stock usually adapts to San Diego tap water with slow acclimation. For best color and health, many keepers blend tap with RO/DI water. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
New to planted tanks? Start with our beginner planted tank guide and the plant fertilizer guide.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi