Hairy mermaid in the aquarium
Ranjith-chemmad, Cabomba aquatica at Sharjah, CC BY-SA 4.0
The fine-feathered hair mermaid (Cabomba aquatica) is an aquatic plant native to Central America. The name came from the finely divided shape of the leaves throughout. Due to the fast growth, the easy care and the good prevention against algae, the plants are very suitable for the aquarium.
key data
Attitude:
simply
Breed:
head cuttings
Size:
up to 40 cm
Temperature:
24ºC – 30ºC
pH:
6 – 6.8
GH:
very soft to hard
CH:
12 °dH
Look
The hair mermaid comes in numerous subspecies. They differ mainly in the shape of the leaves. All species develop long stems on which the feathery leaves sprout. If the care is successful and the plant receives sufficient nutrients, it will show healthy growth and a rich green color.
Since the plant can thrive both fixed and floating, it opens up various possibilities when designing the aquarium. For water dwellers in a community tank, it offers a wonderful place of retreat and observation. In addition, various ornamental fish can create their foam nests in the plants or viviparous specimens can raise their young.
husbandry conditions
Cabomba aquatica is considered to be robust and productive and is well suited for a new aquarium setup. If the care conditions are right, it will show remarkably rapid growth and the tank will soon be green.
The ideal water values show a soft and warm water with a temperature between 24 – 30° Celsius and a PH value of 6.0 and 6.8. However, the plant can still thrive at somewhat colder temperatures and a pH value in the acidic range above 8. It is similar with the hardness of the water.
It is important to pay attention to the brightness in the aquarium. Since the plant has a strong need for light, a medium to high intensity is imperative. For this reason, it is grateful for a regular water change. On the other hand, the CO² value has little meaning.
Since the hair mermaid can reach a shoot length of up to 40 cm, it needs a place in the middle to the back of the pelvis. If possible, it should stand freely and not be restricted by neighbors. As a stem plant, it does not develop roots and can simply be planted in the ground.
Due to the rapid growth, pruning is simply part of good care. Intervention becomes necessary when the plant reaches the water surface.
Cutting is best done with the help of special plant scissors. An absolutely clean and sharp tool ensures a smooth and clean cut. On the other hand, if impurities get into the plant, germs can spread and pests and diseases can spread.
distribution
The hair mermaid can be spread by vegetative propagation with the help of head cuttings. The cut off shoot tips are excellent. These are simply placed in the aquarium floor and lightly pressed down with the sand. Soon after, new Cabomba aquatica emerge.
particularities
In addition to being easy to care for, the hair mermaid is particularly useful in the fight against the spread of algae. In order to thrive, it needs plenty of nutrients and draws a large part of it from the algae. Algae growth is curbed and uncontrolled proliferation is prevented.