Water Sprite
Ceratopteris thalictroides
Pteridaceae
About
Water sprite is a fast-growing aquatic fern found across tropical Asia, Africa and the Americas, prized for its bright green, finely divided lacy fronds. Wonderfully versatile, it can be rooted in the substrate as a background plant or simply left to float, where it trails long feathery leaves and dangling roots. Its rapid growth soaks up excess nutrients and helps starve out algae, making it an easy, forgiving choice for beginners and low-tech tanks.
Care
Plant the base loosely in substrate or let it float, give low to moderate light, and let it grow. No CO2 needed; trim and thin as it spreads to keep light reaching plants below.
Diet
Feeds mainly from the water column and is an efficient nutrient sponge for nitrate and phosphate; occasional liquid fertiliser sustains fast, dense growth, though it thrives with little dosing.
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Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does a Water Sprite need?
- Water Sprite does best at 20–30 °C (68–86 °F), pH 5.5–8 and a general hardness of 2–15 °dGH.
- Where should Water Sprite be placed in the aquarium?
- Water Sprite works best at the back of the tank and reaches around 35 cm.
- Is the Water Sprite suitable for beginners?
- Yes — Water Sprite is one of the easier species to keep and forgives typical first-tank mistakes, as long as the aquarium is cycled and maintained.