(Anubias Series — Part 3)
Anubias Varieties – If you are looking for hardy, low-maintenance aquarium plants, Anubias is one of the best choices for beginners and advanced aquascapers alike. These slow-growing epiphyte plants are famous for their durability, beautiful leaf shapes, and ability to thrive in low-light aquariums. From the tiny Anubias Nana Petite to the elegant Anubias Glabra, each variety adds a unique character to planted tanks.
In this guide, we explore five popular Anubias varieties, their appearance, tank suitability, and why they are loved by aquarists worldwide.
Popular Anubias Varieties — Part A
1. ANUBIAS NANA
The most popular and widely available Anubias variety. Compact, hardy, and perfect for midground or foreground placement. Its small round dark green leaves look stunning when attached to driftwood or rocks.
Size: Small (10–15 cm) | Best for: All tank sizes | Difficulty: ⭐ Easy
Why Aquarists Love It
Anubias Nana is extremely beginner-friendly and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. It is ideal for low-tech aquariums and aquascapes.
2. ANUBIAS NANA PETITE
The tiniest Anubias available — a miniature version of Nana with even smaller leaves. Perfect for nano tanks and foreground detail work in aquascapes.
Size: Very Small (5–8 cm) | Best for: Nano tanks, foreground | Difficulty: ⭐ Easy
Why Aquarists Love It
Its tiny leaves create a refined and premium aquascape appearance, especially when attached to small stones or bonsai driftwood.
3. ANUBIAS COFFEEFOLIA
Named after its coffee-plant-like leaves, this variety features a distinctive corrugated texture with dark green foliage and reddish-brown new growth.
Size: Medium (15–20 cm) | Best for: Medium to large tanks
Why Aquarists Love It
One of the most visually striking Anubias species, it adds texture and depth to aquascapes.
4. ANUBIAS NANA GOLD
Bright golden-green leaves make this rare variety stand out beautifully in planted tanks. It provides excellent contrast against darker plants and hardscape materials.
Size: Small (5–10 cm) | Best for: Nano to medium tanks | Difficulty: ⭐ Easy
Why Aquarists Love It
Its vibrant coloration creates a premium aquascape look without demanding high maintenance.
4. ANUBIAS GLABRA
Known for its long, narrow, elegant leaves and graceful appearance, this species creates a natural riverbank aesthetic inside planted aquariums.
Medium to large (20–40 cm)| Best for: Medium to large tanks, wood and rock layouts| Difficulty: ⭐ Easy
Why Aquarists Love It
IIts unique leaf shape gives aquascapes a wild and natural appearance rarely found in compact Anubias species.
Anubias plants remain among the best low-maintenance aquarium plants due to their hardiness, adaptability, and beautiful appearance. Whether you want a compact nano plant like Anubias Nana Petite or a bold statement species like Anubias Glabra, there is an Anubias variety for every aquarium style.
For the best results, attach Anubias plants to rocks or driftwood and avoid burying the rhizome in substrate.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Anubias is best for beginners?
A: Anubias Nana is considered the best beginner-friendly Anubias because it is hardy and easy to maintain.
Q: Can Anubias grow in low light?
A: Yes, most Anubias varieties thrive in low to medium lighting conditions.
Q: Should Anubias be planted in substrate?
A: No. The rhizome should not be buried. Attach it to rocks or driftwood instead.
Q: Which Anubias is best for nano tanks?
Anubias Nana Petite and Anubias Nana Gold are excellent choices for nano aquariums.
Browse our beginner-friendly plants and create your own aquascape: Shop Aquarium Plants
If you want to understand aquascaping basics, layout styles, and plant placement, check this helpful guide:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquascaping