Mini Asian Water Fern (Bolbitis heteroclita ‘Difformis’)
Often called Mini Bolbitis or El Nino Fern, this compact and delicate plant adds refined texture and natural beauty to aquascapes. With its small, lace-like leaves and dark green color, it is perfect for creating a lush, natural look in nano tanks, shrimp tanks, or the shaded sections of larger aquariums.
As a close relative of Bolbitis Difformis, this plant is epiphytic, meaning it attaches to driftwood, lava rock, or other aquarium décor instead of being planted in substrate. It grows slowly but steadily, forming dense, bushy clumps over time.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Epiphytic fern |
| Leaf Shape | Lace-like, small, dark green |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Best Use | Nano tanks, shrimp tanks, shaded areas |
| Attachment Method | Attaches to driftwood, lava rock, or décor |
FAQ
Can this fern be grown in a tank with shrimp?
Yes, this fern is well-suited for shrimp tanks due to its delicate, non-invasive growth and preference for shaded areas.
Does it require special lighting or CO2?
No, it thrives in low to moderate lighting and does not require CO2 supplementation.
How should I attach it to the tank decor?
Simply secure the fern to driftwood, lava rock, or other surfaces using aquarium-safe glue or by gently pressing it into place with a small amount of aquarium-safe adhesive.
Rose Forsyth –
I added this fern to my 10-gallon shrimp tank and it has grown beautifully over the past three months. The leaves are delicate and add a lot of visual interest without competing with the shrimp. I attached it to a piece of driftwood and it stays in place well.
Liam Arnold –
The fern is very easy to maintain. I didn’t need to add any special lighting or CO2. It grows slowly but steadily and looks great in the shaded corner of my nano tank.
Charles Nolan –
Perfect for beginners. The plant is compact and doesn’t spread too fast. I used it in a shrimp tank with Amano shrimp, and they seem to coexist well with it.