About the Guppy Grass
Plant Name: Guppy Grass (Najas guadalupensis)
Care Level: Easy
Recommended Substrate: Can grow free-floating or rooted in fine gravel or sand
Recommended Lighting: Low to high lighting
Max Plant Size: Up to 36 inches (90 cm) in length
Foreground, Midground, or Background?: Background or floating plant
Need CO2?: Not necessary
Fun Fact: Guppy Grass gets its name because it provides excellent cover for baby fish, especially livebearers like guppies, protecting them from being eaten by adults.
Appearance: Guppy Grass has thin, branching stems with delicate, feathery green leaves. It grows quickly and can form dense mats, making it ideal for breeding and shrimp tanks.
Habitat: Native to North and Central America, Guppy Grass thrives in a variety of freshwater environments, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.
Aquarium Use: This plant is popular in breeding tanks, shrimp tanks, and low-maintenance setups. It provides shelter for fry and small aquatic creatures, reduces algae growth by outcompeting it for nutrients, and oxygenates the water.
Care: Guppy Grass is one of the easiest aquarium plants to grow. It adapts well to different water conditions, requires no special substrate, and grows rapidly under various lighting levels. It can be left floating or anchored in the substrate.
Propagation: Guppy Grass propagates easily through stem cuttings. Simply trim a section and let it float or plant it in the substrate, and it will quickly develop new roots and stems.
Note: Due to its fast growth, regular trimming may be needed to prevent it from overtaking the aquarium. Some fishkeepers use it as a natural nitrate absorber, helping maintain water quality.