Description
Anubias Barteri Coin Leaf
Overview
Anubias barteri ‘Coin Leaf’ (often simply called Anubias ‘Coin’) is a striking, compact cultivar of the classic Anubias family. It is highly sought after for its unique, round, coin-shaped leaves that create a distinct, clean aesthetic in planted tanks.
- Appearance: Features thick, deep green, nearly perfectly circular leaves that resemble small coins. The growth pattern is generally more compact and slower than standard Anubias nana.
- Growth Rate: Very slow.
- Placement: Ideal for the foreground or attached to hardscape in the midground.
Tissue culture plants are grown in vitro from a state of the art laboratory specialized in propagating aquatic plants. This means you can enjoy strong and healthy plants free from pests and diseases from the start.
Care Requirements
Like other Anubias, this is an incredibly hardy plant suitable for almost any freshwater setup.
- Lighting: Low to moderate. Too much light, especially in combination with a nutrient-rich water column, can lead to algae growing on the slow-developing leaves.
- Temperature: 20–28°C.
- pH Range: 6.0–8.0.
- Water Hardness: Adaptable; thrives in soft to moderately hard water.
- CO2: CO2 is not required
- Fertilization: It draws most of its nutrients from the water column through its leaves and roots, so a basic liquid fertilizer is beneficial but not strictly necessary.
Planting and Propagation
Planting (Crucial): Never bury the rhizome (the thick horizontal stem) in the substrate, as it will rot. Attach the plant to driftwood, rocks, or ornaments using super glue gel (cyanoacrylate) or fishing line/thread. Its roots will eventually anchor themselves to the surface.
Maintenance
Maintenance is minimal. Because it grows slowly, leaves may accumulate algae if the tank has an imbalance. Simply wipe the leaves gently during water changes or trim off any older leaves that become unsightly.
Challenges and Tips
- Algae: The biggest challenge for Anubias is algae (like Staghorn or Black Beard Algae) growing on the older, slow-growing leaves. To prevent this, ensure your tank is not receiving excessive light and that you have a balanced fertilization routine.
- Rhizome Health: Ensure the rhizome is not buried. If the plant looks unhealthy, check that it is securely attached to a surface where it can access water flow.
- Placement: It does well in shaded areas of the aquarium, such as under larger plants or tucked into the crevices of driftwood.
Benefits in the Aquarium
- Hardiness: Almost indestructible; it is rarely eaten by herbivorous fish, including many Cichlids and Goldfish, due to its tough, leathery leaves.
- Aesthetics: The circular leaf shape offers a beautiful contrast to the more common, pointed-leaf plants, providing a unique texture to aquascapes.
- Low Maintenance: Perfect for “low-tech” setups where high-growth, high-maintenance plants might cause chemical fluctuations.
Recommendation
Anubias ‘Coin’ is an excellent choice for any aquarium, especially if you are looking for a low-maintenance, long-term plant that adds architectural interest. It is particularly recommended for shrimp keepers or those with “busy” tanks who want a plant that will stay small, neat, and vibrant without constant pruning.
