Marcus Fish Tanks Hornwort (Ceratophyllum) Live Plant

This listing from Marcus Fish Tanks is 1 hornwort (coontail, Ceratophyllum) bundle with multiple stems, usually 5-10 inches long. Size varies slightly, as with all live plants.

Why keep hornwort

Hornwort grows fast and absorbs nutrients straight from the water. That makes it one of the best plants for competing with algae in a new tank. It also gives fry and shrimp dense cover and suits goldfish and cichlid tanks, where its quick growth outpaces nibbling.

No roots needed

Hornwort does not grow true roots. You can:

• Let it float near the surface
• Weigh the base down with a plant weight
• Wedge stems between rocks or behind wood

Floating is easiest and gives fry a safe top layer.

Expect shedding

The seller notes hornwort sheds a fair amount of needles when first introduced, due to shipping stress and a new environment. This is normal. Net out loose needles for the first week or two so they do not clog the filter intake. Once settled, new growth holds its needles.

Trimming

Cut the top portion and replant or float it; the cutting grows into a new plant. Remove excess regularly so it does not shade other plants or take over the surface.

Light and temperature

It tolerates low to high light and both cool and tropical tanks, which is why it is popular in unheated goldfish tanks and ponds.

Shipping

Avoid ordering when lows go below 30F. Unpack right away and float the stems while you plan placement.

Good companions

Pair it with slow growers such as the java fern and anubias bundle; hornwort handles nutrients while the slow plants fill in. A light liquid fertilizer like Seachem Flourish keeps it green.

In a pond or unheated tank, hornwort is one of the few plants that copes with cool water through the year. Indoors, it is also useful as a temporary nutrient sponge while slower plants in a new scape establish themselves, and you can remove it later once the tank has matured.