Foxtail

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About Foxtail

Foxtail (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a hardy, fast-growing freshwater aquarium plant known for its dense, feathery foliage. Its fine green leaves grow in whorls around the stems, creating the distinctive bushy appearance that gives this plant its common name.

Foxtail is an excellent choice for both beginner and established aquariums. It is highly adaptable and can be left floating or loosely planted in the aquarium. Unlike most stem plants, Foxtail does not have a conventional root system and takes much of its nutrition directly from the water column.

Its rapid growth makes it particularly useful for absorbing excess nutrients from the aquarium. The dense foliage also provides excellent shelter for shrimp, fry and small fish, making it a practical as well as attractive addition to community aquariums.

Foxtail can tolerate a wide range of lighting and water conditions and does not require CO₂ injection, making it an excellent choice for low-tech planted tanks.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Ceratophyllum demersum
• Common Name: Foxtail, Hornwort, Coontail
• Family: Ceratophyllaceae
• Type: Stem / Floating Plant
• Difficulty: Easy
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Placement: Floating, Midground or Background
• Lighting: Low to High
• CO₂: Not Required
• pH: 6.0–8.0
• Temperature: 15–30°C
• Water Hardness: Adaptable
• Propagation: Stem Cuttings
• Colour: Bright Green
• Aquarium Type: Freshwater

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Foxtail need to be planted?

No. Foxtail can be left floating freely in the aquarium. It can also be gently anchored or planted into the substrate if you prefer a more structured appearance.

Does Foxtail need CO₂?

No. Foxtail is one of the easier aquarium plants and can grow successfully without additional CO₂. CO₂ can, however, encourage faster and denser growth.

Is Foxtail good for shrimp?

Yes. Its dense foliage provides excellent surfaces for biofilm grazing and shelter, making it particularly useful in shrimp and breeding aquariums.

How fast does Foxtail grow?

Foxtail is a rapid-growing plant and may require regular trimming to prevent it from taking over the aquarium.

How do I propagate Foxtail?

Simply cut healthy sections of stem and allow them to float or replant them. New growth will develop readily from the remaining sections.

Does Foxtail help with algae?

Yes. Its rapid growth allows it to consume nutrients from the water column, which can help reduce the nutrients available to nuisance algae.

Common Mistakes

• ❌ Planting Foxtail too deeply into the substrate
• ❌ Allowing rapid growth to completely shade other plants
• ❌ Removing excessive amounts of healthy growth at once
• ❌ Expecting it to remain compact without regular trimming
• ❌ Overlooking its usefulness as a floating plant
• ❌ Using excessive fertiliser when the plant is already growing rapidly