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Hygrophila polysperma: height, light, CO₂ & fish that eat it

Hygrophila polysperma typically grows 7.9–12 in tall (20–30 cm) and grows in the background of a tank. It's rated for low–high light, and injected CO₂ is not needed. Temperature 39–95°F, pH 5–8.

US federal noxious weed. Moving it into the US or between states needs a federal permit. On prohibited or restricted lists in Florida, Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Carolina. Never release it outdoors.
Try it in the tank builderSee which fish eat it

How tall it grows

Grows 7.9–12 in · water depth by tank5 gal✕7 in10 gal · 20 longtrim9 in20 high · 40 breeder✓13 in29 gal✓15 in55 · 75 · 125 gal✓18 in180 gal✓22 in

Each bar is roughly the water depth a tank leaves above the substrate. The teal band is the plant's reported height range. ✓ fits, trim means it can reach the surface, ✕ means it typically outgrows the water.

Will it fit your tank?

Check it with your fish →

Quick facts

Grows to
7.9–12 in (20–30 cm)
Height basis
Tropica 2-month avg (20-30+); Tropica text/Aquasabi stems 25-40
Where it goes
midground, background
Light
low–high light
Injected CO₂
not needed
Growth
fast
Difficulty
easy
Temperature
39–95°F
pH
5–8
Hardness
0–30 dGH
Feeds through
not published
Also sold as
East Indian hygrophila

Planting tip: Trim every 2-3 weeks so it does not crowd other plants; loose floating leaves sprout new plants.

Fish and Hygrophila polysperma

Checked with the same rules as our tank builder: plant-eating and digging named in each fish's sources, plus temperature and pH overlap.

Eats it (9)

May uproot it (6)

Different water (0)

  • Every fish shares some temperature and pH range with it.
Fish that leave it alone and share its water (0)

Common questions

How tall does Hygrophila polysperma grow?

Growers report about 7.9–12 in (20–30 cm). Basis: Tropica 2-month avg (20-30+); Tropica text/Aquasabi stems 25-40.

How much light does Hygrophila polysperma need?

It's rated for low–high light. Growers often disagree on light, so this is the full range across our sources.

Does Hygrophila polysperma need CO₂?

No. Its sources rate its CO₂ need as low, and it grows without injection.

Which fish eat Hygrophila polysperma?

In our database, Convict Cichlid, Common Pleco, Common / Comet Goldfish, Clown Loach, Tinfoil Barb, Buenos Aires Tetra, Kissing Gourami, Yoyo Loach, Fancy Goldfish are flagged as eating live plants. Tough-leaved anubias usually hold up better.

Is Hygrophila polysperma legal to buy?

It's on the USDA Federal Noxious Weed List, which restricts moving it into the US or between states without a permit. It's on prohibited or restricted lists in Florida, Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Carolina. Never release it outdoors.

Gear for Hygrophila polysperma

LightA basic aquarium LED is enough for low light.Find on Amazon →FertilizerA liquid fertilizer for plants that feed from the water.Find on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, AquariumSetup earns from qualifying purchases. Links open Amazon search results so you can compare current options.

Related guides

Beginner aquarium plantsPlanted tank lightsLiquid ferts vs root tabsTrimming & propagation

Sources

Values come from these pages, in our own words. Where growers disagree, we show the full range. Last reviewed 2026-10-17.