Plants for the Killie Aquarium
Water Sprite
There are many plants suitable for use in the killifish aquarium, with selection of a particular plant depending on the water parameters and the fish being maintained.
One of the more popular species is the waterfern Ceratopteris thalictroides (pteris=wing, thus “serrated wing”),more commonly known as watersprite. Originally from southeast Asia, watersprite has been introduced throughout the tropical zones. In the aquarium, it does best in conditions of aged water, preferably with a relatively high fish population and limited circulation. Some aquarists report success with this plant under conditions that utilize undergravel filtration, coupled with some mulm buildup.
Watersprite is a warm water plant, preferring temperatures that lie within the 73F-86F range and moderately soft, slightly acidic water with low salt levels and low total dissolved solids. The plant requires bright light and high humidity, and in wild habitats may thrive in full sun and grow in slowly runing water, bogs, and flood areas. It will readily grow as a floating plant on the water surface. It can also be grown rooted in gravel, with even better results attained if the plant is potted and the gravel is mixed with compost.
Watersprite is available in two forms, coarse- and fine-leaved; and may produce a third, spore-bearing form when the leaves reach above water level. When doing well, watersprite produces buds on the leaf edges, each of which grows into a new plant.
Watersprite in the floating form provides both surface cover to reduce jumpiness of the fish, and protective cover for fry among the dangling roots and finely divided leaves. This has long made it a favorite of breeders of the livebearing species.
— GCKA Newsletter, November 1997