Najas Guadalupensis 'Guppy Grass' in Cup - Tropica

Najas Guadalupensis, known as Guppy Grass, is the kind of genus Najas more widespread and appreciated in aquarium. Originally of the American continent, it is a submerged annual plant that grows in ponds, fossoms and slow-flowing waterways.

Thanks to its extraordinary adaptability, it is considered one of the best plants for beginners, but is also used by expert breeders for reproduction tanks and natural low maintenance systems.

Botanical characteristics

• Thin stem, flexible and very branched

• Length up to 60-90 cm

• Narrow and linear leaves up to 3 cm long

• Apparently smooth margins but with micro-rings visible under the microscope

• Porous and woven structure

Shape dense and intricate bushes that create a natural and protective environment.

Growth and behavior in the aquarium

Growth is extremely rapid.

• It propagates for natural fragmentation

• The broken stems easily roar

• It can grow free on the surface

• Can anchor spontaneously to the substrate

It is a very dynamic plant: small fragments can detach and take up in other areas of the aquarium.

Use in the aquarium

Play tanks

It is considered one of the best plants for:

• guppy breeding

• reproduction of poecylids

• protection of fry

• caridine tanks

The name "Guppy Grass" derives from its popularity in the tanks dedicated to Guppies.

Natural and low-tech aquariums

Thanks to the low request for light and CO2:

• ideal for aquariums without a CO2 system

• perfect for beginners

• excellent for simple management tanks

Shrimp aquariums

The end structure offers:

• safe hiding places

• surface for biofilm

• protection against predators

Ecological role in the tank

Najas Guadalupensis actively contributes to the stability of the aquarium.

• absorb nitrates and phosphates

• helps prevent algal proliferation

• it produces oxygen

• improves organic balance

It is particularly useful in young tanks to stabilize values.

Cultivation needs

Lighting

It adapts to low or medium light.

• it also grows with modest lighting

• with more intense light it becomes more compact

• in scarce conditions it tends to stretch

Co2

It does not require additional CO2.

• grows well in systems without implantation

• tolerera wide range of conditions

Water parameters

• Temperature: 18 - 28 ° C

• pH: 6.0 - 8.0

• GH and KH: very tolerant

It adapts both to tender water and moderately hard.

Maintenance

Maintenance is simple but frequent due to rapid growth.

• prune regularly to avoid excessive density

• remove floating fragments if necessary

• cheer to maintain water circulation

The fragility of the stems can cause spontaneous detachments, normal phenomenon for the species.

Use in ponds and outdoor environments

It is also suitable for:

• ornamental ponds

• natural biotopes

• external tanks in temperate climates

In natural environments it grows as a hydroannual in temperate biomi.

Distribution and subspecies

Original of:

• Canada

• United states

• Mexico

• Central America

• The Caribbean

• South america

Several subspecies are recognized, including:

• Najas Guadalupensis Subsp. guadalupensis

• subsp. floridana

• subsp. olivacea

• subsp. Muenscheri (according to some classifications)

Main advantages

• Very fast growth

• Extreme robustness

• Ideal for beginners

• Excellent for fry and shrimp

• Improves water quality

• Does not require CO2

It can be less suitable in precision aquascaping due to disordered growth, but it is perfect for functional and natural tanks.