Plant comparison
Anubias Barteri vs Spear-leaf Anubias
How the Anubias Barteri and Spear-leaf Anubias compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Anubias Barteri vs Spear-leaf Anubias
The Anubias Barteri and the Spear-leaf Anubias are close cousins, both in the Anubias group, so at a glance they ask for a lot of the same things. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Anubias Barteri is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Spear-leaf Anubias rewards a bit more attention. Read the full care notes on each below and pick the one whose look and pace fit the tank you're building.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Anubias Barteri22–28 °C
- Spear-leaf Anubias22–28 °C
pH
- Anubias Barteri6–7.5
- Spear-leaf Anubias5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Anubias Barteri2–15 dGH
- Spear-leaf Anubias2–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantAnubias BarteriAnubias barteri var. barteri |  PlantSpear-leaf AnubiasAnubias hastifolia |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | West Africa | West and Central Africa |
| Family | Araceae | Araceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–15 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to High | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 25–40 cm | 20–40 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| CO₂ | None to Optional | Optional |
| Growth rate | Slow | Slow |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Anubias Barteri and Spear-leaf Anubias together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Anubias Barteri or the Spear-leaf Anubias?
The Anubias Barteri is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Spear-leaf Anubias leans beginner-friendly.
Do Anubias Barteri and Spear-leaf Anubias need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Anubias Barteri and the Spear-leaf Anubias?
Placement and light. The Anubias Barteri works as midground or background, the Spear-leaf Anubias as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.