Plant comparison
Anubias Barteri Nana vs Needle Hairgrass
How the Anubias Barteri Nana and Needle Hairgrass compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Anubias Barteri Nana vs Needle Hairgrass
The Anubias Barteri Nana and the Needle Hairgrass come up together a lot when people are choosing a plant, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Anubias Barteri Nana is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Needle Hairgrass 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 Barteri Nana22–28 °C
- Needle Hairgrass18–26 °C
pH
- Anubias Barteri Nana6–7.5
- Needle Hairgrass6–7.5
Hardness
- Anubias Barteri Nana2–15 dGH
- Needle Hairgrass2–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantAnubias Barteri NanaAnubias barteri var. nana |  PlantNeedle HairgrassEleocharis acicularis |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | West Africa (Cameroon) | Worldwide temperate |
| Family | Araceae | Cyperaceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 18–26 °C |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–15 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to High | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 10–15 cm | 10–20 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | Low to Medium | Low to High |
| CO₂ | None to Optional | Optional |
| Growth rate | Slow | Medium |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Anubias Barteri Nana and Needle Hairgrass together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 26 °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 Nana or the Needle Hairgrass?
The Anubias Barteri Nana is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Needle Hairgrass leans beginner-friendly.
Do Anubias Barteri Nana and Needle Hairgrass need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 26 °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 Nana and the Needle Hairgrass?
Placement and light. The Anubias Barteri Nana works as foreground or midground, the Needle Hairgrass as foreground or midground, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.