Ceratopteris pteridoides (Antler Fern)

Description

Antler Fern (Ceratopteris pteridoides)

A distinctive, fast-growing floating aquatic fern with broad antler-like foliage that creates natural surface cover for fry, shrimp and shy fish.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Ceratopteris pteridoides
  • Common/trade name: Antler Fern / Antler Water Sprite
  • Plant type: Floating Plant
  • Selling form: Live floating plant; size and leaf shape vary with current stock
  • Placement: Floating
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Lighting: Medium
  • CO₂: Not Required
  • Growth rate: Fast
  • Temperature: approximately 18–30°C

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want natural surface cover for fry, shrimp, bettas, gouramis or shy fish.
  • You prefer a low-tech floating plant that does not require added CO₂.
  • You want a plant that can take up nutrients directly from the water column.
  • You like the unusual broad, lobed foliage of mature Antler Fern.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You need a tiny floater that will stay compact indefinitely.
  • Your aquarium surface is already heavily shaded by other floating plants.
  • You want a plant that must be rooted permanently in the substrate.

Why choose Antler Fern?

Ceratopteris pteridoides develops a very different look from common small floating plants. Young plants can be relatively simple in shape, while older floating leaves become broad and lobed, giving the plant its characteristic antler-like appearance. It is especially useful where substantial surface cover and a more natural planted look are wanted.

Benefits

  • Creates shade and refuge near the water surface.
  • Provides useful cover for fry, shrimp and timid fish.
  • Draws nutrients directly from the water column while floating.
  • Can develop new plantlets on older leaves, allowing easy propagation.
  • Adds a distinctive floating-fern texture to planted aquariums.

Care made simple

  • Float the plant at the water surface rather than burying its growing point.
  • Provide medium light and avoid complete shading from dense surface cover.
  • Maintain adequate water-column nutrition, particularly during rapid growth.
  • Added CO₂ is not required for normal floating growth.
  • Remove deteriorating or oversized leaves as needed and retain healthy plantlets for propagation.
  • Expect natural variation in leaf shape and size as the plant matures and adapts to aquarium conditions.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Shrimp aquariums
  • Fry and livebearer grow-out tanks
  • Bettas and gouramis that appreciate surface cover
  • Natural-style planted aquariums
  • Low-tech aquariums needing a substantial floating plant
NTA Insight:
Antler Fern can become much larger than its initial size suggests. If an established plant begins taking over the surface, keep the healthiest young plantlets and remove older oversized growth rather than stripping all surface cover at once.

FAQ

Is the correct genus Ceratopteris or Ceratophyllum?

The accepted name is Ceratopteris pteridoides. Ceratophyllum is a different genus, so the plant should be listed under Ceratopteris.

Should Antler Fern be planted in the substrate?

For aquarium use it is best treated as a floating plant. Let it sit at the surface and keep the growing point free rather than burying it.

Does it need injected CO₂?

No. Added CO₂ is not required. Consistent light and adequate water-column nutrients are more important for normal floating growth.

Why does the plant I receive look different from the photo?

Live plants vary naturally. Ceratopteris pteridoides also changes leaf shape as it develops, so size, density and lobing can differ between young and mature stock.

How do I propagate it?

Older leaves can produce young plantlets. Once they are sufficiently developed, they can be separated and floated independently.

Ceratopteris pteridoides (Antler Fern)

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$10.00


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    Description

    Antler Fern (Ceratopteris pteridoides)

    A distinctive, fast-growing floating aquatic fern with broad antler-like foliage that creates natural surface cover for fry, shrimp and shy fish.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Ceratopteris pteridoides
    • Common/trade name: Antler Fern / Antler Water Sprite
    • Plant type: Floating Plant
    • Selling form: Live floating plant; size and leaf shape vary with current stock
    • Placement: Floating
    • Difficulty: Easy
    • Lighting: Medium
    • CO₂: Not Required
    • Growth rate: Fast
    • Temperature: approximately 18–30°C

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want natural surface cover for fry, shrimp, bettas, gouramis or shy fish.
    • You prefer a low-tech floating plant that does not require added CO₂.
    • You want a plant that can take up nutrients directly from the water column.
    • You like the unusual broad, lobed foliage of mature Antler Fern.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You need a tiny floater that will stay compact indefinitely.
    • Your aquarium surface is already heavily shaded by other floating plants.
    • You want a plant that must be rooted permanently in the substrate.

    Why choose Antler Fern?

    Ceratopteris pteridoides develops a very different look from common small floating plants. Young plants can be relatively simple in shape, while older floating leaves become broad and lobed, giving the plant its characteristic antler-like appearance. It is especially useful where substantial surface cover and a more natural planted look are wanted.

    Benefits

    • Creates shade and refuge near the water surface.
    • Provides useful cover for fry, shrimp and timid fish.
    • Draws nutrients directly from the water column while floating.
    • Can develop new plantlets on older leaves, allowing easy propagation.
    • Adds a distinctive floating-fern texture to planted aquariums.

    Care made simple

    • Float the plant at the water surface rather than burying its growing point.
    • Provide medium light and avoid complete shading from dense surface cover.
    • Maintain adequate water-column nutrition, particularly during rapid growth.
    • Added CO₂ is not required for normal floating growth.
    • Remove deteriorating or oversized leaves as needed and retain healthy plantlets for propagation.
    • Expect natural variation in leaf shape and size as the plant matures and adapts to aquarium conditions.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Shrimp aquariums
    • Fry and livebearer grow-out tanks
    • Bettas and gouramis that appreciate surface cover
    • Natural-style planted aquariums
    • Low-tech aquariums needing a substantial floating plant
    NTA Insight:
    Antler Fern can become much larger than its initial size suggests. If an established plant begins taking over the surface, keep the healthiest young plantlets and remove older oversized growth rather than stripping all surface cover at once.

    FAQ

    Is the correct genus Ceratopteris or Ceratophyllum?

    The accepted name is Ceratopteris pteridoides. Ceratophyllum is a different genus, so the plant should be listed under Ceratopteris.

    Should Antler Fern be planted in the substrate?

    For aquarium use it is best treated as a floating plant. Let it sit at the surface and keep the growing point free rather than burying it.

    Does it need injected CO₂?

    No. Added CO₂ is not required. Consistent light and adequate water-column nutrients are more important for normal floating growth.

    Why does the plant I receive look different from the photo?

    Live plants vary naturally. Ceratopteris pteridoides also changes leaf shape as it develops, so size, density and lobing can differ between young and mature stock.

    How do I propagate it?

    Older leaves can produce young plantlets. Once they are sufficiently developed, they can be separated and floated independently.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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