TankBud

Form of Anubias barteri

Anubias Pangolino

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino'

One of 29 forms of Anubias barteri · See all forms →

Also known as Anubias sp. 'Pangolino', Pangolino Anubias

FreshwaterBrackishRhizomeRhizome division

Anubias Pangolino (Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino')
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Forms · Anubias barteri

See all 29 →

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
0.8 in
2 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Epiphyte
Type
Rhizome
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
2–18 dGH
Spread
1.6 in (4 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
A cultivated dwarf form bred in Germany from Anubias nana, whose wild parent species grow along streams and rivers in West and Central Africa.

Overview

Anubias Pangolino is widely regarded as the smallest anubias in the hobby. It suits nano tanks and detailed foreground work on small stones, and it is easy to keep.

Did you know

Anubias Pangolino takes its name from the pangolin. Its tiny overlapping leaves were thought to resemble the scaly animal's body.

Caring for Anubias Pangolino

Attach the rhizome to a small rock or a piece of wood. Never bury it, since the base rots easily.

Anubias Pangolino needs no added CO2 and grows in low light. Its leaves grow so slowly that algae settles on them under bright light, so keep the light low. It feeds from the water column, so a liquid fertilizer is enough.

Growth is very slow, with only a few new leaves each month. Buy the size you want rather than waiting for a small portion to fill out. To propagate, cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each.

Good to know

Anubias Pangolino is an aroid in the family Araceae, also sold as Anubias sp. 'Pangolino'. It appeared as a dwarf mutation during meristem culture of a small Anubias nana selection, and it keeps that miniature habit underwater. Its narrow leaves are barely a centimeter long on a fine creeping rhizome. Anubias flower and fruit both underwater and above it, which is unusual among aquarium aroids.

In the wild

Anubias Pangolino has no wild range, since it was bred in Germany from Anubias nana. The wild parent species grow along streams and rivers in West and Central Africa.

Common questions

Is Anubias Pangolino a different species from Anubias barteri?

No. Anubias Pangolino is a form of Anubias barteri. It reaches about 0.8 in (2 cm), against 13.8 in (35 cm) for the species. It also differs in difficulty and spread.

Does Anubias Pangolino need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Anubias Pangolino grows attached to rock or wood, so tie or glue the rhizome in place. If you plant its roots, keep the rhizome above the substrate, since a buried rhizome rots.

Does Anubias Pangolino need CO2?

No. Anubias Pangolino grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.

How much light does Anubias Pangolino need?

Anubias Pangolino is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.

Does Anubias Pangolino need root tabs?

No. Anubias Pangolino feeds from the water, so a liquid fertilizer suits it better. Root tabs only help if its roots reach into the substrate.

How do you propagate Anubias Pangolino?

Anubias Pangolino propagates by rhizome division. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.

How tall does Anubias Pangolino grow?

Anubias Pangolino grows to about 0.8 in (2 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

Related plants